Wednesday, August 31, 2016

King Henry VIII, Bowling, and Carpe Diem Life

Bowling season started the other night.  Though not a “serious” bowler in terms of competition, I do try to at least hold my own. 

Bowling is a striking example of Carpe Diem Life.

Once a person has CHOOSEN to take up bowling or any sport there is a need to focus on specific objectives / ACTION LISTS.  RESOURCES include research (books, articles, videos, coaching) and equipment.  Next comes PERSISTENT ACTION / PRACTICE.

Bowing, like most skills, requires a series of very specific steps and, as a consequence, specific adjustments to achieve specific results.  Some adjustments are mechanical, while others are based on lane conditions and equipment used.  For example, moving your feet just one inch or rolling the ball just 1 inch to the left or right can make a huge difference by the time the ball reaches its final destination -- the pins. The difference can result in a strike or an awful split.  So, it really takes constant EVALUATION and changing DIRECTION to IMPROVE.   Of course, it’s fun (ENJOY THE PROCESS).

The final piece of the puzzle is MY RESPONSIBILITY/LIFE.  No one can  approach the line and roll the ball for you.  No one is going to practice for you.  In the beginning, don’t be too concerned with how well you score.  With commitment, research, and practice, the means will come.

And now, for some trivia according to the all-knowing WikiPedia:
In 1511 English King Henry VIII (an avid bowler) banned bowling for the lower classes, imposing a levy for private lanes to limit them to the wealthy. Another English law passed in 1541 (repealed in 1845) prohibited workers from bowling except on Christmas, and only in their master's home and in his presence. In 1530 he acquired Whitehall Palace in central London as his new residence, having it extensively rebuilt complete with outdoor bowling lanes, indoor tennis court, jousting tiltyard, and cockfighting pit.

Carpe Diem Life!

1 comment:

  1. Only tennis remains in the elite realm today. Bowling as an aristocratic sport would be laughable today. Time marches on...so pick up those splits when you have the chance.

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