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Is Golf A Form of Meditation?
By Francesca Vanegas
Florida - It’s the golf capital of the world and it’s no surprise that many of our yoga students are also avid golfers. At times I hear our golfer-yoga students say “Golf is like meditation.” Not one to turn down a research opportunity I began to think about this statement to learn whether it could be true. Meditation is described in yogic texts as a four point process: (1) withdrawal of the senses; (2) concentration; (3) meditation; and (4) bliss, enlightenment or awakening.
Leave the Bling Behind
Sense withdrawal is the preparatory stage of meditation as we draw all our senses inward: our sense of hearing, taste, touch, smell, and eyesight. Our brain continuously receives input from the senses of what is happening around us, the sense organs pick up external information and it’s conveyed to our brain through our sensory nerves. “Closing our eyes for example, shifts our attention to the data the brain receives within the body. We may become aware of subtle energy flows that are so subtle they are easily lost to sensory perceptions,” states yoga instructor Michael Carroll (Yoganand). The inner landscape becomes more important than the “bling” of the outside world. In golf, the senses are not withdrawn, instead they are fully engaged and gladly so in the beauty of the outer landscape, the setup, the mechanics of the swing, the stance, the club, or the ball’s position, and trajectory.
The Mind’s Anchor
The next stage is concentration as we anchor the mind to a focal point: the nostrils, the breath, or body sensations. More often than not, in this stage the mind tends to drift away to thoughts of pizza, laundry, or work. Some meditators may spend the entire meditation session becoming aware that they are not aware. If done compassionately, becoming aware is the gift. In golf, the anchor can be the ball, the stance, and even the breath. Without concentration, golfers would never hit the ball. Like meditators, golfers can get caught up on thinking too much about swing mechanics, the previous shot, or the score – all signs of worry about performance. Yes, golf calls upon and enhances concentration. However, while concentration is important in meditation, concentration alone would not get the mediator any further benefit.
Craving and Aversion
Every second of the day, our mind jumps like a ping-pong ball from one thought to the next. Most thoughts can be lumped into two piles: I want and I don’t want: (I want to make that shot; I don’t want to get fired; I want a 10 handicap; I don’t want to get an F; I want to eat healthy food; I don’t want to lose.) The intention of meditation is to free us from unproductive cycles of thought which perpetuate a suffering. We observe the play of the mind but we do not take sides. In meditation, the mind becomes aware of itself, it becomes its own witness focuses on its own workings and processes.
The ABC’s of the Brain
Our awake, normal, alert brain wave is beta. During deep states of concentration, the wave shifts to the slower alpha. The deeper meditation states can take us into theta. The deepest wave we experience during deep, dreamless sleep is delta. The four basic brain waves seen in an electroencephalogram (EEG) are Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta.
The Brain’s Quantum Leap
At these lower levels, the nervous system reorganizes itself at higher, more complex levels of functioning. Over time new neural pathways are created, increasing brain communication and leading to what scientists call whole brain functioning where the brain makes quantum leaps.
The “I” Dissolves
From a place of sharp concentration, we can seamlessly move into the third stage or meditation. We go beyond the duality of wanting and not wanting. The meditator and the meditation merge and what remains is inner insight-wisdom and higher forms of understanding, intuition, and creativity.
A River of Bliss
When the mind chatter dissolves, what is left is a deeply silent, peaceful, inner place where we can experience a river of happiness bordering on ecstasy.
Peak Experiences
Just as meditators can have peak spiritual experiences so do golfers who report feeling “one with the ball” where a series of events merge into one to produce a peak experience. Golfers also report feeling more relaxed when they play because the state of concentration shifts brain waves from delta to alpha level however not theta or delta.
Tips for Golfers
Golfers can significantly enhance their game by strengthening their powers of concentration, relaxation, and focused awareness. One of the more popular forms of meditation, walking meditation is a perfect practice for golfers (no golf carts needed here). Walking meditation has the potential to fully connect golfers to their game and the beauty of the course. As you walk, do so slowly. Focus on each step, on the blades of grass, and on the moment-by-moment awareness. Awareness of breath especially during the setup and the swing can make a big difference – when to inhale and when to exhale during the swing can determine the outcome of the ball’s trajectory. Just observing the breath is a form of concentration. Most important of all, keep the mind where your feet are at all times. This alone with strengthen your game and make it more pleasurable.
Resources
1. Living Meditation, Living Insight, The Path of Mindfulness in Daily Life, Dr. Thynn Thynn, 1995. 2. Centerpointe/Holosynch: http://www.centerpointe.com/
Francesca Vanegas is the director of the Florida Yoga Institute in Bonita Springs/Estero, Florida, and author of the upcoming book Teaching Down Dogs New Tricks. To schedule a yoga/meditation workshop for golfers, call Francesca at 239-498-0222.
Directions
9480 Corkscrew Palms Circle
Suite 6
Estero, FL 33928
Phone:
239-498-0222
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