Meditation and Martial Arts Part 2

"Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

 

"Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer's own form.”

-Patanjali

 

 

Today I will be covering the second part of a series on meditation. This will focus on more advanced techniques one can use, and what can result because of them.
 

The first would be vipassana meditation- a valuable tool discovered 2,500 years by Gautama to see one's inner essence and true reality. The word itself means 'to see things as they are'. It is invaluable to noting the three marks of existence; suffering, impermanence and unsatisfaction. It is a practice which can be key to realizing 'no-self'.
 

It is a modern practice of Theravada and utilizes mindfulness of breathing, feelings, and actions to gain insight to the nature of true reality. There are four stages to the practice, of which this article focuses on the first; exploring the body and understanding that sensations exist and then cease to be.

The method to engage in this is rather specific; one is seated, usually cross-legged. The back is kept straight; this connects one between the earth and higher planes of existence. The hands form a circle held before the dantien, right hand over left palm, or vice versa. The thumbs touch, creating a circle; this is to assist in internal energy flow, creating a complete cycle with the ovoid circle.


 

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Many when first initiating the practice of vipassana find that they are overwhelmed by sensations all over the place, and find they cannot focus on a particular area. That is alright; merely take ten calming breaths and then begin the process again. All things worthwhile take time, and some can be faster than others. This is a practice which can definitely take time.
 

Begin with breathing, and do what is called a 'body-scan'. Begin with the head and work your way down to your arms, then mid-section and feet. With the more practice you have you will become able to focus more on specific locations, going from the arm to just the hand, and then just the finger, and then segments of the finger and so on.
 

Helpful is to imagine your mind as neutral; do not prioritize any sensation over any others- you are merely observing and recording what your body is telling you, which you could not otherwise note because of involvement and intrusion by the outside world and our interactions concerning it.
 

Thoughts may interrupt occasionally or even frequently; the more coffee I have had to drink either the day before or day of makes it occur more frequently. Tea seems to have the opposite effect, especially when it is caffeine free. Do not concern yourself overly with these thoughts as they occur- simply keep focusing on the area you are focusing on while 'scanning' it.
 

If you do not feel a sensation from a particular area you are scanning, do not worry. Sensations are always subtle, and sometimes so much so one cannot notice them without further practice.

Additionally, a lack of sensations may mean that your body and energy are in harmony. If you do not feel a sensation, focus on the area for a few minutes longer, and then shift your attention to the next part to be focused upon.
 

Do not jump from one part of the body to the other- you are in control of your mind and thus body, and some sensations from a particular area may distract you from noting what you are looking for.
For me, this is back pain, which can easily distract me from monitoring how my insides feel to decide how I will stretch that day, and what needs to be stretched. It is a simple fact- some sensations, like emotions, will overpower those others which are more subtle.
 

This practice is incredibly useful for a martial artist- it is a good way to note where your muscles have tightened, how injuries of the past are recovering, and monitoring your own physical and even mental well-being.
 

A by product I have noticed because of this practice is increased perception. For one, when practicing walking meditation in your day to day life you will develop a higher sensitivity to one's experiences and sensations during the day. When in a group meeting I know without having to look when another is looking at me, and when sparring, I have an increased perception of knowing the other's imiri, as well as what my own vulnerabilities are.