For the past two weeks, I have been a little distracted and neglected my writing of Eternal Presence. My excuse is that I have been living large in a place where not many people get to play.
I belong to this women’s tennis team and we are currently undefeated. Our record is 14-0. We are a very unlikely collection of winning players. None of us are Wimbledon material. Individually, our records of wins and losses are the same as any other player. Many of us get on the court with various braces and wraps to support our aching joints. We swallow Advil by the dozens and ice packs are a staple in our freezers.
But somehow, we managed to put together winning combinations of players that have simply outplayed the other teams. I am learning so much about bringing my best to every point in the game no matter how much better the other team might be in terms of talent and consistency. Even when it is clear that the other team can and is in the process of beating us, I am learning to be in the experience point by point. Several times, we have come from behind to capture the match.
To keep up my momentum and capitalize upon this experience, I have been playing tennis every chance I get in the evenings and weekends. It is said that to maintain a skill, you need to perform it at least twice a week. To improve a skill, you need to perform it at least three times a week. I am seeking to imprint the feel of winning strokes and volleys into my physical rhythm. At the same time, I want to integrate this incredible sense of solidity and confidence in bringing the best tennis player I can be to each point that I play. The mental and emotional game of tennis can compensate for any lack there might be in physical ability and defeat opponents with twice the skill level.
Translating this lesson into the everyday moments of my life might be more of a challenge because there are more distractions off the court than on the court. Being totally present on the tennis court for each stroke of the ball is a requisite of playing well. I cannot be thinking of anything else in that moment except where that tennis ball is, where the other players are, and how I am going to hit this shot right now. I can only move on to the next moment after I see that tennis ball leave the strings of my racquet. If I start thinking about the next point or what’s for dinner, I lose contact with the moment and am likely to lose contact with the ball as well.
“Be here now” is possibly the best advice I have ever heard. This is the only moment that counts. This moment sets up the next moment.
It is the only way to stay in the game.
©2010 by Barbara L. Kass
Eternal Presence 
August 8, 2010 at 11:31 am |
Wonderful ! Congratulations on your teams undefeated run!!!
Yes, yes, yes, getting the feel of the rhythm in all areas of our lives allows us to Be in the Moment. Those intuitive responses, thoughts, and actions that inform us this is correct for this moment is a powerful consciousness.
I am glad you have been able to translate your game into your everyday life!
I am still playing catch up with blogs and responding, Many I have read but had not the mind or spirit to respond to at the time!
I am Love, Jeff
August 8, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
Hi, Jeff — yes, occasionally life starts interfering with life 🙂 But this is an opportunity that has never presented in my life before and I am milking it for all it is worth!
August 8, 2010 at 5:01 pm |
And you go, girl! Run it for all it’s worth. Talk about being in the Now … Absolutely a second at a time! I am so up for y’all, nothing like a string of victories to catch some of that adrenalin punch. Yeee – Haw!!
August 8, 2010 at 9:23 pm |
you make me laugh, Sandi! 😀 I am a fierce competitor and I hate it when I lose. However, I love to play tennis. My women’s team is just happy to make it as far as we have and we are going to enjoy the heck out of it.
August 8, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
What a wonderful explanation and story of just being present in the moment!
You remind me of a moment I missed this weekend. I was really tired and really did not want to socialize at that moment. Mike and Joey went over to the home, actauuly mansion, of the man who lent us the home on Green Bay for the weekend. Not only did I miss meeting them, I missed Joey Jet skiing and kayaking for his first time. I do feel good about the fact I was actually not feeling well because my feet were really tired rather than just unconsciously checking out for a few hours.
Be Here Now!!
I am making this my motto this week…
Thank You!
Kim
August 8, 2010 at 10:32 pm |
Kim — what is good about your decision is that you made the decision that was best for you. I hope you are not kicking yourself for the “missed opportunity” — that kind of second-thought thinking will make you crazy.
I am still working on “be here now” as well.
August 9, 2010 at 8:56 am |
Barbara – I’m a day late in responding as we spent all of yesterday celebrating Len’s double-nickel birthday (55).
““Be here now” is possibly the best advice I have ever heard.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. I can just hear the vim and vigor in your words and energy!
August 10, 2010 at 6:09 am |
Hi, Laurie — you can be a day “late” 😀
I am like a week late responding to blogs and posts!
It is a tricky thing to “be here now.” We’ve got all sorts of stuff going on and that gift of being able to anticipate what our next move should be often gets us caught up in the future. I should write about that . . .