In detaching with lower energies, one is able to hold and sustain higher forms of energy

Chakra meditation can be started as a step-by-step process. As one focuses and works with denser forms of energy based at the root and the sacral chakra, one is able to embrace the higher, subtler energies easily.

The lower chakras are associated with denser emotions that of survival, safety and security. We are attached to our emotions, and with attachments come the vices of fear, guilt, shame, competition, ego, etc. While these attachments and emotions have their own role to play in unleashing our virtues (read the previous article), more often than not, we get caught up in them. In getting entangled, one is unable to detach and sustain the energies of higher chakra centres.

Those who choose to move out of the whirlpool of the heavy energies, having known, understood and lived their importance, will seek transformation. (It is imperative to have understood the importance of denser feelings to traverse). This transformation takes place in the solar plexus chakra.

The manipur or the solar plexus chakra is where one works with the energies associated with self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. While meditating on this energy centre, one is able to deal with non-serving feelings of anxiety, aggressiveness, anger, etc and replace them with self-control, understanding and the right action. Faith will follow that there is already abundance of what is needed and hence, transformation will ensue.

As the transformation takes place, the subtle energy of the heart chakra will start opening up to unconditional love, to giving and receiving, to accepting and surrendering, to experiencing virtues of tolerance and peace and to gratitude. As the consciousness starts opening up, the body as a vessel will start becoming pure, to hold the virtues as vices leave.

You will start seeking the truth and communicating the truth in your true empowered state. Your connection to the divine will go deep and strong. Your needs and wants (of materialistic nature) are long gone. And you start opening up to the vibration of your fifth chakra, the throat or vishuddhi centre. You will be in the vibratory state of no entanglements, just plain truth, spoken from the state of divine connection.

As you move up reaching you ajna (or brow) chakra energy, you have distilled your virtues to an extent that divine connection is already felt. You are ready to merge with the divine light in all its purity.

As you open up and /or balance your chakras one by one, it means, you are rising up from the limitations of the lower chakras and your body-vessel is becoming ready to hold more light, more purity.

Meditation on root chakra opens up the energies of steadiness of the mind and connectedness to the mother earth; you will start feeling awareness toward the gifts of the nature, even as respect and love for natures creation develops. Sacral chakra meditation promotes creative impulses and allows a smooth flow in life. Moving up, the solar plexus meditation gears one to the abilities of adapting and transforming, whereas heart chakra opens up the state of compassion and the ability to give and receive love. The virtue of forgiveness stems from the heart chakra.

What you say, you start becoming mindful of your speech and as the quality of communication improves, you know that the throat chakra Centre is getting activated and balanced. (For example, when you say, I am speaking from my heart). The alignment of these chakras helps one to open up the intuitive abilities at the brow Centre chakra and as you start trusting your intuitive guidance, the dependency on external factors lessens.

While it is advisable to work from lower chakras and step up to the higher ones, you may also contemplate which chakra you feel like mediating on, first. For example, if the feeling of envy rises up often sapping your life force, then you may start with heart chakra meditation.

Even to start feeling what to work on, it is advised to sit in the quietness of honest contemplation to begin with.

Disclaimer: Urmila Rao is a chakra balancing meditation coach, Theta Healer and a sound therapist. All the ideas expressed herein are her own and not professional advice or medical prescription. She can be reached at: milarao2018@gmail.com

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Meditate with Urmila: Sustaining higher energies | Health Fitness - Gulf News

Dear Editor:

Ive been told I need to write a book proposal for my book on meditation if I want to interest an agent and a traditional publisher. How do I do that?

Richard S.

A good book proposal usually includes:

1. Title, Sub Title, and Authors Name. Be sure your title clearly explains what your book is about.

2. Overview. Give a succinct description of your book, how it differs from others in its genre, and why you are the person to write it

3. Target Audience. Be specific about your intended readers.4. About the Author. Explain your background, education, and passion for this subject.

5. Marketing Plan. Detail your professional connections and social media presence.

6. Competitive Titles. List com- parable titles and explain how your book stands out from these.

7. Annotated Chapter Outline.

8. Sample Chapter(s). Include an introduction plus one or two chapters.

Think of your proposal as your primary sales tool. Focus on the benefits to the reader. Who needs this book and why? Does the world really need another book on meditation? Maybe if you can show the reader a new way to embrace meditation, and how it changed your life profoundly, then it can change theirs too.

If you have a question for the editor, please email Betty Sargent.

Betty Kelly Sargent is the founder and CEO of BookWorks.

A version of this article appeared in the 11/25/2019 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Ask the Editor

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Ask the Editor: How to Write a Book Proposal - Publishers Weekly

Luke Hallmark has given his career, and his heart, to high school athletics. He credits his background in coaching to the road that has led him to where he is now, the Superintendent of Education for Marengo County Schools, a position he has held since 2000.

He stepped away from coaching in 1997 to become the principal at Greensboro West Elementary School, but he never stepped away from athletics. Hes a longtime member of the Alabama High School Athletics Associations Central Board of Control. Since 1988 he has been officiating high school basketball, and, since 1997, high school baseball.

He does it all because he enjoys it. Last Thursday he got a phone call from AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese that shows the role hes played is respected and appreciated. Savarese called to tell him hed been selected into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

I was taken aback, said Hallmark. Ive always loved sports. A lot of times you dont think about things like that (getting into the Hall of Fame) because you love sports so much. Whether youre an official, or whether youre coach, or whether youre an administrator, youre doing something that you have a passion for and youre doing something that you really love.

Sports have opened up so many doors for me from high school to playing junior college ball. The contacts Ive made, the people, the friendships, the kids. Its just been really, really a wonderful experience for me.

Hallmark is one of 12 who will be inducted as the Class of 2020 at a banquet that will be held on March 16 at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Spa Convention Center. He is going in in the category of administrator. Joining him will be Carrol Cox, Steve Mask and Fred Yancey, all in the football coaching category; Tommy Lewis and Yvonne Simmons, basketball coaches; track coaches Aaron Goode and Keith Wilemon; wrestling coach Joseph Desaro; soccer coach Rick Grammar; wrestling official Toney Pugh and coach/administrator Samuel Hamp Lyon who goes in in the category of old timer.

Hallmark, 62, lives in Demopolis now but grew up in Uniontown where he was a basketball and football player at Uniontown High School, though he graduated from Perry Christian High School in Marion in 1975. He went on to Marion Military Institute and played two years of junior college basketball. He received his bachelors degree from Auburn in 1980, a Masters of Education degree from what was then Livingston University but is now the University of West Alabama, and earned an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Montevallo.

His first coaching job came at Southern Academy in Greensboro. His coaching career included being the prep coach at Marion Military Institute, and, from there to Demopolis High School, first as an assistant before he was elevated to head basketball coach where his players included 1st round NBA draft pick Theo Ratliff.

It was just a thrill for me to coach and to have great kids around me, Hallmark said.

His coaching background, he said, has been a plus in his role on the AHSAA Board of Control.

It helps a lot. I think you can have a better understanding of situations that may occur. It allows you to work closely with some of these sports committees, and, with me having a finance degree, I also serve on the finance committee of the athletic association. Weve been able to do some really nice things with our finances.

March is a long way away--he jokes that by then I may even forget Im in it. I may have to put a string on my finger to remind me--but Hallmark knows the night of his induction will be memorable. Hes got many years to go but already he knows its been a career well-spent.

I have thoroughly enjoyed athletics, he said. I like the competition. I like the teamwork part of it. I like the bonding. I like the people. There is so much that goes with athletics. Even in the school business, a lot of times when your schools are having good seasons in a particular sport the environments are different. Its just a lot more excitement at the schools and even in the communities. On a Tuesday or a Friday night in a packed basketball gym, just people everywhere watching high school basketball--its just fun. Its special.

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SPORTING LIFE: Luke Hallmark will be inducted into AHSAA - Tuscaloosa News

By Phillip Sandahl and Alexis Phillips3 minute Read

No doubt youve noticed the trendorganizations are putting more and more emphasis on teams. Teams are forming, performing, and reforming at a dizzying rate. As a result, the life expectancy of teams is getting shorter and more mutable. Along the way, many organizations have discovered that their teams are underperforming, and theyre looking for ways to fix the problem.

Our data from thousands of team assessments shows that less than 10% of teams rate themselves as high-performing. This shows how much of a difference team coaching can make and the enormous opportunity that exists. Imagine the impact if an organization doubled that number.

By now, most management and executives are familiar with the concept of individual coaching. The process often involves the use of personality assessments that leaders can refer to so that they understand their style and temperament. The rationale is that by having these insights, it translates into behavior change and, ultimately, more effective leadership.

The same model applies to team coaching. Like individual coaching, team coaching starts with a discovery process to outline goals and outcomes for the team. An effective team coaching process also should include an assessment that provides a deeper understanding of what you might call the personality, temperament, and style of the team.

You see, a team is more than the sum of the individual parts. It is a living system, an entity with a past, a present, and an anticipated future. Just like individuals, teams have moods, strengths, blind spots, beliefs, and unspoken rules of behavior. That all shapes a unique team culture.

Catalysts and events can accelerate change, but real transformations dont come overnight. Thats why coaching is an ideal process for team development. A team-building intervention can appear to have an immediate impact, but that fades quickly when you dont integrate the experience into the teams everyday behavior.

Coaching, on the other hand, is an ongoing process. It starts with discovery, which leads to goal setting and an action plan. The coach then meets with the team to follow up on what the teams learned from implementing those plans.

The focus of those sessions should be twofold: One, identify behavior that supports team collaboration and that the team ought to continue, and two, recognize behavior that undermines cooperation, which the team needs to change.

Almost any team can benefit from team coachingincluding high-performing teams.

