Joseph Parent > Quotes

“Golf can't be taught, it can only be learned.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“The greatest interference is fear of unwanted results. Yet that is precisely what we get from a lack of commitment.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“As you’ll read in this book, the keys to preparation are clarity, commitment, and composure. These are necessary for developing a sound, consistent routine. The ideal state of mind for action is feeling confident, focused, and in the flow, with body and mind synchronized in the present moment. This allows you to execute a shot free from the interference of mental chatter or paralysis from analysis. The best response to results is one that enhances future performance. You’ll be introduced to a unique “post-shot routine.” This special way of relating to the outcome of a shot is highly effective in fostering confidence by building on success and learning from mistakes without negativity.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Instead, learn to surf on the waves of nervousness. Why”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Mindfulness allows us to be more attuned to our experience in the here and now. That opens the door to working with our thoughts and emotions, and finding peace of mind. When we are at peace with ourselves, it’s easier to appreciate the qualities of others, without envy or criticism. We can accept another person for the whole of who they are—the parts we like as well as the parts we aren’t as fond of. That enables us to share in their joy, and support them when things aren’t going so well. It’s gratifying both to give and to receive.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“Revealed for what they are, thoughts lose their power. Watching them come and go, dissolving as easily as they arose, you have a choice about what you pay attention to and what you disregard. They have power only to the extent that you give it to them.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Milarepa was. “He’s the Buddhist meditation master who lives in those mountains. He has tamed his mind, so he is always comfortable. He knows his own nature, so he doesn’t need confirmation from others. He is completely content with whatever he has, so he never needs anything. That makes him the richest man in the world.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Don’t complain   About anything     Not even to yourself.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“multitasking isn’t actually possible. In the same way that we can only focus on one sense perception, we can really only focus on one task at a time.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“Focus totally on the routine, and thoughts of results are less likely to imperil any of your transitions.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“If you take a bigger perspective, letting them come and go, they don’t hold such power over you.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Don’t complain
About anything
Not even to yourself.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Mindfulness also means experiencing the present moment without self-conscious judgment.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“It’s really not about doing, it’s more about being. You might find it relaxing,” said Pooh. “I know I do.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“It’s not hard to be me, thought Pooh. Just be Here and Now, and be Kind.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four brand new hours to live. What a precious gift! We have the capacity to live in a way that these twenty-four hours will bring peace, joy, and happiness to ourselves and others. —from Peace Is Every Step
by Thich Nhat Hanh Wake Up Your Body”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“Confidence is an unconditional state in which you simply possess an unwavering state of mind that needs no reference point. There is no room for doubt; even the question of doubt does not occur. … This unconditional confidence contains gentleness, because the notion of fear does not arise; sturdiness, because in the state of confidence there is ever-present resourcefulness; and joy, because trusting in the heart brings a greater sense of humor. This confidence can manifest as majesty, elegance, and richness in a person’s life. —Venerable Chögyam Trugpa,”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Working with mindfulness to overcome negative attitudes and believe in yourself is a journey, not a quick fix. It is simple, but not easy. In the process, it’s important that you not reject or throw away qualities of your personality, even ones you think you don’t like. Instead, find a way to use them to open up to a bigger world.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“When we are at peace with ourselves, it's easier to appreciate the qualities of others, without envy or criticism. We can accept another person for the whole of who they are.”
― Joseph parent

“Let’s start with an exercise. Take your golf stance and close your eyes. For a few seconds, think of a situation that you’re afraid”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“On a cloudy day, the sun is not absent; it is merely obscured by the clouds. To experience the sun, we don’t need to manufacture a new sun in front of the clouds. When the clouds part, the sun will be there, shining brightly.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Without an accepting and kind attitude toward ourselves, it’s difficult to be caring and compassionate for others.”
― Joseph Parent, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh

“The key point to remember is, take care of the process and the results will take care of themselves.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“Keep your thinking in the present—don’t count your chickens before they hatch, and you won’t be so disappointed with a broken egg once in a while.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

“The past is history, the future’s a mystery. Being alive in this moment is a gift—that’s why they call it the present.” Whether it’s between shots, between holes, or between rounds, don’t forget to smell the flowers along the way. This is the most important transition, because it is only in the present that we can connect with our nature of basic goodness and simply appreciate being alive.”
― Joseph Parent, Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game