"Sitting zazen, I learned to trust the moment -- to immerse myself in action as mindfully as possible, so that I could react spontaneously to whatever was taking place. When I played without "putting a head on top of a head," as one zen teacher puts it, I found that my true nature as an athlete emerged. It's not uncommon for basketball players, especially young ones to extend a great deal of mental energy trying to be somebody there not. But once you get caught up in that game, it's a losing battle. I discovered that I was far more effective when I became completely immersed in the action, rather than trying to control it and fill my mind with unrealistic expectations." . ~ Phil Jackson, Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons Of A Hardwood Warrior . . ***** The Success Series is an instagram project where I share insights from entrepreneurs, entertainers, writers, philosophers, and others on succeeding in business and in life. . #TheSuccessSeries #philjackson #sacredhoops #zensuccess #inspiration #success #spiritualwarrior