My writing

colleagues and I at WMD have been discussing an article in the recent edition of the CALMzine.

Two recently retired rugby players were talking about the depressions and anxieties that all too often affect rugby players. They’re particularly severe when a member of the team begins to consider retirement.

The problems are serious in both Union and League rugby because the image of those involved are of tough young guys who are more than capable of being able to handle any ‘problem’ that may enter their lives.

But it is the image of the physicality of the ‘man of steel’ that most effectively masks any signs of weakness; the truth is that what we see is merely Appearance.

In the WMD Guide we claim that an oak tree is the result of an Acorn with Balls.

Okay; Balls are important – vital even.

But what’s easily overlooked is what the Acorn represents – that future Reality springs from the seed with which you were born.

Such ‘toughness’ that we claim to perceive in the rugby players is essentially Appearance. The real nature of his ‘toughness’ is within; it’s inherent in his basic make-up which he’s had the courage to take on to the sports field.

What becomes very apparent is that when he approaches any separation from his team-mates the visible ‘toughness’ acts as

a mirage to Reality; the lad becomes a victim of Appearance.

This, we believe, is an increasing phenomenon which can only get worse unless we remember the Acorn and the truth it represents which we’re increasingly inclined to forget.