Why the ancient practice of Mindfulness could be the perfect answer to raising your performance this season.
Golf’s mental game is traditionally trained independently of the golf swing – almost as a separate part of the game – and is aided by the use of sports psychology and, in particular, by a branch of psychology known as NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming.
Typically, NLP involves helping the golfer manage their mental state by re-framing negative thoughts and it encourages better performance through the use of positive inner dialogue; very useful as motivational tools, especially when learning new skills, practicing and preparing to play.
However, experience shows us that when a golfer is actually playing their best golf,
(known as playing ‘in the zone’) the internal chatter stops altogether as he or she becomes completely immersed in what they’re doing, to the point that they stop reflecting on their performance and start to trust their instincts and abilities.
This state of immersion can also be described as ‘mindfulness’ or acceptance; the non-judgemental focus of one’s attention on the experience that occurs in the present moment.
This is a skill that can be effectively taught and trained to help you raise your performance this season.
As an example, focusing on the t’an tien (also known as the chi-core) located roughly 2” below the navel, helps to place your energy in the body’s natural centre of gravity.
By placing effortless emphasis in the lower abdomen, mental chatter is reduced, integration of body and mind is deepened and strengthened, and the mind is dynamically grounded in the present moment, allowing you to feel strong, calm and rooted, playing golf one breath at a time, one shot at a time, one hole at a time.
