22 - Point of Light Autumn 2006
A statue of St. Vincent (above) invites visitors to the basilica (below). While the Steelers make camp at St. Vincent’s College, a frequent visitor is a quiet defensive back. He is also known to pray and meditate on the serene walking paths of the campus used by the resident monks (left). Photos by Sven Hosford
It’s the Pittsburgh Steeler fan’s Minutes later, the field has been quarterback Charlie Batch. “He By Gina Mazza Hillier favorite paradox: abandoned for showers and lunch. probably puts in a harder workout in how a soft spoken, polite, t starts with heat: nearly a hun- Troy’s silhouette remains on the practices than he does on the field. devout man in his daily life dred degrees on the practice field hazy landscape. Now he’s taken to People say you want to put the work at St. Vincent’s College in Latrobe. pushing a tackle dummy uphill – a in as to where it’s easy when you becomes a ferocious warrior I The sun blares. Sweat rolls as the private benediction, of sorts. The get out on the field, and he’s a prime on the football field. Black and Gold swelters through fatigable heat is no match for the example of that. A lot of people in another workout in week one of internal fire that engulfs him in these his situation would probably take it Yet when one fully understands training camp. moments. Finally, he leaves the field, for granted, blessed with his speed, the depth and passion of this Mercifully, the bull horn pensive, and meanders to the dorms blessed with his instinct, and not put man who shuns labels, it shrieks. Trainers rush ice-soaked – still working his inner game. the work into it. He’s one of those This is classic Troy, teammates guys who wants to be greater than becomes clear that there bandages and drink coolers to the sidelines. Steelers exit the field and coaches say. “He’s definitely he already is.” is no paradox at all. – all except “43.” Strong safety an inspiration,” comments second Troy Polamalu stays another half- The intensity he brings hour, ratcheting up the intensity “Football, in general, has it backwards. to his vertical game is the as coaches drill him with a foot- They think this inner anger, this hatred, is what drives football ball-throwing machine. He catches same intensity he brings his and becomes the physical aspect of the game. horizontal game. 10-yard bullets with one hand – another, another, another – until a But love overcomes all things. coach protests: “Okay, TP, no bro- My love to glorify God through my playing In fact, it is the source The Vertical Game Vertical The ken fingers on my watch – you’re will far outweigh anybody’s hate for me.” of that fire. done!” Point of Light - 23
Troy’s wired- “Football does have its a spiritual person. and-wild athletic demons – prestige, ego, He’s a spiritual per- prowess, combined avarice. To be put in a position son who happens to The NUIN Center with quiet modesty, that’s magnified to be more be an NFL super- has won the hearts star. Discussing Wellness & Conference Center of not only Steelers beautiful or worse than it matters of divine Nation (he got the is can take away from the inquiry is Troy’s Alternative Medicine • Psychotherapy second loudest authenticity of living.” rendition of entering applause on train- the Heinz Red Zone. Bodywork• The Place for Your Event ing camp opening He alights when day, trailing Big Ben), but everyone who asked about mysticism. Get him going recognizes in him a depth of character on any ancient religious philosophy and Featured Practitioner: beyond X’s and O’s. He is soulful, con- it doesn’t take instant replay to realize Felicia has been a practicing therapist for over 20 years scious and divinely connected. As the Troy’s mind is as expansive as the plays and incorporates a holistic approach to therapy. In addi- saying goes, he “came in knowing.” he makes on the gridiron. At 25, he’s a tion to tradition therapy, she offers spiritual counseling, What sparked his core flame? “I was young sage, quoting the Tao Te Ching and guided imagery and visualization sessions. She teach- born with the spark turned on,” he says and Bhagavad-Gita with ease. He knows es relaxation, stress management, and coping strategies – meaning, a desire to know God. Bible scripture like Whisenhunt knows to increase personal functioning and inner growth. Her offensive rushing, and dots his speech Felicia private practice includes counseling individuals, couples Walking the Monk’s Path with it – not for display; simply as a mat- Palazzola, LSW