Rensberry.com
I read Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy. This book is filled with philosophical, spiritual, and practical insights about golf as more than a sport. It is portrayed as a vehicle for self-discovery, transcendence, heightened awareness, and harmony with life's deeper rhythms.
The book weaves Eastern-inspired mysticism (influenced by Zen, Taoism, and figures like Sri Aurobindo) with the game's physical and mental demands.
True Gravity One of the book's central concepts: Play from a centered, grounded state where body, mind, club, ball, and course are in perfect alignment and harmony. "True gravity" means surrendering to natural forces rather than forcing or fighting them - letting gravity and inner balance guide the swing for effortless power and precision. It's about being rooted while allowing flow.
The Sweet Spot and Pre-Existing Union The ball and the club's sweet spot are "already joined" before the swing begins. The golfer's task is simply to return the club to that natural union, not to create it through effort. This teaches non-striving: Stop overthinking mechanics and trust the inherent connection.
Let the Nothingness into Your Shots Banish excessive swing thoughts, ego, and mental chatter. By "letting the nothingness" in embracing emptiness and presence, you open space for intuitive, transcendent play. This mirrors meditation: Quiet the mind to allow true performance to emerge.
The Follow-Through as the Soul of the Swing Commitment doesn't end at impact; the follow-through reveals the swing's essence and soul. Half-hearted or aborted motions reflect inner conflict; full extension symbolizes wholeness and integrity in action (and in life).
Golf as a Microcosm of Life and Spiritual Growth The game mirrors existence: obstacles, frustration, beauty, cycles of return, and fleeting moments of perfection. It demands presence between shots (Shivas Irons notes that golf is largely "what happens in between the shots"), balance of mind-body-spirit, surrender of ego, and appreciation of the journey over mere results.
Mind-Body-Spirit Unity and Transcendence Excellence arises from integrating physical technique, mental clarity, emotional openness, and spiritual awareness. Golf can unlock altered states of consciousness, synchronicity, and glimpses of higher potential, much like athletic "flow" or mystical experiences.
Overcoming the Ego as the True Obstacle The biggest barrier isn't bunkers or wind; it's overthinking, fear, pride, or forcing control. Surrendering ego leads to freedom, flow, and unexpected mastery.
The Swing as a Symbol of Balance and Release The golf swing embodies life's rhythm: backswing (gathering energy/intention), downswing (release), and follow-through (completion). It requires timing, rhythm, and letting go.
Presence, Walking, and Enjoying the In-Between If you can savor the walk between shots, you can better handle life's transitions and "in-between" moments. Golf slows time enough to concentrate the mind while engaging body, feelings, fantasies, and muscles in unison.
Golf as a Path to Self-Realization and Mystery The game reveals hidden dimensions of the self and reality through intuition, energy fields, synchronicity, and even mythical elements. It invites exploration of human potential beyond the ordinary.