How to Self-Regulate(since no one ever teaches us this) Hey there! Ever wonder why no one teaches us how to handle our emotions? Let’s talk about self-regulation – something we all need but rarely learn about…much less practice to the point of mastery. Introduction In a world that [Read More]| Martial Journal
Breathing is something we do automatically, yet ancient traditions have developed sophisticated methods to harness its power for bodily energy, emotional fortitude, mental clarity, overall health of the being, and spiritual growth. Two major approaches stand out in their widespread use and effectiveness: the Dàoist method of inhaling through the [Read More]| Martial Journal
Advancing Martial Arts, One Word At A Time.| Martial Journal
The ultimate promise of guided meditation lies not in our enjoying isolated moments of relaxation, but in its potential to fundamentally transform how we approach stress, challenges, & personal growth. By training our minds to be more present, resilient, & compassionate, we open ourselves to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. And as our existence goes, so goes the existence of our species.| Martial Journal
The river is flowing now, down to the low valleys where we pursue our Arts. The river is flowing from the high mountain of wisdom we direct our attention to. The mountain to which we bow. Step into the river, dont lose your footing. Enjoy the flow, the power, the life-giving and life-taking awesomeness of a river's power.| Martial Journal
The Martial Arts world and the wider world stand at a crossroads. As our world undergoes unprecedented transformation, we Martial Artists face a crucial choice: consciously evolve our ancient practices or watch them slowly fade into irrelevance. The familiar narrative of the lone attacker in a dark alley no longer serves us in an era of complex threats, digital warfare, & shifting social dynamics. The time has come to ask ourselves not whether Martial Arts can improve the world - they can! - ...| Martial Journal
Meditation is the Practice I've presumed for the sake of this article. There are many millions of Practices brought into the light by our modern Information Age - any of which would benefit by an application of APT. Everything in this article applies perfectly well to the whole gamut of Practices designed to heal, nurture, and stretch us. Martial Arts, Poetry, Breathwork, Massage, Physical Therapy, Painting, Music-making are a few that come to mind.| Martial Journal
Developing a meditation Practice can be surprisingly simple and accessible, even for complete beginners. Meditation doesn't require complicated techniques or special equipment - anyone can start. It can be as easy as One, Two, Three. Yes, a meditation Practice can be easily built with the help of a simple counting Practice.| Martial Journal
Practical Zen-inspired Practices might include daily meditation, strolling around the neighborhood after reading a poem while trying to enjoy each breath, mindful breathing when feeling overwhelmed, or simply pausing to notice your inner experience without immediate judgment. These small, consistent acts support the creation of more sustainable transformation than any sweeping resolution is likely to.| Martial Journal
Shared meals are a fine place to break bread with yet more Dàoist wisdom. Rather than indulging in excess or suffering anxiety, worry, and fear over dietary restrictions, a Dàoist practitioner might approach eating as a playful Practice. A Practice of being in tune, of being present with each bite, and appreciating the nourishment. Gratefulness and thankfulness naturally arise from such a Practice. Mindful eating can be its own meditation, a way of honoring one's body and gathering family. ...| Martial Journal
In our fast-paced, information-rich world, it seems that our attention spans are shrinking faster than my paycheck around these gift-giving holidays. Tick tock ticktock go our brains at the blinding and blurring speed of TikTok. And let me tell you, the consequences are quite severe. Let’s take a stroll [Read More]| Martial Journal
The transition from Harder to Softer systems or External to Internal styles also shows others that the aging Martial Artist's willingness to change lives on well into their age of maturity. The Martial Artist truly committed to human study seeks to ripen rather than rot; to become a deep, sweet, & treasured wine rather than a soured vinegar. Our urge to grow, to broaden horizons, to deepen our understanding doesn't have to calcify as we age. It is a remarkable thing to show those following us...| Martial Journal
In either case, barrier or charisma, you're at some point removed from that which you value.In this case, what you value is a regular meditation Practice.Need help valuing meditation?See, the epilogue to this article.| Martial Journal
