Tao (pronounced "dow") can be roughly translated into english as path, or the way. it is basically indefinable. It has to be experienced. It "refers to a power which envelopes, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The TAO regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e., there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female)."
What is TAO Sport?
TaoSport is an approach that combines Western Psychology with the Eastern Philosophy of Taoism. It teaches that each of us possesses limitless power and potential that we can use and realize when we act in accordance with the forces of nature (when we align ourselves with the natural flow of energy). Tao also teaches us to react to life’s circumstances by yielding, by not forcing issues or energies unnaturally, and by following the natural path of least resistance.
Think of the freeze-dried food that hikers and campers use. Without water, the food is lifeless, inedible, and dull. Add a bit of water, and a nourishing meal appears. The Tao is like water; it makes possible life and vigor. It is liquid and yielding, yet it can be forceful and strong
Examples of Tao
In sport one experiences every possible emotion and psychological state as the athlete is forced to respond to constatnly changing circumstances.
Allan Watts said, "You don’t dance to get to the other side of the floor."
One doesn’t play sport to get to the finish of the event.
Extraordinary performances and successes in sport as in all life are created by passionate moment-by-moment involvement.
The extraordinary athlete has a mindset which is relaxed but focused and open to ever higher achievements
The Western Athlete vs. the Tao Athlete
The Western Athlete
The Tao Athlete
Constantly struggle for external recognition rather than internal satisfaction
Measures self-worth as an athlete or person solely on the outcome of their performances in sport
Focus on attaining perfection in every task, instead of seeing life as a journey in search of excellence
Treat their sport or goals as something to conquer, thereby expending valuable energy
Have unrealistic expectations that reslut in frustration, disappointment, and distraction
Blame others when things go wrong, and so feel out of control
Condemn themselves for their failures, setbacks, and mistakes and have a poor sense of self
Is individualistic
Has courage to risk failure, learn fro setbacks, and forge ahead
Possesses a multidimensional approach to comptetion
Focuses on how the game is played (process) as opposed to outcomes (product)
Use the event to gain greater self-realizaton
Trains the mind to see through the complexity of outer trappings ofathletics into its essence
Knows his or her vulnerabilities and trains to strnghten them
Creates balance, moderation, and simplicity when possible
Sees competitiors as partners who facilitate improvement
Sees success as one part of the porcess of sports
Understands that performance is a roller coaster and has the patience to ride the ups and downs
Blends with forces so as not to create counterforce