and families. She also counsels individuals in alternative Troy leads the way down a wooded ter of context – to define the relevancy of lifestyles. For an appointment, please call 412.251.3873 path used by monks on St. Vincent’s whatever life throws his way. And yet, he or e-mail [email protected]. campus, an environment that nurtures maintains, “it’s a matter of how I live, not his spirit. “I’m inspired by the monks’ what I say.” presence,” he says, sometimes rising Again, his teammates concur. early for their 6:30 chant. Most days, he “Knowing Troy, who he is, how he carries takes respite in the basilica (he recently himself – he brings light to the team,” told WTAE-TV’s Sally Wiggin that he comments offensive guard Alan Faneca. spends more time in there than on the “Everybody respects that.” practice field). “He’s definitely one of those guys As we talk in depth about life out- who lead by example,” Charlie says. side the huddle, it’s evident: Troy is not “He’s not a talker when he gets out there an NFL superstar who happens to be but you see the work he does on the nuincenter.com 412.661.6108 5655 Bryant Street, Highland Park
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He’s grown weary of specula- will far outweigh anybody’s hate for me.” serene nature sets a tone for the Steelers, blessing,” wisdom tion about his You won’t hear comments like Troy says “I honestly don’t know, or have shines through “split personality” that from just any athlete, according even looked into it. We have a very close when he adds “When Jesus was on – as if his real to Pittsburgh Tribune columnist Joe team. The guys get along very well. I that “success in the cross, He didn’t say self morphs into Starkey, who’s been covering local sports wouldn’t know how I add or detract from football doesn’t ‘Father in Heaven.’ He said, a raging Animus for seven years. “Troy’s definitely the that. In football terms, the talent level matter. Success ‘Daddy.’ This is an Maximus on-field. most interesting athlete I’ve ever inter- [around the league] is pretty even. It’s the in anything “People viewed,” Joe says. “He looks at things unity of the team that can really sepa- doesn’t matter. intimate relationship. think I have these in a deeper way. His free-spirited style rate it from any other. We enjoy waking As Mother Teresa This isn’t praying two faces. I’m the of play, and how good he is, does help up and seeing each other every day at said, God calls to the unknown.” same person. I the team. There are many leaders in camp.” us not to be suc- live my life with this locker room but Troy’s the guy who When complimented on his talent, cessful but to be a passion and shows up, works as hard as he can, then Troy deflects praise – then, upon reflec- faithful. My prayer is that I would glorify that includes how I play on the field. cuts loose on the field. He’s a very soft tion, edits his response. “No, I know what God no matter what, and not have suc- Obviously, football calls for physical con- soul away from the game but you won’t it is. It’s a divine blessing. There’s times cess be the definition of it. If I can be tact but that’s just part of the game. If it find a more maniacal player – that’s what when I struggle and take credit for it but content whether making a big play or were ballet, I would approach it with the people find so fascinating.” the truth is I’m blessed and I shouldn’t getting a touchdown scored on me, then same passion.” Troy wants to set this record get ANY credit for it. People can say ‘I’m I’d be happy being faithful and not suc- To illustrate, he cites Jesus’ time on straight. Aside from unfastening his infa- blessed’ in an egotistical manner. I say it cessful.” earth. “Look at the passion for life that mous locks, Troy doesn’t have a “game in the humblest manner because I truly In a sense, non-attachment to He lived as portrayed in the Stations of face” that he puts on. It’s all authentically AM blessed in that way. But football will outcome is part of Troy’s competitive the Cross – that fight that He had in Him, him. “When you have spiritual qualities, never be everything for me.” advantage. “You watch him play and, I as well as the love He shared with others. – or however people or various religions Being the most ebullient defensive mean, that boy is free,” says Phillip Bobo, There’s no difference.” would define them, – if you separate player on the Steelers’ roster “is not a former receiver for the Los Angeles Indeed, what sets Troy apart is his yourself from these qualities, or put on a about football, it’s about life,” he says. Rams and Washington State. “You don’t knack for keeping love at the center of face with or without them, there’s some- “Football is part of my life but not life get to be as good as Troy is unless you’re his sport – “love not for football but for thing inauthentic about that.” itself. Football is what attaches me to this led by love.” life,” he clarifies. “Football, in general, world and provides a living for my family, has it backwards. They think this inner
