Issue 013:

Runner’s High: A Journey Beyond the Physical

With fast-moving steps at mile fifteen, I glided over rough, technical terrain. Laughing in response to my friend Paul up ahead, I tried to explain a strange and beautiful sensation: my brain felt detached, as if it were simply steering a vehicle—my body—without resistance. I had entered a euphoric state, a rare moment where discomfort fell away, and everything moved in perfect harmony. This runner’s high was more than just a rush; it was the result of mental and physical conditioning aligning in perfect balance. Years of training, built-up muscle memory, and honed awareness culminated in this moment of pure flow. It felt like a spiritual transformation—an intentional, drug-free trip.

Can someone truly enter an altered state of being without the aid of mind-altering substances? I believe so. Like many others, I’ve felt what’s commonly called a “runner’s high,” though that phrase barely scratches the surface. Beyond the pride and accomplishment, there’s a lightness to the world. Everything seems gentler, more vivid, as if exhaustion strips away the unimportant and leaves only the essential.

While long-distance running is undeniably physical, it can also become a spiritual practice. Many runners describe feeling a deep connection with nature, time slowing down, and a heightened sense of self-awareness. This experience of unity echoes the expanded consciousness often reported in practices like astral projection. On the surface, the two might seem unrelated—one rooted in sweat and miles, the other in mysticism—but both require intense focus, endurance, and a willingness to explore the unknown within.

Astral projection, or out-of-body experience, is said to involve the separation of consciousness from the physical body. Practitioners believe in the existence of an astral body that can travel beyond the physical realm to the so-called astral plane. It’s a spiritual journey guided by intention and inner clarity.

At the heart of both long-distance running and astral projection is the same essential truth: the deep, dynamic relationship between body and mind. When that connection reaches its peak—through discipline, presence, and endurance—it can open the door to something transformative. For runners, that door is sometimes labeled “runner’s high,” but perhaps it’s more than just endorphins. Perhaps it’s a glimpse into a deeper, quieter part of ourselves.

  • Focus and Intention: Both practices require intense focus and clear intention. Runners must focus on their pace, breathing, and form, while astral projectors concentrate on achieving a state of deep relaxation and mental detachment.

  • Physical Endurance: Long-distance running pushes the body to its limits, while astral projection requires mental and spiritual endurance to maintain a projected state. Both activities cultivate resilience and the ability to push through challenges, but if combines together, can lead to an unstoppable being of self.

  • Inner Exploration: As runners cover vast distances, they often find themselves delving into their thoughts and emotions. Similarly, astral projectors embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of their consciousness.

  • Grounding and Centering: Long-distance running can help ground a person in their body and connect them to the physical world. This sense of grounding is essential for both physical and spiritual well-being. Astral projection, on the other hand, often begins with a deep state of relaxation and centering that aims to separate the physical from the cerebral.

  • Overcoming Limitations: Both practices challenge individuals to push beyond their perceived limitations. While running can be a practice of learning to overcome physical barriers, both provide opportunity to discover new depths and boundaries of the spirit.

-CB

Disclaimer: The following article explores a potential connection between astral projection and long-distance running based on subjective experiences and anecdotal evidence. It does not constitute scientific proof or medical advice.

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