I wondered a bit where this post was going but you write so well I had to keep going. And, then, wow, the last two paragraphs. They are so powerful and you say so much that is so important there. Maybe you could expand on that sometime? Anyway, this was so worth reading. Thanks.
I hope so. Is there anything you have written--book, magazine article--that is in English? It looks like Amazon has German only books. Your ideas are worth a further read. Thanks very much.
Thank you for the golf shade, it was worth waiting a week.
And very insightful thoughts on the disassociation from the body being a growing phenomenon among non-athletes. Hadn't put a finger on that trend yet, but you're absolutely right about its exponential growth.
Andrea, I learn something each time. I was a carpenter for 45 years and we learned to put our minds into a different place, especially after weeks of long days in extreme cold or heat and heavy lifting all day. I wanted to remove my arms when I came home. Check out my carpentry poems some time.
This is, as usual, just really interesting, this separation between mind and body in order to push it to extremes. I imagine this is also what people like serious mountain climbers do, to ascend to that next peak they have no business of ascending - and then they do.
But wow, this 'the body can take anything for ten seconds' notion - I've never heard of that or that mentality until now. And all I can say is...maybe the life of a bee on a tennis court is a little bit easier, if shorter... 🐝
Great observations! Maybe it is our estrangement from nature that has contributed to our body disconnection. Our bodies are much older than our consciousness. They contain ancestral memories.
I have had pre-Covid anosmia for over 4 years. This has been a bummer since I loved to cook and eat and drink vast quantities of wine. It has also been isolating and depressing to say the least. I am all Italian so food and wine was part of my DNA. It is as though part of my body has deserted me.
Thank you for writing this! You put into words what I’ve never been able to. When I was reading it I thought you must be a swimmer as I once was. Still the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and I’m 15 years retired. Excited for you that you get to all the other aspects of life without the weight of physical performance looming over you! Thanks again!
Your body may have been your tool, however, your mind (thanks to your generous work here) is our source of insight and delight. Thanks
Each Finite Jest is such a pleasure! In the middle of a cranky work day, you give me a pause and a very big smile.
I wondered a bit where this post was going but you write so well I had to keep going. And, then, wow, the last two paragraphs. They are so powerful and you say so much that is so important there. Maybe you could expand on that sometime? Anyway, this was so worth reading. Thanks.
maybe i will expand on it in the future. it‘s something that has been on my mind lately. thank you for the push!
I hope so. Is there anything you have written--book, magazine article--that is in English? It looks like Amazon has German only books. Your ideas are worth a further read. Thanks very much.
Thank you for the golf shade, it was worth waiting a week.
And very insightful thoughts on the disassociation from the body being a growing phenomenon among non-athletes. Hadn't put a finger on that trend yet, but you're absolutely right about its exponential growth.
It's March 16th, 16 degrees, and tops off in London! Called it.
of course! hahaa
Really enjoying your new works☺️!
wowowow. Its a nice feeling when I open my mailbox and there is a thread of yourse. Have a nice weekend Andrea. Where are you right now?
Nice to read these "behind the scenes" and "off-topic" tennis issues.
=)
Happy vs Unhappy is the best section of the blog. Not saying the main body isn't good but the takes on H v UH are amazing.
Thanks again, Andrea! I have shared your Substack with my athletes, and again - I believe your best work lies ahead of you.
All good - BTW - Google served up this from my archive - where are they now?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jrshR9Qhp5MeMkP27 Enjoy!
Andrea, I learn something each time. I was a carpenter for 45 years and we learned to put our minds into a different place, especially after weeks of long days in extreme cold or heat and heavy lifting all day. I wanted to remove my arms when I came home. Check out my carpentry poems some time.
https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/an-old-profession
This is, as usual, just really interesting, this separation between mind and body in order to push it to extremes. I imagine this is also what people like serious mountain climbers do, to ascend to that next peak they have no business of ascending - and then they do.
But wow, this 'the body can take anything for ten seconds' notion - I've never heard of that or that mentality until now. And all I can say is...maybe the life of a bee on a tennis court is a little bit easier, if shorter... 🐝
Great observations! Maybe it is our estrangement from nature that has contributed to our body disconnection. Our bodies are much older than our consciousness. They contain ancestral memories.
I have had pre-Covid anosmia for over 4 years. This has been a bummer since I loved to cook and eat and drink vast quantities of wine. It has also been isolating and depressing to say the least. I am all Italian so food and wine was part of my DNA. It is as though part of my body has deserted me.
Andrea, I now look forward every Friday just so I can read whatever new thing you've written!
You write so well Andrea - I can't wait untill your first book comes out and I will be the first in line to purchase it and read it forever.!!
Thank you for writing this! You put into words what I’ve never been able to. When I was reading it I thought you must be a swimmer as I once was. Still the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and I’m 15 years retired. Excited for you that you get to all the other aspects of life without the weight of physical performance looming over you! Thanks again!