The Vertical Game After Practice
(Left top) Wihen the lunch whistle blows, Troy stays for an extra half hour catching machine thrown footballs. (Right top and bottom) When even the coaches quit for lunch, Troy drags a tackle dummy up onto a steep slope, then sprints uphill to hit it, over and over and over. (Left bottom) Finally, an hour after his teammates have left to eat, Troy makes his way past silent football sentinels - literally the last man on the practice field. Photos by Sven Hosford Western PA’s Journal of Meaningful Living Point of Light - 25
Early Struggle, Then Divine Intervention Troy’s upbringing – a mixture of struggle within his birth family and support given by his extended fam- ily – may have helped to emerge his compassionate nature. Born in Santa Ana, California, the youngest of five children, his mother, Suila, raised them on welfare. His brother had run-ins with the law and his sisters became moth- ers while in high school. “I was just a little ‘hood rat walking around parks by myself, hanging out with homeless guys. I witnessed that side of things.” When Troy was eight, his family drove to Ten-mile, Oregon to visit his Uncle Salu and Aunt Shelley who lived The Vertical Game In Practice Spotting Troy on the practice field is easy – even without the who seems to be taking it all very seriously. He is jogging with their three sons – one of whom, “43” jersey. Just watch for the guy who is practicing with with more life in his step (left) and the angle of his body to Joe Polamalu, played football for the most intensity – the guy who is sweating more profusely, the ground is sharper than everyone else’s (right). Oregon State. Ten-mile was bucolic in comparison to the streets of LA. “I saw my first pine tree and was like, ‘oh man, this is awesome!’ There were cows and sheep and horses out in the pastures.” Troy begged to stay behind. Realizing that rural Oregon was a better situation for her child, Suila acquiesced. “It was nice and sunny there. Everybody said I could stay. Then the rains came and I was miserable!” Salu instilled in Troy an appreciation for his familial heritage of Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way, which teaches rever- ence for faith, family and personal honor. He also encouraged him toward another Polamalu tradition – football. Troy let- tered in high school, returned to southern California in 1999 as a freshman for the USC Trojans and, upon graduation, was drafted by the NFL. Looking back on his childhood, he cannot recall a single spiritual men- tor. To him, God was ultra-personal. “The beautiful thing about the way I was raised is that I didn’t really have parents and in that way, I HAD to rely upon God.” Troy learned to pray to his heavenly Father, “the same Father that Jesus cried out to, right? That’s the awesome thing about it. When Jesus was on the cross, He didn’t say ‘Father in Heaven.’ He said, ‘Daddy.’ This is an intimate relationship. This isn’t praying to the unknown.” He also sought spiritual knowledge through books, and seems to have defined which teachings of metaphysics and the world’s great religions resonate with him. On Zen Buddhism: “I appreci- ate the aspect of ‘let a thought come, let it go, don’t wrestle with it’ but I don’t think you can find peace out of nothing- ness.” On karma: “I don’t believe it in the Dalai Lama sense; I think karma is instant in that I lessen myself and my relationship with God the moment I sin.” 26 - Point of Light Autumn 2006
