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mazzybear
Brown Belt
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 675
Location: Scotland.
Styles: Wado Kai
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 Posted: Tue May 03, 2016 2:16 am Post subject: Meditation |
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I've been thinking about trying meditation for a while now and, a recent experience at a poorly organised competition has finally pushed me to try it out. The competition in question had a check in time of 08:30 so up at 06:00 to get breakfast and arrive on time. My category was to be on at 10:00 but we didn't get on until 14:00 but from 13:00 we were shifted from area, to area, to area. I'd warmed up and cooled down so many times my body was aching. The kumite part of the event had actually started by the time we got on, which normally is a completely separate event, so noise levels were kranked up. The upshot of it is, I let all the chaos get to me and couldn't get my head where it needed to be and, while I was on the floor, the dreaded brain-freeze hit me, I totally lost my concentration and forgot the kata that I'd been working on for months. I had to bow to the judges and leave the floor. I was furious, with myself mostly. So, I decided it's time to give meditation a go. I think it would also come in handy for keeping my head in the game and nerves in check for when I sit my Shodan in October. Trouble is, I don't really know where to start. I bought this book to try https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0749913282/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But thought I would ask if you guys can give me any pointers or recommend any other books or audio tapes to try.
Any pointers at all would be great.
Mo.
_________________
Be water, my friend. |
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Karate_John
Orange Belt
Joined: 02 May 2013
Posts: 140
Location: Arlington, TX
Styles: Goju Ryu, Judo
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| Posted: Tue May 03, 2016 8:03 am Post subject: |
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I have been practicing Guided mindfulness meditation. I was introduced during a health seminar at work. The first time a psychologist ran it. But there are apps on the Iphone/Android that are free / semi free.
They are nice as they talk you through the techniques. and then you can practice on your own later. I use Headspace.
_________________
Goju Ryu - Shodan
My MA Blog: http://gojublog.com
Personal Blog: http://zenerth.tumblr.com |
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mazzybear
Brown Belt
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 675
Location: Scotland.
Styles: Wado Kai
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| Posted: Tue May 03, 2016 8:16 am Post subject: |
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| Karate_John wrote: |
I have been practicing Guided mindfulness meditation. I was introduced during a health seminar at work. The first time a psychologist ran it. But there are apps on the Iphone/Android that are free / semi free.
They are nice as they talk you through the techniques. and then you can practice on your own later. I use Headspace. |
Thank you, I'll check it out.
Mo.
_________________
Be water, my friend. |
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Alan Armstrong
Black Belt
Joined: 28 Feb 2016
Posts: 2468
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| Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Meditation is letting thoughts flow freely in and out of your mind. Not really what you need in my opinion. At this event you have reacted normal. What you have experienced is normal. Mistakes are normal. The frustration of it all is normal. The experience gained is valuable. Watch if not already seen the movie 'Ground Hog Day' starring Bill Murry. Practice makes perfect, all the best. |
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Focused Mind
White Belt
Joined: 23 Aug 2016
Posts: 18
Styles: WadoKai
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| Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2016 2:47 am Post subject: |
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If you own a smartphone there are apps on the App Store and Play Store which offer guided meditation for as little as £3.00.
If you're thinking of meditation, I would give these a shot. |
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Alan Armstrong
Black Belt
Joined: 28 Feb 2016
Posts: 2468
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| Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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Perhaps while looking for a way to do meditation you already have the necessary skills; as they were always there within you.
The skill I'm referring to is called "Fire gazing"
Our ancestors did it without looking for a Yogi.
Telling stories around an open fire can be very relaxing and enjoyable.
Many people don't have an open fire to gaze in to, this practice has been replaced with TV.
Buddhist meditations are intertwined with the fighting Shaolin monks.
Before my workouts, first I meditate.
This way dissolving unnecessary stress and tension in my body.
During my meditation period, I allow my subconscious to make suggestions on the workout, I respond intuitively.
This meditation takes place in a park surrounded by trees and near running water, a peaceful place where birds go about their business naturally.
Meditation comes in handy at the dentist, have feel asleep and started snoring, the dentist thinks this is funny and highly irregular.
Meditation can involve a place in the mind that no one is allowed in but oneself; a retreat from the physical world.
The saying "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work"
Fishing can be meditative and relaxing, as just sitting, pondering thoughts near water can be therapeutic. |
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mazzybear
Brown Belt
Joined: 30 Oct 2013
Posts: 675
Location: Scotland.
Styles: Wado Kai
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| Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2017 1:06 am Post subject: |
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| Alan Armstrong wrote: |
Perhaps while looking for a way to do meditation you already have the necessary skills; as they were always there within you.
