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Wastelander
Wastelander's picture
Meditation and Visualization

Hello everyone,

My latest article discusses the mental/spiritual side of martial arts training, which is something I don't do all that often.

http://www.karateobsession.com/2016/02/meditation-and-visualization.html

Joshua Shrum
Joshua Shrum's picture

The link didn't copy. Here's his article:

http://www.karateobsession.com/2016/02/meditation-and-visualization.html

Anyways... I think how you refer to mediatation at the end is a great viewpoint. I love that you describe it as a personal and 'intimate' thing to do. Some people think you have to have it, and some think it is not necessary. I have always been a firm believer that you need some sort of meditation / soft training / or visualization. We too often focus on the 'hard' aspect of martial arts but don't turn it inward.

Now, just like you said, there are many ways to do that. No way is perfect and no way is absolute. If you find inner peace going for a walk, do it! I know other martial artists that prefer to go to the book store and people watch to calm/relax. 

The fact of the matter is that I think everyone needs to find something in their life they can use to focus on 'self' and 'personal growth/awareness.'

Here's a link to an article I wrote about this in December:

http://www.confessionsofablackbelt.com/#!YinYang-Zen-in-Martial-Arts/cgl...

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Good article!

“Mindfulness” (i.e. meditation devoid of all philosophical and religious input) has been widely studied and is used by the National Health Service here in the UK to help treat depression and anxiety. There’s no doubt it works!

This book is a good one – which includes a good guided mediation CD – for those who want practical and demystified meditation that can be used by people of all religions and none:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mindfulness-practical-guide-finding-frantic/dp/074995308X

As regards visualisation, again that’s been greatly studied and shown to be hugely effective too. Here is a podcast I did on it a few years ago:

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/visualisation-training-podcast

All very important topics that can be great for improving martial arts and general quality of life.

All the best,

Iain