On reincarnation: “People are never the Referring to Paul in he did – he was miserable. ‘Lord, take me from this prison, I want to same from one moment to the next; in Hebrews, Troy defines “I really questioned my get away’.” that sense, we’re continuously reborn.” faith – particularly life and my manhood. Something shifted. “Just like that, On organized religion: “We get into prob- when we fumble in During the off season, I felt everything was going to be great.” lems when we try to define and put labels life – in a word: sur- I went totally into Later in that game, Troy copped an inter- on God. I understand that religion is to be render. “It’s know- football – training ception off of Palmer and ran 26 yards lived and martyred for. I say ‘martyred’ ing in your heart like crazy. to score a touchdown with little more because we can die for God but I don’t that God will take “That sec- than two minutes left in the game. “You believe we should kill for God. These care of you – which ond year, I was better believe I was on the ground, say- idiosyncrasies within religions and how might mean going playing against ing ‘Thank you, God, thank you!’ That’s this can cause wars – it’s crazy because head-over-heels my college room- one of the many ways He has revealed they lose their religion’s foundation in the into a situation hav- mate Carson Palmer Himself to me.” process.” ing one percent for [quarterback for the When defining faith, Troy also draws While he is a student of various you and 99 percent Cincinnati Bengals] in inspiration from the Zen philosophy philosophies, the bedrock of Troy’s faith against you. We all have the third game of the of satori (sudden sparks of enlighten- is firmly grounded in Jesus. “I believe to deal with uncertainty in season. They were getting ment) and the Tao concept of the razor’s that Jesus Christ is God. Whether I’m life, no matter how long we’re ready to score. I had the ball edge. “If we can live in that razor sharp Catholic or Protestant doesn’t really mat- in the desert.” in my hand and moment in time, which can last to eter- ter. My passion for Jesus is there.” One such “He’s definitely an dropped it with 80 nity, then we can learn to take away all time was during inspiration. He’s one of yards to go and no judgment and live in satori – which would Tackling the Issue of Faith his second year one in front of me. I be perfect faith, as well.” When asked if Like all of us, Troy has times of vulner- in the NFL. “My those guys who wants to be thought, ‘dang, there he’s able to bring such presence to the ability. When in doubt, his inner position first year was a greater than he already is.” went my chance to field, he confesses: “No! It’s a constant switches to that of eligible receiver – he huge battle, com- - Charlie Batch make everybody battle to be in the moment. It’s what asks for, and gets, higher guidance. In ing from California happy, to get all makes us human.” making the Sign of the Cross before or to Pittsburgh. these doubters off of Staying centered would appear to be after some plays, “I’m asking for God’s California doesn’t enjoy football the way me.’ I was so angry and frustrated that I a greater challenge for a professional ath- support in those moments – and in Pittsburgh does. In LA, I could walk the started crying on the sidelines. I sat there lete and everything that lifestyle affords. everything I do,” he says. “Sometimes, streets and nobody would know who with my head in my hands, oh man, cry- “Football does have its demons – pres- I’m just scared to do wrong. I wish not to I was.” Coming off that rookie year in ing as I was praying! Then I heard a song tige, ego, avarice,” he notes. “To be put do wrong.” 2003 as the Steelers’ 16th draft pick – on the PA: Los Lonely Boys singing, in a position that’s magnified to be more hardly playing, and not playing well when beautiful or worse than it is can take
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Groups welcome; we have 8 massage tables. Overnight accommodations available through the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast. Western PA’s Journal of Meaningful Living Point of Light - 27 away from the authentici- we can live in this bliss. ty of living.” While many It can be kissing your athletes run toward the child in the morning, money, glamour and hugging your wife, celebrity of being hanging out with a in the NFL, from friend, or just wak- Troy’s perspective, ing up. All of these it’s more about things that we football providing take for granted a means to over- can be bliss.” come such worldly temptations and The Vertical grow more uncon- Game of Football ditionally loving. “In Troy gets the sig- order for us to grow, nificance of integrating we face these adversities, one’s human, earthly yes?” aspects with spiritual One may think tendencies toward these are good the beatific. “The adversities to have “Knowing Troy, who he is, biggest battles – at least, they’re how he carries himself – aren’t physical wars more exotic than