A concept in western athletics where a kind of empty minded relinquishing of overt focus allows the abilities of trained instincts to be wielded.
"The Zone" is something attributed an Olympic-calibre athletic effort, where greater performance is self-inspired. This concept is not "effort" or "focus", but is something like the freedom of mindset a second (or third) wind gives.
Basically, the idea is that an athlete trains and trains until such training becomes instinctive ("muscle memory"). While performing, the mind and its focus is relaxed until those trained instincts take over. Instead of thinking about how to step and how to throw a ball, a pitcher in The Zone just throws without any concept of thinking.. no concern or worry.
The Zone may be seen by some as a step towards a form of Enlightenment.