Senior executive leadership teams can especially benefit, because they have ultimate responsibility for the vision, strategy, and culture of the organization, and its competitive performance. They are also the most visible model for team behavior. Every layer of leadership looks to the people at the top as examples to follow.

Every merger, acquisition, and internal reorganization often represents an excellent opportunity for team coaching. Significant changes often create new teams and mash different cultures together. Corporations often leave teams on their own to sort things out and figure out how to work together. Eventually, teams find their way, define roles and responsibilities, and create new unspoken rules of how to work together. A new team emerges, but not intentionally. Team coaching can dramatically accelerate this process, starting practically from a blank page.

Project teams also tend to be good candidates. They have clear, measurable objectives, a timeline, and a budget. Often, there is a compelling sense of urgency because there is so much at stake, and the clock is ticking.

Of course, before committing to the coaching process, you need to have the support of senior leadership for it to work. Without leadership support, employees are unlikely to have the motivation to engage in the process. Its also on youas a team leaderto show your employees that you are committed to the process. After all, if you dont take it seriously, neither will they.

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Why managers should hire coaches for their team. - Fast Company

When I was in my early 20s, leadership development was not a blip on my radar.

Rarely did I ever ask myself: What skills are unique to great workers and leaders?It wasn't until much later that I realized how much transformation could come from reading.

Now, having entered the fifth decade of my life, I can say with confidence that the titles below have significantly changed the way I think, act, lead and perceive the world around me. I currently run an executive coaching company, but had I been able to absorb the knowledge from those books much earlier in my career, I'd be even more successful today.

As a CEO and leadership coach, here are the 11 books about leadership, success and professional growth that I consider to be the best of the decade:

By Edgar H. Schein

Communication is key to a healthy workplace. But all too often, managers no matter how much leadership experience they have simply tell their teams what they think their team needs to know. This ultimately stifles growth in the organization and can often lead to conflict and miscommunication.

To generate groundbreaking ideas and avoid disastrous mistakes, Edgar H. Schein, professor emeritus at MIT's Sloan School of Management, argues that leaders must learn how to practice "Humble Inquiry," which he defines as "the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person."

By Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall

In "Nine Lies About Work," leadership and workplace gurus Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall outline the numerous faulty assumptions about work that often lead to office dysfunction.

Using engaging stories, real data and insightful observations from large companies, including Google, eBay and Amazon, the authors reveal the important truths that managers must recognize in order to lead a successful organization. (Here's one mind-blowing truth: "People don't want constant feedback, they want helpful attention.")

Adam Grant, best-selling author of "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World," calls this must-read "one of the most provocative, lucidly written books" he's ever read about work. "Be prepared to throw your strategic plan out the window and become well-lopsided instead of well-rounded."

By Tony Hsieh

Before he became the CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh worked on a worm farm, ran a pizza business and co-founded internet advertising network LinkExchange (which he sold to Microsoft in 1998). And he's learned a lot throughout his journey.

In "Delivering Happiness," Hsieh shares the lessons he's learned in business and life and illustrates how creating what some might call an "unconventional" corporate culture can be a powerful model for achieving success.

More importantly, he explains how we can dramatically increase our own life satisfaction: By concentrating on the happiness of those around us.

By Marie Forleo

Named by Oprah Winfrey as "a thought leader for the next generation," Marie Forleo has taught thousands of entrepreneurs, artists and passionate go-getters from all walks of life how to dream big and back it up with daily action to create results.

At its very core, this book is a deeper reflection on something Forleo's mother once told her: "Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you roll up your sleeves. Everything is figureoutable."

Whether it's a miserable job, a toxic addiction, a broken relationship or a work challenge, Forleo offers plenty of effective and forward-thinking advice on how to break down the barriers that hold us back from success.

By Michael Ventura

Michael Ventura, CEO of the award-winning design firm Sub Rosa, has worked with iconic brands like Google, Nike and Warby Parker to help them truly understand their leaders, their colleagues and themselves.

In "Applied Empathy," he explains why practicing empathy is the only path to powerful leadership. But most leaders don't fully understand how to do this.

This book will teach you what it really means to practice empathy (and no, it's not about expressing pity or sympathy) so you can create a more diverse, innovative and driven team.

By Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Ever wondered why it's so hard to make changes and actually stick to them? The authors of the critically acclaimed best-selling book, "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die," answers this question in their new book.

Using a story-driven narrative and the latest research in neuroscience and psychology, "Switch" will challenge you to think about how to align your purpose with your actions and emotions.

By Eli Broad

Not living the extraordinary life you've always dreamed of? Maybe you're being a little too reasonable. Eli Broad's embrace of "unreasonable thinking" has helped him build two Fortune 500 companies both of which have helped him amass billions of dollars.

Being too reasonable can be dangerous, the entrepreneur and philanthropist says, because it shifts all your focus to figuring out why something new and different can't be done. Those who know how and when to be unreasonable, however, are able to come up with innovative strategies that lead to success.

