In the world of elite sports, athletes and teams are always looking for that extra something to give them an added advantage. Brett Kirk who is assistant coach with the Sydney Swans Aussies Rules Football Club is an advocate of meditation. Kirk an ex player says meditation gave him great clarity.
Kirk started practicing meditation in his early 20’s whilst a player for the Swans. He started after the death of a close friend as a way of dealing with some anger issues he had. He describes the use of meditation as really comforting and allowed him to deal with issues he had.
When we think about the pressures involved at the high end of sports both on and off the field it’s easy to see why high profile athletes are turning to meditation for help. Justin Langer ex Australian cricket player and now coach for Perth Scorchers describes meditation as the most important part of his day.
Cam Bancroft who is one of Langer’s players at the Scorchers has also taken to meditation. Bancroft is known for being intense and really focused, which are his strengths as a player. However he needed to find ways relax and describes meditation as a really important part of his life, enabling him to explore his mind by having a passive approach to the way he thinks.
On so many levels meditation can helps athletes. From dealing with the pressure of the game to increasing clarity and concentration. Being able to relax and leave the stresses of what is a stressful job back in the office as it were, must have a positive aspect on life away from sport. By having a stress free home life athletes will come back to work fresh and better ready for the challenges ahead.
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