In tennis, conflict on the court is not uncommon. This sport requires not only physical strength but also mental fortitude.
The intensity of tennis can reveal both the best and worst in players.
However, learning to let go and forgive can elevate you to a new level.
Forgiveness is an invaluable tool that can enhance both your game and your life.
Holding onto negative emotions toward yourself or others may impede your ability to perform at your best on the court.
Forgiveness isn’t easy, especially when emotions and adrenaline run sky-high. However, it’s crucial to recognize that forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others or ignoring your feelings.
Instead, it’s about taking ownership of your emotions and moving past them.
But how do you effectively practice forgiveness when negative emotions overwhelm your thoughts?
I had a moment on the tennis court last week. Let’s say it wasn’t my finest hour. A friendly game gone bad. Things got heated during the match — as they do when people are invested in winning.
Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish between friendly competition and aggressive behavior. As the game progressed, my opponent and I had different ideas of what was acceptable on the court.
After the third time, my partner came close to getting smacked by the ball; I had enough and called it quits.
I stormed off the court in frustration and swore I’d never play with her again. In hindsight, it was dramatic. I let my emotions get the best of me.
My abrupt exit made everyone uneasy, and it was an uncomfortable situation all around.
After my outburst on the court, my emotions were everywhere. I felt shame for my behavior and blame for my opponent’s actions.
We had both hurt each other.
I knew I needed to release the negative energy and move on, leading to this article’s main point.
When we feel uneasy towards others or ourselves, forgiving is a powerful way to clear negative energy from our mind and body.
As I researched more about forgiveness, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. caught my attention and resonated with me:
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
This quote reminds me that nobody is entirely good or bad. Despite making mistakes, we all have positive qualities too.
We can move toward forgiveness and reconciliation when we recognize the good in others, even those who may have wronged us.
Let me share with you one of my favorite Hawaiian forgiveness prayers, which is known as Ho’oponopono.
This simple yet powerful mantra helps us take ownership of our actions, apologize for wrongdoing, and ultimately forgive those who may have hurt us.
The mantra goes like this:
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
The practice involves recognizing one’s part in a situation, apologizing for wrongdoing, and forgiving others. It stresses the importance of owning up to one’s actions and resolving conflicts through forgiveness and understanding.
As you practice forgiveness, it not only improves your relationships with others, but it can also positively impact your mental and physical health.
Letting go of negative emotions can help reduce stress and anxiety, letting you focus on your game and perform at your best.
Forgiveness is a forever tool that’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.
Remember, love means nothing without forgiveness.
Thanks for reading.
Love + Wellness to you!
