While most people go away for the summer the greatest gift for me has simply been to take it easy, put my feet up and enjoy the beach that is just steps from our house. For once I don’t have to worry about airports, dragging massive amounts of equipment through border security and living out of a suitcase for the summer.

Oh what a breath of fresh air! I’ve taken the time to enjoy whats right here…in my hometown, my backyard even. Wow we live in such a beautiful place. Many people come from far away places to spend even a week here in the summer, and here I have it all for free!

In this next post I am going to go a little bit into what I consider a holistic athlete. A holistic athlete is one that takes into account the mind, body and spiritual elements of competitive sport.

It is quite obvious the amount of physical work that goes into developing an athlete. The really good athletes practice mental training and the really really good athletes also take into account their spiritual development.

When you picture a highly competitive athlete, you are probably thinking of someone with a gorgeous physique….(such as myself) ….a determined mental attitude, but what about the spiritual component? What is the spiritual component of sport?

The spirit is everything that you are when you take away your mind and your body. Your spirit is what’s behind the mind and body. It’s what drives the mind and body. It’s the motivation, the inspiration, the passion behind what you do. If you ask an athlete why they compete, the answer will always be in some form or another spiritual. In Terry Orlicks (Ph.d) book entitled “In Pursuit of Excellence” he describes sport as the experience of oneness. “Being in the Zen zone means being all here, being totally present, absorbing yourself in, connecting yourself to, and becoming one with your body, your task, your performance and your experience” (pg 136). With that being said, sport is an art form and an outlet of spiritual expression. Athletes, whether they know it and acknowledge it or not, perform their sport as a way to connect their minds and body to the spirit. So doesn’t it make sense to strengthen all three components?!??!  Yes! …. going out and JUST getting ripped isn’t enough these days

Embracing holistic athleticism:

Below are a few ideas of how athletes can strengthen each of the three areas.

BODY:

Physical training (strength, speed work, endurance…what ever is specific to your sport)

Proper nutrition (whole foods-plant based)

Recovery (proper rest, hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture etc.)

MIND:

Mental rehearsal (visualization)

Positive self talk (always, always)

Process tasks (1 or 2  focus points for each training session or race)

SPIRIT

Meditation

Yoga (yoga is unique as it strengthens all three!)

Self reflection, values and goal setting

*Peak Performances hinge on the athletes ability to effectively synergize all three. Develop yourself in all three and you will be a force to be reckoned with.

ENJOY THE SUNSHINE EVERYONE AND DON’T FORGET TO LAUGH!