“Keep your eye on the ball” is advice that has moved from the sports arena into every walk of life. It means: stay focused, concentrate, keep your mind on what you’re doing. Reflexology has helped people keep their eyes “on the ball” at work and play so that they perform more efficiently and effectively Not only is their attention more finely tuned, their intention is also stronger. When they set goals, they meet them. They know what they wish to achieve–and they do it. Athletes who choose to work on weight management, improve a backhand swing, or train for a race will find that, with reflexology, their attention and willpower will stay focused on those goals.
One of the latest techniques in sports training is to keep your eye on the ball even before the game, even when you are not practicing or playing. This form of visualization is used by more and more sports psychologists and coaches around the country to improve their players’ performance in many team and individual sports. Football players mentally rehearse every possible play, runners race the entire course step-by-step in their minds, racquetball players “hit” winning corner shots in their heads before they ever get out on the court. Numerous studies have demonstrated that you can actually improve your performance on the field through creative visualization beforehand.
You can incorporate visualization into a reflexology session by seeing yourself in competition going through the physical and emotional movements of the game. Or spend the reflexology session with an open mind, thinking of nothing in particular, and then use the time immediately afterward for serious visualization. The residual effects of reflexology allow you to make better use of visualization training whenever you engage in it, immediately afterward or later on.
In addition to the personal health benefits of reflexology, remember that reflexology operates on an interpersonal and social level as well. Just as it enhances relationships between couples, parents and children, and friends and colleagues, it can also be used by team members to get to know each other and show concern for each other’s physical condition and performance level in a warm, relaxed way. Reflexology can nurture friendships on a team or allow you to get to know your regular racquetball partner in a way that cannot be achieved just by the usual camaraderie on the playing field or in the locker room. Increasing numbers of athletes are discovering that the “competitive edge” has a cooperative effect, using the best talents and strengths of the team members and the best training techniques; whether they come from sports medicine, nutritional programs, bodywork, or the many psychological and spiritual methodologies available today. Reflexology is one of several paths which teach athletes that excellence and the ultimate self-challenge do not always mean going it alone.
The body is like a pond and it should never become stagnant. This goes for everyone, athletes and non-athletes alike. We each have a certain level of activity in our lives to which our bodies grow accustomed. When that activity is curtailed for any reason, such as illness or a busy work schedule that does not allow time for exercise, the body becomes like a stagnant pond. It needs stirring up. Juices need to flow and circulate. The body depends on the flow of oxygen, minerals, and other nutrients for normal daily living and especially for vigorous athletic activity. Reflexology is an easy and enjoyable way to keep those juices flowing, to maintain the proper balances within your body, to provide the energy you need for peak performance, and to keep your eye on the ball.
Laura Norman, best-selling author, world-renowned Reflexologist and Empowerment Coach is frequently featured in national magazines, newspapers, on radio, TV and the Internet. Laura has helped thousands of people banish burnout and erase fear and anxiety from their lives through her unique, holistic approach to Mind-Body-Spirit Wellness.