the javelin, the thud of its landing. They smell the grass, the cement, the
pool, the dust. Before they move a muscle, professional athletes watch the
whole movie, which, of course, ends in their own victory.
Sports psychologists tell us visualization is not just for tolevel
competitive athletes. Studies show mental rehearsal helps weekend athletes
sharpen their golf, their tennis, their running, whatever their favorite
activity. Experts agree if you see the pi tures, hear the sounds, and feel the
movements of your body in your mind before you do the activity, the effect
is powerful.
Twenty-Six Miles on My Mattress
Psychological mumbo jumbo? Absolutely not! My friend Richard runs
marathons. Once, several years ago, a scant three weeks before the big New
York marathon, an out-of-control car crashed into Richards and he was
taken to the hospital. He was not badly injured. Nevertheless, his friends
felt sorry for him because being laid up two weeks in bed would, naturally,
knock him out of the big event.
What a surprise when, on that crisp November marathon morning in
Central Park, Richard showed up in his little shorts and big running shoes.
Richard, are you crazy? Youre in no shape to run. Youve been in bed
these past few weeks! we all cried out.
My body may have been in bed, he replied, but Ive been running.
What? we asked in unison.
Yep. Every day. Twenty-six miles, 385 yards, right there on my
mattress. Richard explained that in his imagination he saw himself
traversing every step of the course. He saw the sights, heard the sounds, and
felt the twitching movements in his mucles. He visualized himself racing in
the marathon.
Richard didnt do as well as he had the year before, but the miracle is he
finished the marathon, without injury, without excesive fatigue thanks to his
visualization. It works in just about any endeavor you apply it toincluding
being a terrific communicator.
Visualization works best when you feel totally relaxed. Only when you
have a calm state of mind can you get clear, vivid images. Do your
visualization in the quiet of your home or car before leaving for the party,
the convention, or the big-deal meeing. See it all in your minds eye ahead
of time.
ooja
(Ooja)
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