(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 on end in one place.  Any inclination to observe, act or react has nearly disappeared.” – T.K.V. Desikachar

This dull and preoccupied quality of mind can arise from many causes: That heavy burger you ate at the turn…too little sleep from last night’s binge watching the 1986 Master’s…disappointment when something we deeply desire cannot be reached…or a lack of inspiration and simply accepting the ‘status quo’ of golf channel swing tips without digging deeper into our games.

Golf is not for the ‘muddy’ mindset. There’s more to reaching our potential than simply staying stuck in swing thoughts and mediocracy.  It is challenging.  Just like trying to tame the mind. . . we must grab some caffeine, clean off the mud and get to work. Where’s the ‘Muddy Mind’ in your game that could use a little scrubbing?

Dodie Mazzuca is the founder of Golf PROformance and teaches golf and mindset programs in Santa Cruz, CA.