Yoga Is a GAME Changer

What can yoga do for you and how can it forever change the way you play golf and live life? Yoga is a practice that was founded thousands of years ago.  Recently it has become one of the hottest things in the west.  Yoga has taken on many meanings including union, connection, focus and mindfulness. How can practicing yoga affect the way you play golf?

When “practicing” yoga on a mat we are focusing on both the mind and the body.  The physical practice of yoga helps build strength, balance and flexibility. Mentally, the practice of yoga helps us achieve mindfulness.  Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment.

Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment.

What can practicing yoga do to change your game?  First and foremost, mentally, it teaches us to be in the present, let go of distractions and accept what is. Often times, when we play a round of golf, we are rehashing the past and looking too far into the future of the next shot or next hole.  This can set us up for failure. 

The physical practice of yoga is a great way to maintain strength, flexibility and balance.  All three are key components to a consistent golf swing. In addition, it allows us to stay present in our bodies, create awareness with our breath and help clear our minds.  When the mind is clear and the body is present the golf swing feels effortless.

Golf is a lot like life. The harder we try the more resistance we get. When we let go and allow things to flow life seems effortless. We forget that life, too, is a practice and need to accept that we will never master either one.  When we apply yoga principles to the game of golf and carry these principles into our lives we learn how to clear our minds, let go of what was, and be present to what is.  This will allow your life and your game to flow!

We live in society that is fast paced, constantly moving and changing.  We are continually challenged to be present.  The golf course is a perfect place to “practice” mindfulness.  The more mindful we become on the course the more present we can become in our daily lives.

The practice of yoga can and will change your game and your life.  It is a commitment to yourself, becoming a better player, better person and, ultimately bringing more peace and happiness into your life.  Are you ready to take the challange?  Make the shift and commit to a better life, better game and more importantly a better you!