That's what the coaches and team say before every game in Friday Night Lights. It's a great chant, wise and true. When our eyes take in clearly what's in front of us and when our hearts are strong enough to hold it all, then we're both more able to do our best (maybe a win) and live with whatever happens (maybe a loss).
The same chant could be used before meditation because it's very close to the substance of meditation. In every breath cycle we try to see clearly whatever we're thinking or feeling--to see it as it is not as we'd hoped it might be or how we think it should be. We just see it. At the same time we try to hold these thoughts and feelings gently, compassionately. Clear eyes, strong hearts.
It takes very little time for this practice to begin helping our 'game.' Spend 5, 10, 20 minutes in the morning immersed in clear seeing and big-hearted caring--it spills into your day. Something comes up. Something needs an action, a response. You remember to breathe. The habit is at hand. You see more and you see it more clearly. Your heart feels both a little braver and a little kinder.
Clear eyes. Strong hearts. Can't lose.
