Maximizing Athletic Talent

Much has been written about the best ways to prepare for an athletic contest. Many athletes use a combination of visualization, meditation, relaxation training, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. Some like to mentally rehearse their perfect performance. Others like to get into the right frame of mind by listening to inspiring music or calming music.

Some time ago, I developed what I call "A Universal Trance For Athletes." This is a simple self-hypnotic exercise which has been used by athletes in a wide range of sports. The technique teaches athletes how to use the image of a camp fire to enhance their courage, focus, energy and concentration. Athletes are trained to get an image of camp fire in their mind and to absorb the energy and power from the fire into their minds and bodies.

Imagine that you are in your favorite place to build a fire. This could be a fireplace or it could be a campground. It really does not matter. You choose what is comfortable. You have gathered the necessary items to start and build your fire. You are prepared to make contact with nature and to create a warm, comfortable and enjoyable mood. After a few moments, you have created a warm and enjoyable fire. And after you enjoy the results of your work, you find yourself gazing at the fire and enjoying the color, the heat, the energy and the warmth.

And you find that your mind and your body can absorb and internalize the warmth, the energy and the power of the flames. Also, your body and your mind can internalize these feelings and you can use the strength, comfort, power and good feelings to excel at whatever you want to excel at. If you play a team sport, you can bring your fellow players to the fire. And you can all absorb the energy and positive images that we all connect with fire.

Spend as much time as you like at the fire and take all the time you need to absorb, focus and do whatever you need to do to heat your mind and body up for your ideal performance at your sport.

Fire has a naturally hypnotic quality about it and is a powerful and positive image for virtually all of us. I am told that warriors of old used to build large fires before going into battle. Today, many football teams and their fans create inspiring fires before big games.

This technique is simple and the entire exercise is about eleven minutes long. Athletes love this simple mental exercise and have reported great results by using this kind of imagery. Some use it prior to the contest. Others use it during breaks in their sport. For example, baseball players use it between innings and golfers might use it while they walk toward their ball.

To get a complete description of this exercise as well as 21 other hypnotic trances click on http://www.stayinthezone.com/get_stay.htm For more information on sport psychology visit http://stayinthezone.com/