like Israel and the those faced by store he brings light to the team,” Hezbollah – it’s the clerks and accoun- - Alan Faneca battle between mind tants. “We don’t com- and spirit,” he says. pare because it’s incomparable,” Troy Knowing this, Troy engages in suggests. “The struggle to overcome my “spirit training,” a physical workout plan adversities would be no different than that incorporates the two other prongs of the struggle that the accountant faces the holistic triangle: mind and soul. “You to overcome his. Life puts us through can do physical training like endurance ‘dark nights of the soul’ in order to have training that is horizontal in nature, but in the blissful experience of heaven here on order to transcend beyond this you have earth. There will always be struggle but continued on page 36
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Troy Polamalu: The Vertical Game of Football continued from 27 to work with such an intensity that you’re and coming into camp in shape, they’ve deliberate yet generous, cerebral yet clear- rial progression and prestige. These are reaching for the vertical, and that’s working trusted me to do what I want to do.” ly intuitive. He speaks his truth, period. self-satisfying, yes? But you’re not doing with the Divine.” Then he adds intensity, which involves Troy was quoted in local media as saying anything to better yourself or anybody He begins with a system taught to him pushing the body and mind to its limits – he’s not interested in “spreading propa- else. But if we can work for the Divine, by one of his trainers. “I do a lot of work and beyond – until they’re transcended. It’s ganda” for one of then no longer is with exercise balls – stretching the muscle the realm of avatars, masters, gurus – and the league’s major it about us. For then strengthening that same muscle. It’s Trojan warriors. “In order to have confirma- corporate sponsors, “The horizontal game me, the horizontal not really yoga because that’s mostly flex- tion and really test yourself, there’s no bet- Gatorade. “About would be something like game would be ibility and it’s not really strength training ter way to do it than physically. A Buddhist that statement, I something like get- because that’s all muscle. What I focus on might say, ‘I can levitate.’ Well, show me! If was just trying to getting a nice car. ting a nice car. The is the mid-line between the two, which is you can’t do it physically, there’s something get the media riled The vertical game is taking vertical game is what, I believe, is best suited to football. not authentic about it.” up, to get them and crystallizing this gift taking and crystal- They’re athletically coordinated, balanced thinking about lizing this gift that movements rather than doing, say, power The Jesus Diet things on the most that God has given me. God has given me. lifting – which is this constant grind that Troy doesn’t adhere to a team-approved elementary level – That could be extra time on That could be extra has no meditative nature to it.” In fact, nutrition plan, either. He was on a strict how the NFL treats the practice field, it could be time on the prac- Troy doesn’t follow the team’s weight Zone diet for two years, eating chicken its players, the tice field, it could training regime. “My rookie year I was breasts and lettuce ad nauseam. “I always NFL’s agenda, and reading books, meditating, or be reading books, forced to do it. With success on my own had a sanity day: Friday night at the mov- the agenda that the sitting here talking with you.” meditating, or sit- ies. I jammed every- whole system, the ting here talking thing I could – popcorn! whole government with you. You have pizza! It’s amazing the has with drugs and herbal medicines. It’s to understand your intent, and I think God guilt those diets give funny, everything is going organic now sees our intent.” you, how consumed when the most inorganic things on this you get with track- earth are human beings! We shove Vicatin (Spiritual) Practice ing daily carbs and or Advil or anti-inflammatories down our Beyond the Playing Field protein. Now, I’m on throats, different things that we’re horse- Troy now studies with a spiritual teacher the Jesus diet. Jesus fed [as football players] in order for us to and takes time for daily practice, but not said we should be continue to produce results and play. My in a structured way because “tradition and more concerned about argument was that water is God’s greatest ritual can get repetitive and lose its