Sir Stanley Matthews and hurler...A WORTHY REPEAT 14/2/20

Sir Stanley and the hurler.

Stanley Matthews was an Association Footballer. Most people know that. He was such an accomplished player that the Queen of England knighted him; made him Sir Stanley, and this while he was still a player.

He played professionally until he was 50, and at the age of 70, he played his last competitive game as a member of an English veteran team. After that, he lived a very active and productive life, one of generosity with his time and talents, until he reached 85.

 I was reminded of  this recently, by a young and coming hurler, who had just read Sir Stanley’s story. This young hurler also made another interesting point; ‘The Brits are good at honouring their heroes,’ he said, ‘giving the credit to the living, not waiting till they’re dead and gone. He was also a real gent’, a wonderful example on how to do it, on and off the field’.

And what the hurler also reminded me of was something else that struck him forcefully; Sir Stanley Matthews was an advocate of deep, regular, complete breathing as an exercise.

In fact Sir Stan was an enthusiast. He attributed his long and active career to his breathing patterns and the fact that he used them.

One of his tutors was one William Knowles, a renowned breathing practitioner and well known in the UK.
I’d heard stories in Stoke on Trent, when I was there in the late 60’s, where the Legend is still celebrated as a Favourite Son, about how Sir Stanley used to demonstrate his breathing technique to fellow trainers.

It’s an interesting fact, that a lot of people I know who are of a certain age, and breathe regularly and deeply, all have an energy and vitality normally associated with younger years.

To many people, it’s an exercise that’s too simple to be true. Which is a pity, because no one can deny, no one, absolutely no one, that there’s only one way to get the all important oxygen into the body, and that’s by having an efficient breathing system.

It’s a natural process, and the body was designed to be able to do it well, but through conditioning, modern living, and it has to be said, a bit of carelessness, seems to have been dismissed, and as a consequence, has been diminished.

Though now there's  a huge move afoot in the U.S.A., where it’s being hailed as the New Discovery to health, well-being, increased energy, and even enlightenment.

It’s used a lot in the newfound drive to be mindful………..in which pursuit breathing has, is, and always will be, an integral component.

For a sure and effective way to mindful awareness, one that’s been proven over the past 55 years, try this link; 

https://davidhegarty.weebly.com/the-book.html