Since my first dive into the pool of my first swim team workout thirty some odd years ago, I am still fascinated by the magic of athletics.If you look at the best, the very best athletes in the world, you can witness near magic.I’m not convinced there isn’t some magic involved.It’s hard to deny it when I think of watching Michael Jordan play basketball for the Chicago Bulls in the final moments of a playoff game or Michael Phelps breaking yet another world record.
I can relate magic to a live concert when a band and audience become one by the connection of music.Most people can’t deny the experience in feeling being swept off the ground in an altered state of consciousness by the power of music.I am not referring to the concerts where second hand smoke is so thick you cannot help but be altered.I am talking about the pure connection with the waves of sound moving through the air.The mind finds itself entranced to the rhythm and consciousness changes to another level.Awareness of the surroundings is heightened with a sense of shared emotions with those in range of the music.The experience draws the minds into a web of community and one becomes a part of the whole.
Wow, I know you may be thinking there was some second hand smoke that evoked that thought, but let me continue.
The athlete, the good athlete, begins each day, season, year, and career with a vision - a goal.They have the ability to see what they are and what they want to transform themselves into.It is an ongoing process of conscious effort working towards the goal.The magic provides the ability to see not only what is but what can be, and not believing but knowing it will be.
I have been taping myself for an explanation and I am convinced it is not the actual ability to perform the feats we see athletes, musicians or anyone else that shocks our rational minds.I believe the magic happens when we witness these performances.It is the inspiration we gain when we see the possibilities. It is what inspires us to dream to see what we will be when we are willing to dream. That is where the magic lives in the inspiration. It is the fire that is ignited within. It comes from what we give of ourselves when we are willing to share our passion so others may see and learn. When our minds are blown away by the impact of the performance is when it means something to us personally. When we listen to music or see great athleticism it can change our whole lives. I think that is what inspired the applause.
