Frontline Martial Arts and Wellness

Self care is a word that carries many definitions. Almost as many definitions as there are people who practice it. I believe self care is a balance between expression and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. To start off, I will tell you about an aspect of self-care I am not good at, rejuvenating the body. Self care for the body is important because they are our primary vehicle for our success. It is the minds and spirits connector to the outside world. Expression of the body can come in any meaningful physical activity, any positive activity I should say. Example playing in traffic may seem meaningful to some. I can see how it would be exciting. However, it would not be positive because of the risk of harm. The martial arts is my main physical activity, although I enjoy golf and cycling, because it is something I can practice anywhere and in many forms. Giving me variety in my practice. Rejuvenating the body is the same for everyone, mostly. Nutrition, physical rest, having bodi...

  Although our heroes are different and we tend to follow people who think the same as we do, the qualities or character traits of leaders tend to be the same. Even better, we learn about those qualities, analyze and integrate them into our character so that we can all be our own leaders moving forward with clear intentions, purpose and motivation. Bravery, we see it in every action movie. We see the hero showing incredible bravery in situations that would make us normals quake in our boots. Or you hear of those guys that stand up for themselves and others when faced with stronger opponents. Or those people who make the hard calls and do the difficult jobs day in and day out. It is about pushing forward despite our fears. My favourite saying is, “courage isn’t the lack of fear but pushing forward despite the fear”. Thoughtfulness isn't a characteristic we tend to associate with leaders, however every good leader needs to be thoughtful. Look at it this way, who would make a better l...

  Descriptions of the phenomenon 'flow state' are vague. That is because flow states are personal experiences. Personal experiences are hard to quantify. Although analysis of personal experiences is hard, it is essential for an understanding of the Self. Without an understanding of the Self we cannot know what makes us tick. Once we know ourselves Mushin or flow state can help us live our lives in touch with the Self. My first experience with flow states was not in the heat of battle, although I would come to experience it in these moments as well. My first  experience with flow states was while playing drums in my high-school punk band. We were playing a favorite song of mine. I got into the groove, as we call it, and a feeling of effortless self expression took me over. I didn't realize until I analyzed that moment years later that my world had become very small just me and my drumset. The guitarist faded out, almost completely. I just let go and played, tipping and tappi...