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Whole Brain Integration for Improved Golf ( An introductory Workshop to Whole Brain Thinking, Self-management, & Improved Golf Performance in association with Dr Kobus Neethling) Workshop Content: 1. Background
2. Brain Thinking Quality
3. Candidate Specific Profiling:
4. Higher Cognitive Brain Processes & Neurological Stress
5. Making it all work: Action Plan Introduction: The Importance of Whole Brain Integration Today it is common knowledge and a scientific fact that the brain of man consists of two hemispheres. The specific brain thinking processes associated with each hemisphere were largely established through research following the first split-brain operation performed in the 1960’s Philip Vogel and Joseph Bogen.Together with Dr.Roger Sperry this team confirmed that each hemisphere specialises in unique thinking processes or actions. They found the left hemisphere (controlling the right side of the body) to be dominant for language, speech & analytical and logical thought. The right hemisphere (controlling the left side of the body) controlled visualisation, holistic thinking & unstructured tasks. The Brain as the Control Centre of Human Actions The brain with its various thinking processes is the control and integration organ/centre of every activity human beings undertake. For the purposes of an improved golf game it encompasses the mental, technical, life style and tactical facets of golf and determines the quality of actions through the optimum performance of the brain. There is a direct relation to quality performance when the two hemispheres of the brain functions optimally and in an integrated way. When the thinking processes of the two hemispheres happens simultaneously for any action we talk about Whole Brain Integration. This kind of an integration leads to improved results in everything we think and do - this is why integration of thinking preferences of the two hemispheres can improve a game of golf. The Dominant Profile The two cerebral hemispheres of the brain, although processing vastly different thoughts and actions, are designed to integrate the thinking processes/actions at any given time, but not always …when a person undergoes neurological stress he/she moves into a dominant or basic profile – most people genetically have a distinct preference for either right or left brain thinking preferences. The tendency under neurological stress is for people to function in their dominant/dominant brain profile, resulting in a higher focus on the brain thinking processes of a particular brain hemisphere. This genetic preference for thinking processes of a particular hemisphere is known as the Dominant Profile. When a particular hemisphere of the brain dominates, less prevalence is allowed for processes associated with the non-dominant hemisphere. In a way it can be said that individuals” loose out” on the richness of choice that the whole brain offers! Taking Control! Neurological stress amongst other causes is induced by not drinking enough water, lack of physical movement, negative thinking, emotional experiences and trauma, over-exposure to 2 dimensional surfaces, pollution, bad eating habits and any test- or competition situation. It is a critical performance factor to remember that individuals spontaneously operate in their dominant hemisphere when under neurological stress, unless they take “collect” themselves and take deliberate control of the situation. Effectively this thinking is “lopsided” in a way and shuts out the thinking processes of the non-dominant profile causing a lack of integration of all the brain processes. This course will address the “why” and “how” of taking control of such situations. Sensory Dominances People have sensory dominances for the eyes, feet, ears and handedness – it senses can be dominantly right- or left brained orientated. If a person is “blocked” in terms of sensory dominances it will affect performance. Should for example a golfer’s dominant profile be a preference for right brain thinking processes, together with a dominant right eye, this will, under neurological stress (particularly in a competition), cause a “block” between the various brain thinking processes of the two hemispheres By physiological function the right eye “want” / “seek” the left brain processes of detail and focus as far as the immanent golf shot to be played, is concerned. The left eye (managed by the dominant right brain processes) also seeks upper hand through the right brain dominance. The result is a thinking preference “block” that interferes with whole brain thinking and good performance. What takes place in the brain at such a point is somewhat like a thinking preference “conflict of interests!” The left- and right brain process does not integrate and prevents a whole brain outcome. The result could lead to the wrong choice of approach resulting in a “bad” shot…unless the INDIVIDUAL:
Whether a golfer or tennis player, overall performance will be negatively affected when acting from a dominant profile under neurological stress. How then can this workshop improve a golfer’s performance? The awareness and understanding of a Dominant Profile and Whole Brain Integration becomes the seedbed for personal and performance growth. Candidates undergo personal profiling related to three success factor areas:
Diagnosis of Thinking Qualities The Golf profile reveals the dominant profile of the golfer sensory dominance can be managed through Brain Gym Integration Exercises which is included in this workshop. Brain Gym refers to exercises that make our brain, thoughts, senses and memory “fit”. This workshop introduces the golfer to Brain Gym exercises with the aim to follow the exercise programme in a dedicated way and literally builds new brain paths which allows for the integration of left-and right brain thinking processes in circumstances where the individual would normally “shut down”. The importance of thinking positive or “above-the-line” thoughts is addressed. When the individual harbour negative thoughts he/she will end up with negative stress, unhappiness and eventually we will be “paralysed” and tormented by fear and anxiety. By managing our thoughts we increase our perspective, re-gain and create energy, become joyous and cultivate wisdom. Our thinking then becomes above-the-line bringing breakthrough results for our personal growth and performances. Holistic “Soft Skills”? This WHOLE BRAIN INTEGRATION workshop focus on the importance of brain thinking processes for better golf- and sport performance. It brings personal insight into one’s brain profile, sensory dominances & emphasises “above-the-line- thinking”. This can pave the way to better golf for the dedicated golfer who understands that excellence of performance results from a HOLISTIC approach to golf. The knowledge and skills offered in this workshop thus forms part of a 21 st Century approach to improved golf. Contact details: Costs: Payment: |
