The Gifts of Pickleball

Pickleball is my latest obsession.  I play 3-4 times a week and I’m really enjoying it.  This morning, as I was driving to pickleball, I was thinking about my blog and wondering why I haven’t posted in so long?  Then it dawned on me, I’m playing a lot of pickleball.  Maybe this is just me, trying to justify myself….  But Pickleball has given me some wonderful gifts.  

First,  I’m able to recognize that “play” is pretty important to a balanced life and playing with other people has become even more valuable to me.  I have friends of all ages through this game and I don’t think I’ve ever had a session that didn’t erupt in laughter and smiles at some point or other.  Play is a way to get unstuck and feed your creativity.  It was Carl Jung who said: 

“ The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” 

The second gift of Pickleball is how it gives me the opportunity to observe my mind.  With each stroke comes that annoying little voice… self evaluating, judging, explaining, punishing.  I’m fascinated with it, mostly  because I’m learning not to actually believe everything it says to me. I know it is just my brain, trying to protect me as it practices old patterns that have been worn in through time and practice. In noticing how I respond to various situations on the court, I take the opportunity to practice my self coaching and learn to play the inner game better.  Mostly, it is  the inner game of Kathie that I’m working on.  Creating something new through play.

I’m not trying to make an excuse for my long absence…  It is one of those sorry/not sorry situations.  Just want you all to  know that all is well with me…. whether it is pickleball or coaching, I’d love for you to come and play!