--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Running and meditation are very personal…" description: "\"Running and meditation are very personal activities. Therefore they are lonely. This loneliness is one of their best qualities because it strengthens o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/sakyong-mipham-2871_incentives_running-and-meditation-are-very-personal_1699278.jpg" --- # Running and meditation are very personal activities… ![“Running and meditation are very personal activities. Therefore they are lonely. This loneliness is one of their best qualities because it strengthens our incentive to motivate ourselves.” quote by Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/sakyong-mipham-2871_incentives_running-and-meditation-are-very-personal_1699278.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/sakyong-mipham-2871_incentives_running-and-meditation-are-very-personal_1699278.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/sakyong-mipham-2871_incentives_running-and-meditation-are-very-personal_1699278.jpg) > “Running and meditation are very personal activities. Therefore they are lonely. This loneliness is one of their best qualities because it strengthens our incentive to motivate ourselves.” [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Personal solitary practices foster self‑motivation by turning loneliness into a driving force. **In simple terms:** Loneliness in solo activities fuels self‑drive. Key Takeaway Embrace solitude to boost inner motivation. Themes self‑reliance motivation loneliness Mood reflective determined Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - running - meditation - personal development - self‑coaching Key Concepts mindfulness intrinsic drive psychology Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance solitude with community support? - What habits keep you motivated when alone? A Different Perspective Loneliness can also lead to isolation and lack of support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Incentives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/incentives/) [Loneliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loneliness/) [Lonely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lonely/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/race/) [Running](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running/) ## Related quotes > [“I have always found a natural relationship between running and meditation. Running can be a support for meditation, and meditation can be a support…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/i-have-always-found-a-natural-relationship-between-running-and/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [One evening you may learn about enlightenment, koans, meditation and personal power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/one-evening-you-may-learn-about-enlightenment-koans-meditation-and/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Offer Christ your heart in meditation and personal prayer which is the foundation of the spiritual life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-john-paul-ii/offer-christ-your-heart-in-meditation-and-personal-prayer-which-is/) [Pope John Paul II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-john-paul-ii/) > [The purpose of meditation is personal transformation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henepola-gunaratana/the-purpose-of-meditation-is-personal-transformation/) [Henepola Gunaratana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henepola-gunaratana/) > [One man has discovered that by running there is no need to meditate, just by running meditation happens. He must be absolutely body oriented.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajneesh/one-man-has-discovered-that-by-running-there-is-no-need-to-meditate/) [Rajneesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajneesh/) > [When I use the words 'inner journey', I simply mean that you have looked at one aspect of the journey in your life called…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajneesh/when-i-use-the-words-inner-journey-i-simply-mean-that-you-have-looked/) [Rajneesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajneesh/) > [Running is my meditation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-itzler/running-is-my-meditation/) [Jesse Itzler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-itzler/) > [Running is my meditation, mind flush, cosmic telephone, mood elevator and spiritual communion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorraine-moller/running-is-my-meditation-mind-flush-cosmic-telephone-mood-elevator/) [Lorraine Moller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorraine-moller/) > [People think being alone makes you LONELY, But I don't think thats true. Being surrounded by wrong people is the loneliest thing in World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/people-think-being-alone-makes-you-lonely-but-i-don-t-think-thats/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Isolation makes me lonesome, but when I'm lonely in a crowd, I feel desolate and forlorn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-fowler/isolation-makes-me-lonesome-but-when-i-m-lonely-in-a-crowd-i-feel/) [Steve Fowler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-fowler/) > [Being single isnt the cause of loneliness, and marriage is not necessarily the cure. There are many lonely married people as well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/renee-jones/being-single-isnt-the-cause-of-loneliness-and-marriage-is-not/) Renee Jones > [There was only the broad square with the scattered dim moons of the street lamps and with the monumental stone arch which receded into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-maria-remarque/there-was-only-the-broad-square-with-the-scattered-dim-moons-of-the/) [Erich Maria Remarque](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-maria-remarque/) > [I need the pain of loneliness to make my imagination work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orhan-pamuk/i-need-the-pain-of-loneliness-to-make-my-imagination-work/) [Orhan Pamuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orhan-pamuk/) > [What is the opposite of two? A lonely me, a lonely you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/what-is-the-opposite-of-two-a-lonely-me-a-lonely-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm not alone, but I am lonely without you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-not-alone-but-i-am-lonely-without-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Sakyong Mipham > [If we do not appreciate the sensitivity and subtlety of the human heart, how can we appreciate the sensitivity and subtlety of the natural…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/if-we-do-not-appreciate-the-sensitivity-and-subtlety-of-the-human/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [“Thus the mind is more present and at peace. So the clarity and peace of mind we feel after running is mostly because the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/thus-the-mind-is-more-present-and-at-peace-so-the-clarity-and-peace/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [If we cut speed and relax with what’s going on in our life right now, kindness and patience will naturally come about.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/if-we-cut-speed-and-relax-with-what-s-going-on-in-our-life-right-now/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [A lot of people do their practice. They meditate on compassion. Then they yell at people afterwards. That is not quite working. One of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/a-lot-of-people-do-their-practice-they-meditate-on-compassion-then/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [Our root fantasy is that "I" am real and that it's possible for "me" to be happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/our-root-fantasy-is-that-i-am-real-and-that-it-s-possible-for-me-to/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [If we do not push ourselves enough, we do not grow, but if we push ourselves too much, we regress. What is enough will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/if-we-do-not-push-ourselves-enough-we-do-not-grow-but-if-we-push/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [Shambhala teachings say we all have the potential to accomplish our enlightened nature - our basic goodness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/shambhala-teachings-say-we-all-have-the-potential-to-accomplish-our/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [True happiness is always available to us, but first we have to create the environment for it to flourish.