Generally Speaking

Buddhism recognizes that body and mind are tightly linked. Emptying the mind is not as important as being mindful of what the mind is doing.


[Often FA/MA practitioners as well as those who practice "koryu" which is classic styles of the Japanese martial systems that emptying the mind is a requirement to achieve a level of expertise in those forms of combat when in reality this is slightly off the center. What is actually achieved is present moment mindfulness where nothing from the past or future intrudes for those moments of combat.

We can not achieve this type of mental concentration every moment of the day and we should avoid trying to do this as it is counter productive. We need to train to achieve this exacting present moment mindfulness when that moment deems it necessary. This could be combat, self defense, achieving goals, etc. or just that meditative time to still the mind and achieve positive results for you health.

We FA/MA practitioners get caught up in the thrill of the stories that cause us to look at things a bit askew vs. realistically. We all want to be the hero and yet we are influenced into that false belief that it is as depicted in movies, books, etc. when it ain't.

Present moment mindfulness is also a vehicle to dig into ourselves to see the real you vs. what you tell yourself, i.e. your story, which can be more fictional than real. This particular quote can be a reminder that we have to see beyond the story and be truthful with ourselves to achieve enlightenment. Then again, if that ain't your bag then it doesn't matter.]

Deep breaths; the mind is wild, agitated, or distracted, reestablish mindfulness with a few deep breaths. Pull air in strongly and let it out the same way. Make a strong act of will and apply some force to your attention. Reestablish mindfulness, strengthen concentration.

[There is good reason why so many forms of self improvement, i.e. FA/MA practice, meditation, etc., use breathing techniques as a focal point in practice. Breathe controls and affects many parts of the spirit, mind, brain, and body which are all connected. Breathing gives life not only to the body but through the many systems within the body and mind. ]