We have the Baron Pierre de Coubertin to thank for bringing back the ideals of Olympism and for giving us the chance to experience one of the most universally recognized events and symbols of peace in the world.
As we experience the final week of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, it seems important to remember the meaning behind them described in the fundamental principles in the Olympic Charter.
"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will, and mind. Blending Sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."
To add even deeper meaning to your 2008 Olympics experience, I invite you to learn more about the rich history behind it and The Original Meaning of the Olympics, an article I recently shared in my new column for The Huffington Post. You can find my "Living with Meaning" column regularly in the Living Section.
What have you learned in experiencing the 2008 Olympics?
What has been most meaningful?
What ideas do you have for keeping the Olympism "philosophy of life" one that we can live by?
Hope to hear from you.
All the best,
Alex
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
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