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From Rev Ruth Scott, Anglican Vicar in Richmond:

The Windsor Half Marathon this Sunday is a real challenge for me. I find running long distances difficult. In an attempt to take my mind off how my muscles are hurting or how far I still have to go while pounding the streets of Richmond, I’ve planned lectures and workshops or listened to audio books. I’ve also played music. I was surprised to discover how certain tracks really helped me to keep running: Queen, The Proclaimers, ELO, the Dambusters theme tune, John Denver’s ‘Calypso’ and The Killers, ‘Human’ to name but a few. Just when I was flagging these tunes gave me energy I didn’t know I had.

On the other hand, hearing constant bad news can be really draining. I keep up to date with events in the world by reading daily newspapers but I don’t watch much TV news because it overwhelms me and makes me less able to act usefully. Our brains are very responsive to positive or negative stimuli. I think knowing this gives us some degree of power.

For centuries religious traditions have taught the importance of living in the present moment. It’s not that today may be any better than yesterday or tomorrow, but it’s only in this moment that we can make choices that will lift our spirits rather than lower them.  I can choose to keep replaying all the negative things people have said or done over the years or start giving encouragement and affirmation. I can worry about what may never happen, or I can start living now in a way that will give me a better future than the one I expect. These things aren’t instant cures but I reckon changing our attitude can be enough to begin changing our lives. As with good music on a marathon run, choosing to hear positive messages can help me carry on trying and maybe even go the extra mile, although don't ask me to do an extra one this Sunday!