Going for Gold
Our family has been glued to the London Olympic Games every night since the opening ceremony. We've concluded that they're as much about winning medals and giving the performance of a lifetime, as they are about the ability to stay calm under pressure.
There are more than a few Olympic athletes this year who have captured the hearts of audiences with a special sparkle.
One of the youngest swimmers on the U.S. Olympic team is 17-year old, 6-foot-1 Missy Franklin, who’s been called “Olympics’ All-American Sweetheart.” Her incredible strength and stamina in the pool, her constant smile and energy, her love of the sport all add up to a winning combination both in and out of the water.
Franklin’s positive attitude seems to cancel any pre-performance jitters. And what a bright spot her joy is for her training-ground of Aurora, Colorado after the recent tragedy the city endured. She’s going home with four golds and a bronze, with a world record in the 200m back. “I can’t think of a better way to end. I am the happiest girl alive,” she told the press.
Beyond the powerhouse bodies and physical training, dealing with the stress of the competition really comes down to the athlete’s mental state. And given the fact that stress is increasingly linked to disease – and the reason behind most doctor visits – it’s worth paying attention to effective ways to handle pressure.
My husband and I shared a proud moment with our teenage daughter recently (granted, it was much more modest!) when she performed a ballet routine in front of an international judge and an audience of parents and peers. She came away with her own gold medal around her neck, an indication of all the sweat, tears, and hours of practice and training. When I asked her how she handled the pressure of performing in front of a judge, she said she never even thought about the people in front of her. She was caught up in the pure joy of her art form.
How athletes handle the pressure and focus their thoughts is paramount in those moments leading up to competition, even more than all of the hours they spend making sure their bodies will cooperate. Audiences witness it every time a swimmer steps up to the starting block or a gymnast is hoisted onto the uneven bars–and yes, when a ballerina takes her position on stage.
The mental training athletes endure is more often than not the game-changer in competition. Michael Phelps’ longtime coach specifically trained him to deal with adversity. Once he handed him broken goggles right before a race, and Michael was forced to swim with his eyes filled with water. How could he have known that his goggles would again fail to work at the Beijing Olympics? Undeterred, Phelps’ mental focus won him the gold. He leaves his Olympic career with 18 golds and a record 22 total medals.
My kids are all involved in sports –track, dance, soccer. We talk a lot about the importance of approaching every activity by first examining our mental state. In our home, that means starting with prayer and focusing on the spiritual qualities they want to express when faced with a challenge. They’ve given a lot of thought to flexibility, energy, stamina, grace, poise, joy, freedom, creativity – all of which come not from one’s body, but begin with thought. We talk about how our thoughts are informed by Spirit, the source of all things good and beautiful, and that everyone is “plugged in” to this infinite resource. This takes the pressure off and has helped them to relax in competitions.
Most of us will never have an Olympic medal to show for our efforts, but “going for the gold” in life is something we can do. I think the Psalmist knew what he was talking about when he wrote what could be seen as a pretty good health plan:
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
-Psalm 19
Ingrid lives in Framingham, where she and her husband manage three busy kids, a Lab who's sniffed every trail at Callahan and a ragdoll cat. She blogs on spirituality and health and is also a Christian Science practitioner. You can see more on her website "Breaking Bread" at masshealthblog.com.
Jim Rizoli
2:34 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Ingrid....No offense, but do you really think God cares about the Olympics?
Nations fighting on a sports field?
What type of lifestyle are these people living that would be the more interesting question to God, not how far they can jump or throw a ball.
The commercialism has taken control of the programing to such a degree it's truly sickening having to wade through the commercials. I refuse to watch it.
I think you should stick with the Bible and forget about all the pagans surrounding you, that way you will stand or fall on what God likes or disproves rather than mixing mans sports, politics or whatever into your sermon.
Go for the jugular with Gods word stick with (Moral issues) and forget about analogies using things God could care less about.
I think your a courageous person posting from a spiritual side here but don't water it down with non spiritual essentials.
Show the people here that God has rules and wants people to ship up or shape out. The responses you get will show the true thinking of this list.
PS. 19: 7 The Law of God is perfect......the reminder of God is trustworthy making the inexperienced wise".
How many people here do you think even believe the Bible is Gods inspired word?
How about dealing with that topic if you want to get some feedback.
If you really get adventurous, you can deal with Gods views on Homosexuality, Wars, Corrrupt Govts.... there is no end to the discussion.
That will keep you busy....
Jim@ccfiile.com
Dave Lenane
4:21 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Ingrid thanks for taking the time to write something positive. I myself found it refreshing to read. Not one negative connotation in 11 paragraphs, that has to be a record for The Patch! I hope I have learned something!
Ingrid Peschke
7:31 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thanks so much, Dave!
Jim Rizoli
7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
On a positive note..... I think it's refreshing to she someone who cares deeply about family and shows it by what she writes.
Ingrid my post wasn't against you, but was aimed at Christianity failing to send out the warning. Don't take it personal.
