Play golf with your heart

February is the month when we turn our attention to the feeling of love in our hearts.  Universally the 14^th of February is designated as a day to show our love to others through gift giving. Perhaps this year you can gift yourself by remembering through all the adversities, how much you love to play golf.

Unlike the golf swing, love can’t be taught. It is already part of our make-up. As humans we block out the awareness of the feeling of love by allowing negative thought patterns and fear-based actions to interfere with our lives and our golf games.

The greatest lesson I learned was to play for my own enjoyment.

I stopped thinking about how to swing. I stopped thinking of what others might say about me or my game. I stopped thinking about having to make a certain score to maintain my low handicap. I stopped thinking about beating others. I stopped trying to win.

As I let go of these mental blocks to the awareness of love’s presence, I began to trust my abilities. I believed that I knew enough to play at my peak potential. I believed that I deserved to have good things happen on the golf course. I believed that I deserved to be a winner. And I did win, again and again. Miraculous things happened on the golf courses that were beyond my fondest dreams.

I returned to the state of loving the game for what it is, a compelling game full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Love is a unique life force energy that motivates us. Without the passion, it is just dedication. Without the love, it can feel like an all consuming work effort. Love is what makes it easy. Love holds our attention in the present.

Here are some of the reasons my clients say they love to play golf.

• Golf is a fun game to play.
• Golf is a game they can play alone or with others.
• Golf is a common social bond among all who play the game.
• Golf is a game played outdoors in the beauty of nature.
• Golf is a game that challenges them against the golf course and others.
• Golf is a game that moves them into an inner state of focus.
• Golf is played in a peaceful setting that relaxes them.
• Golf reinforces confidence in them and in their abilities.
• Golf teaches them about themselves.
• Golf is a game of honor.
• Golf is a sport that can be played for life.
• Golf is the most difficult sport that keeps them trying for the perfect shot.
• Playing golf “in the zone” is the same feeling as when a person is “in love.”

 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!