We at One Living love this time of the year as it's the Autumn Rugby internationals! Who ever you have been supporting there have been some cracking games with some kicks (or missed kicks) deciding very tight matches.
So… a question for you. Have you ever wondered what was going through Jonny Wilkinson’s mind as he kicks a ball?
Our founder Jonny Wilkinson explains the key to kicking a rugby is mindfulness. “Balance and remaining presence is all the power I need to kick the ball… and I want to make sure I don’t want to give that up for anything”
Wellbeing and balance often come from surprising places—like learning how to kick a ball and make it go exactly where it’s needed. The process shows that staying balanced and fully present can be all the power required. But holding onto that presence as the stakes get higher? That’s the real challenge.
Imagine standing a few steps away from the ball, feeling calm, grounded, and in control. The balance is there; the focus is clear. But as those steps close in, approaching that all-important moment where foot meets ball, the mind starts jumping ahead. Suddenly, there’s that urge to simply hope everything goes right, instead of staying connected with each step.
It’s a feeling familiar in all kinds of situations: the big meeting at work, an important conversation, a test, a performance—any moment when everything is on the line. It’s tempting to check out, go on autopilot, and just wish for the best. But in those moments, the real power comes from choosing presence. Choosing to stay in the moment, especially when it matters most.
As that critical moment approaches, it’s all about focusing on the here and now: “Stay present, stay balanced.” This takes practice, but when presence is held right up to the final moment, things tend to fall into place. That’s the key—keeping balance, staying present, and letting the rest take care of itself.
