Golfing “In the Moment”

Zen Proverb – ‘Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind’

The word Zen has become part of the English language, but what does it actually mean?

It is much easier to answer ‘WHEN is Zen’ because it is all about being in the NOW! The whole point of Zen practice is to become fully aware of the here and now. To play golf fully in the moment is to play great golf. As soon as we begin to engage our thinking process, our mind then goes into the past or future. ‘The past and future cannot help you to play well, since the future is unknown and our memories of the past are often quite distorted accounts of what has really happened’.

When we get lost in thoughts of the past or future, then our really good golf shots will often pass us by. I often talk about golf being task-focused and when you are completely in the present moment, you will be more capable of playing good golf. Being in the ‘zone’ whilst playing any sport, is all about becoming one with the activity; and the activity then becomes effortless. Many of you will have had ‘peak’ experiences whilst playing that perfect golf shot; this is when you become totally ‘one’ with your golf swing. This is a true Zen experience.

Zen monks are known for meditating and are well known for their ability to practice being in the moment. Notice I use the word ‘practice’ because you can practice this ability of ‘being’ in the moment.

It is quite simple and easy to practice Zen. In order to be completely in the moment, you need to be right here, right now. Most of our problems occur when we start to think about the situation using the beliefs we have created about how well we are about to do. If you think of it like this – whilst you are concentrating on what your mind is telling you then vital energy is being wasted. Look at it like a leak in a petrol tank – all that petrol is dripping out, so you will not be able to get as far on your journey as you had hoped. You will also have less power.

So what can you do about it? You need to make this process CONSCIOUS.

TIP: Every time you find yourself listening in on your self-talk, make a CHOICE to step back and stop. If you have tried this before, and you find it impossible to stop the thoughts, then find a way to block any intrusive thoughts. For instance, you could count your way through the swing – this would also help with your timing. Perhaps – 1, 2, 3 – hit – timed correctly, this would stop the mind chatter that interferes with your reaching the zone when you play.

Another tip to try is to use ‘visualisation’. By visualising exactly where you want your ball to land and playing over in your mind the perfect shot - as though it has just happened. If you are really determined to access being in the moment, then like all the other skills you learn you need repetition and practice. You are teaching your mind new habits and also letting go of firmly-embedded old habits that are used to feeding your mind with all this chitter-chatter.

So once you have told your self-talk to stop, you now have three choices; you can replace the silent mind with positive self-talk, visualise the perfect shot or leave yourself without any thought just ‘be in the moment’.

REMEMBER: The ideal state in which to play a golf shot is as follows: from the beginning of the swing to the ball flying through the air, you will have a complete sense of calmness, no thoughts, just a fantastic sense of well-being which will be effortlessness – that is where you want your mind to be each and every time you play a shot. It takes practice and awareness to switch off that negative mind chatter – but practice makes permanent!