ExploreTruth

I know I’m going to sound a bit crazy for saying this.  But the sports obsession in the USA and the world for that matter is out of control!

Sometimes the excesses in sports remind me of a sort of strange fundamentalist, religious fervor?  I’ve always felt that there are more than 3 major religions in this world.  And watching 50,000-85,000 people crowd a soccer stadium during world cup is evidence to me that the alters towards our gods come in all shapes and sizes.  And as we heap the minutes, hours, and days of our time upon the fire as willing sacrifices to the exorbitantly inflated salaries of competing athletes, it has to say something about us …right?

Admittedly, I’m a fairly casual sports fan. This doesn’t mean I don’t have other alters of my own. So relax.

Growing up I played basketball, soccer, cricket, chase-the-girls-around-school, and many other sports for fun.  I still remember running suicides during varsity basketball practice, and having epic fantasies of my 5′ 9”(ok, 5′ 8″ ish) frame easily dunking a basketball(It happened once or twice ;-)  And yes, I loved watching Michael Jordan sail over the heads of his opponents time and time again, while simultaneously breathing a new hope into the wide eyed faces of a generation.

Yes, I too could be like Mike.

I also recognize the benefits of discipline, lessons of perseverance, or simply a much needed outlet for relaxation or good spirited comradery over a shared jug of one’s favorite beverage.  Yes.  We all need a moment.

But watching the world collectively command the sun to stand still as we waited with baited breath for Lebron James’ Decision was..was…(I mean I still watched it for research purposes) but it was… a bit ridiculous.

And do some lives suck that bad that folks have to resort to burning jerseys to show their devotion?{Old news I know…but still…}

I’m just saying…As long as we have the same intensity when it comes to our lives, and affairs then I’m cool. It’s just when the culture of I-don’t-think-I-have-a-ton-going-on-in-my-life meets dedicating huge chunks of my life and facebook/twitter wall to living vicariously through sweaty mutltimillionaires, that I take issue…AND while I’m at it, lets stop going nuts over Superbowl commercials.  I beg of you.  They’re freaking commercials! (exhaling)…

All I’m advocating is that we paint our faces, and blow some annoying vuvuzelas for the things that are of equal value, or arguably of infinite value: Our lives.

Let us draw real inspiration from the sports giants of our world, but refuse the role of perpetual spectator.

Let us go nuts about discovering our passion, and pursuing our dreams.  Let us organize keg/tea parties for our greatest feats of creativity, displays of strength, and existential dexterity.  Where we become the most valuable players in the ultimate game of discovering truth for ourselves.

Let us get some collective lives. By maintaining a balance that prioritizes whats most valuable in life above other things.  We’re worth more…

Now I’m going to go find a jersey of mine to burn…(Go Lakers)

What do you think?

Pause: Remembering moments from the greatest basketball player of all times: