Clouded Thoughts
Anxious. Nervous. Panic. All emotions I felt during the last week of March. My To-Do list constantly built up and each day felt like a marathon. Constantly running around completing each task while becoming a slave to my work, there was no escape. In college, I worked briefly with a Sport Psychologist on the power of each breath and controlling my thoughts. I knew that I craved that sensation of being mentally in-control, but didn’t know where or how to get it.
Two weeks ago, I was reading an article on ESPN and side advertisement for Headspace appeared. I started to learn how Luke Walton, Head Coach of the LA Lakers, was using Headspace in their everyday training. The goal of this app was to “train their mental game by concentrating on eight areas -- motivation, focus, training, competition, communication, analysis, recovery and rehabilitation -- to get them relaxed but in an active state of readiness on game day.” Once I read that, I knew I had to see what this app was all about. An NBA team with all the resources in the world is using an app for mental performance, what could possibly be said during a 5-minute session that would supersede a specialist?! The answer was availability, this app could be accessed on the bus, pregame in the locker room, virtually anywhere. So I downloaded the app and started my first session. I sat in my chair and started to feel excited but nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I started off tense, almost coaching myself to breathe, relax and clear my head all at the same time. The constant stimulus that consumed my day immediately reared its head as I started the session. By the time I started to get in rhythm of my breath and cleared my conscious, I was told to open my eyes and appreciate how I felt. I knew this wouldn't come easily, but I was curious enough to give the app another shot.
There was one session that I’ll never forget. It was a nice afternoon so I pulled out my phone and did a session in by backyard. Once I hit play I transitioned into a relaxed state and my eyes closed right on cue. The new concept of the day was imaging a blue sky and watching the clouds go by. Clouds go by?! How the hell does it know I’m outside! They must be watching me somehow. Identifying my mid session panic, I was able to settle back down and used the concept to get back on track. I visualized each cloud passing by and my thoughts became weightless, just like a cloud. Each hypothetical cloud represented a thought entering my head and passing at will. Fast forward to now and I’m on session 15 clearing the mechanism like Kobe’s mid-range fade away, automatic.
I strongly encourage anyone who is looking to just get away or clear their head after a long day. The process of getting to that automatic phase takes time but if you’re willing to be patient with your thoughts, you will acquire the skill of clearing the mechanism. A tip that I would recommend: if too many thoughts start to appear during a session, pause and jot down your thought. That way you can address it after the session is over and move on.
Mental health is such an important facet to a person’s general well-being. As a current college coach, seeing first-hand how much pressure and stress student-athletes deal with, life can be overwhelming. Headspace is a great method for someone looking to take control of their thoughts, feelings and life.
** Disclaimer, I have no ties or loyalty to the LA Lakers. The references seemed too perfect to ignore. If the Knicks can stay healthy, maybe my next automatic reference will be Porzingis from the restricted area. **