I remember learning how to swim. As I was practicing, I noticed that I just was not going very far very fast although I was kicking and swinging my arms like mad. In the middle of my furious attempts to move, I thought there must be a better and easier way. I decided to stop trying so hard and just focus on what I was doing. I slowed my kicking down and paid attention to how I was moving my legs. I stopped throwing my arms around and focused on the movement and placement of each stroke. I became aware of how I was feeling and a sense of calm came over me. I relaxed into the flow of my movement and just started swimming.
How often is playing WARMACHINE and HORDES like this? We struggle and struggle against the flow and try too hard to make things work the way we planned out when we made the list. We stare at the tabletop almost angrily that the opposing player didn't fall into our well thought out theorymachine. Sometimes, we become frustrated, and almost give up before the game even ends. I've done it, and I've seen other players do it.
We forget that the important part is in the journey, not the destination. This is a game! We play it to have fun! We play it because we love the hobby and then enjoy rolling dice, too. Just like my swimming, we can relax and begin to focus on what is important. If we keep in mind that being present in the moment and concentrating on the task at hand is what counts, the rest will take care of itself. Letting go and getting into the flow of the game is what will move us forward.
Where in your game are you struggling against the flow? Let go and get into the flow. Concentrate on the here and now and what is present in this moment. Think target priority. Figure out what you CAN do this turn, not what you WANT to do. Awareness and trust are key to this process. Be aware of what you are doing in the moment and just have fun playing the game. Enjoy the journey!
