Okay, so the other day, I was thinking about how to get my head in the game before our volleyball matches. You know, find that inner peace and focus. I remembered how some pro athletes have pre-game rituals, and I thought, “Why not try a prayer?” Not like a super formal one, just something to calm my nerves and center myself.
My Little Experiment
First, I googled “prayer before volleyball game,” just to get some ideas. I didn’t want anything too long or complicated. I found a few options, but most were, I don’t know, a bit too…intense? I wanted something simple, something that felt genuine to me.
So, I decided to kind of wing it and create my own. I thought about what was important to me in that moment: being a good teammate, playing my best, and staying positive, win or lose.
The “Prayer” Itself
It’s not really a prayer in the traditional sense, more like a personal mantra. Here’s what I came up with:
- “Help me be present and focused on this game.”
- “Give me the strength to play my best, and the grace to accept the outcome.”
- “Let me support my teammates and be a positive force on the court.”
- “Keep me and other player safe from injury.”
- “Let’s go get it!”(Okay, I know It isn’t a prayer, but it is necessary to me)
Putting It into Practice
Before our next game, I found a quiet spot in the locker room, closed my eyes, and ran through my little “prayer” a couple of times. I focused on my breathing and tried to clear my head of any distractions. It wasn’t some magical transformation, but I did feel a little calmer and more grounded.
During warm-ups, I kept reminding myself of those key phrases. “Be present.” “Support my teammates.” It actually helped! I felt more connected to the game and to my team. I messed up a few times, of course, but I didn’t get down on myself like I sometimes do.
The Result
We ended up winning that game, which was awesome! But even if we hadn’t, I think the pre-game “prayer” would have still been a positive experience. I felt good. I felt prepared. And I felt more like a part of the * I don’t have injury.
So, will I do it again? Definitely. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference in my mindset. It’s not about asking for a win, it’s about asking for the right attitude and energy going into the game. I think I will do it next game.
