Today, I’m thankful for those who keep me grounded.
Sheepishly, I have a confession to make.
I’m a rabid, emotional, and, at times, insufferable sports fan. In fact, no other team drives me to the brink of insanity more than my beloved Philadelphia Eagles. For more than a decade, I’ve spent too many a Sunday afternoon sitting in Section 133 of Lincoln Financial Field, unabashedly cheering on the one team that has given me so much jubilation and, yet, so much heartache. On more times than I care to admit, I’ve found myself yelling uncontrollably towards the field, either in vehement support of my cherished ‘Iggles’ or in strident anger at their foibles. If I were to say that I am capable of expressing my discontent without a cadre of choice swear words, well, then I would be an outright liat. On more than one occasion, I’ve walked away from that hallowed stadium, exasperated and hoarse, vowing that I will never express such zealous emotion again. But, inevitably, when the next Sunday rolls around, I find myself back in the same place, with my spirited passion and radical fervor on full display.
I realize I’m not alone.
The life of many a sports fan, including a sizable portion of ticketholders in Section 133, is filled with a similar impassioned spirit. Some of them express their disappointment for the lackluster performance of the defense. Others convey their dissatisfaction with the quality of the officiating. Finally, some even call into question the play calling of the head coach. I have a tendency to fall into that last category, invariably lamenting the egregious imbalance in offensive playcalling – too much passing and not enough running. From my perspective, a solid ‘ground’ game is critical to a balanced attack and it helps to tire the opposing defense. Yet, invariably, as the game progresses, the coaching staff veers away from the running game in favor of an all-out, aerial attack.
Ironically, the tendency of the coaching staff is much like my own behavior at these Sunday contests. We both fail to stick to the ‘ground’ game. Our initial game plan is well intentioned: Let’s commit to staying close to the Earth. Nevertheless, as the situation evolves, we fail to let gravity do its thing, and we take flight. As the Eagles abandon the run for the pass, I too abandon the calm serenity for boisterous passion.
So, I’m left asking myself a fundamental question: Why can’t I just stay grounded?
Many psychologists have written research papers and books espousing a power to remain ‘grounded’ – the ability to stay completely aware in a moment with a continued sense of inner harmony, even when faced with a litany of external distractions. Such ‘mindful’ behavior allows one to maintain control of one’s physical, mental, and emotional being, unperturbed or overrun by the surrounding chaos. In times of escalating stress, ‘grounded’ individuals channel their inner peace and tranquility via self-improvement behaviors, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or other forms of relaxation.
Another tool that many professionals ardently support to maintain a grounded spirit is to listen to music. Playing your favorite song in a moment of solitude, even when the world around appears to be collapsing, has enormous benefits. In such instances of overwhelming stress, a familiar song from your distant past might help you regain your sense of composure and afford some quiet reassurance. So, lately, I’ve turned to music to help me stay grounded in the moment. I’ve found that listening to a song, especially during a break in the action on the gridiron, affords me necessary respite.
So, fittingly, I turn to the music of my youth – songs of long past that not only brought a smile to my face but help restore lucid thinking. Whenever the Philadelphia Eagles stir me up, I have naturally learned to turn to another band of birds with the same name – The Eagles. Founded in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, this California rock quartet has amassed its share of number-one singles, chart-topping albums, and Grammy Awards. We all know the lyrics of their top hits like ‘Hotel California,’ ‘Desperado,’ ‘Already Gone,’ and ‘Take It to the Limit.’
But, today, I’m turning your attention to a smash hit from their debut album.
In the song, ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling,’ the late Glen Frey, whose memory we honor today (Nov 6) on what would have been his 72nd birthday, tells us to keep calm in the face of distress.
And I get a peaceful easy feelin' And I know you won't let me down 'Cause I'm already standin' On the ground!
I’m reminded that I need to keep my sanity even in the face of terrible blunders on the part of my beloved football team. The next time the Philadelphia Eagles let me down on the football field by throwing an interception when they should have just run the damn ball, I’ll turn to my Apple Music and that illustrious ballad by the Eagles. After all, it’s hard to fall too far from grace when you’re already standing on the ground.
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