Mindfulness in Sports: George Mumford's NBA Secrets

For five years, George Mumford worked as a sports psychologist with the Chicago Bulls during their championship era with Michael Jordan, later extending his expertise to the Los Angeles Lakers. His unique approach combines mindfulness meditation with elite athletic training.

The Power of Being Present in Sports

What does mindfulness offer athletes?
Mumford explains it creates:
- Flow state (being "in the zone")
- Reduced self-consciousness
- Effortless concentration
- Faster reaction times

"When we are mindful of what is going on, there's a lack of self-consciousness, relaxed concentration, and sense of effortlessness." - George Mumford

Meditation: The Warrior Training for Athletes

Mumford emphasizes that peak performance requires daily practice:

1. Not just game-time focus: "This is warrior training - a full-time job"
2. Emotional control: Critical for high-pressure situations
3. Team awareness: Understanding teammates' movements intuitively
4. Automatic execution: Reaching a state where skills flow without conscious thought

Practical Example: Free Throw Psychology

• Short shot? Adjust arc next time
• Front rim hit? Increase shooting angle
• Key: Practice until execution becomes automatic

Implementing Mindfulness with NBA Teams

How Mumford introduces meditation to skeptical athletes:
- Leverages his credibility (working with MJ and Phil Jackson)
- Focuses on immediate benefits (entering the zone)
- Teaches that flow comes as a byproduct of attention, not force

Meditation vs. Substance Abuse: A Personal Perspective

Having overcome heroin addiction, Mumford draws powerful comparisons:

Drug High	Meditation State
Artificial stimulation	Natural awareness
Temporary escape	Lasting transformation
External chemical trigger	Internal skill development

"Mindfulness teaches opening to experience rather than pushing it away."

Transforming Violent Warriors to Spiritual Warriors

Mumford's advice for personal transformation:
- Take responsibility for actions
- Understand consequences beyond immediate moment
- Make amends where possible
- Choose differently next time

Key Insight: "It takes more courage to walk away than to stay and get involved."

The Present Moment: Where Change Happens

Mumford's core philosophy:
- Now is all we have for making changes
- Self-mastery is harder than conquering others
- Benefits extend beyond the individual to entire communities

Posted with permission from MBA Allstars