A Christmas of Thrills and Tranquility: Finding Balance Between Excitement and Slow Living
Christmas Day delivered a thrilling spectacle for sports fans, with teh NBA offering a nail-biting showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Stephen Curry, the three-point maestro, tied the game with a remarkable shot from beyond the arc with just seven seconds remaining. Though, Austin Reaves snatched victory for the Lakers with a buzzer-beating basket, securing a 115-113 win.
The excitement wasn’t confined to basketball. Over in the NFL, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens etched his name in history, becoming the quarterback with the most rushing yards in NFL history, surpassing 6,110 yards (5,587 meters). Meanwhile, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs achieved a remarkable milestone, catching his 77th touchdown pass, a feat unmatched by any other player in the team’s history.
While Christmas Day has become synonymous with thrilling sporting events, manny yearn for a quieter, more contemplative period between the holidays. This desire for tranquility, however, often clashes with the demands of modern life.
The German artist Daniel Beerstecher poignantly illustrated this struggle with his “Slow-Walk-Marathon” in 2019. In a powerful statement against the relentless pace of modern life,Beerstecher aimed to complete a marathon at the slowest possible speed. Covering a mere 120 meters per hour, six hours a day for ten weeks, he meticulously tracked his GPS data, heart rate, skin resistance, and step count.
Beerstecher’s performance served as a powerful reminder that slowing down requires conscious effort and dedication. It’s a challenge worth embracing, offering a chance to reflect on the past year and prepare for the future with renewed clarity. Perhaps, inspired by Beerstecher’s example, we can all find moments of stillness amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, rediscovering the beauty of a slower, more mindful existence.
Balancing the Buzzer Beater and the Slow Walk: An Interview with Coach Lisa Leslie
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we’re diving into the intriguing dichotomy of Christmas Day – the ultimate sports spectacle juxtaposed with the yearning for tranquil reflection. Joining us to unpack this interesting blend is none other than legendary basketball coach and four-time Olympic gold medalist, Lisa Leslie. Welcome, Coach!
Lisa Leslie: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator: coach, Christmas Day delivered some absolute nail-biters, like that Warriors-Lakers game which went down to the wire. As someone who’s thrived in high-pressure situations, how do you find that balance between the adrenaline rush of the game and the importance of staying grounded?
Lisa Leslie: Oh, that Lakers game was a thriller! You know, as an athlete, you live for those moments. The adrenaline, the roar of the crowd, it’s intoxicating. But you’re right, it’s crucial to maintain your focus amidst the chaos. For me, it always came down to preparation.
Knowing your plays inside and out, trusting your teammates, and having that mental fortitude to block out the noise – that’s what allowed me to stay grounded even in the most intense situations.
Moderator: Absolutely. It’s about harnessing that energy, not letting it consume you. And while the sporting world revels in those exhilarating victories and record-breaking moments, like Lamar Jackson’s historic rushing yards and Travis Kelce’s touchdown feat, there’s a growing sentiment for embracing a slower pace, a bit of “slow living”, especially during the holiday season.
What are your thoughts on this growing desire for tranquility, coach?
Lisa Leslie: I think it’s fantastic. We live in a world that’s constantly demanding our attention. Technology, social media, 24/7 news – it’s overwhelming at times. Taking a step back and consciously choosing moments of stillness is incredibly important for our mental well-being. It allows us to reconnect with ourselves, appreciate the simple things, and recharge for what’s ahead.
Moderator: I couldn’t agree more. That concept of consciously choosing stillness resonates strongly with Daniel Beerstecher’s “Slow-Walk-Marathon”. the idea of purposefully slowing down in a world that glorifies speed is a powerful statement. What do you think athletes,notably those at the pinnacle of their careers,can learn from Beerstecher’s artistic endeavor?
Lisa Leslie: Athletes are constantly pushing their limits,striving for peak performance. While that drive is essential, Beerstecher’s project reminds us that there’s value in slowing down,observing,and being present in the moment. Taking time to reflect,to connect with our inner selves,can actually enhance our performance in the long run. It allows us to avoid burnout, stay focused, and find renewed inspiration.
Moderator: Coach, you’ve offered some truly insightful perspectives. before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from our audience. Do you feel the need to balance the excitement of sport with moments of tranquility? How do you personally incorporate “slow living” into your lives, especially during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for joining us today, Coach Lisa Leslie. your wisdom is truly inspiring!
Lisa Leslie: My pleasure! Happy holidays, everyone.
