A Simple Spiritual Process to Let Go of Anxiety, Stress & Overwhelm — Especially for Runners
Hi runners and healing seekers —
I’m Ralph Havens, physical therapist and healer here in Fairhaven, Bellingham and worldwide via Zoom. Today I want to share a simple but powerful spiritual practice that’s helped me and my clients release anxiety, stress, and overwhelm — and in many cases, physical pain and tightness too.
This process isn’t new. In fact, you’ll find it rooted in ancient wisdom and modern healing systems. I first learned it from my Qigong master, Master Ming Tong Gu. My business coach Christian Mickelsen uses it. It’s in the Bible — “Be still and know that I am God.” You’ll see echoes of it in the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, David R. Hawkins, Michael A. Singer, and even in Matrix Energetics’ “notice what you notice” approach.
Why This Matters for Runners
Many runners are no strangers to anxiety — whether it’s pushing to keep up with training, navigating injuries, or feeling the pressure of race day performance. Sometimes, we run because we’re trying to outrun something emotionally. That can build up tension, physically and energetically. It can even lead to chronic pain.
That’s where this simple practice comes in.
🧘♂️ The Practice: Be Still & Feel What You Feel
Here’s how it works:
1. Notice what’s really going on.
Think about something that’s bothering you — something that’s keeping you up at night or draining your energy. Maybe it’s anxiety about a race, fear about your health, or a relationship issue.
2. Let go of the thoughts.
Drop the story. Don’t label it “stress,” “fear,” or “anger.” Don’t blame your partner, your coach, or your job. Instead…
3. Go into your body.
Close your eyes. Take a breath. What physical sensations are there? Tension in the chest? A pit in your stomach? Tightness in your shoulders? Just feel it. Don’t name it. Don’t fix it. Just notice.
4. Stay present.
The feeling wants to be felt. When you fully allow the sensation without resisting it, it often dissolves. You may notice it shift, soften, or vanish entirely.
5. Test your body.
After doing this for a minute or two, stand up and walk around. You might feel lighter. Freer. Sometimes, even chronic pains — in knees, ankles, hips — ease up just from letting go of the emotional charge.
If the angst is still there when you think about the problem again? That’s okay. Just repeat the process. Go back into the body. Let go of the thoughts. Feel what’s there. This is a practice, not a one-time trick.
🏃♀️ Why This Helps Your Running
When you hold emotional stress, your body tightens. That affects your stride, your breathing, your recovery. Once you release that inner tension, your body can move the way it’s meant to. It feels smoother, lighter — and performance often improves naturally. Even injury recovery can accelerate.
Many runners find that when they no longer have to run to manage their stress, they actually fall in love with running again — from a much healthier place.
🎁 Want to Go Deeper?
We do this healing process and more each month in our Group Healing Session,
Miracles Magic Healing & More
You can join FREE for the 1st month and if you like continue with us or cancel at no charge.
If you would like to do this,
now is a great time!
here’s the details
https://ralphhavens.com/FreeMiracleSession
I’ve got more resources on this practice and others like it over at my blog:
👉 https://ralphhavens.com/blog
* * * * *
You can also explore deeper healing options here:
👉 ralphhavens.com/heal
If you’re dealing with running injuries, chronic pain, or burnout, and want personalized support — reach out to me. I offer in-person sessions at Beyond Limits Physical Therapy here in Fairhaven, and also work with clients worldwide via Zoom.
📞 Call: 360-599-2217
💻 Message me: Ralph@RalphHavens.com
To your freedom, health, and running joy —
Ralph Havens, PT IMTC
Beyond Limits Physical Therapy | Fairhaven, WA
Recent Comments