The 90%: More retreat reflections; Scheffler stunner; Mindful walking

Welcome back to The 90%!

"Ninety percent of your battles are won or lost in your head before they even begin." – Craig Groeschel

Perspiration

It's been just over three weeks since I returned from the Meditation Retreat for Mental Performance in Sport, and I'm still revisiting and reflecting on the experience. Trying to encapsulate the four days is a bit of a challenge, but here are some additional nuggets to consider.

Many people are concerned with meditating "correctly," but learning to meditate is more like learning to ride a bike. You start, your attention wobbles, and then you start again. You set a path, and off you go.
The mind wanders 47% of the time. It's normal. Problems arise only when we don't notice that our mind has wandered. The moment when you notice that attention has wandered is the moment of mindfulness. Each time you return your attention to where you want it to be is another rep that builds capacity.
One phrase we learned was, "Body on the cushion, mind in the body." This one is easily adapted to any sport, e.g. head in the helmet, mind in the head, or body on the court, mind in the body.
Being at your B.E.S.T. requires the interaction of Behaviors, Emotions, Senses, and Thoughts.
Conditions (both internal and external) are constantly changing, thus, we can't expect them to be perfect. Training the skills of attention and meta-awareness is essential, because these skills travel, regardless of the conditions.
Not everything that is worthwhile can be measured, and not everything that can be measured is worthwhile.
A ready body, combined with a quiet body, wins.

Stay tuned for a few more ideas that overlap with another recent experience.

Inspiration

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, sent the media into a frenzy on the eve of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. In a press conference attended by journalists whose livelihoods depend on the sport, Scheffler had the audacity to question the very point of professional golf. If you haven’t seen it, stop and watch the video (5:34).

'What's the point?!' | Astonishing Scottie Scheffler press conference questioning golfing fulfilment

I've highlighted Scheffler in a previous edition of The 90%, and this interview is another glimpse into the deep thinking that makes him such a compelling figure to follow. Even more impressive, he was willing to explore these existential questions in front of the entire world—just hours before teeing off in a major championship.

I’m a strong believer in identifying values, because values shape perspective. Then I look for alignment between values and actions. In Scheffler’s case, that alignment is unmistakable. As if to punctuate the point, he went on to win the tournament—and then reiterated his priorities in yet another thoughtful interview.

Scottie Scheffler on Winning The Open: Faith, Family, and the Claret Jug

Preparation

One of the practices we explored at the meditation retreat was mindful walking—bringing your full attention to your surroundings and bodily sensations as you move. Instead of focusing on the destination, mindful walking draws your awareness to each step along the path. Research suggests mindful walking can lead to:

Improved mood
Better emotional regulation
Increased positive emotions
Reduced stress and anxiety
Lower blood pressure
Better sleep quality

There are many ways to practice mindful walking. One approach I’m experimenting with is using it on the way to a practice or game. It’s a simple yet powerful way to arrive with presence and readiness before it’s time to perform.

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