When I first started in the martial arts as a child and living in Okinawa, one of the lessons I learned was that our internal state guided our external actions.  If we had a feeling of calmness, then so would the physical actions be more deliberate and not reactive.  One had to be completely focused in the movements so that they are done correctly.  Whenever a distraction came about, so did our forms suffer.  A strike, block or kick required being focused in the moment and not somewhere else.

Those early lessons as well as delving into transcendental meditation (TM) in the 1970’s enabled me to learn much more about how powerful our mental states are able to control our physical actions.  When combined with deep breathing, mental control enables the best to control one’s autonomic nervous system.  Heart rates slows and distress becomes nonexistent.  My uncle Keiji from Fukuoka, Japan practices Zen Buddhism and he is amazing in his ability to stay in the “empty mind” state.  He is also a lifelong martial artist as well (in Kendo and Judo).

Each of us can transform ourselves by taking control of our thoughts.  That means to going into no thoughts.  This is hard for most people.  In today’s high tech world, distractions are all around us.  From smart phones to multiple television channels to people wanting quite a bit from you.  Distractions abound.  Thoughts of having to get things done add to the mix.  We are a society full of thoughts at an ever-increasing rate.

So how does one stop those thoughts from invading your mind?  It is time to go back to the past and even combine the training of the present to do so.  In my training in EEG Neurofeedback, being able to see one’s brainwaves at different states is amazing.  At the EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, CA, I had the privilege to study with the pioneers in this technology.  They have even pioneered therapy in help eliminate ADD/ADHD in clients.  Brain training this way enables a change in neuroconnections so that focus can talk place more often without being distracted.

Meditation does the same thing.  When I first learned TM, the use of the flickering flame of a candle helped me to stay focused in the moment.  After awhile, I was able to meditate without the need for that candle flame.  The best Tibetan Monks are able to meditate without thoughts for hours on end.  They also have an amazing ability to control their autonomic nervous system.  Through the years I continue to learn more and to teach others what I’ve learned.  Each person has that ability to do so.  Dr. Jennifer Howard, created a system that helps each person trained in it to eliminate the distractions that keep you from success and living the best life you can possibly live.  It’s called Your Ultimate Life Plan and it’s on Kindle and soon to be in print.

Discover your best self and start transforming yourself from the inside first.  Do that and you will realize a you that is powerful and confident.  A you that takes action towards a worthy goal.  Meditation will help you to focus and reduce your stress levels that creates constraints in your life.  Start living your best life today.

Cheers,

Bob