Golf and Life
“Enlightenment comes in the twinkling of the eye…..usually after many years of practice.” Eido Shimano, Roshi
It didn’t take me long to see that, as I learn to play golf, golf will also be teaching me….about the benefits of patience, trusting, and focus. And as my Golf Yoda has said, “consistency in golf and life usually follows the same process.”
From my first tentative putts through my most recent hours on the golf course, it is clear that developing consistency in my “swing” and the outcome is an enormous challenge. Mind-boggling! That’s how I now feel about the way pros such as Michelle Wie and Tiger display such stunning consistency and focus in the game. My golf buddy and I are frequently confounded by how beautifully one hole can go, and then the next one?! Disastrous! Lack of skill and experience is a big part of this. However, Golf Yoda puts a lot of stock in getting past the fear-based ego (“I’m not good enough, can’t make this putt, the last hole was…disastrous!”…whatever!) to one’s essential nature. Connecting to this, being a “witness”, just letting it happen and expecting GOOD makes life – and the golf swing – feel flowing, effortless, joyful.
I’ve had that experience a couple of times already. And I look forward to feeling it a lot more often as I continue. Meanwhile, the lovely golfing days of September are racing by, with a shrinking window of time to enjoy the links in NE Ohio. Next time, a little insight into “Girls’ Rules” – and my golf partner. Names will be changed to protect everyone involved.
September 19, 2008 at 6:36 pm |
I love all sports except golf. Good luck Lee Jordan.
September 26, 2008 at 5:49 pm |
The game of golf will teach many lessons in many different ways, and in different parts of one’s life depending on what the student is ready for. These lessons can take place in a variety of catagories or domains which include – physical, cogitive, cultural, emotional, social, and even spiritual development.
In the physical domain the student may decide that they need to get into better shape, improve their diet, practice yoga, start a walking program or lift weights.
In the cognitive or mental domain the student may start to read a book about putting or short game. Other mental exercises could include creating a new vision for one’s life, new goals with time frames, and developing life or game affirmations to keep one’s thoughts positive.
In the emotional domain the student begins to observe when they become angry, frustrated or upset in the present moment and has the ability to honor these emotions by acknowledging them and then letting them go as a part of the passing show of life. The student can also choose to be joyful, or at least neutral to mainatin a more healthy emotional balance.
In the cultural domain, the student learns about playing golf by the rules, including the cultural norms of wardrobe, taking care of the course during the round and how to follow proper etiquette.
In the social domain the student learns to choose healthy relationships who are supportive, nurturing, and positive to play golf with or in other aspect of their life.
In the Spiritual domain, the student might begin a meditative practice each morning and evening for ten or fifteen minutes, and then use this practice to maintain mental quiteness on the course and in their daily life.
Lessons learned: Golf can be a vehicle to learn many lessons about one’s life, the key is to pay attention to the lessons when they come along and to create the life you really want for yourself.
GY