Reaching "Zen"--How not to try

Thanks to fellow shooter Henry Sapoznik for helping me find this radio show about how not to over-try.

My biggest challenge is to not "over-try".  When I am in a Zen state I shoot Master scores.  Please note my current classification....

This author talks about reaching the state that we need to find.  It also tells about why people are attracted to the things we are passionate about--it's the condition we express that will attract new shooters to be attracted to our sport. 

Start listening at 8:20

To listen on your computer/device:
http://www.notmuch.com/wpraudio/stream/72696/audio_mp3 

To download the audio file:
http://www.notmuch.com/wpraudio/download/72696/audio_mp3


The book: (I haven't read it--let me know if it's any good)
http://www.amazon.com/Trying-Not-Try-Science-Spontaneity/dp/0770437613%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJWAGHMYTPK5725MQ%26tag%3Dwiscpublradi-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0770437613

Lanny Bassham is good, too. If you haven't read any of his stuff, you should.

I've read Lanny ' books and yes they are good. Based on the audio clip it appears this book is only about how to reach that quiet mind state. It might be helpful for some of us.

I've attended two seminars with Lanny Bassham as well as reading the book several times. I just recently listened to some audio from him as well. It's not about having a quiet mind, it's about training your mind through your actions; physical and mental. Some people need to quiet their mind while others need to elevate or wake their's up. It's a continual process. I highly recommend it! mastering it is like mastering shooting, it's always evolving.
Jon

I read Lanny Bassham's  book a couple years ago, it helped. I need to find it, and read again, lots of info.

In "With Winning in Mind" Lanny talks about people with active minds and talked about "over-thinking".  I'm in that camp.

When I was young and well coached, that was my limit of thinking.  Now, no coach, a world of knowledge (good and bad) from the internet, and deteriorating body, my mind is filled with junk.  The real challenge for me today is to get comfortable physically, and to get my mind clear of junk.

Do. Or do not. There is no "try".

Back in the mid 1980s, I met an LA PPC shooter named John Pride.. I watched John,  bought his books and tapes.. His concentration and focus techniques turned me completely around.. I went from expert to High Master in very short order..As Jon says, knowing how to focus the mind, turn it on , turn it off..

I've been able to narrow the gap between training session scores and match scores over the last year from 10 points/target difference to 3.  How?  Certainly Lanny's book, a Zins-Moody clinic, and simply becoming more comfortable with the match routine.  But also, I just avoid thinking about anything other than delivering a perfect shot while shooting.  I used to worry about my score, the gun jamming, the sight quitting, a vision blur, an early unintended shot release, shooting the wrong target, all WHILE shooting.  Not good.  I've addressed all the possible causes for those difficulties and cleared them from my mind.  I observe what I'm doing, but deliver the shot subconsciously more often now.  Not always, but more often. 

Joe

Who was it that said, "Bull's-eye shooting is like meditation, but with loud noises."?