I pretty much enjoy all sports. The NBA drives me nuts but I still find myself amazed at the athletic ability of these gigantically tall men. But, the NFL is my favorite of all sports to watch. It truly is our modern day gladiator type event. The stadiums are enormous and are always packed with cheering fans.
I have huge respect for these men because I know how hard the sport was on my fit body when I was in my late teens. It hobbled me every Saturday morning and that was when I didn't get hurt. These guys are much older and playing against guys that can generate much harder collisions than we could in high school. The players in the NFL are very bright guys when it comes to their profession. It's a complicated job and one that demands tactic, precision, and execution.
I've mentioned this many times before but I must say it again for this piece: I try very hard to live in the now. This has lead me to not really identify with a specific team or be a hardcore fan like I used to be. I enjoy the moment and the things that are happening in the now. I found wanting things and outcomes to end the way I wanted them to end disrupted my happiness at times.
It seems I now find myself partial to situations more than long term commitments. I like certain players more than I like certain teams. Same is true for coaches. I gravitate toward the really smart ones. I enjoy the underdog story or the guy that is taking an opportunity and making the most of it. I find joy in the unexpected or the bizarre. I am amazed at the beauty and grace and artistry that takes place at any given moment. None of it hinges on anything I need or desire to happen. No outcome can distract from my happiness.
The Cowboys will play the Redskins tonight for the NFC East title. The winner goes on to the playoffs and the loser goes home. Two rival teams to boot. Couldn't be a better ending to the regular season. I predict a Cowboys win for no other reason than almost all of the analysts have chosen the Redskins, that's usually good enough to pick a winner in the NFL.
I am still fond of the Cowboys and can't shake my relationship with my ego completely. Part of me hopes they win the game, but a much bigger part of me is happy either way and truly won't be disappointed with any outcome. If we just judge the moment and nothing else then what a great moment.
I've had this type of discussion with some friends and a common response I encounter is, "That might all be true but I like rooting for my team and it brings me great joy when they win." I can't deny that. However, I do know that kind of happiness relies on events out of one's control. I also know when the undesired outcomes transpire then the odds of happiness are very much diminished.
The objection is a staple to any counter to the ego. The experience of self will always want to stay in existence if given a choice. The only thing I can offer is my experience and I have tried it both ways. I've tried to like diet soda really hard to no avail. I've tried to stop chewing tobacco. I've tried to get off my couch and run around the block a few times. In the end, I stick with what brings me the most joy.
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