value.” what comes out of our gift to life. I don’t understand why a beau- He and his wife, Theodora, prefer to medi- mouths versus what we tiful apple tree has to drink Gatorade or tate, read Scripture (“the Bible is the most put into our mouths.” have electrolytes, you know?” perfect book”), and do simple exercises On this diet, every Troy doesn’t view striving, being such as eye gazing. “We just sit knee to day’s a sanity day for intense or even riling the media as a con- knee and look into each other’s eyes. You Troy, as he obviously flict to being faithful and content with what can go from tears to laughter, it’s really takes Jesus’ words to is. “It’s never a conflict when you’re striving beautiful.” heart. In conversation, for the Divine, only when you’re striving Because Theodora (who he refers The author making a point while she and Troy enjoy the he pauses before offer- for the horizontal. When you’re striving for to as “a perfect, beautiful butterfly who solitude of the Monk’s path at St. Vincent’s College. ing comments that are yourself, you’re out for two things: mate- can hang with the homeless as well as Western PA’s Journal of Meaningful Living Point of Light - 37 the Paris Hiltons”) is part Greek, Troy emptying out. We sat silently in a pew. feels impelled to study Greek language A few moments passed. We looked up. Trauma: “in order to read the New Testament in Light was shining through the stained- A Bridge Greek with her” and fully apprehend the glass window right on us – and ONLY on nuances of its meaning. “Greek words us. Sitting there with Theodora in that to Healing carry emotions with them and I want to stream of sunlight, I just burst into tears, I “Trauma in all of its faces, understand Scripture on this level with was so overcome.” my wife.” This, from an NFL phenom who’s past and present, When it comes to acquiring got his “A” game going on. Pro-Bowling is a gateway to spiritual knowledge, Troy sees no twice and winning Super Bowl XL the healing journey.” end zone. “What’s beautiful is there’s didn’t elicit such deep emotion. That’s so much to learn. The more I read because his game begins with heat, an EMDR and other Drug-Free and know, I’m like, wow, am I held inner flame, a higher purpose, a burning integrative approaches to: Precision Hair Care accountable for all this now? You can’t desire to experience the Divine – fueled Anxiety, PTSD, Panic Attacks, OCD. forget once you know!” daily with passion and gratitude for being Skin Therapy Alive. That’s Troy’s real “A” game. Cerepil Waxing Basking in the Light . . . “Everyone has a fire inside them,” Nail Artistry and The Golden Triangle he says. “Some burn hotter than others Therapeutic Massage With Troy’s contract up for nego- because they’re putting more fuel on tiation over the next couple of years, it. I seek truth and believe everybody Whole Body Wellness he sees this as one of his next battles else seeks truth – maybe with a differ- Yoga between mind and spirit. “There’s an ent intensity, but if that’s your intent, the opportunity with my contract coming information is out there . . .” Create your own up and all this news about other people He presses a hand to his heart and day spa package getting contracts. I had a problem there flashes that sweet smile of his. “. . . and for yourself or as a gift. for a while worrying about that – think- the information, I would say, is in here.” Michele Bertini, Gift certificates available! ing, man, I really can get a lot of money PHD, MEd, NCC, LPC and do a lot of really good things, or Gina is a nationally published jour- 412-365-2020 411 Anthony Street, Suite A have a lot of good things – because nalist based in the ‘Burgh. She’s an Carnegie, PA 15106 that’s a lot of what people talk about, unofficial member of the No. 43 Frizz- Holistic and Integrative 412.276.5290 what the team talks about, getting this Ease Fan Club. Gina can be reached at Approaches to Counseling [email protected] money and being secure with it. But I [email protected]. Trained with Caroline Myss www.heavenonearth-dayspa.com believe that people are looking in the wrong place if they think they’re going to have real security with that. I realize that’s not the case and knowing this Usui gives me a lot of peace.” Will he stay in Pittsburgh if his Reiki Ryoho contract is renewed? “I’m truly content with whatever God calls me to do – if “Learn Reiki As It Was Traditionally Taught & Practiced” it’s football or if it isn’t. 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