Article by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance.
Phil Jackson is known for being one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, leading the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers to 11 combined championships. He is also known for his holistic approach to coaching that utilized principles such as mindfulness and creating abundance to put his players in a focused state of mind.
Nicknamed “the Zen Master,” Jackson taught his teams to adopt a philosophy of “One Team, One Breath.” Through guided meditation sessions, Jackson’s players were taught to breathe in unison with each other. This created a mindset of mutual respect and stillness during the most chaotic parts of the game.
For Jackson, mental strength was just as important as physical strength. Many athletes have the will to win, but not all players are able to quiet their minds from outside distractions and develop respect for themselves and their teammates. Without a concerted effort to create abundance, athletes will not be able to utilize the connection between their minds and bodies to achieve their fullest potential.
As you strive for victory on the basketball court and other athletic venues, be sure to work on your mental strength in addition to your physical conditioning. Practice being present in the moment and quieting your mind from any stressors and worries that might affect your play. Instead of running onto the court full of anxiety, practice sitting in silence before a game. Once you have trained your mind through mindfulness, you’ll be able to see the court better and execute your game plan with unparalleled focus.
Zhang Xinyue is the author of the book Create Abundance. The book is a collection of Teacher Zhang Xinyue’s words of wisdom concerning body-mind-spirit cultivation. Originally published in 2012, it has remained a best seller. It has been translated to numerous languages.