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. Coaches used to advise that their athletes zone-in in order to tune-out the chaotic emotions of competition.  But now coaches advise mindfulness.  Not tuning out the ups and downs, but being very present to them.  Not quieting the feelings, but acknowledging them and honoring them.  

For example, when explored and fully felt, anxiety and stress actually bring forth feelings of “intensity” and “electricity”.  These traditionally negative feelings can enhance an athlete’s performance if fully explored and fully felt. Another example is when an athlete fully reflects on their disappointment. Disappointment, when fully felt and reflected on, often grows into "authenticity" and “rootedness” which enhances an athlete’s daily motivation.   

After viewing mindfulness and meditation this way, it makes sense why Olympians are seeing it as more advantageous than the outdated “just tune it out”.

Want to sample it yourself? Try out this meditation!

Meditation:  

Think back (or rewatch) an Olympic moment that really moved you. 

Now close your eyes and keep your mind focussed on that Olympic moment and let your own emotions - as the viewer - flow. Just breathe and relive it and feel it.  Don’t worry about labeling the emotion.  What matters is that you are fully feeling it.  Feel it in your body.  Just let it flow, and breathe.  

When you are ready, take three cleansing breaths and open your eyes.

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/