In "The Art of Being Unreasonable," Broad shares several "unreasonable" principles that can be applied to both your personal and professional lives.

By David Brooks

Building inner character is just as important as building your career.

In "The Road to Character," New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks explores how some of the world's most influential leaders from former president Dwight Eisenhower to social activist Dorothy Day have built inner character: Through internal struggle and a sense of their own limitations.

The Economist writes: "If you want to be reassured that you're special, you'll hate this book. But if you like thoughtful polemics, it's worth logging off Facebook to read it."

By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, who studies personality profiling, people analytics and leadership development, points out that 75% of people quit their jobs because of their direct line manager.

And while it's a known fact that there are more men in leadership positions than there are women, Chamorro-Premuzic argues that instead of scrutinizing the reasons why women aren't able to get ahead, we should be looking more critically at the lack of career obstacles for men.

Cindy Gallop, founder and CEO ofIfWeRanTheWorld, calls this must-read the "single most important book on leadership of our time."

By William Thorndike

A graduate of Harvard College and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, William Thorndike details the extraordinary success of eight successful CEOs who took a radically different approach to corporate management.

You might not recognize their names, but you've probably heard of their companies: General Cinema, Ralston Purina, Berkshire Hathaway, General Dynamics and Capital Cities Broadcasting, to name just a few.

"['The Outsiders'] is an outstanding book about CEOs who excelled at capital allocation," billionaire Warren Buffett wrote in his 2012 annual shareholder letter. "It has an insightful chapter on our director, Tom Murphy, overall the best business manager I've ever met."

By John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey and Conscious Capitalism co-founder Raj Sisodia team up to illustrate how capitalism and good business can be the driving force of the change that the world needs.

"Free enterprise, when combined with property rights, innovation, the rule of law and constitutionally limited democratic government, results in societies that maximize societal prosperity," Mackey writes in the book. "It establishes conditions that promote human happiness and well-being not just for the rich, but for the larger society, including the poor."

"Conscious Capitalism" will help you better understand how some of the most recognizable companies, including Whole Foods Market, Costco and Google, are using profit to build a more cooperative, humane and positive future.

Marcel Schwantes is the founder and CEO of Leadership from the Core. As a leadership coach, he addresses the elements required to create human-centered workplaces that result in high-performing cultures. Marcel is also the host of the podcast, "Love in Action," where he interviews the world's top leaders and influencers. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Don't miss:

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A 50-year-old CEO shares 11 books he wishes he read in his 30s: 'I'd be even more successful today' - CNBC

BY COREY STOLZENBACH sports@dcherald.com

Southridge basketball coach Greg Werner talks to his team before a recent game in Huntingburg. Werner recorded his 300th win Tuesday. Marlena Sloss/The Herald

HUNTINGBURG Greg Werner said his players didn't know he got his 300th career victory on Tuesday, and thats how he wanted it.

All he cared about was seeing the smiles on their faces after Southridge triumphed at Evansville Mater Dei, 48-41. Werner said its something his players can cherish when they look back on things after they're finished. He said its an honor, but added that it isnt about him. Werner praised his players and coaching staff for helping make it happen.

This isnt something you do as one, Werner said. This is something you do as a team, from the water boy to water girl, all the way through our JV players, all the way through our varsity players, all the way through our coaching staff, our video crew. All that stuff. We stick together as one in order to be able to accomplish this.

While in school, Werner weighed what he wanted to be as he was growing up. The 1991 Northeast Dubois graduate played in the front court for the Jeeps, and it was by the time of his last year that he decided he wanted to teach business and become a coach. His sport was baseball, and he played it at Oakland City University. But he loved basketball. He wanted others to experience his love for the game, and his players to work together as a team. Werner said coaching is teaching, and players will see the gains they need to have if they have a good teacher. He said players will fall in love with the game, too, if they see the improvements they are making.

He credited many of his coaches at Northeast Dubois with being an influence in his life. Werner said it started with junior high coach Duane Denu in eighth grade. He said Denu was tough, but knew he cared about him, and that Denu pushed his players to be good. Werner had a lot of respect for coach Brian Wilson, now the principal at Jasper, and his junior varsity coach, Rick Gladish. He also credited his high school basketball coach, Alan Matheis, and some of his younger coaches in Butch Bonifer and Gary Bair.

Southridge was where it all started for him. Werner did his student teaching at Southridge, and was a varsity assistant under Ray Roesner when he was a senior in college. Werner enjoyed his time under Roesner, and he undertook the coachs mantle midway through the 1994-95 season when Southridge needed a freshman boys coach. What followed next was when he began coaching girls varsity at Washington Catholic during the 1995-96 season.

Werner doesn't remember his first win at Washington Catholic, but does remember that first team won five games. He called his first season there a rebuilding situation, and likened it to the current Southridge team in terms of youth. The Cardinals got better when he was there, winning multiple regional titles. He left after 2001-02 and coached the next two seasons at Greenburg, going 14-28 in the process. Most of his wins, though, have come at Southridge, where he first took over the varsity girls team in 2004-05 and won sectional championships in 2007 and 2014. Werner is 196-80 in two stints as coach of the Raiders.