The skill I'm referring to is called "Fire gazing"
Our ancestors did it without looking for a Yogi.
Telling stories around an open fire can be very relaxing and enjoyable.
Many people don't have an open fire to gaze in to, this practice has been replaced with TV.
Buddhist meditations are intertwined with the fighting Shaolin monks.
Before my workouts, first I meditate.
This way dissolving unnecessary stress and tension in my body.
During my meditation period, I allow my subconscious to make suggestions on the workout, I respond intuitively.
This meditation takes place in a park surrounded by trees and near running water, a peaceful place where birds go about their business naturally.
Meditation comes in handy at the dentist, have feel asleep and started snoring, the dentist thinks this is funny and highly irregular.
Meditation can involve a place in the mind that no one is allowed in but oneself; a retreat from the physical world.
The saying "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work"
Fishing can be meditative and relaxing, as just sitting, pondering thoughts near water can be therapeutic. |
That is very true, I took up fishing last summer and can think of nothing better than being on a bank on a beautiful day and just not thinking about anything else.
Mo.
_________________
Be water, my friend. |
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Alan Armstrong
Black Belt
Joined: 28 Feb 2016
Posts: 2468
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| Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2017 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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| mazzybear wrote: |
| Alan Armstrong wrote: |
Perhaps while looking for a way to do meditation you already have the necessary skills; as they were always there within you.
The skill I'm referring to is called "Fire gazing"
Our ancestors did it without looking for a Yogi.
Telling stories around an open fire can be very relaxing and enjoyable.
Many people don't have an open fire to gaze in to, this practice has been replaced with TV.
Buddhist meditations are intertwined with the fighting Shaolin monks.
Before my workouts, first I meditate.
This way dissolving unnecessary stress and tension in my body.
During my meditation period, I allow my subconscious to make suggestions on the workout, I respond intuitively.
This meditation takes place in a park surrounded by trees and near running water, a peaceful place where birds go about their business naturally.
Meditation comes in handy at the dentist, have feel asleep and started snoring, the dentist thinks this is funny and highly irregular.
Meditation can involve a place in the mind that no one is allowed in but oneself; a retreat from the physical world.
The saying "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work"
Fishing can be meditative and relaxing, as just sitting, pondering thoughts near water can be therapeutic. |
That is very true, I took up fishing last summer and can think of nothing better than being on a bank on a beautiful day and just not thinking about anything else.
Mo. |
Is it really just fishing or perhaps also reconnecting with nature.
This connecting with nature can be achieved with many types of gardening also.
Just to stop and smell the flowers once in a while can be meditative.
Meditation also involves breathing, the way we naturally lean over to put our face in a bouquet of roses is also a recommend technique when meditating.
We are all a part of nature, maybe disconnected with it more than we should be.
Having pets are also meditative companions, stretching out with a cat, showing the secrets of flexibility to humans, no wonder they were once worshipped in ancient Egypt.
Fish tanks are an amazing way to bring nature in to the home if fishing outdoors isn't possible. |
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singularity6
Pre-Black Belt
Joined: 26 Jun 2017
Posts: 958
Location: Michigan
Styles: Jidokwan Taekwondo and Hapkido, Yoshokai Aikido, ZNIR Iaido, Kendo
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| Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2017 1:55 am Post subject: |
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I'm fortunate enough to live in a VERY rural area. I can get to decent hiking trails anytime of year (except for during hunting season...) I find hiking to be extremely mindful. A good hike will force you to breathe deep. And as far as all the bugs... extra protein!
_________________
5th Geup Jidokwan Tae Kwon Do/Hap Ki Do
(Never officially tested in aikido, iaido or kendo) |
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Alan Armstrong
Black Belt
Joined: 28 Feb 2016
Posts: 2468
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| Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 1:44 pm Post subject: |
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| singularity6 wrote: |
I'm fortunate enough to live in a VERY rural area. I can get to decent hiking trails anytime of year (except for during hunting season...) I find hiking to be extremely mindful. A good hike will force you to breathe deep. And as far as all the bugs... extra protein!
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Yes singularity6 you are right on the hiking and walking is meditative/mindful combining the deep breathing while consuming insects, one with nature.
singularity6, Your rural hiking is actually one of the best ways to meditate.
To truly meditate, it is better to abandon the process of trying.
It is better to just sit by a riverbank and peacefully watch things pass by, the same with thoughts passing through your mind, this is meditation, the act of doing nothing, as everything naturally moves through time.
Nature flows naturally, like water does, learning to flow naturally without judging or divisions, just be aware. |
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on the post.
