Isn't Tennis Supposed to be Fun?

How is it that “sport” – also fondly acknowledged as “recreation” – can catapult us right off a peaceful, scenic vista into a tumultuous, rock-strewn gorge of despair? I mean, really! Isn’t sport synonymous with play? And isn’t play supposed to be – well, fun? And in so-being, isn’t it meant to rejuvenate and re-create us? What is wrong with this picture: the head scratching, heart pounding and downright self-denigration that we sometimes experience as we exit our precious hours of competition – in particular, tennis? On a personal note – my fellow players think I’m very “steady” on the courts and I am – most of the time. But there are times that I, too, make that unfortunate plunge into seething, frothing, childish irrationality. For this, I’m not proud.

Thank God for other less competitive, more contemplative sports that counter the occasional distress of our primary one – diversions like hiking and yoga, both of which calm, center and stabilize me when my deep-seated reptilian brain cracks open. Fortunate for me, I’ve been practicing or teaching yoga for upwards of 30 years and in periods when my yoga practice is dedicated and consistent – as when I’m teaching – my tennis is immeasurably more enjoyable, successful and fulfilling. In fact, I believe yoga has prevented this competitive creature from quitting the game altogether – several times. How so? It may be surprising to find that it has nothing to do with increased flexibility, stamina, balance or strength – all of which naturally improve a yogi’s body and game – but can also be achieved through other forms of exercise. The real differences are far more understated than this; they involve the yogi’s mind, emotions, attitudes and underlying beliefs. Indeed, there are six subtle but potent benefits of certain aspects of yoga practice – from three different genres of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa and Kundalini.

For descriptions of these three genres, stay tuned for my next post on Thursday Dec. 12. But if you simply can't wait that long, download the entire 22 page Dharma of Tennis document from amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/The-Dharma-Tennis-Judi-Beck-ebook/dp/B00E0QFLA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386680883&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Dharma+of+Tennis

For more insight into yoga, visit my other blog www.contemplativeyoga.blogspot.com and Enjoy!