The Witness: Embracing Your Full Potential as an Athlete
by Joe Somodi, Mental Performance Coach
You know how coaches always talk about being the best version of yourself, both on and off the field? I want to share a powerful concept that can help you achieve that: the Witness.
You see, most athletes go through life with "ordinary awareness," which means they mostly focus on the outside world. This kind of awareness helps you achieve your goals, like winning games and breaking records. But it doesn't always bring us the happiness and peace you crave. Ordinary awareness is like seeing the world through a narrow tunnel, which can make us miss out on what's really happening inside us.
So, let's dive into something called "expanded awareness." This is like upgrading from a regular TV to a high-definition one, allowing you to see more details and experience life in a richer, more profound way.
Expanded Awareness
Imagine you're on the field, and you've just made a mistake. With ordinary awareness, you might feel frustrated, blame yourself, or even let that single error affect the rest of your performance. But what if I told you there's a better way to handle this situation?
Enter the Witness. Think of it as a wise, compassionate coach inside your mind, always ready to guide and support you. The Witness helps you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing you to learn from your experiences without getting too caught up in them.
Let's practice this together. Find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few effortless breaths. Then, imagine you're watching a replay of your last game. As you watch yourself play, try to observe your actions and emotions as if you were a neutral spectator. You might notice how your body tenses up when you're nervous, or how your breathing changes when you're focused. This is your Witness at work, helping you become more self-aware and in tune with your body and mind.
As you continue to practice, you'll start noticing how the Witness can help you in various aspects of your life. You'll be able to recognize when you're pushing yourself too hard in training or when negative thoughts are holding you back. By shining a light on these patterns, the Witness empowers you to make better choices and break free from self-limiting beliefs.
The more you embrace the Witness as a rich experience, the stronger and more resilient you'll become, both physically and mentally. You'll start to let go of unnecessary attachments and expectations, which will free up more energy for you to excel in your sport and life.
Remember, the Witness is always there for you, just waiting to be awakened. So, give it a try, and let it guide you towards a more fulfilling, joyful, and peaceful life. Trust me, you've got this!
