Article August 23, 2010 Issue

IN TOP FORM FOR LIFE

BY CHRISTINA SPEER

IT'S OFTEN SAID that sports are 10 percent physical and 90 percent mental. Your mental standpoint has a huge impact on your experience as an athlete. It's all about perspective, and the reasons behind what we do.

For this reason, I have found the daily study and application of Christian Science as important to my athletic career as my physical workout. Prayer has always been effective in addressing any injuries I've experienced while playing. But even more important has been what I've learned about God. It's been such a freeing thought to know He supplies whatever resources I may need in the midst of competition or practice.

I play volleyball professionally, and having a spiritual perspective on sports has helped me handle the various pressures to perform on the court. Yes, I always want to play my best in every game, and we all want to win. But that's not the point of playing. What I focus on as I train and compete is to improve my ability to express love, joy, freedom, patience, and discipline. And that takes off the pressure of trying to force myself to perform.

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