|
|
Walking On A Dream
Aren't we all, really? Except for those who can't walk, literally - like many of the Children's Cancer Association. But they still have dreams, remember?
I played a small part in making some of those dreams come true a few moons back by playing (90 walking, 10 running) 100 holes to raise funds for JoyRX; you see, it takes more than medicine to treat cancer and serious illness. When a child is facing life's most challenging moments (that water hazard staring you in the face in front of the green, pales in comparison...), they also need emotional healing.
Click above for a rad blast from the Aussie duo Empire of the Sun, then stroll on back thissa way for pics, insight and more on how your walks - in and out of the golf park - can be more fruitful for you, and those in your world.
And: are you still dreaming about playing better golf? Off in Interweb & SM la-la land, searching for pixie dust and quick fixes being pandered by smooth-talking blokes in white loafers, baby blue coats and wearing a crown (it's all about impressing, never mind actual science, legit street cred, or relevant information)?
Gotcha; click below on my logo for something more real.
"Walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again?"
CS ready to rock and roll for Round 1 above, approx 7 AM PT. Masked up (it's about respect for others yet again - much like etiquette upon the links - not what YOU want/need/believe), clad in the appropriate attire and footwear (gracias, Nike Golf brethren) and equipped with the proper sticks and nuggets (gracias, Part II, my peeps at Callaway Golf) for the 'job.'
But is it really work, after all? Last I checked, golf is a game - a play-time adventure filled with luck, chance and the unexpected lurking around every dogleg. Oh, you wanted consistency (us humanoids are not hard-wired for consistency, sorry, brothers & sisters - we are however masters of improvisation..), fairness & predictability? Best stick to maths for that.
Hence throughout this missive, click upon a dream-walking CS pics out of the front doors of the Witch Hollow at Pumpkin Ridge clubhouse (no guarantees as to what'll 'pop up'), courtesy of rock-star photographer Tom Hauck, for ideas on products and pieces that will help your golf performance.
Oh, and that incessant self-talk and what it is you are seeing? 'How can I explain' - then help bring to your awareness the choices you have?
Voici...
Chatter:
- Phrases full of "can'ts, shoulds and don'ts?" I understand - those are nightmares, not dreams, folks. How about putting out "wants, wills and intentions" in the golf garden instead? You are in charge, after all. And that self-beratement after each and every less-than-perfect shot... #nothelping. How about finding some positives in the process first off, offering yourself a pat on the back for doing your best, then understanding those playing on TV over the weekend are the best of the best having a great week - and this game we call "golf" golf ain't nearly as easy as they make it look...
- Views: Are your eyes (the cameras feeding the brain & mind) seeing all the rotten spots your ball could end up? I see (pun intended). How about shifting your focus and programming the system as to where you want your ball to finish, much like you do when driving a car, walking on a trail, or negotiating a crowded airport where everyone's afflicted with 'head-down-itis' (far more dangerous than the 'Vid) staring at their devices? How successful are you at those tasks? Dreamy, eh?
Ever-changing conditions (on the links and upon life's daily sidewalks) - but are you ready, able and willing? Or are you stuck, fearful of change (yes, you might get worse before you get better - it's often part of the deal), mired in swing constipation?
Gotcha - yet the kids who can barely hold a golf club are much more open to novelties, than most of us seemingly more able...
The question then begs: what are you afraid of? The unknown, or giving up the (ever-so-comfortable) known?
What do you notice in the last two images? Sure, change of attire, but what else?
Being aware of details is critical to enhanced golf performance... The specific lie of the golf ball, each and every time - how it's sitting, subtle slopes, moisture (or not), and so much more. Where is the real trouble (jail time!) on your next shot - and after identifying - what then is the proper strategy? You're outside in nature, amigos - not in some sterile, climate-controlled, element-free environment (#pseudogolfinasimulator) - are you keenly in tune with those conditions?
Perhaps you're distracted by trivial, and things that are completely out of your control... Best conserve your precious life force and energy for those pieces you can manage.
BIN-GO! My trusty "oil can" in hand in most of these pics; what sort of 'fuel' inside to keep me going for 13+ hours, and 30+miles? Click, and see :)
"Don't stop, just keep going on
I'm your shoulder, lean upon
So come on, deliver from inside
All we got is tonight, that is right 'til first light"
Ho Hum, round 4 about ready to begin. Tired? Cranky? Ungracious? Really - I'm (and so are you, each and every time you tee it..) playing golf after all, not toiling in a coal mine, seeking shelter or food, or struggling with addiction or illness.
Oh, your forgot - kinda like students telling me they "forgot" something relevant or important in their planning, set-up, or swing? No you didn't! You forgot to learn, or recognize 'it.'
But 'don't stop...'
Your attitude, mindset and demeanor are far more important than your golf swing, when it comes to shooting lower scores. Sure, you can no doubt hit it better - but just what steps are you taking to improve your 'mental game?' You know, better 'deliver from inside?'
Click above for some words from the best in the biz IMHO re improving your inner piece; remember: it's all an inside job.
Serious mug there, above. Not really - I just had more golf to play, and a commitment to keep.
What about you? Are you truly committed to playing better golf - that means time, energy and resources - or are you just pretending (like most)? You know, all talk, looking for some Houdiniesque 'tip' that will Insta-alter decades of ineffective swing & thought patterns?
I see, hear, and live it all the time. You are in fact walking and living in a dream world - but you go - see how that works. If not, ping me, I'd be happy to discuss a more righteous and holistic path to augmented performance.
What's different (something missing...) in the Round 5 image north of here? You know the routine...
"We are always running for the thrill of it, thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out, out again
Never looking down, I'm just in awe of what's in front of me"
90 holes down, 10 to go. And it was getting late... Sun lowering, moon rising. So what - I had a few more holes to play to reach my goal. What does a broken-down Speedgolfer do? Lighten the load and move ONWARDS for the kids, that what!
You? 'Running' for the thrill of it and pushing up the hill towards the bank, and/or ego stroking parlor? I get it - and maybe it's time you looked up (aforementioned head-down-itis not only hurts you in your short game, it damages your very soul, and being..) and lent a helping hand to those less fortunate.
Obviously I wasn't alone in this dawn to dusk adventure - my trusty wingman with cameras in hand was there all the way. In search of someone to visually chronicle one of your dreams, walking, running, or other? Click on any of the surrounding images to view Tom Hauck's fabulous work, and to contact.
Final putt (draino for a par three, on hole #10 at Witch Hollow), star time, about 8:30 PM. Mission accomplished for those in need.
You in need of guidance for you golf? I can help.
Remote and in-person coaching options at Eugene Country Club, & Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico. The development of an optimal practice program for you, your needs, and your schedule. Ideas and referrals in the equipment domain - those sticks in your bag, and your physical body. Science and evidenced-based help in achieving higher mental acuity on the course. A competent, comprehensive and on-going loop for learning, regardless of where you are on the planet.
Contact me for a consultation; click on my logo just above for further specifics.
Christopher@ChristopherSmithGolf.com
CSmith@EugeneCountryClub.com
"Walking is the great adventure, the first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind. Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility."
- - Gary Snyder
Best,
~ CS ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
