I wrote about being "in the zone" a few days ago. To recall, it's that state of enhanced concentration and awareness at the table. The brain is fully alert, picking up every piece of useful information and processing it cleanly. It's an interesting concept, but more importantly how do we improve our concentration? In my initial research, I've found that the teachings of Buddhism may hold the key. I haven't even scratched the surface in this area (books are on the way wee!) yet.

But here's an exercise I've started doing every morning. It's called the mindfulness exercise. Find a quite spot, sit up right, close eyes (optional). Don't focus on any specific thing. Let random thoughts come to your mind. Don't evaluate the thoughts. Simply acknowledge the thought, then "release" it from your mind. I can go about 20 minutes now. It really helps with clearing your mind. If a certain thought keeps coming up, you probably need to address it in real life.

Perhaps meditation has real potential. I really like my routine the last 2 weeks. Wake up, eat, go to park to run, shower, meditate, study hands, and then play. Like most poker players, I have no sense of routine. But this new routine puts me in a very calm and balanced mindset. I don't feel as greedy, discouraged, frustrated, fearful when I sit down to play..