The Purpose of Meditation for Golf

On this episode, we talk about meditation. What is it? How to do it? Why should I do it? How will it help my golf game? And if you’re interested in nerding out with me and want to read more about the benefits of meditation/mindfulness practice, here’s the best research paper I’ve personally read about it: Meditation experience is associated with difference in default mode network activity and connectivity https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51825876_Meditation_Experience_Is_Associated_with_Differences_in_Default_Mode_Network_Activity_and_Connectivity And here’s an excerpt from Raymond Prior’s book on just a “few” of the benefits mindfulness practice can have on you as a person: “A massive body of research shows people who practice mindfulness tend to be happier, more optimistic, more hopeful, and more fulfilled with their chosen crafts. They are more satisfied with their lives and grateful for what they have. They are less anxious, stressed, fearful, and depressed. They are less likely to repeatedly fall into unproductive habit loops and lose control in stressful environments. They are more emotionally intelligent and emotionally agile, allowing them to respond to negative emotions more effectively. They are more likely to engage in behaviors that lead to better health and higher performance related to physical fitness, nutrition, and sleep. They are physically healthier, have stronger immune systems, and even get fewer colds. They are more motivated to pursue passions and interests. They are more conscientious and openminded, leading to faster and better learning. They’re more resilient when faced with challenges and show more grit when pursuing endeavors that are important to them. They are more forgiving, empathic, and are better able to see other’s perspectives. They have closer and more functional relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. “Oh, and people who practice mindfulness are more composed under pressure and have more stable confidence. “In the coming years, mindfulness practices will be as common, and required, for sport and performance as strength and conditioning training because the positive impacts are measurable and undeniable; those who don’t understand and don’t practice mindfulness will be left lagging behind.” Dr. Raymond Prior. Golf Beneath the Surface (Kindle Locations 977-986). Kindle Edition. ----- Meditation - here's a Breath-Centered Mindfulness Practice that I recorded for you to try. ----- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the Mental Game Assessment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and learn your top mental game traits and your areas in most need of improvement. ----- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for The Mental Re-Grip ⛳️ newsletter to receive golf psychology help in your email inbox every-ish Tuesday. ----- Have a suggestion for a topic or guest? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drop your suggestions here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- Prefer reading, but somehow found yourself here in audio land? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to check out the Foundations Mental Performance blog.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- Are you a competitive golfer? Interested in working 1-on-1 with Josh as your Golf Psychology Coach? Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠joshnicholsgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email Josh directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ----- Follow Josh on social: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@joshlukenichols⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@joshlukenichols⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@joshlukenichols⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- Follow The Mental Golf Show on social: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mentalgolfshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mentalgolfshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mentalgolfshow