Quoting a post on another thread, and this thought/question popped in my head. I thought it might be an interesting topic for a thread.

I started running when I started sorting out what was going on with me. That has been about 3 years ago. About a year ago, my counselor and I were talking and it dawned on me that I "go away" when I run. Not completely, but to a certain degree. Earphones in my ears, sunglasses on and I empty my mind. I'm in a world of my own. Dissociation is a continuum and I guess you could maybe call that "runner's high" or "the zone" - except from what I understand about those terms, it happens after you reach a certain "point" after you start running. Mine starts when I get there and start to stretch. It's like it's triggered at the beginning, by itself or by me unconsciously. Hope that makes sense.

My question is, Is it ok to "go away" on purpose, if you are trying to stop it from happening when it's not on purpose?

Sometimes, I can feel the tingling in my feet and hands and know that I'm on the verge. I haven't really learned just yet how to put the brakes on and stop it, but I am learning the signs that it's about to happen. Other times, it's like a zip line and I'm gone and don't realize it, until after it's happened.

If I'm going running, with knowledge that this is what is happening and openly inviting it, is that reinforcing the zip line when it's not on purpose? I hope that makes sense!!

I'm starting yoga to help me learn to be more centered and body aware. It is supposed to help with staying present. My counselor is encouraging it more than my running. It makes sense, but there is a power struggle going on inside of me between the two.

I'm trying to find a mix for running and yoga, but are they battling each other in the process?

Just curious if anyone else has experienced this.