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There is a very clear correspondence between our states
of mind and how our bodies manifest. When our minds have anxiety or fear,
our bodies feel tight and agitated. When we are discouraged or depressed,
our bodies feel heavy and sluggish, low in energy. When we are confident
and at ease, our bodies feel energetic and responsive.
Our mental state also affects our posture, how our body
looks as we stand or walk. As we watch golfers walking up the eighteenth
fairway,
it's not hard to tell which ones are playing well and which ones are
playing poorly that day. The golfers who are playing poorly seem to
be dragging along, shoulders hunched, head down, looking at the ground,
maybe even muttering to themselves. The golfers who are playing well
have a bounce in their step, walking tall, shoulders back, head up,
looking straight ahead or upwards, maybe even whistling to themselves.
Recognizing the effect our minds have on our bodies should help us
understand the importance of maintaining a positive, supportive attitude
towards ourselves. If we become self-critical after a bad shot, calling
ourselves names or telling ourselves how bad a golfer we are, our bodies
will feel more tense, have less energy, and be less responsive. That
will make for more bad shots, more self-criticism, and establish a
cycle of negativity that guarantees a miserable round of golf. 
Instead, after mis-hitting a shot, accept the fact that even great
players hit bad shots on occasion, and even have bad days (with lots
of bad shots). As best you can, find something good about the shot
(for example, "it was on the right line") or at least something
you can learn from it (for example, "next time I need to maintain
a better tempo"). Then focus on the next shot you have to play,
drawing on a past experience of a time when you hit the same type of
shot very well. This will send a more confident message to your body,
and your body will be more likely to produce the shot you want it to.
Not only do our minds affect our bodies, but our bodies also send
messages to our minds. If we walk slumped over and looking at the ground,
it confirms to our mind that things are going badly. Then we feel discouraged,
then our body feels less energy, starting a negative chain reaction
that gets worse and worse. Instead, as you walk between shots, whether
good or bad, maintain an upright posture, shoulders back, taking full
breaths. Humming or whistling softly can make you feel more relaxed
and positive. Look up and out to the horizon or higher at the treetops
or clouds. Directing your eyes that way creates a feeling of spaciousness
and larger perspective, which makes it easier to let go of the past
and focus on the next shot. This confident body posture sends a positive
message to your mind, making it easier to take a positive attitude.
No matter what shot you've just played, maintaining a confident posture
will make you feel more positive about your next shot, and feeling
that way will give you the best chance for success. Our minds and bodies
work together in every golf shot, and a having confident attitude and
a confident posture is the combination that will help you consistently
play your best golf.
Copyright 1999 Dr. Joseph Parent
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