Some years ago, I had the opportunity to ask former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek a question about youth baseball, specifically, pitchers.
I asked him what was the best advice he could give young pitchers and Jason's response was direct and to-the-point - "Control your breathing."
We've all seen that young pitcher on the mound. He's staring in at the batter while his team clings to a one-run lead late in the game.
His teammates, coaches, and parents are all cheering him on.
Children already feel enough pressure as it is, without the added stress of what might very well feel like the most important moment of their lives.
"Control your breathing."
The simple act of inhaling slowly and exhaling slowly definitely has a calming effect, if only for a few moments.
This morning, I received an email from The Daily Coach, an inspirational newsletter that has its foundation in the sports community. Given the current state of the world we live in, I would like to share part of today's email.
Don't Forget to Breathe
Give yourself grace to show up in spaces flawed yet whole and enough. Breathe.
Don’t fight the mental chatter. Let it be, notice it, and let it subside. Breathe.
Instead of grabbing your phone first thing in the morning, be still. Breathe.
Spend time with yourself. Be aware of the silence. Breathe.
The power lies in this present moment. Accept the now. Breathe.
The chaos will calm. Breathe.
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