Do you believe there is a "sub-conscious" state of mind as you referred to in your message #20? Enlighten us from your post-graduate training and please explain the roles of conscious and non-conscious states when playing golf. I will yield to your knowledge and training.
In addition, what do you object to in my original response to you at message #22 ... other than saying "As you have said to others: Are you taking your own advice?".
In responding to your message #20, you attributed "sub-conscious" to me.. and all I did what try to correct you... and now you are withdrawing from the discussion that involve the scientific state of mind while learning and playing golf?
Perhaps you should share your scientific knowledge base to help enlighten ekennedy, myself, and perhaps even Brian, to understand what you know about the "sub-conscious" mind.. all in a polite and professional manner.
As far as brain science goes, there are two states, conscious and unconscious. "Sub-conscious" is somewhat of a layman's term used to describe tasks that the brain directs with little conscious thought such as performing normal every day habits or tasks. Unconscious actions are better known as actions controlling homeostasis through the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems. Yet, since these actions are controlled by the brain, they may have some influence through conscious thoughts(but that is a debate far beyond this topic).
I will try and paraphrase Dr. Carey Mumford's explanation of the process in relation to golf/sports as well as from memory. "Sub-conscious" is again used to describe actions such as "habits" that are done without consciously thinking about the actions such as chewing gum, driving, typing and for some the golf swing. Most habits are done without any real or perceived threats, but a golfer puts pressure--a perceived threat--on him/herself based on the outcome of their shot. And if the shot does not come off as planned, they will search their memory of the actions involved to find the cause resulting in anxiety. For a movement pattern to be ingrained as a habit and become (I will use the term you seem to prefer) automatic, it needs to be done with conscious thought and without any pressure or perceived threats. Once a habit becomes established, which most studies I have seen takes approximately 6 weeks, it can be only performed on automatic when there is no perceived threat or anxiety. What most golfers do prior to hitting a golf shot is think about the outcome, which is increases anxiety and causes them to consciously think about how to swing. Just like thinking about how to breathe, this slows and changes how the process is completed leading most likely to a faulty golf swing swing that does not have the desired outcome. But, Dr. Mumford and others have used this information to devise practical solutions in "taking the mind off" the desired action so that the brain can automatically coordinate the "habit" or movement pattern. These practical solutions need to also be consciously practiced to become habits as well, though, but can be incorporated along with the learning of the new movement pattern. With these practical solutions, a golfer can also have conscious thought input prior to starting their "automatic" mode minimizing the amount of anxiety during the execution of the golf swing. It is a bit more involved than just a normally thought of pre-shot routine.
I believe I have used a polite and professional manner in all my posts. I was not responding to your post #22 per se. I did respond to your unprofessional and derogatory response to ekennedy and johnnym because of your comment about those who are not golf instructors should "stfu", yet you are not a golf instructor and post on just about every topic--just pointed out the contradiction. I also am responding to your "it takes time" and "believe it" comments without giving any real practical information. I probably shouldn't have responded at all to you then or now, but I felt your arrogance and lack of practical application had to be responded to. I'll now go back to not knowing what I'm talking about
.
