Thoughts Along the Path . . .

Over the past few years I’ve enjoyed several “pop-up” programs through the Township. I have learned a lot, tried a few new things, and enjoyed time with others who shared my curiosity about something.

This spring I registered for a 4-session “learn to play tennis” series. As it turned out, I only made it to one lesson, so I guess I didn’t learn much tennis. But I did learn at least two things that apply not only to tennis but to life in general.

Simply stated: (1) Keep my eye on the ball and (2) Return to the ready position.

We have all probably encountered these ideas before. Nevertheless, hearing them in such an obvious setting emphasized the point for me.

Though not literally keeping an eye on a ball, I need to keep my goals in sight, being mindful of what is important. Whatever I am doing, whatever challenge I am facing, I need to be focused. What about you?

Even as I am typing this, I have a to-do list in front of me, am watching for an email to confirm an event, and am thinking about tasks related to travel. All while thinking about what to get at Foodland for an easy supper so that I will have time to do this-and-that-and-so-forth.

Taking a lesson from someone known for setting and achieving goals, I will offer a quotation from the legendary athlete Usain Bolt: “I’m focused on what I want to do. I know what I need to do to be a champion, so I’m working on it.” Indeed he has learned to navigate through life’s chaos and never-ending distractions.

I’m not trying to set any world records, but I do have personal goals. Keeping “my eye on the ball” means working on those goals, setting milestones along the way, and sometimes adjusting my strategy. I must not drift along hoping things will take care of themselves; nor will I be obsessive. I need to also practice moderation.

The other lesson from tennis is more subtle – the part about being in the ready position. In tennis that means standing a certain way, how to grip the racket, where to be looking, and when to move. As a beginner I find this awkward, though with practice it would become almost instinctive. So maybe that offers a clue.

Fire drills in the school or office place; emergency gear in the trunk of my car; practicing dance steps – the list goes on and on. If we want to prepare, learn, or improve we must be ready. In tennis it means how and where we stand, while in personal life it means knowing what to do in various situations and taking steps to implement what we know.

For example, we are often advised to have a home evacuation plan. My friend in Australia was recently told to evacuate due to wildfires, which fortunately did not reach her house. Ever since that close call she keeps a bag ready with personal supplies and knows exactly where keepsakes are for possible grabbing on her way out.

Thinking about my childhood years as a girl scout, I remember the motto “Be prepared.” I just did a search and found it explained as “ready to help out wherever it is needed.” Beyond preparing for my own safety and wellbeing, am I ready to help others? Friends, family, and neighbours often help each other in everyday life. What about being helpful in less ordinary circumstances such as an emergency?

Perhaps the answer can be found through questions including: Am I informed about community and social supports available if/when needed? Am I trained in first aid and CPR? Am I realistic in knowing my own limits?

Turning to the Baha’i writings to bring this all together, I found this guidance from Abdul-Baha, the son of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith. “How can we find balance in the chaos that surrounds us? As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be. This is the balance—this is the balance—this is the balance.”

I am going to add that advice to the two lessons from tennis this spring. With renewed confidence I can work on keeping my eye on the ball, being ready to act, and finding my balance.

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