Meditation

Hello Everyone,

What is meditation? Mental Weightlifting remains my working definition. There are two distinct types of meditation; with and without object. Focusing one's mind on an object, such as breathing, provides an effective vehicle for the meditator. The object can be anything; breath, light, drawings or paintings, movement, even the sky will do. Meditation without object involves focusing the mind on an empty space within. Some practitioners accomplish this meditation with ease, while others may take years to achieve this goal.

Martial arts also provides an object. A form, striking technique, kicking technique or other movement may be a useful object. The purpose of any technique, from a self defense standpoint, remains self protection. But these same movements can be used successfully to meditate.

The martial arts assists with meditation without object. Focus on the object, then eventually let the object go. Once you have the empty space, the mind may attempt to fill it with unwanted thoughts. Let go of each thought, the same way one lets go of cars passing on the highway. The thoughts get less and less until nothing remains in the space.

Meditation benefits the martial artist in a number of ways. Mediation develops awareness, confidence and calm, and stress reduction. Most individuals carry around thoughts, ideas, and general to do lists that reduce awareness. By meditating, the martial artist reduces these general wandering thoughts. This process allows more information to come in form the outside. The more information properly managed, the more aware the person. This awareness benefits martial artist and non martial artist alike.

Confidence and calm develop from meditation. When in a stressful situation, the mind downshifts. This downshifting reduces the martial artist's ability to act and react. When one trains in a given situation, the situation seems familiar and may be handled better. When one meditates and learns about a given situation, then the mind may remain in a calm state. Fear unchecked takes away control. Learn how to control the fear and use that energy. Even if an attacker attacks, one trains in how to handle the situation. Do not see this state coming right away, but it will come.

Stress reduction remains a main benefit of meditation. The Samurai practiced the tea ceremony. This practice provided an opportunity to focus one's mind before a combat. But it also allowed the samurai to decompress after combat. Physical exercise, meditation, talking, and journaling all provide opportunities to reduce stress levels. Simple breathing proves to be an easy meditation for the beginner.

Breathing meditation.
1) Close eyes
2) Pay attention to breathing
3) Slow down breathing
4) Make exhale longer than inhale
5) Continue for about a minute
If you need a way to time it, use a kitchen timer

I will post more on meditation, but read this article and think about it.