Lessons from Cornhole
My parents came down for their annual October trip this past week. I always look forward to this week, even knowing that they will stay well past their “3-night maximum.” (A rule I created in jest… I always end up wishing they remained far longer.)
The weather was absolutely perfect — a little “crispy” in the mornings as Gabi and I shared a cup of coffee before she went to work and my parents snoozed off their travels; afternoons of sunshine and a beautiful breeze. We soaked it all up, drinking beers on the back patio, sharing updates on family members and work and silently toasting my brother who would’ve turned 29 this year.
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A couple of the nights were capped off with a few games of “Cornhole.” We call it “Wheat Sack,” which seems sacrilegious being from Nebraska. Both of my parents are good at this game… Gabi and I rarely even cracked double-digits before they inevitably won each match.
My dad can be especially lethal with the bags. He’s incredibly consistent in his tosses, and he will often sink 3 or 4 bags a round. Just smiles and takes another swig of beer. I don’t believe the man is even capable of feeling pressure or anxiety.
I, on the other hand, am incredibly streaky. Sometimes it feels as if I can’t miss, other times it’s as if I have to think through every movement of every joint just to get the bag to reach the board. I can draw some strong parallels between this game and my trumpet playing.
I am prone to create and self-inflict pressure, especially in tense scenarios like auditions or even standard performances. All of my training in quieting my busy mind and achieving effortless focus can be fully summed up in my dad’s toss. A quiet focus, a simple approach, an easy release, and a laugh when it doesn’t go 100% perfect. My dad wants to win, but he also trusts that he can. He sees where he wants the bag to land and he trusts his body to follow suit. I can learn a lot from my dad’s effortless focus, even when I can’t be aided by a couple of Busch Lights.
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Gabi and I won’t be beating my parents in a game of “Wheat Sack” anytime soon, but I’m so grateful for this time I get with my folks — and to learn some life lessons along the way.
This blog post brought to you by Busch Lights and Louisiana Saturday Nights.
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