Ever Evolving Standing Bow

This is a picture of a women executing a yoga pose called "standing bow pulling." Standing bow pulling pose is one of the most challenging poses, I think, in the hatha yoga practice. And since day 1 this pose has been my inspiration (outcome). This position requires strength, flexibility, determination, patience, integrity, stillness and breath. Basically every skill needed for an individual to "practice" yoga. If you read last week's article you are more aware that learning a skill takes hours and hours of repetition and deliberate practice. I can't remember what it was like learning golf so I thought I would share my experience learning yoga. 5 years ago a friend took me to a Bikram yoga class, a 90 minute class in 105 degree heat. Before my first class she said, "whatever you do, DO NOT leave the room" (skill #1). You can imagine my fear level went though the roof. What the heck did I get myself into. From that first day I was addicted and so my obsession to master the standing bow began. So why am I sharing this with you? Well to me golf is like yoga. It's a practice. It's an obsession we all share. It's an addiction. It's a game you show up to play and practice forever. You will never reach an end because you can always get better and shoot lower scores. Your standing bow will always be evolving.

When I first started yoga I was overwhelmed. The heat, the length of the class, the poses and the reality this would have to be a life long commitment freaked me out. I was so focused on the outcome I couldn't concentrate on the moment and the opportunity to build my foundation. (Beginners pay attention!) Luckily I started with an amazing teacher who has guided me the entire way. She broke it down into the practice of building a solid foundation comprised of specific skills I needed to slowly work towards my goal. My ever evolving standing bow pulling pose is close but not there. And it may take me another 10 years. But it's the process of practicing the skills that I have learned is where I need to stay focused. I started out learning how to breath and it's evolved into learning how to control my thoughts and emotions. At this point it's all mental. How often do you hear that in golf?

Have patience with your progress and enjoy the journey!