Jim@ccfiile.com
Kira Gagarin
12:26 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Ingrid, I am not religious at all but think that the tenant of most beliefs is the golden rule, when it comes down to it. Its nice to see scripture quoted towards something positive, as sadly, these days is not always the case.
I also was impressed by the mental preparedness of these athletes (balance beam!!??!!?), and especially at such a young age. Congratulations to your daughter and many more :)
Ingrid Peschke
12:11 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Thanks, Kira! I, too, have been so impressed by the mental preparedness of the Olympic athletes. With cameras in their faces, crowds cheering, and world-class athletes competing at their sides they really have to be at the top of their game to maintain their focus. It's truly so much more than the physical preparation.
Jim Rizoli
12:11 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Kira....The Golden rule...LOL The person that has the gold makes the rules....That must be the one you're referring to.
Jesus golden rule...Due unto others as you would like done to yourself seems to be hard for most religions to process.
All the wars, hatred, division etc...is caused mainly by religions failure to apply biblical principles.
Jim@ccfiile.com
David Nolta
1:26 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Golden Rule does not originate with Jesus, though many believe that Jesus personified it.
Joe Rizoli
1:42 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Ingrid, it is nice to see someone especially on the Patch who has taken control of her family and even ( gasp ) thrown in a few Bible Scriptures to prove that point.
Quoting the Bible here could be cause to give some of the Patches flat tires.
It will be interesting to see how you kids grow up, how they respect authority or if they become like the Children of Eli. I hope they turn out well.
Joe Rizoli
Michael Gelbwasser
7:58 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Hi Joe,
I'm curious: what do you mean by "Quoting the Bible here could be cause to give some of the Patches flat tires"?
MG
Ed Bertorelli
10:43 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Quoting the Bible seems to cause 'agita' in the PC thought police who dominate so much today...Thanks for a great blog Ingrid. And to Kira- sprituality has a way of sneaking up on you expecially when you get older. And to Jim- reminded of the George Carlin bit about why the Ten Commandments don't belong in courthouses- the Commandments would create a 'hostile work environment' for the politicians and lawyers who ply their trade there...
Kira Gagarin
11:56 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Ed, I like the idea of quoting any great literature. There is no doubt that the Bible is that, so I enjoy the quotes. Sometimes it takes me many reads over to understand (barely!) a passage or hymn, but I enjoy that as well. As to spirituality sneaking up on you with age. I still have a few years to go but am open to its attack :) I don't think I will ever be a religious person, but spiritual, sure. And easy on the lawyers plying our trade, hehe! ; )
Jim Rizoli
3:31 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
It's a funny thing The Bible, it was written to guide mankind morally and spiritually.
It's the most widely published book in the world and most likely the less read.
When you see why bad things are happening in any area of life it's because it's council has not been followed.
When you quote it people get all upset....why? because it might be exposing the weaknesses or inconsistencies of those who speak out against it.
All nations constitutions are pretty much based on many of the Bibles principles to some degree.
I would love to teach a course about it but would probably have more enemies than the ones I have now dealing with the subjects I deal with here.
Jesus said " Mat 10:34 Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth, I came to put not peace but a sword"."
This would show the division that would exist between Bible believers and non believers. This division is responsible for the world being the way it is.
Just to clarify one point......Not all Bible believers are on the same page when it comes to moral issues. We have the liberals there too, that try to water down the message. The Jesus loves all, whatever you do is fine, do what you feel is right mentality isn't what Jesus taught. Why do you think they killed him?
Jim@ccfiile.com
Susan Petroni
5:12 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Ingrid, I agree teaching our children how to be mentally tough in situations is very important and it is obvious with some of the young Olympians they are not only physically strong but mentally strong too.
I think there are many lessons to learn from the Olympians. Take swimmer Missy Franklin for example, she failed to make the Olympic team in 2008 finishing 37th in the trials, but worked hard and made it this year; and won four golds and a bronze, and when finished fourth in another event told the media that it's not bad to be 4th in the world.
Obviously, she is level-headed, physically and mentally strong at just 17 years of age.
Loved this blog post!
Kira Gagarin
8:11 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
How crazy is this, http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/09/sport/olympics-runner-broken-leg/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
The guy finished the relay on a broken leg!!! Just when it seemed like we have seen it all. I mean, not sure this is to be recommended to our children :) , but holy moly! Just amazing.
Susan Petroni
8:17 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
@Kira - I'm still amazed he not only finished the race but that his split was 46 seconds - WOW!
Myd Nevins
8:21 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Inspiring blog. Thank you for sharing it.
Jim Rizoli
9:46 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Kira...The comments are even better..LOL
Jim@ccfiile.com
Ingrid Peschke
10:57 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
Thanks Myd and Susan! And I can hardly believe that race!! It reminds me of Olympic gymnast Kerry Strug who won gold with her team after vaulting on a sprained ankle. Her coach had to carry her to the medal podium.