Wednesday, August 09, 2006
BADMINTON & SPIRITUALITY
In my ongoing effort to improve my game, I have subscribed to “Badminton Secrets,” a weekly email newsletter by Robert G. Johns. Last Thursday, I was rather surprised to receive what seemed to be more of a spiritual lesson for abundant living than a tip on how to play better badminton.He calls it "Five Words That Can Change Your Life." He even recommends that we all “should write down, memorize, in fact etch onto our brain” this lesson, because it may just turn out to be, as he claims it, “the best, most rewarding way of achieving anything.” And he means anything.
Supposedly, these five words had rewarded many people with more love, success and happiness than they could possibly have imagined. And that these five words have been handed down from generation to generation; making a significant difference to whoever heeds them, as well as positively affect the rest of the world too.
And what are these five words?
“Give and ye shall receive.”
However, Johns argues that it isn’t about giving and then expecting something back in return; rather, it’s about giving without any expectation of being reciprocated. Essentially, it’s about giving unconditionally. Undoubtedly, this is a well-known universal truth — that whatever you give whole-heartedly comes back to you tenfold. But what does giving have to do with playing better badminton?
To experience the rewards of this truth, Johns suggests for any player to now switch his thinking from “how can I play better badminton” to “how can I give to other people in badminton.”
And he had listed a couple of scenarios to drive home his point:
- Someone gives their time by staying behind and coaching some juniors free of charge. The juniors tell their regular coach, and he invites that person to a session where they pick up a whole host of tips and techniques.
- One too many people have been booked to play in a match. The player who offers to stand down is then included in the next match, against the league leaders that helps take that person's game to a new level.
According to this universal law, Johns argues not only will you get more back than you ever give, but other people will immeasurably benefit from your kindness!
He also recommends the following:
- Never give bad line calls on purpose.
- Encourage or praise other players, even if they might be your nearest rivals.
- When you notice your rival has a tell-tale sign that they are going to play a certain shot, tell them!
The bottom line here is this: by completely trusting and applying this principle, we allow the universe to reward us by creating opportunities for us to achieve whatever it is we dream of.
And as if to underscore Johns’ message, that following Sunday, Cathy_bythesea, a journalist for Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) by profession, posted an entry, “Blogging and Writing for God, in which she made mention of her article published on that same day by PDI.
Her article was about an interview she conducted with Kay Warren — teacher, author, speaker and wife of Rick Warren, author of the New York Times bestseller “The Purpose Driven Life.” The interview centered on Kay Warren’s talk entitled “Finding Joy, No Matter What” — five practical ways to lead a joyful life. And one of those was about becoming a giver.
Having been reminded about the immeasurable joys of giving by two respected sources made me think that perhaps, my guardian angel must really want me to embody this spiritual lesson in order to attain a more joyful, fulfilling life. Okay, I’m game!
Labels: spirituality, Sports, Words of wisdom
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:48 AM
15 Comments:
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Nick Ballesteros said... Now that's an interesting correlation! Normally people would be elated to see telltale signs of the opponent's actions prior to a signature move and keep it to themselves as part of their strategy. But to tell your opponent what you see as an apparent weakness? Medyo mahirap yata gawin ah. It's a challenge indeed.
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Señor Enrique said...
Actually, I did it to my trainer, Watson. He was surprised but nonetheless appreciative. Told him that he seems too protective of his backhand side of the court, which would make it easy for any opponent to catch him offguard with a sharp angle smash towards his forehand side.
I haven't been engaging in competitive games to develop any rival (as I've done lots in tennis) but plan to challenge myself to apply this lesson someday.-
Cathy B said...
Thanks for mentioning my blog and that particular post! The interview with Kay was really a defining moment that has changed my attitude and perspective on many things. God bless!
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said... Nice outlook in life. Good luck in playing badminton. :-)
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Señor Enrique said...
My pleasure, Cathy. It's the least I can do, for I've learned much from your writings -- especially, those that remind us that God is always with us and for us. A healing thought, indeed
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Señor Enrique said...
Many thanks, Ladybug!
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Sidney said...
It is indeed the right attitude. Nowadays sports is all about winning & money. Very sad.
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Señor Enrique said...
It's big business, Sidney. I'm into it for excercise and simple pleasure. I've nothing else to prove in life :)
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Senorito<- Ako said...
Give ye strongest smash and ye shall receive points.
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Señor Enrique said...
Not always the best thing to do, S.A.! LOL!
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houseband00 said...
Great pic, Eric! =)
I'm reminded of the last scene in the film, Crash, where the camera zooms out of the street scene and the intersecting street lines forms a cross like the court lines of your pic. It's like saying that everything we do is for God's greater glory.-
Señor Enrique said...
Quite perceptive of you, Houseband00!
I actually prepared the shot to reflect a sort of spirituality and the lines of the cross came to mind, though I tried to be discreet about it. But you detected it ... hehehe.
Yes, the more I think about it, God is in badminton as well as in everything else we do.-
said...
What I live by is "It's better to give than to receive." Though, I find it easier to give non-tangible things, like moral support and encouragement. When it comes to giving material things, I sometimes hold back. It's probably because I don't have much to give away anyway. Or maybe I am not really as generous as I think I am.
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Señor Enrique said...
I believe those non-tangible things you speak are just as valuable than realized, TouchMeNot. Like just listening to someone going through an agonizing ordeal can do wondrous healing for that person. And I've seen such things happen. And if that's what you're good at doing then I say more power to you, because the world can use more people like you.
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Unknown said...
Agree with watson. By the way, here's an interesting article about badminton for women with a cool and dynamic video: http://geniusbeauty.com/about-sport-activities/badminton-for-your-beauty/
