Take the mystery out of mastery. Read the New York Times! No longer a fringe, psycho-babble, self-help panacea for all ills, real or imagined, training your brain has gone mainstream. What better public advocate than the sensible, pragmatic and recently retired golfing superstar, Annika Sorenstam? Got a minute? Find the April 13th edition of the online N.Y.Times and check out the article by Bill Pennington on a day spent with Sorenstam.
The key to Annika's teaching method is her dedication to practice, discipline and more practice. But, along with this storied regimen, she adds a cautionary respect for the mind's power to either interfere or enhance the ability of the body to perform, especially under stress. Annika spent many years training under the influence of Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson, both leading golf teachers who emphasize the heart, body, mind connection. Sorenstam clearly trusts the innate talents of most players to find ways to excel that are simple and natural.
In her session with Bill Pennington, she guides his learning with the exhortations, "Keep it simple!" "Believe in yourself! "Make it easy!" Watch the video; Pennington, playing the struggling stooge, thinks and thinks and thinks. Annika, the master, simply asks for trust.
Easier said, than done? Not, really. Based on her coaching, Annika must be a proponent of trusting one's "natural knowing." Trusting and becoming increasingly more familiar with that inner capability which is innate and constant. To improve our games, most of us usually rely on the analytical process of our thinking and understanding. Trusting our intuitive powers requires a greater willingness to risk playing outside of the logic of our mind. This is one of golf's intrinsic challenges, balancing the often opposing strengths of our minds, logic and intuition.
This "inner strength" can't be taught, only discovered and realized by each player, as if on a personal quest. Annika's method seems to reinforce the opportunities for each player to bring forth talent that can be relied on, if and only when, it is trusted. "Enjoy the game" and "enjoy the chance to play" are ways to encourage a sense of freedom. The resulting calm and "aliveness" that comes instinctively will enable you to find a greater inner strength. Combine this strength with a determined practice routine and increased understanding of the game, but always rely on what you trust within. To paraphrase Annika, "train your brain to free your mind."
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