Mens Sana in Corpore Sano

As a classicist I am always comparing the styles of two ancient super powers: the Spartans and the Athenians. I think a good Latin motto to combine the two philosophies would be mens sana in corpore sano, a sound mind in a sound body. Either way, a common trait between the two philosophies is discipline - a disciplined mind and a disciplined body.

This should also be the motto of all families raising children. Instilling a disciplined body with a disciplined mind is the surest path to success. Youth sports, dance lessons, music lessons, gymnastic lessons, etc. all combine with school work to produce the epitome of a well-rounded person who can compete and function in a multitude of venues without feeling as much awkward self-consciousness as those who have not had the same training. This has been pretty much common knowledge for the last, oh say, 2, 700 years, give or take a few.

This week saw the sad passing of Orlando Jefferson, a Muskogee legend who knew the value of athletic discipline. He and LaVerna produced an athletic and college educated family whose lives have touched literally thousands of people in a positive way. I know his life proved of great blessing to me, as the Jefferson clan has generated some of the best memories of my life. Whether cheering from the sidelines, coaching, or making a winning play, this family has been a powerhouse of Muskogee athletics whose influence will continue to effect a positive outcome for the lives of so many Muskogee kids.

As a parent, it's your turn to step up to the plate. Parent coaches and support personnel are needed in so many student activities, from youth soccer coaches to the fans in the stands - all play an important role in supporting Muskogee's youth. The discipline of a sound mind in a sound body begins at home. If you have not directed your teenager toward athletics yet, for example, tennis, it may be too late to win the Wimbledon championship, but it's not to late to develop a lifelong skill that will provide memories for you and your child and joy for a lifetime. It doesn't matter if it's running, darts, billiards, horseshoes, swimming, golf, or archery - in the words of the Nike motto, just do it. Coincidentally, nike is also an ancient Greek word meaning victory.

Mens sana in corpore sano. It's a great philosophy to live by.