The Habit of Excellence

Rinse, Repeat.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. Aristotle
Thanks to Coach Bungard for posting this quote on his Facebook wall today. A perfect inspiration of wisdom from a wise Coach, past and present.

Speaking of Present.... many say 90% of success is showing up. Being present in body is only a part of the equation. Presence of mind and soul are essential to the balance of success. Putting your heart in something is great! Your mind has to be there as well. The vacation you are planning is only going to be a true time of renewal if you participate in your own escape!
The body may be on the beach, but if the mind is back in the office, at the club, or practice, you loose the benefit of your physical location. Let yourself surrender to the present moment. Become aware of the space you are in. Be intentional. Be authentic. Allow your real present moment to be experienced fully.

How does this lead a champion to the podium? It removes the obstacles that distract from success. Even if your real present moment is a place you are not comfortable with. That which you resist will persist. The nagging unresolved issue(s) will be there to greet you and insist on your attention if you continue to ignore them. Awareness is the first step. Admitting there is an issue. Action will come as you sort through your options and consult your advisers.

Case in Point. This year's winner of the Tour De France was faulted for "attacking" his rival in a moment when it seemed un-sportsmanlike. He took responsibility for his actions and when he had the opportunity to "make it up" he allowed his rival to take the podium for the day at some great expense to himself. In the end they each where held in high esteem by the the sport and remained close friends. Meanwhile Lance Armstrong was able to rally his team to keep their heads and hearts in the moment and abide by some seemingly unfair rules about uniforms and bring some attention to their cause as well as win the team standing for the 2010 Tour.

If you are not a cycling fan and do not get my analogy to being in the moment, please just trust that the moments life presents you are just that.... Presents. An opportunity, a gift. A chance to act in a way that may reflect wisdom, but more.... shows soul.

How does all this gibberish relate to massage therapy for the sporting athlete? I believe when the body is nagging you to pay attention to small aches or pain it is your opportunity to repond with wisdom and soul. "Take the bull by the horns" and get that issue resolved so nothing can stand in your way. Perhaps there are other issues not related to the tissues and the help of a sports psychologist may be in order. Do what ever it takes to reach the podium if that is where you truly belong. When your heart, mind and soul is in the right place, the body will follow.

And remember: the podium upon which you stand may not have a number 1,2 or 3.
It may be just with in reach of someone who loves you and holds you in highest esteem in their heart.After all, isn't Love and respect greater gifts than thunderous applause and trophies?

How did I decide to focus on Sports Massage?

Many clients have asked that question over the years: So, how did you decide to become a Sports Massage Therapist? My first impressions of massage as therapy came while watching Mohamed Ali being attended to by trainers between bouts. That was in the 70's. Then in the 80's Greg Lamond was winning the Tour De France and getting massages between every race. When I saw Great Athletes surrounded by loyal support crew that included massage therapists, I knew I could join the crew. I could add an integral component to their training and performance. I could share in the Victory Dance when they won since it really was a team effort.

I have always tried to "Champion" my clients, family and friends to achieve their dreams. I have often noted that Champions tell the interviewer: "It all just came together and I was so relaxed and in the moment". Focus began for them in their mind and was transferred to their body and experienced in competition. They believed they would win. We define winning as the most desirable outcome. Competitors often race the clock as much as they do their opponents. First place is sweet, but a personal best time is the sweetest victory for many. In a marathon you may have your personal best time and yet be an hour behind the overall winner. You are still a Champion. You put in the training, ate right, rested, got massage and tended to the little nagging injuries. You sacrificed hours of family time and leisure to make your new goal your highest priority. When you hit your mark and reveled in the glory of your accomplishment life became a little sweeter. Every goal you accomplished before just seems like a stepping stone to the current pinnacle.

I will borrow the Proactive behavior Theory from my psychologist who helped me focus on a career track. Small goals are set and achieved to lead to medium goals which are more difficult, but with careful planning can be accomplished as well. Ludicrous goals are those lifetime achievements that take incredible focus and a team of dedicated professionals to support your efforts in accomplishing them. Lance Armstrong is definitely a ludicrous goal setter. As I write this entry he is eying his 8th Overall Winning Podium of the Tour De France. It will take a village to propel him to that position. Good Luck Lance! Even if he retires short of 8 Tour victories he will be in the record books for several years to come and has overcome incredible odds to do it.

Now is the time for you to join me in focusing on a goal. Weight Management of ten pounds or one hundred and ten pounds can be achieved. Perhaps you are simply looking for an edge to improve your training and maximize your performance. Massage Therapy can benefit your body in ways you have not imagined possible. Have you ever taken a long walk in the woods to clear your head? Sometimes massage can be like that. You are paying no particular attention to anything and suddenly your thinking processes become clearer and you choose a course or direction. The fog lifts in your brain as the fresh air benefits every cell in your body. Massage Therapy is literally a fresh air moment on a cellular level for your body. As you relax and breath deeper without using your muscles actively, your circulatory system carries more restorative nutrients and oxygen to every organ and enlivens your entire nervous system to function at its highest natural potential with out foreign stimulants. The brain releases chemistry like an on call pharmacy to "medicate" you with your own prescriptions.

Nature's best keep secrets are unlocked through touch, diet and exercise. Babies come into this world needing love, food and movement. We never outgrow these basics. Even the disabled person needs external stimulation to keep tissues viable. Nutrition in the form of naturally sourced foods coupled with activity that increases the circulation of blood and lymph creates healthier bodies. Massage Therapy allows the body to rest and recover while continuing to benefit from movement. Tissue is manipulated, stretched, kneaded and addressed in such a fashion that the nervous system allows the pharmacy of you body to dispense the correct dose of anti anxiety chemistry. Lymphatic fluids increase in circulation and bolster the immune systems response to fight off stress hormones as well as bacterial infections. (not to be confused with the need for an anti-biotic, consult a physician if you believe you have a treatable infection)

Exercise induces the necessary increased oxygen intake. Just add water! Often after receiving a massage session clients are advised to drink more water. Good Idea! Your body has just had a work out. The muscles had the passive activity that flushed fluids and stimulated nerves. Depending on the vigor of that stimulation you may feel euphoric or energized. Water will assist your body in flushing the metabolic wastes that arise during activity, passive or active and through natural elimination (urination) relieve the body of those toxic wastes. I try to keep a case of water at the office to offer clients a "take along" flush!