Al Leiter: 'I like starting. It's pretty cool.'

I like starting. It's pretty cool.

In the realm of sports, athletes often have different preferences when it comes to their roles within their respective games. One such preference was beautifully expressed by former baseball player Al Leiter when he said, "I like starting. It's pretty cool." This statement reflects Leiter's affinity for beginning a game as a starting pitcher, setting the tone for his team’s performance. While on the surface, Leiter's words may seem straightforward, it is interesting to dive deeper into the philosophical concept of starting and explore its unexpected significance.At its core, Leiter's quote speaks to the importance of beginnings and the sense of exhilaration that comes with the starting position in any endeavor. Whether it be in sports or in life itself, starting represents the initiation of a journey, a moment of anticipation and possibility. Just like Leiter, many individuals find joy and excitement in taking the lead and being responsible for setting the tone.But beyond the realm of sports, a more profound philosophical notion can be introduced to enrich our understanding of Leiter's words. This is the concept of the Taoist philosophy of Wu Wei, or "the art of non-doing." While seemingly contradictory to the concept of starting, Wu Wei suggests that true skill lies in allowing events to unfold naturally, without force or excessive control. By exploring this unexpected contrast, we can delve into a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between action and inaction, starting and letting go.In the context of a baseball game, the starting pitcher is expected to take charge, throw strikes, and establish dominance over the opposing team. This proactive approach seems to align with the idea of exerting control and taking action. However, the art of non-doing invites us to question whether there is also value in surrendering control to the flow of the game, trusting the natural rhythm and allowing events to unfold organically.When we consider the concept of starting from a Taoist perspective, it becomes clear that our ability to start is inseparable from our capacity to let go. Just as a pitcher starts the game, they must also let go of the need to control every pitch's outcome. By relinquishing excessive control, they can enter a state of flow, responding to the game's nuances with spontaneity and instinct. This harmony between beginning and letting go is the essence of Wu Wei.In our own lives, starting is often accompanied by a desire for control and a fear of the unknown. However, the Taoist perspective reminds us that clinging to control may hinder our ability to truly start and embrace the beauty of new beginnings. Letting go of excessive control allows us to trust the unfolding of events, enabling a more natural and harmonious development of our lives.Moreover, the art of non-doing encourages us to view starting not as an isolated event but as part of an ongoing process. In baseball, starting may be the pitcher’s task, but it is the collective effort of the team that brings victory. Similarly, in life, our personal starting points are interconnected with the actions, choices, and support from those around us. Acknowledging this interconnectedness reminds us of the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and community as we embark on new beginnings.In conclusion, Al Leiter's seemingly simple declaration, "I like starting. It's pretty cool," offers a gateway to a deeper exploration of the significance of beginnings and the interplay between action and non-doing. While Leiter's words reflect his enthusiasm for the starting position in baseball, they also prompt us to reflect on how the concept of starting can be enhanced by unexpected philosophical concepts.By comparing and contrasting the proactive nature of starting with the Taoist philosophy of Wu Wei, we gain a fresh perspective on the value of surrendering control and embracing the natural flow of events. Just as the starting pitcher needs to balance action with letting go, we too can find harmony in our own lives by recognizing the interconnectedness of our personal starting points with the collective efforts of those around us.So the next time you find yourself at the cusp of something new, embrace the art of non-doing and trust the natural unfolding of events. Remember that within every beginning lies the potential for growth, collaboration, and joy. Starting truly is pretty cool.