As Tiger Woods added to his Masters greatness this past weekend, I handed in my final checked pages for my book, A Flaming Challenge. I couldn’t leave the typesetters office fast enough to catch the last two holes Tiger had to play at the Augusta National golf course. I was so euphoric from the news that he was in front and the fact that my 18-month long writing and editing is finally done. As I scooted into my house and switched the television on, I could feel my heart racing. I wanted Tiger to win. He has inspired my son to play the game and this has brought so much joy into our family space. Watching Wood’s 15th major title at Augusta National and the idea that my book was now with Paarl Media Printers, made me feel like I was in 7th heaven. I think it was the first time since my diagnosis that I felt such elation. It was late Sunday evening and there I was with this surge of positive energy oozing from every cell in my body. Life is fantastic right now for the Naidoo family.
Woods comeback from a combination of serious back injuries and personal scandals to break a 14-year drought at Augusta was all the inspiration I needed to affirm what I always preach…For as long as the Divine intelligence is keeping us alive, that intelligence can make everything and anything possible. I was in my element when I I heard the commentator say and saw Tiger Woods focus on his breathing before teeing off. As I wrote in my book, A Flaming Challenge, breathing is a simple yet powerful way to bring us into the present moment and amplify our focus. It is free and literally right under our nose. Woods focused on his breath to help settle his thoughts. His score card says the rest.
His winning tap-in on the 18th green captured the hearts of the endless tunnel of fans that believed it was possible. As his game face slowly transformed into celebration mode, my exhaustion from months of research and writing simply melted away. I too was celebrating. I was celebrating a dream come true. I have always been passionate about empowering people on wellness in body and mind. I believe strongly in healing the heart first and then the body will do the rest. Over the years I have researched and studied the impact of our thoughts on our biochemistry and I find these results most intriguing. As I change my thoughts, I immediately change the way I feel and this in turn changes the way my brain instructs my body. How exciting is that? I had spent most of my life blaming outside circumstances for the way I feel. Today, following my healing journey, I am clear that my choice of thought is responsible for the way I feel.
In every moment I am in control of my thoughts. I have the choice. This realization was both empowering and a huge responsibility. How I feel determines my attitude and all this starts with my thoughts. Let’s get back into the driver’s seat. Like Tiger Woods drives that ball with determination, let us move ahead with absolute certainty, that we can count on ourselves to choose the right thought! May the book, A Flaming Challenge bring much clarity into your life.