“Calm”

The last relaxation technique of this series involves what some people would consider a little bit of meditation.  To look at the previous three posts on helping players relax in the moment are HERE, HERE, and HERE.  Like the other techniques mentioned in this series, this one can be adjusted for lengthy sessions on down to a quick session just prior to some sort of activity (an at-bat, a pitch, etc.).  This technique uses an aspect of meditation but doesn’t get into the all-out meditative postures or guru type procedures of meditation.  

For this technique, the player thinks the word “calm” as he exhales during any of the breathing techniques.  Normally a player would close his eyes to block out all external distractions and gets inside himself by focussing all his attention on his breathing.  The player breathes in and out normally but thinks of and pictures the word “calm” as he exhales.  Whenever the player recognizes that his mind has drifted off to another area, he redirects his mind back to his breathing and the word “calm.”  

This technique is great for anyone trying to rest the mind in order to sleep.  For this purpose, someone could expand this technique to last for 15-20 minutes if necessary to fully relax the mind and body.  A player on the other hand can practice a quick version of this while on the mound or in the on-deck circle.  A quick close of the eyes and a “calm” on the exhale can be all the player needs to relax for the moment.

If you are interested in these techniques and finding others as well, research more on the internet.  There are a ton of sites out there that cater to people who are interested.  Yoga, meditation, Buddhism, relaxation techniques, as well as the general topic of sports psychology can be good search engine words to start with.  See what’s out there!