One would be hard pressed to find an individual who isnt feeling an increase in stress and anxiety in these troubled world times. Both domestically and abroad, news reports continually speak to societies across the globe exhibiting signs of higher degrees of uncertainty and instability. In large-scale protests and in individual conversations, there are many who would like to turn back the clock to the way things were just a few short years ago. Interestingly, it is especially during these times of tension that we in America have historically turned to sport and recreation as a diversion. Whether as a spectator or as a participant, for many there is something therapeutic about the environment that these activities can create to help us get away from it all. For some, the connection with golf at this time allows for a single-minded, in the moment experience that frees up that part of the mind that has been under strain. For others, simply the physical release of pent-up energy can have attendant calming benefits. Like so many things in life, it regularly takes a significant event or events to shake us out of our comfortable world that we take for granted and help us put things in a more accurate light. Ask a person who can no longer walk how much they appreciated being ambulatory. Ask a person who can no longer see how much they appreciated their sight. Where Im going with all of this is to suggest to the Senior golfers to make a point of deeply appreciating the opportunities that you have, and to put into perspective some of those things in golf that you typically allow to upset you. Missing a short putt, hitting a drive OB and hitting an easy shot into a hazard are much easier to cope with when put in the context of how fortunate we are to be able to play at all. The level of frustration, anger, and anxiety that I regularly witness in golf stems in part from the persons difficulty with putting his/her experience into context. While acknowledging that many golfers have trained or practiced hard, there is, at times, an over reaction relative to lifes big picture. I am not suggesting that anger or frustration or worry is an inappropriate emotion in golf, Im merely proposing that these emotions be managed such that the encounter with the game not be contaminated. How sad to be unfulfilled and/or dissatisfied doing something that ostensibly has the potential to bring such joy. For many of you senior golfers, this is what youve worked hard for your whole life- to finally be able to enjoy this great game. Next time you find yourself upset when on the golf course, catch yourself and reflect upon how important really in the scheme of life is that with which you are stewing. My suspicion is that you will enjoy yourself more if you incorporate a big picture outlook in your reactions. |
