When you consider that we can go for days without food or water, but only a few moments without a breath, you begin to appreciate breath as our most vital source of energy. In previous articles, I have discussed the adverse effects of stress on breathing. The physiological effects are extremely significant to golfers. They can make the difference between a great round and a total disaster. Everything from missed putts to the yips. Learning to breathe consciously is the first step to getting your energy flowing, your muscles relaxed and your mind focused.

In yoga, we refer to breathing techniques as pranayamas, and they are an essential part of yoga training. Prana equals energy. That includes all energy, internal and external. Pranayamas are a tool for focusing and directing energy. Just think of the difference in power between a spotlight and a laser beam and you immediately understand the significance.

In golf, you are trying to direct a small object, over a great distance, to a final destination that is not much larger that the object itself. If you don't know how to focus and direct your own energy, the task is that much harder. And what about all that energy around you, wind, sun, rain...

Last week, I ran into Mindy Thomas, one of my yoga students at The Healthplex in Springfield, PA. She told me that she had just begun her third season of golf and though she had never taken any professional lessons, she had been coached "fiercely" by a dear friend who had played all his life. She explained that the most phenomenal thing happened to her on June 27th, during twilight golf at Paxon Hollow Country Club, in Media, PA.

"...I joined a gentleman I have been talking about golf with for about a year. When we arrived at the first hole two other men asked to join us. I explained that I was still a "rookie," but they still encouraged my friend and me to join them. Everyone knows that when you play with seasoned golfers it can be intimidating, particularly if you're the only woman.

When we arrived at the 15th hole, I decided to really go back to the basics of relaxing. Right before teeing-off on a Par 3 (140 yds.), I took a deep cleansing breath, like you've taught us in yoga class, and then continued with the complete breath during the backswing. I knew I connected and that it was solid. We all had a clear view of the green and watched the ball land and move itself toward the hole and drop. Hole In One! We all looked at each other in amazement. Everything about that moment is frozen in time.

Even if it was beginners luck, I know I will never forget it. Going back to the breath got me there. My confidence as a player and in myself increased instantly. This was a marker event. Just as there are people that dramatically impact your life forever, there are moments and decisions that alter it just as profoundly. We all hear the words anything is possible, but when you have this kind of validation early on in your golf career, then you truly know it..."

I have included these essential breathing techniques in previous articles, but let's review them.

Cleansing Breath - Take a deep breath in through the nose and let it out with an audible sigh. Releasing sound releases muscle tension and clears the mind. You can use this breath at address, just before you begin the backswing. It's like hitting your reset button.

Complete/Three Part Yogic Breath - Take a deep breath in and then exhale fully, contracting the navel toward the spine, until you are empty. Then inhale right into your navel. You will feel the belly expand, and then the ribcage as you continue to inhale. See if you can fill all the way to the collar bones. Practicing this regularly will increase your lung capacity, providing more oxygen to the body and mind. Focusing on breath also reduces inner and outer distractions which has an overall calming effect.

If you want increased vitality fast, there is no better pranayama then the Breath of Joy because it primes the lungs, stretches the body, and gets things flowing. After taking the Whole In One workshop, a group of women golfers from the Whitford Country Club in Exton, PA told me they actually did this breathing technique together at a club tournament right on the first tee. They completely intimidated their opponents and went on to win the tournament.

I told you these techniques give you confidence.

Breath of Joy - Stand with your feet parallel, hip distance apart and knees relaxed. Inhale your arms up alongside your ears. Exhale forcefully through the mouth, keeping the throat relaxed. It will sound like you're fogging a mirror. While you are exhaling, press into your feet, bend your knees deeply, and swing the arms down and back behind you. Inhale 3 quick breaths, through the nose, as you swing the arms straight ahead, out to the side and up overhead. Continue for several breaths. Make sure you keep your eyes opened at all times, to keep from getting dizzy. If you do get dizzy, sit down immediately. When you have finished, stand still and notice the energy tingling throughout the body. That's Prana.

The parallels between yoga and golf continue to amaze me. In both, we rely on our inner attitude, balance, and focus to transform our energy into action. If we are tired, breathless, distracted and out of alignment mentally and physically, there is just no way to accomplish our goal. In golf, and in yoga, we must cultivate inner stillness, prior to action. By learning to focus and channel your energy through breath, you can turn an ordinary round of golf into an extraordinary experience.

For more information on workshops, video or audio tapes, visit Ronni Diamond's Whole in One - Yoga for Golfers or call 610-892-3822.

© 2000 Ronni Diamond