Please read my prior blog if you want to know what the heck I'm talking about.

The 2nd assignment-- Using clear intent to establish a place for an experience I call “Holding the Space”. In A.R.O.S. the paradigm is “To Be One With”. We’re not competing against other golfer’s, the course, or one’s self. In this program we call upon strength, resolve, compassion and humor.

Holding the Space:
We now explore one answer to "what’s happening". In that space of time, when the other golfer/golfer’s are preparing to hit, you honor them by Holding the Space. You do this by being Centered and Grounded. (I first learned about this when I was training for a certification in Shiatsu Acupressure back in 83.) Here’s how I was taught:

Centering—Your mind (imagination) takes you to the space in your body that’s about 2-3 inches below your navel and some 2-3 inches deep. Allow your breath to begin there, expanding the abdomen with fresh nourishing energy. As the inhale continues your lungs drink deep. On the exhale, the belly softens, you release oxygen, carbon dioxide, fears, doubts, worries, and a large volume of gratitude for the life this breath sustains.

Grounding—Your mind takes your breath down into the earth and sends out roots in all directions. You and the earth are one. You are still doing the Centering breathing except the inhale begins and ends in the earth.

So, here’s the deal-- when your hitting, I Center and Ground; I’ve got your back! I’m going to be Holding the Space while you hit. I’m in pure observation mode. I’m not there to judge if your shot is good or bad or whatever you want to call it. What I am is grounded and centered. Add two or three other golfer’s holding the space and here is a unique vibe situation that is powerful.

I recommend maintaining an air of confidentiallity while doing these assignments. When the time comes that someone notices a positive shift in your golf game/being, let your wisdom share what your heart says.

 Stay tuned for there is much more to come.

A Round of Silence / The Home Course Study

Merge with the infinite. Ride the radiant energy as it spirals out into spacious emptiness. Embrace the sensations of a sustained exuberance. Now realize, this is you playing golf, glistening in satori.

To wrap your mind around these words and grasp the intended meaning may require leaving Kansas (or reading on.) It’s onward and inward, to a place where imagination has dominion. It’s time to suspend rational logic, all modes of trying, and give a shout out to the whimsical. I’m proposing playing Golf spiced up with more of a transcendental flavor, where-by experiencing a round of golf elevates one’s consciousness, or at least presents the opportunity.

This brings us to a golf program that’s been in the developmental phase since 1985, it’s called “A Round of Silence”. I recently signed a contract with Rita of Stellar Bookings to bring this program to a world wide audience. Inspiration whispered that the friends at the 19th Hole could provide an honest sounding board. My intent is to give you segments of the workshop that you can immediately plug into your game. I look forward to hearing from those of you who join in and care to comment.

A.R.O.S. Present Presence What’s happening? This is a door opening question, one that I urge you to ask often. What’s happening in your mind and body during a round of golf—more specifically—while the other player is hitting their shot? This is your first assignment-- To simply monitor your body (posture, weight distribution, etc.), and what’s happening in your mind (thoughts, images, etc.), in that space of time when the other golfer is in their pre-shot routine until the moment they’re done with the shot? To clarify—you observe how you’re occupying your mind and body during the time the other golfer/golfer’s are in their pre-shot routine until their done swinging. As you pay attention and sharpen your observation skills you may recognize certain patterns.

Mundane Questions:
Thinking-- Are you thinking about that last shot, last hole, last… (past); or how on the next shot you’re going to… (future); or thinking “look at how many times this guy waggles, hello Mr. Taking Forever” (present, with judgement); I should be… instead of being here playing golf (the doubter). Feeling-- I’m standing predominantly on my left leg (weight is forward towards toes), my head is tilted to the left, my shoulders are hunched, and I tend to hold my breath.

The Connection: When you become observant of your thoughts and actions, you are being conscious. This is a present time experience. Being present is being consciously aware, a very powerful place to be. When you infuse this energy into a clear intent of purpose, welcome to Vitality.

Prayer to thy Great Golf Swinger

I humbly ask for thy presence, oh great golf swinger, to revive our connection so that every cell in this mind and body may feel your rhythm and flow. Please grant this questioning mind the bliss of your peace, so that I may relinquish all futile attempts of regurgitating the swing tipsssss that confuse and complicate. I will be empty and quiet, rejoicing in feeling your presence. I dedicate each swing, putt, chip, pitch, fairway shot, and drive, to our reunion. No matter where the ball goes, I will remain present with the feeling of gratitude, especially because this next shot is yours, and I know I’m about to witness greatness.

Blessings,

Bill

Would you agree that if you're in the flow, your golfing experience reflects this- in the groove mood? Personally, I know when I'm one with the flow, there's no worry or being thrown off balance just because my golfball flew off in some weird flight pattern or decided to take a dip in the water. I'll hear the humor in the ruthless comments my ego and playing partners come up with. When your in the flow, there's a knowing sense that you'll bounce right back with a stellar shot and then drain the putt, even if the greens are freshly punched and sanded. (At least in this fictional writing.)

As I write these words I can imagine some heads nodding in agreement, and others feeling a bit perplexed as to how to get into this flow business? I could write more, or I could sign off and do some house cleaning and stoke out my wife. The flow says- "House Cleaning!" If there's someone out there wanting to read more..., let me know.

Blessings,

Bill