(This is the fifth of a five part series inspired by yoga’s systemization of inner wisdom and the ‘Qualities of Mind’) “In yoga (and golf) we are simply trying to create the conditions in which the mind becomes as useful as possible for our actions.” –T.K.V. Desikachar Like the calm eye of a hurricane, as mindful golfers we can […]
(This is the fourth of a five part series inspired by yoga’s systemization of inner wisdom and the ‘Qualities of Mind’) “It’s best not to have any thoughts, but if you are going to have one, make it a positive one. . . And for sanity sake, take on one thing at a time.” –Baba Hari Dass. Ekagrata (Sanskrit) is translated […]
(This is the third of a five part series inspired by yoga’s systemization of inner wisdom and the ‘Qualities of Mind’) “Viksipta describes the mind that is able to focus, but only sporadically, and for short, finite periods of time.” -Bhavani Maki Most golfers have this common quality of mind. We birdie the first 2 holes and then a ‘brain fart’ leads to […]
(This is the second of a five part series inspired by yoga’s systemization of inner wisdom on the ‘Qualities of Mind’ and their applications to golf performance) A few articles ago we discussed the ‘Monkey Mind’, now we dive into the ‘Muddy Mind’ (although no muddy golf courses here!) “The ‘Muddy Mind’ is like a water buffalo standing for hours […]
Golf is a game that requires tremendous discipline both mentally and physically. The yogic observance of Self Discipline (tapas. . . yum, sounds tasty!) gives us the energy to practice and build new ‘muscle memory’ (nueropathways) to get past the frustrations and frictions that come with swing changes and mental upgrades. We must be RELENTLESS […]
YOGA IS THE INTENTIONAL CALMING OF THE STORMY MIND. (Yogash chitta vritti nirodah. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1:2) We could also declare that golf demands intentionally controlling the stormy mind! When we access the “Zone” to play our best golf, most golfers experience very few (if any) spinning thoughts (vritti). How can your yoga practice help […]
Check your grip first. Are the “V”s of your thumbs and forefingers pointing at your right/back shoulder? (This is a neutral grip). Or are one/or both “V’s” point at your nose or front shoulder? This will often cause the club face to be open at impact (in relation to the path) and cause the ball […]
Self Study, (Svadyaya in Sanskrit) is one of the five suggested ‘observances’ (niyamas) of yogic wisdom. Self Study is how we skillfully refine our golf games. It is designed to build character, lessen suffering and encourage success on the course. As a student of golf, each shot can be your guru. “Some of us may […]