It’s been a long time since we’ve gone bowling. We recently found a place with some of the most modern lanes I’ve ever seen with surround music video projected on the side walls, and dedicated attendants to take orders for drinks and food.
I quickly found myself well out of good form. After a few gutter balls and wild throws, things started to get back on track. What was most interesting was to watch the wide range of physical movements people use to improve their own game, and trying on many differnet approaches myself.
It’s been said that the ball goes exactly where you throw it. So, being mindful of the body is critical: center of gravity and balance, speed of approach, swing of the arm, timing of release, and the spin and speed of the ball. What you’re thinking is also a key factor. Expectations of a bad throw raises the odds of one.
It took two games to get limbered up and in half-way decent form. As my game improved, so too was the degree of focus that I was bringing to the alignment of smooth body movements, focus on the intended trajectory of the ball and personal confidence.
Everything that happens, all events that occur and all that we do and think is intended for our enlightenment. Bowling is an especially demanding test of how just present we are in the moment while also providing a chance to have a great time with friends.
Having returned to the game after so many years, I think I’ll be going to the lanes a bit more often.
Happy Bowling.
© Brother Anton and The Harried Mystic, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
The Harried Mystic 
I’m afraid I can’t share your enthusiasm for this sport at all. I often take students along to our local alley and I will bowl with the kids, because they’re not bothered if you’re good or not. But I’ve gone a couple of times with colleagues and that ruined it as they were very competitive and it seemed to matter to them that I was no good at it. I am usually ok at games, but since the bowling needs you to put your fingers into a heavy ball and my fingers are all double jointed and bend the wrong ways, I can scarcely hold even the lightest ball and as for bowling it, well, that’s actually quite painful after a while. My work colleagues seem to think this is me making an excuse for not being good at something; and are not pleasant about it even though i have shown them my weird hands! So I now won’t go because of this. I can’t say I even enjoyed it with the kids but I used to do it to make up numbers and keep the thing fair.
There are other things I do to stay in the moment, though, like sketch and draw and write short poems like haikus.
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Sketching, drawing and poetry are profoundly contemplative and I do share your passion for those. I am not a good bowler at all nor is it a favorite pastime. I was struck, though, in this instance, by the possibilities attached to it. Truth is, of course, whatever we do, it serves awakening if we approach it the same way.
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Indeed.
I think it also highlighted for me certain issues I have with some of the people I work with…
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This is fabulous: “It’s been said that the ball goes exactly where you throw it.” Thank you for that…
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Thanks, Julianna. It is always refreshing to come upon something, like bowling, from which I expect very little spiritually, only to discover there is more to it than meets the eye. Always appreciate your visits and comments.
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