What Olympians have uncovered about mindfulness.
The Talk:
The Olympics brings us into conversation. It’s not just the athletics, but also the reactions and the relationships and the stories. They are so super-human and yet so very, very human.
Which brings me to mindfulness. I came across an article this week on how the mental strategies for Olympians has changed over the years. “Zoning in” to zone out the chaos used to be king. But now it’s mindfulness. Not tuning out the ups and downs, but being very present to them. Not quieting the feelings, but acknowledging them and honoring them.
When explored and fully felt, anxiety and stress can bring forth feelings of “intensity” and “electricity”. And when fully reflected, disappointment and turbulence can grow into feeling so “rooted” that you are gifted with "authenticity".
And as we watch their stories of triumph and loss, it’s a beautiful time to acknowledge and feel our own triumphs and losses. In meditation or during a mindfulness activity (like walking silently), we can tap back to these kinds of moments in our own life - big and teeny tiny small - and fully feel them. We can be curious about what feelings these moments in our own life have grown into.
The Olympics can bring us into conversation with ourselves.
Finding Present Meditation:
Think back (or rewatch) an Olympic moment that moved you. Let your mind focus on the emotion, and breathe. Don’t label the emotion as positive or negative - it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are fully feeling it. Feel it in your body. Just focus on the emotion, and breathe.
When you feel present, continue to do this meditation fully-feeling. Or, begin the mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation:
As you sit with this fully-felt emotion, you might notice a thought or a feeling or an image arise. It’s probably linked to a moment in your life - big or teeny-tiny. Just notice it. Just notice it until it fades and then go back to feeling your fully-felt meditation emotion.
Another moment might arise. If it does, just notice it. Then go back to your fully-felt meditation emotion.
Closing Routine:
When you are ready, rub fingers together and take three cleansing breaths. Or use any closing routine that works for you.
Olympic Coaches Share Their Secrets for Boosting Mental Performance: Use these top strategies for resilience and focus in any situation.
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a70290193/olympians-mental-performance-secrets/
