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  2. 031: Darnell McDonald - "The Sky is Not the Limit; the Mind Is" - Helping Others Tap Into Their Inner Warrior Through Self-Discovery

031: Darnell McDonald - "The Sky is Not the Limit; the Mind Is" - Helping Others Tap Into Their Inner Warrior Through Self-Discovery

Dec 8, 2018

Chicago Cubs Mental Skills Coordinator, Darnell McDonald, is a yoga and mindfulness coach to the major league baseball team. Darnell is a former MLB player for the Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and the Chicago Cubs. His motto is: "The sky is not the limit; the mind is." April 20, 2010 Darnell became the ninth player to hit a home run for the Red Sox in his first at bat. In the same game, he became the first ever member of the Red Sox to collect a game-ending RBI in his debut with the club. He announced his retirement from the Cub's organization on April 6, 2014, to spend time with his family, including his four children. Since retirement, McDonald has become a cornerstone of mental health, and development amongst the Chicago Cubs' roster, promoting his positive energy, and an optimistic lifestyle with his phrase "in Blue, Out Red." In 2017, McDonald completed his 200-hour yoga certification to unify his theories of mind, body, and soul. In 2017, McDonald was presented with a 2016 World Series Championship Ring due to his contributions to the direct success of the team on the field. 
 
Listen as we talk about: 
 
  • The importance of dealing with failure
  • Why letting go is the secret to healing
  • The impact of his mentor Ken Ravizza who recently died 
  • What he would tell his younger self
  • Why his transitions between the major and minor leagues helped him to find his purpose
  • The importance of having a growth mindset
  • The impact his mom's passing had on his purpose
  • Why great things happen when you serve
  • Why you're able to relate with others through authenticity wen you do things for more than just yourself
  • His belief that you lift yourself by lifting others
  • Why yoga is where he steps into failure
  • Anecdotes from his highs and lows playing in Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park to slumps to the minors
  • How his young children lead him in yoga and meditation
  • How to meditate - common misconceptions
  • The importance of training yourself to finish
  • Why running towards discomfort is where you build the mental skills
  • Why the story of a plant salesman at a farmer's market should inspire you to do what you love
  • His aspirations for svadhyaya around the world 
  • His final 6 minute guided meditation (In blue, out red unique approach)
 
Resources Mentioned: 
 

 

  • Sign up or hear more about our Path to Purpose course here

 

  • Join our purpose seeking podcast community at...
 
 
 
 
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