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+---- Thread: *The Travails of Golden Ericksen (/showthread.php?tid=52615)
*The Travails of Golden Ericksen - Seven Arrows - 08-09-2024
The Bondi Bandits had just suffered their fourth straight loss in weeks 6-9. The week 10 match-up with Portland was coming up. Though Golden Ericksen had played reasonably well, it wasn't good enough to help get his team over the hump. Losing to the Pythons would all but eliminate the Bucs from the playoffs and leave them with a record of 3-7. Ericksen struggled with what had gone wrong. There were times when he was frustrated by the playcalling, times he was tormented by his performance, and times he wondered about where it had all gone wrong. He needed to be guided by a higher calling. Maybe Golden had chosen the wrong sport. After all, he was a terrific high jumper in high school and college (when he was allowed to participate on the track team). With this being an Olympic year, he dreamed of competing on the world stage in Paris. But this wasn't the answer. He needed to get his mind right.
With that, Golden made a decision to travel to Tibet and specifically to Mt. Kailash. Mount Kailash is a revered pilgrimage site. Swami Rama and other Himalayan yogis are often associated with this region. While not all practitioners travel here, those who do often seek the spiritual energy associated with this sacred mountain. Golden wanted to seek out that spiritual energy. One of the central teachings is the importance of attaining a state of mental stillness. Swami Rama often spoke about the power of a calm and focused mind in achieving deeper states of meditation. Golden was all in. He and the others there shared their experiences particularly as it related to the importance of self-inquiry to understand the true nature of the self beyond the physical and mental layers. This involves questioning and exploring the deeper aspects of one’s identity. It was here that Golden began to understand why things were they were, why he was so frustrated, anxious, and disappointed with himself. He was encouraged to empathize with the practice of mindfulness and being fully present in each moment, reducing unnecessary distractions and focusing on what truly matters. And isn't that what drives successful performance? Yes, it was, as Golden contemplated what he was going through with this experience on the mountaintop.
As Ericksen departed the mountain and Swami Rama, he made his way back to Australia and to the team he loved. His teammates found the experience a little "weird" but accepted the fact that he was committed to being a valued player and teammate.
He decided to implement three things:
Pre-Game Routine: Implement a pre-game routine that includes meditation, breath control exercises, and visualization to mentally prepare for the game.
Post-Game Recovery: Use yoga and relaxation techniques post-game to aid in physical recovery and mental relaxation.
Team Meetings: Introduce mindfulness exercises and discussions on mental focus and resilience during team meetings to build a cohesive and mentally strong team.
Oh crap, what have I gotten myself into here? Did it make a difference? Ah, no, at least not in the following game against Portland. Worst game of the year for BBB.
More to follow as the season goes on.
RE: The Travails of Golden Ericksen - Assistant to the POR GM - 08-09-2024
Sorry bout that