Perhaps it's not until you are tested that you realize how your practice of yoga and meditation can be a lifeline. Perhaps that sounds a bit dramatic but during our recent tennis tournament we were put to the test of how to remain calm and carry on. Two things are for certain, rain and tennis don't go together in the desert.Considering that we are in a serious drought here in California, I usually feel nothing but gratitude for skies that open up and bless us with rain but with 750 tennis players waiting in the wings my wish was that it was raining anywhere else but on the tennis courts. As we well know, wishing never had much pull with Mother Nature. So, it rained on two of our nine days of play...not all day long but enough to put a kink in the smooth running of the schedule.
As the rain fell the stress levels rose. A contingency plan needed to be erected, matches needed to be rescheduled, tennis clubs not usually involved in the tournament needed to be called to see if they had dry and open courts. Players for the ASICS World Tennis Classic came from 28 different states and from Canada. They've invested in travel and accommodation as well as the time spent preparing to play in a highly competitive event. In short, they were here to play and we were doing our best to make that happen despite the wet weather. Needless to say, with the amazing skills of Ed, not only my husband but the tournament director, along with our second in charge, Sheryl, they worked their magic and made it happen.
We've had this tennis tournament for 10 years and every year I learn something new. This year I was reminded of how important my morning practice is to supporting me in keeping an even keel. I was reminded to focus on the things that I can control and to let go of those I can't (like the weather). Although I had to get up 90 minutes earlier than usual, I did. Stepping into my meditation space sets the tone for everything else that will unfold that day and what I've learned over the years is that when I'm in a better space, more grounded and connected, I can be more present, compassionate and focused for all the people that I come face to face with during the day.
Being an introvert, I fill my tank by turning inward rather than outward. The need for this goes up during the tournament as not only do I see some 270 names and faces each day, I continue to teach a few yoga classes throughout the week. My tank empties like gasoline in a Hummer-quickly! Stepping into solitude and settling my thoughts, I ask myself to be fully present with all beings I will come into contact with...this is my practice. I know that being in my practice, no matter what is happening is vital for me to be able to be present, through thick and thin.
A saying exists that says, "You should meditate for 20 minutes each day, unless you're too busy, then you should meditate for an hour". Being busy isn't a reason to neglect what supports us. Are we too busy to take even a few deep breaths? Too busy to let go of tension in our shoulders? Too busy to find quiet moments? Too busy to be grateful? I know it's challenging and often it feels as though something is constantly tugging at us for our energy and attention. But I also know that by ignoring what serves and supports us, will drain our battery sooner or later. Uncovering what supports us will come into play throughout our life and having a ritualized and regular practice can be key to when things get rocky.
Begin now, no matter what is tugging at you---pause, take a deep breath, even close your eyes and just pay attention to the sounds around you. One breath at a time, through thick and thin and even a little rain!
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