Do professional athletes meditate?

YES! Although most people would not attribute both the Chicago Bulls’ & Los Angeles Lakers six NBA championships under Phil Jackson to their meditation practice, meditation was part of their training.

When George Mumford, the meditation coach hired by Phil Jackson was asked what he feels meditation offers athletes he replied;

“The opportunity to be in the moment. In sports, what gets people’s attention is this idea of being in the zone, or playing in the zone. When they are playing their best, they can do no wrong, and no matter what happens they are always a step quicker, a step ahead. That happens when we are in the moment, when we are mindful of what is going on. There’s a lack of self-consciousness, there’s a relaxed concentration, and there’s this sense of effortlessness, of being in the flow…. When we are in the moment and absorbed with the activity, we play our best. That happens once and awhile, but it happens more often if we learn how to be more mindful. By mindful, I mean being aware, being engaged with the present moment. Mindfulness is useful because it is through this that we can see what is going on. It means knowing what needs to happen and doing it.”

What are the benefits of meditation for athletes?

“The practice of meditation deeply affects our character. We are slaves to what we do not know; of what we know we are masters.” -Maharaj.

As a result of meditation athletes experience the following benefits:

• Focus & concentration.
• Confidence & optimism.
• Optimal BodyMind integration, coordination and mastery.
• Increased ability to enter peak awareness & slowing of time.
• Heightened intuition resulting in greater team cohesion & anticipation.
• Untapped Energy & vitality.
• Deepened relaxation & lasting wellbeing.

When should athletes & teams meditate for sports performance?

• If possible, always.

However, certain times in the season can be more beneficial such as:

• At the beginning & end of the season (set intention for season, or off-season training).
• When experiencing adversity (injuries, losses, fighting or ego battles).
• When experiencing celebration (a string of victories, championship run reflection, making to playoffs).
• Prior to traveling (many players experience distress in leaving home)

Where do athletes & teams meditate for sports performance?

• On court/bench
• In the locker room
• On retreat
• At home

Why do athletes & teams meditate?

• To win the right way.

MEDITATION FOR WELLNESS:

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom” -Buddha

Become mindful of your inner peace in order to awaken true well being.

Through meditation you can overcome mental/emotional suffering which is holding you back from true fulfillment, your ability to physically heal, enjoy relationships and live the life you most desire.

What are the scientifically proven health benefits of meditation?

• Meditators exhibit lower stress hormone responses to challenges (Macclean, 1997)
• Meditators show improved circulatory function (Zamarra, 1996)
• Meditators show younger biomarkers including blood pressure, hearing and vision (Wallace, 1982)
• Meditators show higher DHEA (called the “anti-aging” hormone) levels (Glaser, 1986)
• Meditation improves digestive function (keefer, 2001)
• Meditation improves mood (speca, 2000)

Furthermore, it is widely recognized that meditation has the following cognitive benefits:

• Improving Concentration: Meditators build single pointed concentration.
• Harnessing lasting Peace: Meditators experience the most pure forms of peace and happiness as it comes from within.
• Inducing Creativity: Meditators transcend the intellectual mind which limits their infinite creativity.
• Overcoming emotions: Meditation creates cognitive space from our past & ego.

Who will benefit from meditation program?

• Athletes dealing with the stress & burnout.
• Social entrepreneurs
• Business professionals coping with stress, anxiety, and impatience.
• Populations trying to cope with difficult change.
• Physically ill