Eric Wilden began studying mindfulness at age 12, and he's been studying Buddhism for 30 years now. He has a Master of Divinity degree, and he's a Road Runners Club of America-certified coach, both of which play into his success as a mindful running coach.
Eric, like our host, does some ... different stuff. In the past few months alone, he's run a marathon on a treadmill, and another in his cul de sac. He also ran across the state of New Jersey to memorialize the beginning of the pandemic. We learned shortly after the interview (to which he wore a T-shirt reading "Kiss My Asana") that he and his wife officiate weddings.
When asked why he does these things, Eric's answer is always the same: "Why not?"
There is, however, an explanation for why he got into mindfulness. Because he was different from the other kids, he was bullied in middle school. And he found solace in deep breathing and, eventually, Buddhism.
Now he's a sought-after mindful running coach, and one hell of a conversationalist.
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This episode was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.
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