There are some losses that stick out to Werner in his time as a coach. He recalled losing in the sectional semifinal in overtime in 2012 against Evansville Mater Dei, who went on to win its first of two consecutive Class 2A state championships. Werner recalled the Wildcats having size, while Southridge was a small school. He said it still meant a lot even though Southridge lost.

It gives your kids an opportunity to know that they can be as good as anybody, he said.

Werner talked about the regional championships at Washington Catholic and sectional championships at Southridge as some of his more memorable wins, but also remembered when the Raiders met No. 1 Princeton in the sectional semifinal in 2016. The Tigers had Jackie Young, now of the WNBAs Las Vegas Aces. Werner said Young was one of the best players hes ever seen as a coach and likened her to LeBron James. She helped lead Princeton to a 53-game winning streak and a state championship as a junior in 2015. Her team lost only one game when she was a senior, and it was against Werners Raiders, 34-33.

The biggest win has to be the Princeton game, and kids executing the game plan to perfection, he said.

Werner said he got a sour taste in his mouth, though, from not being able to finish off the sectional tournament, as Southridge fell to Vincennes Lincoln in the championship game.

Werner is in the midst of trying to bring back a winning culture to the Raiders after three years away from the team. They are 4-3, and didnt get their fourth win last year until Jan. 8. Southridge won all of four games two years ago. He said the first thing that's needed is trust, and trust is built through communication and relationships. Werner said his players will do what they need to do if he can build relationships as a coach. He added the players must have the want and desire to be successful, which the current Southridge team has had, but cannot lose it.

He said Southridge still has a way to go, but absolutely has been making progress. Werner knows the Raiders can move forward if they stay healthy. He will try to get win No. 301 in Southridges next game on Monday at Boonville.

Theyre starting to get it, Werner said. They've just got to start getting more consistent.

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Southridge's Werner reflects on 300th win - The Herald

When the emotional darkness of a full onslaught severe depression clung like a blanket to Kansas Newman University basketball coach Mark Potter, he knew it was time to get help. Earlier, he had called his wife Nanette crying. As Nanette peered into his eyes that very night, and asked the all-important question that he now admits probably saved his emotional life. Do you need me to take you to that event tonight Mark? Potter paused and admitted, Yes, I need help. Immediately, his wife called several phone numbers listed on the back of his insurance card and finally secured an appointment with a psychiatrist.

However, when the appointment time arrived two days later, Potter slid back in his chair announcing, Im not going and you cant make me, but Nanette boldly advised, that either theyd ask one of Potters burly, tall athletes to put Potter in the car, or he could get in by himself. Ok, Ill get in the car, Potter said.

After the appointment and starting on a prescription for medication, Potter hunkered down at home for a couple of weeks before finally opening his computer, and then talking with his team. He then eventually shared his message of hope and help for depression by forming his own company D2UP.org two years ago.

Coach Potter revealed his deeply personal story to a packed crowd Monday night Nov. 18 when a largely farming community gathered at the historic Blair Theater in Belleville, Kan.

Even with coaching over 800 games in 30 years at the college and high school levels, re-starting Newman Universitys mens basketball team which transitioned to the NCAA Division II level, recently inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame, being a prior college basketball and baseball player himself Coach Potter from Sedan, Kan., acknowledged his biggest emotional victory is now his personal, raw story of climbing out of Depression/The Silent Epidemic 13 years ago when he knew something wasnt right. The presentation was sponsored by a Culture of Health Grant and Kansas State University Research and Extension River Valley District.

Im on a mission now, Potter said. I want to talk to every farmer, every school. The suicide rate for farmers in northwest Kansas has risen dramatically. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in ages 10 to 45 and its an epidemic. Why do we not go get help when its the one thing we need? Potter questioned the packed crowd gathered inside the theater. Not everyone needs to take medication for depression, but its okay to swallow some pride if youre a little bit broken.

I know how small communities are, because I grew up in one. We all have our pride, and we have Facebook and social media. Theres a lot of positive about social media, but do you know what we put on social media? Its those cute pictures and we try to paint this picture of a perfect family, Potter told the audience. And, I grew up in a tough family and we didnt talk about those issues. After going through severe depression, now I talk about it.

CAREGIVERS ROLE

Awareness of a caregivers role in being supportive, was heightened when Potters wife took her turn, on the stage. I taught school for 32 years and had a lot of training on de-escalation, but I didnt even recognize when my husband had mental illness, Nanette said. Then, I went to every therapy appointment with him.

If someone is falling through the cracks with their medication, Potter noted they can get a saliva test where theyll get a swab of their cheek, which is sent in to a lab, and that can help in narrowing down the right medication.

