A little Zen, headed your way… How to get out of your head and tap into what really matters ! A conversation with the founder of The Internal Athlete, Sam Lofton

Send us a text Welcome to Flaghunters ! Today we have my meditation teacher Sam Lofton ! Sam is the founder of The Internal Athlete and she teaches the discipline of meditation to athletes of all sports. I found Sam in April after a disappointing start to my competitive year. In late March, I had a 1st round of match play exit on the 21st hole. I had such high expectations after a great Winter of preparation that I thought I would come into the event with a great chance to win. Instead, I was in my head, unwilling to let go and just play. My find was flitting all over the place. Everywhere EXCEPT the present moment. I was allowing myself to be subjected to my own negative emotions and dark thoughts. In essence, I was miserable during this event. When I lost on the 21st hole, I was so pissed off at myself that I inherently knew that something was wrong. “ How can I play like this ? Why am I subjecting myself to these dark, self-defeating thoughts ? Why can’t I get out of my own way ? “ Wait a min, I almost ALWAYS get in my own way !!!” . This was the brutality honest talk I had with myself on the 30 minute drive home. I was down. I said to myself on this drive, “ I can’t play golf like this. I can’t play this controlling, fear-based kind of golf anymore. I’d rather not play at all…” As fate has it not too long after that event, I found Sam advertising her meditation for Athletes business on Instagram. I reached out to Sam shortly after the fateful debacle of that event. We had a conversation and she skillfully explained the reasons WHY my mind was like an uncontrollable hose full of negativity. I knew in that moment, meditation was the way to go. I felt as if I had nothing to lose. Sam Lofton was one of the best soccer players in the world. She played primarily in the US and then in Europe. She found meditation after her rookie year of pro Soccer and the difference between her rookie and sophomore year was night and day after herself finding and practicing the discipline of meditation. She’ll explain further on the show. Fast forward to now. Meditation had helped me to not be so damn attached to results. My self-worth doesn’t revolve around how I play. My mind and body are more cohesive. I am incredibly more present on and off the golf course. I am more aware of my thoughts, good and bad and I don’t allow myself to go down a dark train of self-defeating thoughts as much as I used to. Meditation works. Listen carefully as Sam explains that science behind how meditation reshapes your brain. She also explains how meditation allows us to get out of our own way and play golf with joy and freedom. She also explains how meditation allows the athlete to get into flow, aka, The all exalted Zone.. I am humbled and honored to share this episode with you. We can do all the physical work in the world but without our mind/body being connected, we will also fall victim to our thoughts. I don’t think that there is anything more self-defeating than an undisciplined mind. J. P. Support the show To find Justin best, please find him on Instagram @elitegolfswing or email him, justin@elitegolfswing.com To find Jesse best, also find him on Instagram @flaghuntersgolfpod or TEXT him, (831)275-8804. Flag Hunters is supported by JumboMax Grips and Mizuno Golf