Sports are a great opportunity to integrate into our routine a healthy dose of exercise and a sound social life. Practicing sports of all kinds is a wonderful way to set strong standards of fitness for the long run. It also helps us become aware of the relationship we establish with our body right from the start. But when it comes to our relationship with others, how to practice mindfulness in sports when within a group ?

Embracing Team Sports.

Started at an early age, team sports are more than just an interesting activity to explore. They are nothing less than a necessity for younger individuals to be exposed to some important concepts that will fill their life later on. And this, no matter what path they decide to follow. The same goes for our youth. Being part of a team brings some solid grounds to rest on in periods of questioning and self-reflection. It is a good activity to share with peers going through the same phases and challenges incumbent to teenagehood. Yep, I was there once too… You ?

Very much like in real life, team sports rely on the participants wanting to learn and being able to work together towards a common goal. Also being able to know when to let go of their own self for the benefits of a crew, and when to best use their individual potential. A spirit therefore comes alive from within the group, which leads, or not, to a successful outcome. Players have to put their strengths into the mix in order to fortify the team. Weaknesses have to be soothed so they do not alter all of the efforts made by the rest.

Game On !

With all of that energy building up week after week, expectations understandably rise, will strengthens and enthusiasm heightens. Working within the team, players have to control their emotions in order to support their teammates. They also have to adjust to unify the energy of the group, so that their common goal is within reach. Victories happen, and then losses to. And working on accepting both of those with humility and positivity remains one of the most constructive leads of teamwork. It is ultimately the key to finding mindfulness in sports.

In organized team sports, games are expected. And looked forward to, needless to say. And who says games says attending public. With supporters. And officials. And lots of cheers. So, if the players work together towards their harmony as one entity and towards achieving a higher goal in unison, what about the fans ?

Good Supporting Practices.

From the standpoint of the public, mindfulness in sports plays a huge part in bringing positive energy onto the fields or courts, or wherever it is that the sports are being played for that matter. As it affects the attendance as a whole. A shy audience will impact the players’ performance as not enough energy is being drawn into the mix through the spectators. It will feel flat and soulless and the game will easily reflect this. An offensive crowd, on the other end, will put everyone on edge. Even going to the extend of bringing down the enthusiasm and removing the goodwill to perform. So how to bring the best of the team we support when attending a game ?

Don’t miss the second part of how to best practice mindfulness in sports !