Sports stories hit especially close to home. And, Im speaking for the males here now. If youre struggling; I tell athletes when I travel in Los Angeles, New York City, anywhere, I tell them forget toughness just get help. Then we can deal with the toughness.

I just knew I was going to do this, Coach Potter wiped tears while recounting several tragic stories of people who, sadly never decided to get help, like the grandson of retired legendary Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder. Snyders grandson died by suicide a year and a half ago.

Digging deep into his own story, Potter shared, when his severe depression hit, interestingly, his full life had so many positive elements at the time. My team was doing great, so was my marriage and children, but then everyday issues with the players seemed like 100 times magnified and my thought process was like, whats goin on here? Thats a chemical imbalance in the brain, Potter said. I was beginning to have dark thoughts. I remember driving and tears were rolling down my face. I thought, I sure wasnt going to tell my students or even my wife, but since then as you know, Ive learned you must go the doctor and get it fixed, he said, adding, A chemical imbalance can be addressed through medication, counseling or a combination.

Many of you here probably were raised that we dont talk about it. I think our generation, and generations before us have failed, because people have been suffering in silence with depression, Potter said.

When his depression struck, Potter said he didnt know what he was going through. I thought I was the only one. Then, I learned other coaches suffered from depression, too.

Potter learned that others suffering from severe depression were also relieved to be able to talk about it, but he said it was staggering what he learned from his own parents.

My mom said, What can I do to help you? And it turns out she too suffered from depression, Potter said. When his parents saw he was struggling, his dad also admitted he was on medication for depression for nearly 30 years.

Its the silence thats attached to whats now an epidemic. How many of you have been silent? Potter queried. Well, Im the most guilty person here I used to be silent. We pretended to be the perfect family. Were still trying to be the perfect family.

As he continued pouring his heart out, Potter said, Im intent on sharing so you can get the most out of your talent in whatever you do. There can be more peace in your life I can promise you that. Im not depressed now because of medication.

The only wrong thing you can do is to do nothing at all, Nanette said. Please share with your own family, or a trusted friend.

When I think about all the things Mark wouldve missed if I hadnt done something, she said Im just going to hope and really pray that you here think about this differently now. We are the face of mental illness and it is treatable.

If you knew that you could save a life by talking about it knowing that its not always comfortable to open up, you will save and change lives, Potter said. Im thankful to this day, that my wife didnt take no for an answer.

Hadachek is a freelance writer who lives on a farm with her husband in north central Kansas and is also a meteorologist and storm chaser. She can be reached at rotatingstorm2004@yahoo.com.

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Newman University basketball coach tells his story of depression and getting help - Fence Post

Ian Carrano@ic_sports1

Coaching a sport at any level is difficult enough, and coaching for the same program for 35 years is even tougher. Despite this challenge, Springfield College Diving Head Coach Peter Avdoulos has taken advantage of his opportunities and has significantly contributed to the colleges high level of success in diving.

Being named the NEWMAC mens diving coach of the year 14 times, winning seven National Championships, and coaching 111 All-Americans throughout his career, Avdoulos has secretly been one of the most successful coaches on campus.

Although his career has taken off significantly since graduating from Springfield College in 1985, he had a much different experience than most transitioning into becoming the legendary coach he is today.

Following his graduation, Avdoulos has stayed close to the colleges diving program. Growing up in East Longmeadow, he still had local access to Springfield Colleges athletic facilities. Shortly after his graduation, the diving coach position was eliminated, leaving the team without one. Wanting to help out some of his former teammates, he agreed to coach the team part-time, which turned out to become the full-time job.

It was a full-time position and so what happened was I live locally, and I had a job locally, Avdoulos said. I had teammates that were still here that didnt have a coach. So, I would come by after work and help them out. It just turned into once in a while, it turned into every day, and then they were expecting me to help them out.

Volunteering for the early part of his career, Avdoulos didnt initially believe he would end up becoming the full-time diving head coach until Athletics Director Edward S. Steitz decided to pay him for his contributions. However, as time progressed, he grew to enjoy coaching at the college level.

I just kind of wanted to give back and help the teammates who were still here. I never thought Id be a coach, he said. At first I was kind of skeptical coaching because I didnt know what the heck I was doing. But then, as soon as you can help somebody get better, its kind of infectious. Its like, Okay maybe Im okay at this.

Amidst all the success Avdoulos has found coaching diving over three decades, a lot of it can be connected to his ability to find talent.

Over the past two seasons, hes coached eight All-American divers, including eight divers who earned Diver of the Year awards from the 2007-2015 seasons. With the consistent amount of talent he brings in every year, Avdoulos explained what he looks for out of high-school divers.

Basically, just the love of the sport, potential, dedication. A lot of high school divers are worried that they dont have the repertoire to come in and dive in college, Avdoulos said. I just need someone that is motivated and coachable and has potential. If they buy into the program, theyre going to get better.

Valuing the approach to the sport rather than physical talent, his technique to scouting shows his desire to work with divers who he views has the highest potential and hard-working mentality.

