Golf is an undertaking that requires one to consolidate the efforts of the body, mind and
spirit. The challenge is to simply hit a sitting ball in harmony with the geometry of the
landscape. However, in order to do this efficiently, one must pay keen attention to their own
personal geometry. A negative thought, eruption of emotion, or poor physical posture will
directly effect the outcome of this little white ball. How do we consciously blend the efforts of the
body, mind and spirit?? Yoga!
The word Yoga’s literal translation is “Union.” Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just
a cardiovascular physical exercise. Yoga is much more than touching your toes or bending into
a pretzel. Yoga means to break down the barriers a human organism has created and to
effortlessly participate in this cosmic creation with wonder and joy. Have you ever noticed that
when you are playing the best golf, or doing your best work, you are always joyful? What if I
told you that there is a way to always have a joyful spirit, and consequently, always play your
best golf. Here is the first action you must take to become a Golf Yogi. DROP ANY
CONCLUSIONS OR IDENTITIES ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE GAME OF GOLF. So before
you even step foot on the course allow yourself to see the moment for what it truly is. You are
alive, playing golf in Bali, have a few rupiah in your pocket for the game and are generally in
strong health. This is the biggest reason to be joyful! On the contrary, if you are thinking about
being a 22 handicapper who needs to shoot a gross 93 for 36 points you are bound to be
disappointed and shaken from your state of joy at some point. Such is life. Nothing will ever
happen the way we think it should happen simply because we have attached our own
conclusions and expectations to the situation. Notice throughout the day when your thought
and emotion drifts away from joy and bring back your conscious thought to the fact that you are
alive and a participant in the miracle of life. This is how you tend to your Golf Yogi Spirit.
The second and third part of the puzzle, body and mind, work hand in hand with each
other. Yoga has given us Asana, specific physical postures. Likewise Yoga teachings show us
how to use our pranayama, the regulation of the breath through certain exercises. Here are
three practical ways you can enhance your body and mind to play better golf.
PAY KEEN ATTENTION TO YOUR BREATH. TAKE 8 SECONDS AND CONSCIOUSLY
INHALE 1,2,3,4 SECONDS, THEN INTENTLY EXHALE 1,2,3,4. BE ATTENTIVE TO THE AIR
ENTERING YOUR BODY, PASSING YOUR THROAT, YOUR CHEST AND BRINGING IT DEEP
DOWN INTO YOUR PELVIC FLOOR. YOU CAN DO THIS WHILE RIDING IN THE CART,
WALKING UP THE FAIRWAY, OR WAITING FOR YOUR TURN TO PUTT.
STAND IN CORRECT ANATOMICAL POSITION FACING THE SUN FEET HIP
DISTANCE APPART, ARMS HANGING LOOSELY DOWN YOUR SIDE WITH PALMS FACING
FORWARD, SHOULDERS BACK, BELLY BUTTON TUCKED UP AND IN, CHIN SLIGHTLY
TUCKED. SIMPLY STAND HERE FOR 20-30 SECONDS AND SHOW RESPECT TO THE
SUN (OUR POWER SOURCE). YOU WILL BE AMAZED HOW ENERGIZED AND
GROUNDED JUST 20 SECONDS OF SUN APPRECIATION CAN MAKE YOU FEEL.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SPINE IN YOGA IT IS SAID THAT OUR SPINE IS THE “AXIS
OF THE UNIVERSE.” OUR TOTAL HUMAN EXPERIENCE IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED TO
THE HEALTH OF OUR SPINE. A POORLY CARED FOR SPINE NOT ONLY DECREASES
ONE’S PHYSICAL HEALTH, BUT ALSO LIMITS THEIR COGNITIVE FUNCTION. SO SIT UP
STRAIGHT IN YOUR CART, WALK WITH INTENTION GRACEFULLY, STRETCH
ACCORDINGLY TO YOUR NEEDS AND STAY HYDRATED.
We must remember that our own personal best golf, and life experience, is a
consequence of our input. It is not a something we can achieve without taking care of,
nurturing, and honoring the body, mind and spirit. Here is an example i was taught and love to
share with others. If we want flowers in our garden do we just plant the seed and think flower
flower flower? No, we plant the seed and give it sunlight, water and manure. In time the
outcome, the consequence, is a beautiful flower. Likewise, if you want your golf to become
beautiful, do not concentrate on the final goal. Simply become attentive to the input and enjoy
the journey wherever it may take you. Give these practices a try and become the best version
of yourself. See you on the green stuff 🙂
Easy way to be a golf yogi.
