Mark Grace Golf

Fun course in Ocala, Fl called Golden Ocala. Check out some of the replicated holes! So cool to play Augusta #12 , with a front left pin position or curve a ball left around the corner of #13. The road hole fence - So cool. Check it out.

Golf in the morning!

March 6th on hole 6 at Orlando Country Club had a birthday surprise!

Learning can be exhilarating!

Dr Mike Kay discussing body assessments and probable complications of movement.

The Retreat has begun. Dr Raymond Prior is our first presenter. Doc poses the question - who was your favorite teacher? What do you feel when you think about them. Why are they memorable. Brilliant beginning!

This store informed me that you should be able to fit someone hitting 4 balls or you should get a lesson. Nice to know they have standards.

Having fun placing memories on the wall. Just getting started… Those planning to attend the Codebreakers retreat clear your calendar late February and stay Tuned. Details a day away.

Being able to redirect focus is a critical skill as a teacher. If we are trying to develop the skill of focus it helps to consider different applications. Please feel free to share your insights on focus in the comment section.

If you are interested in developing your teaching skills as a coach seriously consider attending the Codebreakers Retreat. All info can be found at www.codebreakersgolf.com

Golf is largely a central nervous system game. How we think separates us more so than our physical tools. Many of us are trapped by irrational beliefs. Learning how to assess one’s thoughts may be the most important skill one ever develops. Learning how to shed unproductive beliefs is what Raymond is very good at. Changing how we think is step 1. It very much made up of mind games. It is through the experience of challenging our beliefs we gain stable confidence. Learn more at www.codebreakersgolf.com.

The reality is there are layers of wisdom woven into the fruits of the Spirit. That probably comes as no great surprise. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. In my opinion, these adjectives are part and parcel of a flow state. Consider The Message translation:

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

A scientific study of the flow state will lead to different language. Creating space. Allowing for acceptance. Deprivation curiosity / interest curiosity. These parallels weave nicely into the peaceful serenity that exists with God and the fruits that manifest from the Spirit. The very act of prayer overlaps the mindfulness practice techniques taught by performance specialists with one exception. Mindfulness practices walk alone within the breath. Those in faith the breath is God.

The intertwine of faith and mindfulness practices can be a useful tool. The study of this is much greater than a few paragraphs that I offer. If you have further interest in understanding the flow state achieved to hit a golf shot - please check out Raymond Priors Book - Golf Beneath the Surface.



Below is a page out of Raymond Priors book - Golf Beneath the Surface

Leaving scripture without application may be like leaving water without a glass. Stand with your scripture. How did your walk with God change you? What did you intimately learn? What experiences can you share?

Learning Grace for me has been a long road. I held unto the definition of grace for many years but never took ownership. Many years ago, after a failed marriage, God picked me up and infused a life within me that was undeniable. Those around me saw Gods life radiate through me. My success in golf is no doubt linked to that period of time when God’s spirit overflowed. I remember giving scripture to a business man on a driving range and this relationship caught fire. Our belief in God and family propelled a friendship and partnership that saw success on a National Stage. Slowly I began to take God’s gifts for granted. Little things at first. No longer was I playing Gods music at work. I was slowly becoming more respectful to the dollar. No longer was I moving effortlessly in God’s grace. I was King. And, in a way like Elvis, the pressures of the world were sucking the life out of me.

Gods people have never left me. Just the other day a friend reminded me that there is evil in this world. Somehow I had forgotten. Something so basic. Something so fundamental. Amazingly, just by recognizing this I could feel change. By Gods grace i feel His life flowing through me. Unashamed. Not prideful. Fragarant peace.

Losing your swing can be like this. Something gradually erodes the very ethos that generated it. Forgiving yourself is a gift. However, it’s been my experience it’s no easy task. I fundamentally had to challenge my faith. I wrestled with God for many months. I challenged the social phobias that many place on Christianity. I found a world of opinions tugging in self interest. I found God was not forcing me to do anything. He offered a corridor of peace and love.

It was the experience of God’s beauty that set me free. His pure love warmed me like the rays from the sun. Seemingly it was my attitude that spoiled the beauty that was all around. Once I saw Gods beauty in everything I realized I was turning my back on His grace.

Your golf swing can be found. It exists when an authentic relationship exists between the club, the environment in which it is swung, and the person who is swinging. There is no tugging or forcing. The environment in which this swing flourishes can be found in Galatians 5:22.

-Mark

It’s been a while since I’ve been on this page. Retirement takes one in all different directions. Ultimately, when you find a focus things usually get better. Much like when you give yourself grace when you play this game.

You must start with one focus or the clutter of this world will muddle your mind. There is great psychology in this. When you relax to know the love of God, you might see clear to find the ball. A swing less of anger. It resonates a different rhythm.

The love of God is a better pattern. It is more than alpha and theta - the On-line flow state of the Pre-frontal cortex…On line with God is the Alpha - Omega. It is all of eternity. It is the purest of shots! Love.

Jesus Christ - is the PRESENT. It is a single focus. It is the ultimate eternal flow. The flow of life.

Ephesians 5:14

To the talented professionals who attended Code Breakers, Dr Series. We thank you. . Thank you , , - what a cool experience.