HarmonyWave
Member
I teach mindfulness and yoga, so you wouldn’t believe how many people assume I don’t gamble. It’s like if you meditate and eat organic, you’re supposed to be above putting a few bucks on the AFL or the Melbourne Cup. But here’s the thing—balance is everything.
I love sports. I grew up watching AFL with my dad, and placing a small bet here and there makes the game more exciting. The key is being in control—just like in yoga, where you don’t let your mind spiral when things don’t go as planned. Last week, I put $50 on a Suns upset against the Lions. They lost, but instead of chasing the loss, I walked away, took a surf at Burleigh Heads, and reset. No stress, no tilt.
Now, when it comes to the Melbourne Cup, that’s a whole different energy. People call it "the race that stops the nation," but for me, it’s more like "the race that tests my patience." Every year, I see people who never bet suddenly throwing their money at random Melbourne Cup horses because they like the name or the jockey’s colors. And don’t even get me started on the office sweepstakes—half of those bets might as well be blindfolded picks!
For Melbourne Cup 2024, I did my research. Looked at the Melbourne Cup field, studied past Melbourne Cup winners, and read all the Melbourne Cup tips I could find. I had my money on a solid stayer, but then—boom—Melbourne Cup 2024 results came in, and my pick finished mid-pack. Meanwhile, someone next to me who picked a horse because “it felt lucky” cashed out big. That’s racing, I guess. Melbourne Cup winner 2024? Didn’t see that one coming!
So, is it possible to be mindful and still enjoy a punt? I think so. Betting isn’t the problem—lack of control is. People love to demonize gambling, but they won’t say a word about binge-drinking at Cup Day events. If you can bet responsibly, it’s no different than enjoying a fine meal or a good wine.
Or do you think any form of gambling is inherently risky? Curious to hear different perspectives on this one!
I love sports. I grew up watching AFL with my dad, and placing a small bet here and there makes the game more exciting. The key is being in control—just like in yoga, where you don’t let your mind spiral when things don’t go as planned. Last week, I put $50 on a Suns upset against the Lions. They lost, but instead of chasing the loss, I walked away, took a surf at Burleigh Heads, and reset. No stress, no tilt.
Now, when it comes to the Melbourne Cup, that’s a whole different energy. People call it "the race that stops the nation," but for me, it’s more like "the race that tests my patience." Every year, I see people who never bet suddenly throwing their money at random Melbourne Cup horses because they like the name or the jockey’s colors. And don’t even get me started on the office sweepstakes—half of those bets might as well be blindfolded picks!
For Melbourne Cup 2024, I did my research. Looked at the Melbourne Cup field, studied past Melbourne Cup winners, and read all the Melbourne Cup tips I could find. I had my money on a solid stayer, but then—boom—Melbourne Cup 2024 results came in, and my pick finished mid-pack. Meanwhile, someone next to me who picked a horse because “it felt lucky” cashed out big. That’s racing, I guess. Melbourne Cup winner 2024? Didn’t see that one coming!
So, is it possible to be mindful and still enjoy a punt? I think so. Betting isn’t the problem—lack of control is. People love to demonize gambling, but they won’t say a word about binge-drinking at Cup Day events. If you can bet responsibly, it’s no different than enjoying a fine meal or a good wine.
Or do you think any form of gambling is inherently risky? Curious to hear different perspectives on this one!