5 of 14

Write now Article Tools

For me playing darts has become a study in at-momentness, that zen like awareness of being in the "zone". Like a bird floating with the currents of the Earth, the Earth spinning on its axis, the wind currents and the thermal layers...the bird seems perfectly still, yet moving in that zone.

Playing darts is an activity that I can perform with others in a social setting or by myself. If in a social setting most players treat the person on the throwing line with the same respect that golfers get from the gallery during a putt. Chatter diminishes and there is that perfect opportunity to become one with the zone-universe. I am sure Master Yoda played in his early training.

It is the same as a basketball player shooting fouls, with no time left on the clock, and down by one point, the thrower must focus purely and simply on the task at hand. There is none of the internal chatter that his team is down by one point or, this shot will make or break the game and send his team to the NCAA Final Four; it is just another foul shot. Bounce the ball the same number of times as always, take a deep breathe, pause, visualize and shoot while knowing the shot will leave his hands and move perfectly to and through the hoop.

So here I am at the throwing line, glance down and confirm toe placement is behind the line. I hold the dart the same as always, balanced just so, take a relaxing breathe , raise my arm as I move my rear foot back for stability and balance. I focus the dart and the board as I become the dart and the board. All other sounds in the room become a background that I do not notice. There is only the dart and the board in my consciousness. My arm draws back and the dart leaves my fingers. The board awaits the dart with receptiveness and quietness. Internally I imagine the dart and the board both smiling as the board welcomes the dart. There is no shooter or thrower. There is no opponent or team. There is the dart and the welcoming board.

That was the first throw and now there are two more throws. I follow the same procedure each and every time neither thinking nor hoping. I have become the dart and the board. There may be people nearby who are joking, possibly music is playing but for me, there is only the dart and the board.

The reader may think this is Eastern martial arts or meditation but it is a worldwide process used by many in all walks of life. It is true that the martial arts are renowned for this attitude, but it is in the Western world too. Meditation is nothing more than focusing attention on one point. Sports are where most of us can visually experience it. The golf course, the foul line in basketball, the winning field goal with no time left on the clock. All these examples use the same basic techniques that I use when playing darts.

Remember that it is not called playing' darts for nothing. Make it a good game.

Learn more about this author, WillN.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: Why I play darts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!