The 12th Win!

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

   I am a believer in diplomacy, and that understandings at the political level can be achieved through the use of soft power. However, this is not the only form, we can think of trading relationships for the purposes of goods and services, the global network of businesses, importing and exporting. As well as foreign investments in countries that assist with developing countries, crisis intervention for the prevention of war and humanitarian aid efforts. But on another level we can think of how industries such as: music or sports contribute to the economy. Both possess the power and the potential, for producing flourishing diplomacy, and relations with nations. This is exactly what came to mind when I thought about Rafael Nadal's 12th win at the French open. Retaining the title of the King of Clay. Whilst he truly was the master artist, allowed to shine, and show his athleticism; his win was significant for himself, the sport of tennis, as well as his country: Spain.  

     Spain, once thought of as the largest empire in the world. We can today ask: how and why this empire was fragmented, and who desired to possess the power at the historical level? Today we see this fragmentation all around the world. With the empires stemming from Europe, to the Western Hemisphere, the Caribbean and Latin America. 

     Whilst in America the historical ties to African and African countries has been maintained  and should not be forgotten, we cannot ignore the historical and present day ties of the Spanish, Anglican, and French. Rafael's win in France is an exemplifies diplomacy and opportunity. His win is a win for his country and an opportunity to build / maintain ties with France. At the international scale: steps to claim the Spanish identity. We cannot go back in history, but we can write history, so that history does not erase specific histories, so that only those histories that are considered of worth are also worth preservation.

It is with these words I congratulate Rafael Nadal on his historic 12th win on the clay court! I also offer all the best to sports competitors, and teams. Your efforts are much more that a sport, a chance to build relations with nations, acts of diplomacy, an opportunity to give back to your communities and families. To those participating in the National Hockey League finals (NHL), and also the National Basket Ball Association (NBA) teams. Good Luck to all!! 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on June 10th, 2019.
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