Meditation is not so mysterious anymore. You can see the mainstream population beginning to try meditation classes at the local community college. Doctors are telling their patients about the power of meditation. It only goes to prove that the power of meditation in the sport of football can only enhance the ability of the player to be focused and relaxed leading to an improved game performance.
The brain waves of meditators show why they're healthier. Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex—brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. In other words, they were calmer and happier than before. 1
Outstanding coaches are looking for qualities such as height, weight, speed, strength and agility to help them determine how a player might play out. They are also looking for Intangible qualities such as desire, concentration, and ability to stay focused with a drive and dedication that are above average. These intangibles are exactly what meditation can bring to the capacity of a good player. The power of meditation in football will improve the focus, concentration and quite possible the game performance of a player.
The practice of Meditation is no longer for the “woo-woo wierdos”, or the yogis and yoginis or the Buddhists; It can now be found in the NFL. Ricky Williams and NFL popular name is not only practicing yoga before his games, he is actually tweeting people to join him as he leads meditation classes at a local college. He was quoted in the news as stating that he meditates every morning, before practices and before he heads to the stadium on game day. Ricky Williams is known for his remarkable rush record where he rushed for 1,121 yards, even as a 31-year-old which is considered old in the game of football. "I just go into the game very clear, with that balance between focus and relaxation," Williams said.
The power of Meditation in football can be tremendous. It can even help a player become calm and happy. These are necessary traits for any player who wants to ward off the aging effects of stress. An article in Psychology Today explained “Maybe meditation isn't so mysterious after all. Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex - brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety. There is also less activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes fear.”
The Power of Meditation in football is yet truly untapped but imagine what we may see on the fields of our favorite NFL games if all the players practiced a pre-game routine of meditation. They may think clearer, make faster decisions, better choices when passing the ball, seeing past all those obstacles that may make them trip up on a long drive. Who knows the pre- game meditation practice may results in ability to score more points. Touch down!
1. By Colin Allen, published on April 01, 2003
Marti Angel, MA "America's Health and Expert Lifestyle Coach" Known as the "Energy Muse"
Marti is an Ordained Minister, Author, Yoga Professor, 500 ERYT, Yoga Professional, Certified Yoga Therapist, Reiki Master level 3, Chakra Healer, Certified WATSU water therapist, Certified Meditation Professor, Certified Metabolic Typing® Advisor, Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist FDN, Certified Nutraceutical Consultant, Certified Health/Lifestyle Coach, Motivational Speaker and founder of the number one alternative therapies site on the web.