The Cycle of Karma in Billiards: When Negativity Comes Back
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The Genesis of Billiards Fun
It all began when I was just tall enough to reach across the billiard table. My father transformed our seldom-used garage into a vibrant pool hall, hoping to keep us and the neighborhood kids entertained. He decked it out with stunning redwood paneling, believing this would not only keep us busy but also save money on trips to local pool halls.
Competing Against Family and Friends
In this makeshift hall, I found myself up against a mix of family, including my Great Uncle, my brother Dennis, and a few neighborhood friends. I quickly learned the essentials: how to rack the balls with the eight ball in the center, avoid scratching the felt, and properly chalk my cue. However, my true edge came from a unique strategy known as Psych Ball.
Psych Ball: The Art of Mental Manipulation
Psych Ball isn’t a formal game; it’s a technique I picked up, especially from observing my brother. The concept is simple: just before your opponent is about to take their shot, instill doubt in their mind. You could say something like, “That looks like a tricky shot; I’ve never seen anyone make it!” More often than not, this would shatter their focus, leading to a mistake.
Was it ethical? As a child, I thought so. I needed every advantage to compete against seasoned players. I convinced myself it was merely leveling the playing field, a way to secure a win.
Consequences of Playing Dirty
However, the repercussions of my actions eventually caught up with me. In a song by Cat Stevens (Yusuf) titled “In the End,” there’s a poignant reminder that everything you do comes back around.
Indeed, this notion rang true in my life. My inner dialogue began to sabotage my efforts, echoing the same negativity I used against others. Thoughts like: - "Can I really achieve this?" - "Will I be good enough for that promotion?" - "Will anyone be interested in my art?"
Karma’s Gentle Touch
Fortunately, I discovered a remedy: kindness. I made a conscious effort to stop undermining others to secure my own victories. I embraced the idea that my true essence is to uplift those around me, including myself. Positive affirmations replaced the doubt: “I can succeed; I am worthy; my art will connect with others.”
Karma is a two-way street. The energy and thoughts we project into the world return to us, whether they are uplifting or harmful. It was time to redirect my focus and energy toward positivity for everyone involved, including myself.
Do I Still Play Pool?
I still have my pool cue, and you might hear me in a hall one day saying, “That shot might be tough, but I believe in you; you can make it!” As the balls collide and a shot is sunk, I’ll be the one celebrating their success.
Whether in billiards or in life, I strive to play my best game. And that thought energizes me!