Reach for the sky

Whilst watching the grace and elegance of tennis players like Roger Federer at the Australian Open, I noticed the extension of the players opposing racquet hand as they served or danced into place to return the ball. I first observed this whilst watching Dinara Safina practice. As she threw the ball into the sky and released it, the arm and hand extended back and upwards, flexing, guiding her body and ultimately the ball.

This interested me as an avid yoga practitioner since many of the yogic poses suggest flexing the hands with fingers outstretched, reaching for the sky and creating energy. The theory behind this is that the flexion creates a lighter feeling, and light is tight. So the arms feel much lighter when flexed and taught, rather than limp and hanging with heaviness, enabling the practitioner to hold the pose for a longer period of time. The extension of the hands and arms generate an openness, willing to receive light and energy with love.

Immediately I think of poses such as Extended Right Angle, Goddess/Exalted/Reverse Warrior or the full open Tree pose. But there are other poses that require the full extension of the arms and hands that are not pointed to the sky but forward, such as Warrior or Dancers pose.

Perhaps my observation came about by chance because I had recently attuned my focus to my hands during my practice. Regardless, this only reinforces to me the strength the hands and arms can carry merely by their intended direction. The power these amazing athletes enforce is mind blowing. The power of the mind and the body is even more incredible.

Poetry in motion

The great Roger Federer...

...with Jim Courier after winning first round match against Igor Andreev from Russia

Well, it’s that time of year again when the best tennis players around the world travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open and I had the pleasure of sitting Centre Court during the first few days. We agreed that attending the first days would give us greater opportunity to see many of the greatest players, not only on centre court but also on any of the twenty outside courts, where the elitists practice for upcoming matches. And we were not disappointed!

Watching these athletes is like poetry in motion. Their graceful moves dancing across the court makes the game look effortless. They play for hours, under the burning sun displaying their stamina. But tennis is more than just a game of hitting the ball until someone misses, it’s a mental game too. In a sense, the players need to outwit their opponent, improving their game style to win and move onto the next round.

Tennis is the only sport I will watch ardently. For the rest of this tournament I will be fixed to the tv in anticipation of this years winners.

Ahhh, Wimbledon

Its one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.  Not just for the spectators but for the players too.  Everyone wants to attend a game of tennis at Wimbledon.  All the players want to qualify.  Centre court at Wimbledon is a spectacular achievement and the competition is tough. Wimbledon carries a certain air, a sense of charm, aspiration and nobility. The historic grounds and grass courts gently persuade you to feel like a gin and tonic would be appropriate about now.  Even the contenders have appeared to dignify themselves in all-white apparel for this tournament.

Every year, new players manage a glimpse of the elite and a hopeful spot for the future. But it is the favourites who give the greatest spectator pleasure. Roger Federer seems to be back in form and does not disappoint. One of the most gracious and gentlemen-like players, he is a always a delight to watch. Unfortunately for me, time differences mean a few late nights are in order.  But it just needs to be done - you can't watch the replay, it has to be live and in the moment!