Is there something to be learned from the zen-like calm of MLB managers?
(Most managers, most of the time.)
On the other hand, while they're externally calm....internally?
As I pass from a young man to an old man I like to think I have learned things along the way. The most important of these learning's and it was a hard lesson that I resisted mightily for 25 years was this:
When things are out of your control you must accept that.
The corollary is:
Make sure you are focused on the big picture and not the moment.
Being a parent of children has been the greatest school for this. You work for 10-14 years to shape, teach, push, support and love these little people. Then one day at around 13 or 14 years this crazy thing happens...they get to step out on their own. How you react to this is crucial for not only your mental and emotional well being but your child's as well.
There will be plenty of real serious issues, bad friends, alcohol, drugs, dating the wrong person, driving cars that can and will alter their lives forever depending on the decisions they make. One thing that is very unlikely to make a bit of difference is if they pop up with 1st and 3rd with one out in the 4th inning of the 3rd game of the year.
So - make sure you have perspective of the stakes. What matters and what doesn't. Eat a hot dog, drink a coke and enjoy the game. One day it ends and it will suck immensely. Smell the grass and feel the dirt under your shoes while you can. Then breathe in and save the picture in your head - when you are older you will be able to close your eyes and remember. If you are like me - you will smile a little smile and feel a moment of joy. It is the stuff that makes life worth living.