DeAndre Jordan, a towering presence on the court, reveals a surprising secret weapon off it: meditation. But how does a busy NBA player find time for mindfulness?
In a recent Q&A event, Jordan, a center for the New Orleans Pelicans and a student at Brown University, shared his unique preparation routine. Before some games, he dedicates 10 to 15 minutes to meditation, a practice he believes helps regulate his emotions and focus.
Jordan's journey with meditation began before the pandemic, when he sought a way to manage the emotional roller coaster of sports, family, and personal life. He found solace in meditation, a break from the pressures of being an NBA star. And when he discovered Brown's contemplative studies program, he saw an opportunity to deepen his understanding.
But here's where it gets controversial: Jordan, a busy professional athlete, chose to enroll in a demanding academic program. He admits it's a challenging balance, but credits meditation for helping him manage the stress. This raises an intriguing question: Can meditation be a performance enhancer for athletes?
During the event, Jordan engaged with students, including members of the men's basketball team, offering insights into his career and mindfulness. He shared how he uses meditation to aid injury recovery, visualizing faster healing. And this is the part most people miss: Jordan's openness about his struggles and the potential of meditation as a tool for athletes.
The event left a lasting impression on attendees, with one student, Jerrell Barron, praising Jordan's vulnerability. Another, Charles Kohl, found inspiration to pursue contemplative studies due to his own basketball-related challenges. The Q&A highlighted the program's impact and the potential for meditation to enhance various aspects of life.
Professor Harold Roth, who met Jordan through the National Basketball Players Association, believes Brown offers students a chance to discover their potential and live a life of purpose and service. This event showcased how meditation and mindfulness can be powerful tools for athletes and students alike, sparking conversations about their broader applications.
