Interactions From the Heart

As a coach, I value the moments I get with my athletes. I try to always live by the moto that if I expect my athletes to work hard, then I must work hard too. This includes interaction. It’s important to me, that my interactions, reflect the communication I want to receive in return from my team.

Last week I was in Montreal, at the Canadian National Gymnastics Championships. I was there as a coach, and one of the team chaperones. What I noticed the most, was the different interaction behaviours of coaches and athletes from across the country. Every coach has their own style of communication and it seems that there is a spectrum of interaction capacities.

What gets me the most, is how some coaches are still not taking the time to reflect on their behaviour. Why is it that the athletes are always held accountable for their interactions, but the coaches seem to continue to get away with less than stellar communication? I ask this as a question, but to be honest there is not much I can do about it. All I can do, is influence the athletes and coaches that I am in contact with, and the ones who want to learn.

So for this last blog post on interaction, I am going to spend time reflecting on my interactions this year. 

Firstly, I am honored to interact with the amazing people in the HPC an TL program. These interactions alone, have brought forward new ideas, solutions, and friendships. I value the chances I get to communicate with this group, and I hope that the interactions continue for years to come. I have had excellent mentors influence me this year. I have tried hard to be brave and reach out to new people for answers, and guidance. This was a personal challenge, I wanted to push myself socially, professionally, and academically. It was tough to put myself out there, but I knew it was worth it. The moments with my mentor and the professors have solidified my dream to be a great coach. Having the support from above has made a big difference. Every opportunity I get to connect with great people, I try to learn something from the interaction. I try to look deeper to find value and life-lessons in each conversation. I hope that one day I will be able to interact with young coaches and have an influence on their coaching and interaction style as well.

Secondly, the interactions with my team have become so important. I recognize that what they learn psychologically during the time they spend with me is crucial to their development. I am proud to say that I have a very open and honest team of young female athletes. They respect their coaches, teammates and family, and that is the ultimate goal. I am so excited for them to grow up and develop into powerful women. I cannot wait to see where their interactions take them.

 The last and most important interaction, is interactions with the “Self.” For me, it has always been natural to be kind to myself, but I know that it is a tough practice. I have been fortunate to reach out to yoga and meditation for answers and guidance in this area. In Patanjali’s, The Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of yoga are a spiritual guideline. This book helped me to understand how I could connect my inner self, to the outer coach I wanted to be. I use the eight limbs to teach young people how to interact with themselves. Interactions with the Self are the key to living a full and happy life. I strive to give opportunities for athletes to learn these behaviours.

1. Yama –Ethical standards and integrity
2. Niyama –Self-discipline and spiritual observances
3. Asana –Postures practiced in yoga (physical movement)
4. Pranayama –Breathing or breath control
5. Pratyahara –Withdrawl or directing attention internally
6. Dharana –Concentration
7. Dhyana –Meditation or contemplation
8. Samadhi –State of ecstasy

I spent the week in Montreal observing my athlete and her spiritual and emotional intelligence. It became obvious, that she had practiced some mental skills, the other athletes on her team had not. She was aware of the energy that certain comments and interactions would create and she was able to deflect, by looking inward.  She was able to find calm, peaceful, focus throughout each moment and her beautiful spirit blossomed.

However, I was troubled with some of the comments from the other athletes, so I did what any spiritual, creative coach would do and I made my interactions with the other members of the team mean something. I strived to teach the athletes self-compassion, I encouraged healthy psychological behaviours and boosted confidence. I wanted them to learn to love themselves.

My goal, is to teach the athletes how great they are, and give them the tools to appreciate the interactions they have within themselves.

So that is how I view interactions, at this point in my life. Life is too short to not spend every moment loving yourself and others.

Carpe diem,

Jesse

Reverend Jaganath Carrera. (2006) Inside the Yoga Sutras. Integral Yoga Publications Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville.