#274 - James Tatham | AIS Performance, Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach
Channel: High Performance Content for AFL Staff & Athletes
Date: 2023-10-03

Key Topic: Mindful Coaching: How Nepal and Buddhism Influenced James Tatham's Approach 
 
With a career spanning over a decade, James has distinguished himself as a passionate and multi-skilled professional, making a significant impact in the world of coaching and performance enhancement. 
  
Drawing from a wealth of experience, James has dedicated his career to honing the skills necessary to propel athletes to their peak potential. He has worked tirelessly with both professional and amateur athletes, carving out a niche as a trusted guide for pre-elite youth and general populations seeking to excel in the field of strength and conditioning. 
  
Currently donning the Australian Institute of Sport colors, James undertakes critical assignments that exemplify his commitment to elevating sports performance. At the heart of his endeavors is his role in sculpting Australia's rising basketball talents as part of Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence. With an unwavering focus, he lays the foundation for the nation's brightest prospects to flourish and make their mark on the international stage. 
    
Join us in this captivating podcast episode as we delve into James Tatham's journey, unraveling the intricate layers of his expertise, passion, and unwavering dedication to sculpting a generation of athletes primed for greatness. 
 

Highlights from the episode:  
 
00:00 Mindfulness practices he learned in Nepal
01:16 His personal journey and connection to Buddhism 
02:08 Exploring the concept of establishing an emotional home base for athletes
03:08 Impact of James's experiences in Nepal on his approach to coaching
04:06 How to improve focus and mindfulness

The interview discusses a 12-day meditation retreat, where participants start their day at 4:30 or 5 a.m. and engage in various forms of meditation and mindfulness practices. The retreat includes activities like mindful showering, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and eating meditation. Participants observe "Noble silence" and strive to live like monks. The retreat progresses through different themes over the 12 days, including mind sharpening, mindfulness, and ending with a focus on spreading love and kindness. The practice of equanimity, or accepting things without judgment, is highlighted as a valuable tool for coaches in the world of performance. The interviewee suggests that mindfulness can improve focus and recommends understanding that mindfulness is an interruption to mind wandering, which is a common mental state that can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction.

People Mentioned:

- Steven Bird 
- Tom Tomlinson 
- Simon Cron 
- Julian Jones 
- Steve Smith 
- Jack Thompson

Connect with James:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/titham189/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/titham189
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-tatham-96207978/