Total concentration on the ever-changing breathe brings us squarely into the present moment. [we strive to achieve this level of present-moment consciousness upon entering the training hall. We first change into our uniform and by that process if we bring our mindfulness directly to the process of changing and bring in to that same mindfulness our breathing we pull ourselves out of the daily thoughts so we may fully focus on training and practice.]
Coordinate the activity in which you are involved with your breathing. This lends a flowing rhythm to your movement, and smooth's out many of the abrupt transitions. [our goal in practice is just this, to achieve this mindfulness that brings our entire being into what we are doing at that exact moment, the present-moment. This keeps the past and future away. Ever wonder when observing a long time practitioner with a level of proficiency where you observer a rhythm in their practice? If you are "seeing" them completely you will see that this natural rhythm comes from their patterns of both the physical movement and breathing along with some other more esoteric practice that seems in rhythm with nature. Watch, observe, and "see."]
Activity becomes easier to focus on ... mindfulness is increased. Mind is not burdened with pre-occupations or bound by worries. [karate-do provides so many benefits and one very important one is meditation through the motions of practice. Motions of practice go beyond just body movement but the mindfulness present-moment training that is found in many of the Eastern meditative practices.]
Mindfulness results in change to the nervous system fostering insight. It enhances your intuition. The breath is not merely inhalations and exhalations but... Breath ceases to be just breath. It becomes a living, changing process, something alive. It is no longer something that takes places in time; it is perceived as the present moment itself. [Mushin and Zanshin or what the Chinese call, "wu wei." Not an empty mind but a mind with a concentration and focus that keeps it and you in present-moment mindfulness which allows you to tap into the instinctive benefit of the Tao. You want this in self protection and even in combat.]
It is grounded in a living flow of the present and marked by a sense of reality. [Remaining present-moment mindfulness is a path to inner understanding where you will open up all the doors over time to "see" and "feel" who and what you are taking you past all the "stories" you have or are telling yourself to cope with the trials and tribulations of life. This is the path to enlightenment.]
The Universe as a flowing river of experience.
Bibliography:
Gunaratana, Bhante. Mindfulness in Plain English. Wisdom Publications; 2nd edition. September 2002.
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