“Individualized Pure Potential”

croppedmeditation“Technical knowledge is not enough.  One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious”- Daisetsu Suzuki

We have pondered the wonders of thought origination and what is present when there are no thoughts (yes, some light reading). The conclusive evidence (by me) was that we, as humans, self-sabotage golf shots by over conceptualizing and not experiencing the golf shot.

A solution for all mankind (or at least golfers)  is awareness.  For example, thinking about “Don’t miss the green to the right” vs. seeing the shot fly to the target while maintaining perfect balance. Becoming completely aware of when those thoughts interrupt the experience of the perfect shot, we can then engage the power to CHOOSE our thoughts.  Did the random thought occur during the pre-shot routine? Was it before addressing the golf ball? Maybe at the top of the back swing?

“Some martial artists achieve a state of awareness suggestive of a sixth sense; this is the total involvement in environment for which the Zen practitioners aim.  It produces a calmness and detachment even in the face of threatening situations” (like a bunker, the lake on the right and the canyon on the left).  Joe Hyams, Zen and Martial Arts

“Individualized Pure Potential” is about directing the mind to a positively stated focus and letting experience, awareness and talent  takeover.  The more awake you are to your environment (again, the golf shot you are about to hit and the target you are sending it to) the better you will play.  Get out of your head, trust your awareness and achieve your “Individualized Pure Potential.”

Dodie Mazzuca is the Director of Instruction at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ (Oct-May).  She also teaches golf in Santa Cruz, CA (May-Oct).  To contact Dodie visit: www.DodieMazzuca.com

 

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