Sunday, August 11, 2013

Addicted to the Reach - Basketball

When I was a young girl, I played basketball. Not very well, but I played. I think the reason they let me stay on the team was because I was a good shot. I could throw that ball at the hoop from just about anywhere on the court and it would go in. I was not a very popular girl, and I got fouled a lot by the "mean girls". So I quit. But not before I had become addicted to the reach. Anyone who has played basketball knows what that means. It's a feeling that never leaves you. The arms are elongated, you almost feel like you're flying. And you will find many excuses throughout the rest of your life to experience that feeling, such as helping little old ladies reach things on the top shelves at the supermarket. Or reaching behind something to retrieve an object that no one else could reach, smiling, holding it up victoriously. 
Being addicted to the reach is a feeling that needs to be kept in balance with the rest of the body, so keeping the lower extremity toned through daily walking is important. Short bursts, sprinting, is also a good idea; it "tricks" the muscles into working harder. Yoga stretches, to keep your muscles flexible, are also a really good idea.  Not to mention that yoga has been shown to be beneficial to your organs.
It all boils down to reaching out. Once you get started, it gets easier. It's a feeling that becomes a driving force in your life, making you more accessible, more likable. And isn't that a good idea for everyone, since we all share this organic space ship called Earth.
See you on the court.

3 comments:

texlahoma said...

Too bad the mean girls didn't appreciate your talents.
Basketball never was my game, I just wasn't very good at it. It's more a game of finesse, I had about as much finesse as a tank.
I hope things have been going well for you, I haven't been commenting much on anyone's blog lately, see you later.

Joanna Jenkins said...

I was terrible at basketball but I was a pretty good ballet dancer when I was young and I know the feeling you speak of. Love how you translate it into everyday life and reaching out. That's perfection.
xo jj

diane said...

Thanks Joanna.
Ballet is great for keeping in form. I always wished I could do it.