In the first several articles in this series, I will lay out a framework of what I perceive to be the natural progression of various “states of golf.” As mentioned in the first article, I believe these golf states relate to and parallel other non-golf states of consciousness that are tied to our evolutionary brains and the natural progression of human life and self-actualization. Similarities can also be seen between the seven Chakras in the Hindi and Yogic traditions, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

I posit the progression of the seven golf states are as follows:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Mental
• Scientific
• Artistic
• Philosophical
• Spiritual

In the scheme I propose, each phase represents a different level of consciousness, as well as a distinct way to approach and experience the game. It is important to note that none of the states are negative, or to be overcome, suppressed, or defeated in any way. Rather, each level is to be acknowledged, accepted, and cherished for what it is. Each is to be given gratitude. Each level is subsumed by and incorporated into the one above it. For example, you could theoretically experience golf on purely the physical level, without having any emotions or thoughts or further detached analysis of what you are physically doing. But, of course, you cannot experience any of the higher states unless you first experience the physical realities of golf, which include physically playing the game with your physical body and physical objects. And so on up the line.

Similarities in this hierarchy of golf states can be seen in the way the human mind is believed to be structured. The very basic level of the human brain is the limbic or reptilian brain. This is the level of the brain that simply wants to preserve ourselves by doing things like breathing, eating, procreating, and fighting or fleeing when threatened. This part of the brain has no capacity for attachment, language, math problems, symphonies, philosophy, or spirituality. I have heard it said that alcohol numbs or kills the brain from the outside down, until we are driven by nothing other than what our reptilian brains would have us do. And yet, this part of our brain is part of who we are; it is not a part of our brains to overcome or defeat. It is a part of our brain to be acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated as part of who we are.

With this structure of successively higher stages of consciousness, it may go without saying that the spiritual state of golf is the highest because it incorporates all the other states. When spiritual golf is being played, you are conscious of and appreciative of each of the other states and their relation to one another. While in a spiritual state, you are physically playing the game, having emotions and thoughts about playing the game, applying the scientific method, exploring the freedom and creativity to be an artist, pondering the philosophical questions raised by golf, and, ultimately, reveling in a spiritual experience, all at the same time. The same cannot be said for any other state of golf consciousness.

With the introductory articles in this series, we will take a look at each of the seven levels of golf consciousness one by one, and analyze and explore them for all their unique and wonderful traits. At the end, once we have discussed each and become familiar with them all, we will begin the heart of this series, discussing golf from a purely spiritual perspective (which, of course, will incorporate certain elements of the other six levels). We will discuss other works on the spiritual experience of golf (Golf in the Kingdom comes to mind), non-golf spiritual works and how they may relate to golf, and our own spiritual experiences with golf. I enjoyed the comments on last week’s article, and look forward to hearing more of what these articles raise for you.