Movies have framed some profound truths over the decades. I think commonalities or universal themes are what makes movies great. Consider movies like The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Forrest Gump, and The Matrix. Each is a classic, and each subsequent film edges closer to one fundamental theme, or truth. However, movies never give us control of the narrative. Why do you suppose that is? For a moment, consider the possibility that “There is no spoon”.

Our minds chew on situations, conventions, legends, myths, and fables all day long. Then, we provide our point of view as if it is original material. I don’t know what that is… arrogance, maybe. However, self-protection or something more akin to survival instinct may be more fair reasoning. In any case, we choose our narrative based on our ability to communicate it.

Articulating an idea requires, in my opinion, connection to truth. Hear me out. Truth does not come looking for us. We have to go find it. We have to search, read, and discuss, which is why books and blogs are always better than movies. Additionally, reading requires that we use our imagination to color the story. And, fortunately, color doesn’t keep the pony on the page from being a pony.

Reading also gives us time to gradually work out our feelings. Moreover, the brain seeking truth through print is impartial, which means truth cannot hide behind motive. There is no “Side” to obey, and no line to toe. The spoon may represent fear. However, fear doesn’t exist in truth-seeking. Therefore, truth is freedom. Now for the golf-spoon connection….

My own process followed this roadmap. There was no material self-interest involved in my research which, in retrospect, is great. I never had anything to sell. “It’s Science”, as Ron Burgundy would say. Connecting the swing to the set-up led to research that expanded my ability to articulate my findings. And, in the process, I became adept at word-punching the instruction industry right in the baby-maker.

You should, too. Read instructional books. Be skeptical. Question everything. Work out your own feelings about the Open Stance. Then, talk to someone about what you discover, because golfers need this message in different words. Provide it. Open your stance, and play golf.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy