Transit times

I've landed in New York once more. The funny part about flying around the world is that soon you'll be off and running again. In my case at least. I did kick back for a couple of days before I set my course for Finland. Granted going to my home country never stressed me out. On the contrary. Specially in the summer time. I'm looking forward to the countryside with siblings, see old and new friends in Helsinki. Even squeeze in a little tournament up north before I head back to New York.- for the World 14.1 tourney in Queens.

I had a good month, I've been to Dubai, Qatar and Indonesia. Clocked in some decent results not great. But I feel like I'm knocking on the door for something bigger. Or better yet just getting ready to kick that door in.
The Indonesian "leg" offered a new challenge: Speed Pool. I didn't think I was going to like it as much as I did. It was a breath of fresh air for the sport. Not to replace anything but perhaps it is a very nice change of pace. Literally.


Other than that, I'm just focusing on being stress-free and happy. Living in the moment, at best.
I'll just add here some reflection I had not too long ago:

" Just relax and enjoy life. Don't think about the past or future. Now is what matters and that moment just passed. We all have a need to be right that's our thoughts (our ego) telling us what to do. Just learn to let go. You can't change the way anyone is but you can encourage them to free themselves from their thoughts and insecurities. One can only change oneself.

-Live by example, Love Unconditionally...

And stay in the present."


I originally wrote that piece to a friend that was going through a rough patch in their life. I then realized I could relate to it and why not most of us. So I posted it on Facebook. Sharing is caring, right?


Lastly, I do want to thank you all for your patience. I was kinda lost of words for a while but I'm back. Promise.


-ICEMAN-







Mika Immonen

2 X World Champion
2 X USOPEN Champion

www.mikaimmonen.com

Phone US: +1-917-4343324

I think, therefore I am.

"I entirely abandoned the study of letters. Resolving to seek no knowledge other than that of which could be found in myself or else in the great book of the world, I spent the rest of my youth traveling, visiting courts and armies, mixing with people of diverse temperaments and ranks, gathering various experiences, testing myself in the situations which fortune offered me, and at all times reflecting upon whatever came my way so as to derive some profit from it." - Descartes (Discourse of the method,1637)

It's amazing how much I can relate to those words. It is the hunger of knowledge and the aspiration to utilize it that drives me. Some of the things we learn can be sub-conscious. I wanna bring more of it to the conscious level. But it takes time. The time that I have done traveling, soul-searching and getting back in shape. Both physically and mentally. That is the obvious groundwork that one has to lay before the talent himself can reach it's full potential. It'll pay dividends soon. It's within reach, but I still want to emphasize that even when I'd think I had arrived, I probably didn't. Therefore, stay cautious and curious. And keep working.

I'd like to think of myself as an artist, scientist and a sportsman at the same time. Pool has all these elements and more. Descartes was a great philosopher and the craved for complete knowledge and answers. Things, whatever they were, had to be defined. He was another great man ahead of his time. I think there is a great deal we can learn from philosophy. I want to use this great example of his to be able to challenge myself more and more.

off we go, searching answers....

Mika Immonen

2 X World Champion
2 X USOPEN Champion

www.mikaimmonen.com

News flash: I won a tournament!

It's not really a laughing matter or maybe it is? It wasn't anything major but nevertheless, even the small victories count sometimes when you look back.

I think I can honestly say that some of my recent form is contributed to me starting to give some lessons again. It's ironic that I was kinda forced to do it in the lack of recent success. I It has simply made me re-evaluate my own form or at least just subconsciously go through the correct pre-shot, the shot itself and post-shot routine. awareness is a good thing. When it comes to analyzing a situation, there is no way we could give ourselves too much information about the shot. The brain does have an amazing capacity to process information. I think the post-shot routine, for example, is often overlooked. This is a really bad mistake.

Also, demanding the very best of yourself is important. I don't mean to say you wouldn't try your best at all times, it's just that a lot of players think they a play position into an area. Wrong. You must pinpoint your position exactly. Like a needle, if you will. This allows for so many things. I will get into that later, but first pre-shot:

You look at the situation: The questions you ask yourself: What is the right shot? What is the easiest most effortless way I can play position? (Best yet, can I play it with center of the vertical line of the cue ball?-this being always the most accurate way of delivering the shot). Visualize the different outcomes. Sometimes you do have to take a tougher shot to earn an overall easier run-out. Then it would have to be the right shot. Once decided, visualize again and PINPOINT(PP) your position(including where the the cue ball bounces of the rail(s), if any.). Of course at this point some of you may be thinking " I can't do that???". Well, It's normal. but if you don't do it, you have a very cloudy perception of the aftermath.

Benefits of PP when doing the post-shot routine:
1. How was my speed? 2.How well did I analyze the speed of the rails? 3. Did I make the ball in the center of the pocket? -because if not, it will result in a different position than intended, assuming that we generally aim for the center of the pocket A.K.A "the heart of the pocket". 4. How well am I adapting to the friction of the cloth?

The difference between good players and great players sometimes simply the ability to quickly read the table and adapt to the situation. But doing these routines will get you towards greatness quicker than the other way. Regardless of what goals you set for yourself.

It's important to understand: The cue ball does not lie. Use the information given. PP.

Quick addition: Cue ball doesn't lie=Cue ball will give you very accurate information about everything that happened. Read the cue ball feedback! Be the cue ball!


By the way, wish me luck at the ALL JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS!


From Osaka sincerely yours,


-ICEMAN-