Im looking for kind of a mentality instead of already fantastic, already really good at diving. More potential then proven skills, he said. I mean typically when somebody is already really good theyre going to go after D-I scholarships. I just try to develop from kind of the bottom up.

With a desire to get the most out of his divers, Avdoulos teams stick to fundamentals within his practices. While his team spends a lot of time in the pool, they also spend some time on land. Directing dry-land activities and strength training, he has his athletes spend two days a week with strength and conditioning coaches to balance out their workouts.

Along with the strength training workouts, Avdoulos uses accessories to help his divers perfect their craft. Attaching a harness to the diving board, divers are given an opportunity to practice their tricks with a sense of security to avoid hitting the water.

Like in most sports, technology in diving has played a vital role in allowing athletes to watch their performances to fix their mistakes in practice and in meets. Thats no different with Springfield College diving, which also uses an instant replay system to see visually where their dives need correcting. Understanding people grasp new concepts differently, Avdoulos has made sure to give his divers feedback prior to viewing the film.

As more of a personal coach, Avdoulos is able to get the most out of athletes. Understanding the abilities of his divers, hes been able to build relationships with them and help them execute dives with his vast knowledge of the sport. Seeing first-hand his command of his divers and of the sport, senior Valmore Stewart acknowledged his strong ability to help his divers perform at the highest level.

Coach Pete is a great coach because he understands exactly what each individual diver needs in order to execute each dive perfectly, Stewart said. Plus, he has a sense of humor that only divers can understand.

Throughout his long and successful career, Avdoulos work with a number of talented divers has continued to fuel his love for coaching the sport. With a desire to see his athletes develop into better divers, coaching through the years has been a rewarding experience, which Avdoulos explains what has kept him motivated through the years.

The success of the athletes. Making a difference in peoples lives. Its again rewarding. Its fun to see them develop. I think one of the main things here is development, he said. Its not just getting kids in that are good already and managing them. Ive had many divers come in and start diving in college, never dove before, and make it to the national level.

While his coaching allows his divers to live up to their full potential, Avdoulos impact on his athletes stretches further than the diving board. Understanding his great influence on those around him, he pointed out Avdoulos not only taught him just diving skills, but more importantly life lessons along the way.

From my freshman season to end of Junior year, Pete has been there to teach me not only about diving, but life in general, Stewart said. Hes taught me to go where your heart desires and not to waste time. To be aggressive and passionate with every endeavor I choose.

Through his scouting, management of his divers, and developing the diving program from the ground up, Avdoulos historic career came full circle in 2014 where he was recognized for his many accomplishments as the head diving coach.

Being inducted into the Springfield College Hall of Fame, Avdoulos induction was a powerful momentcelebrating his successful career. Looking back at the induction that put him in the same category as many of the former Springfield College greats with his long list of accomplishments, being selected into the Hall of Fame was a humbling experience he got to share with his family.

Its nice to be recognized, but its humbling to be put in the same group as some of those amazing people in the Hall of Fame. You have that feeling like you dont really belong, Avdoulos said. It was a little bit hard for me to accept that, look around, and see all the coaches around that were here and are here that have done amazing things.

The greatness hes instilled in Springfield Colleges diving program has revealed many qualities that have contributed to his success as a coach and a person in general.

He is understanding, caring, and stern when he needs to be. Great communication skills. Knows when to give you time. The whole nine yards, Stewart said.

Finding success at a consistent level, Avdoulos has cemented himself as one of the best coaches in Springfield College history. As people look back at his career, his greatness will not only be connected to the success of his athletes, but his impact in their lives as well. Through all his accomplishments as the head diving coach, Avdoulos will always be remembered as a great teacher, leader, and life coach for his effect on those around him.

Featured photo courtesy Springfield College Athletics

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'I never thought I'd be a coach': A dive into Peter Avdoulos' legendary career - SC Student Media

DENVER When Tyson Barrie was at his absolute best as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, he and Nathan MacKinnon established a rule: Barrie was not allowed to get off the ice during a power play before his partner in crime.

If I changed hed yell at me, said Barrie. Hed ask me if I was tired or whatever. He wanted me back there so I just kind of changed whenever he changed.

That helps explain how the puck-distributing defenceman ended up with more power-play ice time than everyone else at his position over the past two seasons and accumulated more points than all but John Carlson and Keith Yandle in that game state.

It may also hold the key to rediscovering his lost confidence after a puzzling first few months with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

For it was not by coincidence that Sheldon Keefe decided to elevate Barrie to the teams top power-play unit as part of his first changes as head coach. He also put him alongside Morgan Rielly to start Thursdays game in Arizona a move that was part precursor of things to come, part reassuring touch on the shoulder for a guy who never found any footing under previous coach Mike Babcock.

As much as Barrie didnt think it was a vote of confidence he needed with more than 500 NHL games and three 50-point seasons already under his belt, he appreciated the gesture. And it was immediately followed by his first goal in Leafs colours just in time for Saturdays return to his old stomping grounds.

Im not going to lie: That feels good, especially going into Denver, Barrie said after the 3-1 victory over the Coyotes. I didnt want to go in with no goals.

Following a July 1 trade that saw the Leafs give up their best-value contract, Nazem Kadri, for Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot, the 28-year-old defenceman represented a fault line between Babcock and general manager Kyle Dubas.

Not only did he have his power-play usage cut in half, there almost seemed to be paralysis by analysis with what the coaching staff wanted him to do at even strength. He was a round peg being hammered into a square hole at the expense of his instincts and he suffered through a two-assists-in-19-games slump that made his situation in Toronto look untenable as recently as a week ago.

You know Im trying. I think its obviously weighing on me a little bit, Barrie said on Nov. 14. Ive never really gone through a stretch like this in my career and switching teams for the first time. You dont want to feel like youre letting teammates down and the fans down.

Now?

Barrie believes hes found a new lease on life under Keefe, who is determined to find him a role that looks more like the one he once filled here in Colorado. That will include more shifts beside Rielly and a chance to work the puck around on a power play that features Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander.

As an offensive play-driver, he certainly fits the profile of the kind of player the new coach is hoping to lean on.

We feel like with some of the offensive people that we have and what were able to do, that that will make us a better defensive team because well have the puck a lot more, said Keefe. Well put the other team in tough spots that will limit their ability to transition and play against us.

When Keefe took time during his introductory press conference to say he was focusing on the kind of team the Leafs are, rather than what theyre not, it was hard not to think of Barrie. Hes never been a strong defensive player, per se, but he has a unique vision and a proven ability to make plays with the puck.

The off-season trade to Toronto caught him off-guard and hes taken ownership of his own role in the slow start. This cant all be explained away by a differing view from the coach. But his outlook seemed to turn on a dime when Keefe showed an immediate willingness to build him up and the Leafs bench erupted when Barrie jumped off the point to finally score on his 61st shot this season.

I think thats a big monkey off the back for him, said Matthews.

That monkey was heavier than most because Barrie is in a contract year and had been trending towards one of the least productive seasons of his career.

Hes still dealing with a sense of impermanence he and Kadri simply switched houses after being traded for one another, with Barrie not really in a position to lay down stronger roots in Toronto and will be reminded of what hes left behind this weekend.

Ive got to maybe pick up some mail, he said.

Barrie also planned to grab dinner with MacKinnon and some other former teammates on Friday night. Its a group he remains tight with after spending a decade in the Avalanche organization and essentially growing into a man in Denver.

Therell be some different feelings and emotions to contend with when he returns to Pepsi Center as a visitor. Hell know the guys on the opposite side of the ice much better than he does his own.

Oh, Ill tell you who Im not looking forward to seeing, said Barrie, in reference to his old buddy MacKinnon, the NHLs most explosive skater this side of Connor McDavid.

Yeah. Ive never played against him in my life, he said. Ive been on the fortunate end of that one when hes playing well. Im sure hell take it easy on me.

Originally posted here:
Leafs Tyson Barrie has new lease on life with Sheldon Keefe at the helm - Sportsnet.ca

England coach Eddie Jones says he's handling this month's Rugby World Cup defeat better because he has learned from previous experiences.

South Africa defeated England 32-12 to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan.

Jones was coaching Australia when they lost to England in the 2003 World Cup and says that defeat taught him a lot.

Having been through 2003, it has allowed me personally to handle this defeat better.

The decorated international rugby the coach has published an autobiography which tells his compelling life story.

The tell-all book, which is titled My Life and Rugby, was co-written with South African-born author Donald McRae.

In it, Jones opens up about his upbringing, family life, failures and his successful coaching career.

The coach says writing the book was a reflective exercise which has made him grateful for his fortunes.

It makes you think back to what was important in your life and how you got to where you were.

I've been lucky mate. I've coached a lot of good players. I've been fortunate like that.

Jones recalls when he was the assistant coach to Jake White, the former Bok coach who led South Africa to victory at the 2007 World Cup.

I had that great experience in the 2007 World Cup with Jake White and the South African team, which will always stay very fondly in my memory.

He speaks highly of SA's 2007 rugby team, including players such as Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez, and says South Africa's rugby intelligence is often overlooked.

Because South African rugby is so well-regarded for its physical approach, the tactical side gets a little left behind.

In the book, Jones gets vulnerable about the time he was sacked as Wallabies coach and how he recovered from his stroke.

He hopes his story inspires others and says young coaches should not let heir background's define them.

I want it to be a bit of a textbook for young coaches. It doesn't matter what you've done as a player of where you've come from. Don't let your history or your background dictate what you can do.

It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success.

Listen to coach Eddie Jones as he chats to John Maytham:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : England coach Eddie Jones: It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success

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England coach Eddie Jones: It takes a bit of pain and suffering to have success - 702