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/true-happiness-is-always-available-to-us-but-first-we-have-to-create/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [Auspicious coincidence is the right thing happening at the right time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/auspicious-coincidence-is-the-right-thing-happening-at-the-right-time/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [A lot of times people do spiritual practice just for themselves. I try to turn that a little bit. I try to make spiritual…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/a-lot-of-times-people-do-spiritual-practice-just-for-themselves-i-try/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [Enlightened Society is all about nurturing the human spirit - waking up to the goodness, kindness and strength that we already have.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/enlightened-society-is-all-about-nurturing-the-human-spirit-waking-up/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [After you run, there's a sense of accomplishment; you feel like your life is meaningful. It's a moment of clarity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/after-you-run-there-s-a-sense-of-accomplishment-you-feel-like-your/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [“Gentleness can be developed with simple thoughts. First, appreciate who you are and make friends with yourself. Look at what you can do, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/gentleness-can-be-developed-with-simple-thoughts-first-appreciate-who/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [You have people who are good at English but don't have the training in Buddhism or Shambhala, or they have the training but are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/you-have-people-who-are-good-at-english-but-don-t-have-the-training/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [“Past events are already gone, and the future is yet to happen. It is only in the present that we can be in our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/past-events-are-already-gone-and-the-future-is-yet-to-happen-it-is/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) [Explore all 147 Sakyong Mipham quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) ## More Incentives quotes > [I think we have to take a look at corporate law. We have to take a look at the incentives that we can perhaps…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/i-think-we-have-to-take-a-look-at-corporate-law-we-have-to-take-a/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) > [Obama's perverse view of fairness threatens to create reverse incentives, militating against growth, jobs, expansion and upward mobility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-morris/obama-s-perverse-view-of-fairness-threatens-to-create-reverse/) [Dick Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-morris/) > [When you rely on incentives, you undermine virtues. Then when you discover that you actually need people who want to do the right thing,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-schwartz/when-you-rely-on-incentives-you-undermine-virtues-then-when-you/) [Barry Schwartz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-schwartz/) > [The world's industry must gain incentives to stop polluting and to invest in clean technologies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tulsi-tanti/the-world-s-industry-must-gain-incentives-to-stop-polluting-and-to/) [Tulsi Tanti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tulsi-tanti/) > [Biographies of great, but especially of good men are most instructive and useful as helps, guides, and incentives to others. Some of the best…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-smiles/biographies-of-great-but-especially-of-good-men-are-most-instructive/) [Samuel Smiles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-smiles/) > [Socialism destroys the incentive to produce, dampens the human spsirit and results, ultimately , in less for everyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-limbaugh/socialism-destroys-the-incentive-to-produce-dampens-the-human-spsirit/) [David Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-limbaugh/) > [Student loans have been helpful to many. But they offer neither incentive nor assistance to those students who, by reason of family or other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy/student-loans-have-been-helpful-to-many-but-they-offer-neither/) [John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy/) > [Simply having rules does not change the things that people want to do. You have to change incentives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-wales/simply-having-rules-does-not-change-the-things-that-people-want-to-do/) [Jimmy Wales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-wales/) > [The trans fat label has been an enormous incentive for food companies to take trans fat out of their products.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marion-nestle/the-trans-fat-label-has-been-an-enormous-incentive-for-food-companies/) [Marion Nestle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marion-nestle/) > [Not getting enough retribution or decent incentives to keep me at it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shakira/not-getting-enough-retribution-or-decent-incentives-to-keep-me-at-it/) [Shakira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shakira/) > [We also have no incentive compensation of any kind. And the reason we don’t is because it is detrimental to teamwork.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-bezos/we-also-have-no-incentive-compensation-of-any-kind-and-the-reason-we/) [Jeff Bezos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-bezos/) > [The incentive for business is not, and cannot, be anything other than the root incentive for all business: they must profit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-norton/the-incentive-for-business-is-not-and-cannot-be-anything-other-than/) [Edward Norton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-norton/) > [People from both political parties have long recognized that welfare without work creates negative incentives that lead to permanent poverty. It robs people of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitt-romney/people-from-both-political-parties-have-long-recognized-that-welfare/) [Mitt Romney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitt-romney/) > [In the bureaucracy, incentives will forever be inverted. Failure results in success: in more funds, more training, more time off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilana-mercer/in-the-bureaucracy-incentives-will-forever-be-inverted-failure/) [Ilana Mercer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilana-mercer/) > [Reforming the way the state works with businesses and providing incentives for employers will help preserve and create new jobs in Massachusetts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitt-romney/reforming-the-way-the-state-works-with-businesses-and-providing/) [Mitt Romney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitt-romney/) [Browse all 531 Incentives quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/incentives/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Running and meditation are very personal activities. Therefore they are lonely. 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