Does a highly physical lifestyle go together with deep meditation?

I think a lot of people find physical work very meditative! I know a lot of runners who say they get into a ‘zone’ while they run, where they can just go empty and not worry about all of the things that get them during their stressful lives. I get that same feeling when I sit on the pillow… the only difference is I am perfectly still. – ShantiB

I do feel that working physically can help you become a better meditator. I find that if I move my body a little bit, like do a couple sun salutations or something, meditation comes to me much more easily. I can settle into my body, feel my heart beating and my breath flowing, and from there I am already focused. It helps immensely. – CHATuranga

I don’t know, I have a very physical job waiting tables, and I have SUCH a hard time meditating at night and in the morning. My body aches and is literally exhausted beyond belief after I work. Since I work late I never get up early to sit, and after work I usually need two or three hours to unwind… an perhaps a beer or two… and that makes creating a steady meditation routine really difficult for me. So I think it could go either way. - Liza