I just returned from the Meditation Retreat for Mental Performance Coaches in Madison, WI. It was organized and led by Chad McGehee, who is the Director of Meditation Training for the University of Wisconsin athletic department. What I particularly enjoyed was Chad's philosophy of blending insights from modern neuroscience and contemplative practice in order to train the mind for performance and well-being. Specifically, the goal is to help people become more focused, resilient, and better teammates. In addition to exploring a host of mindfulness practices, we delved into the scientific research. Here are a couple of nuggets that were highly compelling:

I'll be sharing more of these findings, but if you'd like to take a deeper dive, check out the Center for Healthy Minds or the free Healthy Minds app.

Sam Presti wasn’t a typical teenager. At 16, he wrote a letter to The Boston Globe urging the Celtics to rebuild through the draft instead of clinging to costly veterans. A few years later, he turned a Spurs internship—where he often slept in the training room and consumed more than his share of protein bars—into a full-time scouting role. Ever resourceful, Presti even traded Spurs gear to French fans for VHS tapes of a young Tony Parker. The Spurs drafted Parker, and he helped lead them to four NBA championships. In 2007, Presti was hired as the GM of the Seattle Supersonics—a role he retained through their move to Oklahoma City. Since then, he’s guided the franchise to multiple Finals appearances and, most recently, the 2025 NBA championship.

Listen to Presti speak for any length of time and certain words recur: learning, growth, curiosity, opportunity, and possibility. A voracious reader, Presti is always searching for insights and competitive edges. At the start of the 2024–25 season, he framed the Thunder’s mindset this way, “We recognize that in order to be exceptional… you have to be willing to be an exception.” His full 17-minute season-opening address is worth a listen, but here are a few standout quotes:

After winning the NBA title, Presti reflected: “If you want to be the exception, you have to be willing to be exceptional. That point was aimed at the idea that we had to defy conventional expectations. The quest to be exceptional requires doing things that are often unorthodox—and this team embraced that.” Presti’s philosophy is a powerful reminder for athletes and leaders alike: if you want uncommon results, you must be willing to pursue an uncommon path.

During the meditation retreat, we utilized the natural beauty of the grounds to great effect. Whether through a morning run, mindful movement, or a walking meditation, the lush greenery enhanced each experience. Although not identified as such, we were definitely engaged in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Originating in the 1980's, this practice focuses on mindfully engaging with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the forest. Research shows that time spent in forest environments can reduce cortisol levels, lower pulse rate and blood pressure, increase parasympathetic activity, and decrease sympathetic activity, all of which promote relaxation. Especially for those of us in the desert, go find some some green spaces. Your mind and body will thank you.

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