There is an idea in the Bible about two opposing forces. One is called flesh and the other is called spirit. Both provide a way of living, but they cannot coexist.
Living by the flesh is living under law, without freedom, chained up and controlled by desires.
Living by the spirit is complete freedom, unshackled from rules and desires.
This is true on such a foundational level that you see the two sides warring against each other in all aspects of your life, even on the field or court or in your business. When it is time to perform, your spirit should run the show, but your flesh wants to be in control. You either yield to your instincts and flow (spirit), or you try to control the performance through unrealistic effort and might (flesh).
People often describe having the best game or match of their life as having an “out of body experience”, like they are floating above their body watching themselves perform. Some say they black out, unable to remember what exactly transpired.
This is what performing in the spirit feels like, almost as if it’s a dream. This is yielding to your training and allowing the body to do what you’ve taught it to do.
Performing in the flesh is anxiety and fear driven
Performing in the spirit is trust and acceptance driven.
The flesh is fighting the spirit for control in every aspect of your life. Learning to perform in the spirit in competition is great practice for living in the spirit in life.
Braden Bristo’s - The Journeyman’s Path 