Guest Post: Social Connection ...by Pat Walsh

 * Social Connection *

Just having a few thoughts and throwing them down on the page. Read and feel free to comment. No bother if the subject isn’t for you.

I’m lucky to be a runner and all the social benefits it brings to me. 

RTE published an article recently about loneliness and how having a social network can improve your life. It highlighted the importance of promoting social activities and networks to safeguard against loneliness and related psychological distress.

Park Run sent me an email during the week as part of their promotional campaign: 

‘From solitary to solidarity, parkrun’s impact on loneliness’and the benefits from attending a regular run.

 I read another article about well being and the 3 things required for a meaningful life.

1. Family, friends and society…. (your running family counts)

2. Understanding of nature and the natural order of things. We all love a run in the woods, the beach or a quiet country road but runners understand there is weather, aging, injuries, and potholes. We get on with it.

3. Finally a connection to the divine whether through art, poetry, music where there is something greater to inspire us.

I’m not sure why all this happened at the same time and what was the higher purpose but it couldn’t be ignored either. 

Running for your own health and well being is fantastic. If you are reading this and involved in any other form of physical exercise that has friendships and fun, then go for it. 

There is no 1 simple answer. We all need to find our place in society but please please don’t be afraid to get out there and try.

Running isn’t elite. Yes there are Elite runners but some of them are among the nicest people you could meet. The back markers and those who proudly keep the finish line open are even better fun.

Bottom line here, A run through the woods with a big group having a laugh and singing along to Sia or quoting Seamus Heaney would be perfect.

'As you find a rhythm,

Working you, 

slow mile by mile,

Into your proper haunt.'

Folks no-one has all the answers and we do not know what anyone else is feeling but we can help. Run for yourself and smile, chat to others and maybe you can help them too.

Have a lovely weekend. Photo credit to Graham Meikle. He has the eye for it 😎📷

#pwr