Sports stars who have benefited from meditation

By 14/01/2023Sports

What’s the difference between average folk and sports stars? Hard work, dedication, and an unrelenting desire to succeed. What separates sports stars and the best of the best? The medal winners, world champions, and Hall of Famers? Those who enjoy the backing of major sports betting sites before every competition? 

That’s mental focus, an unbreakable concentration, and the belief that they are born better than the competition. They have the God-given right to succeed in their chosen area of expertise. Are you ready to follow their example and reap the benefits? 

You, too, can be a winner

The attitudes, beliefs, and habits needed to reach championship level in professional sports aren’t exclusive to football players, boxers, and soccer royalty. They can be applied to everyday life and used by the “average Joe” to help get ahead in business, leisure, and family life. More people are beginning to wake up to those facts and using the power of positive thought to drive them forward. 

But how can you get to the top without breaking yourself down mentally with ten-mile runs and unforgiving diet programs? It’s easier than you might think. A previously well-guarded secret has become common knowledge. The best sportsmen and women use regular meditation to give themselves an edge. And you can too.

Here is just a small selection of the famous names who meditate. They regularly and confidently speak about their love for meditation in TV and radio interviews. It’s a wonder more people don’t pay attention. But those who do follow their example are already feeling the benefit.

Michael Jordan

Do they come any bigger than the NBA’s greatest of all time, Michael Jordan? We don’t think so. He has the golden touch, enjoying an unrivaled basketball career, starring in movies such as Space Jam, and lending his name to the famous Nike trainers that are as popular today as they’ve always been. 

A new generation is wearing Air Jordans, and they know why. Jordan worked with a meditation teacher to improve his in-game focus during the 1990s. Did it have the desired effect on his game? Well, his glistening trophy cabinet speaks for itself.

LeBron James

You don’t have to be an NBA all-star to meditate, but it helps. LeBron James is the Michael Jordan of today, and he even went as far as appearing as the main character in Space Jam 2, where he played himself. He is loved by millions worldwide after being named the NBA’s most valuable player four times.

James took things further than Jordan and has been practicing meditation on the sidelines during a match. Despite the many distractions, he has coped, proving you can meditate anywhere and anytime. Please give it a go, but maybe start at home rather than at a place full of distractions and noise.

Deena Castor

Now, a marathon runner who engages in regular meditation is easier to swallow than an NBA player sitting at the side of the court. Deena Castor holds several distance running records and is one of the best-known female runners from the United States. 

Castor took bronze at the Olympic Games in Greece in 2004 and has medaled at other major championships. Deena spoke openly about the struggles of life as a professional athlete, not least of all the toll it takes on her mental health. She swears by meditation, advising followers it helps keep her calm while improving her training, recovery, and performances in marathons and cross-country races.

Barry Zito

We return to ball sports and focus on baseball player Barry Zito, one of the best left-hand pitchers we’ve ever seen. Does meditation work for him? He has won the World Series twice, which may answer your question. It certainly works for him.

Zito spends his free time meditating and promoting the benefits to other athletes. You’d think they’d listen, and many are beginning to pay attention. Barry has spoken at length in media interviews and online about how meditation has changed his career and life for the better.

Give it a go

There you have it, some sparkling endorsements. Is meditation worth a try? Many of you reading this article will already know the answer. If you’ve never meditated, what have you got to lose?

Author V.M. Simandan

is a Beijing-based Romanian positive psychology counsellor and former competitive archer

More posts by V.M. Simandan

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V.M. Simandan