BREATHING LIFE INTO THE GAME AND BEYOND

Time flies when you’re having fun, and just like that, another season has come and gone. As a golfer, I’ve often marvelled at the strange and wonderful things we do for this game. We spend fortunes on gear, practice endlessly, and take joy in walking some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. But what if I told you there’s an untapped tool in our arsenal that costs nothing, requires no special equipment, and can transform not just our game but our entire approach to life?

Enter breathwork and pranayama—the ancient art of mindful breathing.

We golfers are no strangers to analysing every detail: grip, stance, backswing, follow-through. Yet, how often do we stop to check in with the very thing that powers it all—our breath? Picture this: you’re on the first tee, the group behind is watching, and your nerves start to kick in. Your palms sweat, your heart races, and your breath gets shallow. It’s a feeling we’ve all experienced.

Now imagine if, in that very moment, you could harness your breath to steady your hands, calm your mind, and focus your energy. That’s the beauty of pranayama.

In golf, as in life, the ball doesn’t care who’s hitting it, but your state of mind matters. Breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) can centre you before a tricky shot, much like they can help you face life’s challenges with grace. These practices bring you into the present moment—where the swing happens, where the putt is made, and where life is lived.

Pranayama

Pranayama also has a way of enhancing those glorious walks around the “gardens of the world”—those beautifully manicured fairways and pot bunkers we adore. When your breath flows freely, so does your appreciation for the game’s beauty. With every inhale, you take in the fresh air and scenery; with every exhale, you release the tension of the last hole.

And let’s not forget the inclusivity of this great game. Just as golfers of all ages and abilities can come together, breathwork meets you where you are. Whether you’re two years old playing with a grandparent or a seasoned pro dealing with the shanks, mindful breathing is a tool for everyone. It’s a reminder that, like golf, life isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, staying present, and enjoying the journey.

So next time you’re on the course or simply navigating your day, take a moment to pause and breathe. With every conscious breath, you’ll find unity, harmony, and balance—the essence of Wellness River and, perhaps, the essence of life itself.

Why not share this “game within a game” with a friend? Just as golf has brought us together, breathwork has the potential to connect us even more deeply—to ourselves, to others, and to the fairways of life.

Yogesh Patel