Wake Up! The Olympics Are On!

And a meditation to unite us.

Hello there.

Who’s watching the Olympics?

One of the best things about the Olympics is how they draw us together and put us on the same team. These days, more than ever, we need that.

Members of Team Italy celebrate after winning the Gold Medal.

FRANCK FIFE/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

The Olympics unite us. We can talk to a stranger about them in a way that says, hey, we might not be acquainted but we are both here, alive together. We have been collectively awed by Simone Biles on her redemption tour. We were charmed by the pommel horse specialist, Stephen Nedoroscik, on the men’s team tugging on his ear to honor his grandfather who died last year. We saw the Egyptian fencer, Nada Hefez, who competed at seven months pregnant. Did you hear about the Norweigan swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who is obsessed with the chocolate muffins in the Olympic Village? He might not have earned any medals, but he has amassed quite a following for his hilarious TikToks. Who among us does not respect Olympic Medalist and lipstick wearer Ilona Maher who leads the way, promoting body positivity and women’s rubgy so gracefully.

And then there is Snoop Dogg, having the time of his life—taking swimming lessons with Michael Phelps, learning to fence in full regalia with the US women’s team, and checking out fancy cream puffs and dancing horses at Versailles. He shows up and is curious about what is happening around him. That is such a beautiful and humble way to show up in the world.

By the way, did you know the plane used to fly horses to the Olympics for their events is called Air Horse One? I kid you not!

There is much to marvel at when you watch the Olympics. The athletes’ personal stories are often touching and always filled with dedication. The full range of human emotion is on display, and we witness it together. It doesn't matter what our differences are. We are watching this together.

It only makes sense that this week’s meditation is a traditional Loving-Kindness meditation. You know the one. It’s the style of meditation where we send well wishes to friends, strangers, and even people we find difficult - to all living beings everywhere, without distinction. Without exception. Including yourself. The usefulness of increased compassion for others and oneself is self-evident in any situation. It is a skill we can nurture.

The Olympics reveal the depth and beauty of the human spirit. We see it in the elite athletes. Perhaps we can learn to see it in each other.

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