Sthira Sukham Asanam (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2:46)

“EFFORT WITHOUT TENSION.  RELAXATION WITHOUT DULLNESS.”

Over 2,500 years ago the sage Patanjali compiled the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras (in Sanskrit).  Considered even today as a systematic approach to the fundamentals of the human psyche, we can reveal enlightenment through his works.

But who cares about enlightenment?. . . We want to play better golf!  Here Patanjali states the “zone” state (samadhi) as “Sthira Sukham Asanam” (2:46).The practitioner finds the perfect balance between EFFORT and EASE.  It can be applied to the golf experience on both the macro and micro levels.

For example:

• Technical Skill:  Forcing a new swing change by adding strain and rigidity (too much Effort) VS. Giving up on the new swing because it feels uncomfortable (too much Ease).
• Physical Body: Having extreme grip pressure while trying to hit the ball farther (too much Effort) VS. Decelerating on a chip shot (too much Ease).
• Mental: Putting pressure on yourself while forcing the shot (too much Effort) VS. Being lazy with your concentration and not picking a target (too much Ease).

Creating your effortless effort takes practice. Golf, and life, demand skill in action.  Whether 5,000 years ago or your last golf shot, the ancient wisdom still applies. Let’s get started. . .

Dodie Mazzuca is the Director of Instruction at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ (November – April).  She also teaches golf in Santa Cruz, CA (May-October).