If you’re anything like the average human, you’ve probably also experienced a strenuous period of your life. According to a study in August 2020-February 2021, anxiety/depressive disorders have increased from 36% to 42% in American adults. In a quest to alleviate your stress, you may come across suggestions of meditation, from doctors and scientists alike.
Meditation is a practice that aims to calm the mind to find clarity and stability. Not only does it help manage stress and anxiety, but studies show it can also decrease blood pressure, enhance memory, lengthen your attention span, and improve sleep.
The most common perception of meditating is staying still (usually seated), and focusing on your breath. You may have even given it a try, perhaps including the prominent “OM” chant that is so often seen in movies and tv shows. But many people often find that it’s very difficult to sit in silence and just “focus on their breath”. Your monkey-mind naturally drifts off and random thoughts will inevitably enter your mind. While this is okay and the consistent application of bringing your mind back to your breath actually helps deepen your practice, it can be quite frustrating. However, stillness in your mind can be achieved even without stillness in your body.
Moving meditation isn’t uncommon, nor is it difficult. In fact, the most common one is becoming increasingly more popular- yoga. Or in the culture of martial arts, meditation is practiced specifically in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or Quigong practices. But it doesn’t stop, or even begin, there. You can make anything into a meditation, like walking or exercising, as long as you are connecting your breath to your body and becoming aware of the present in it’s entirety. And the best part is: it can be done anywhere, at any time. So, don’t give up. Take a seat, stand, pick up a yoga mat or dobok, and get ready to focus your mind.
MiddleburgMartialArts.com has been selected the nation’s #1 martial arts school in Jacksonville, FL since it was started!
The school is located at 2360 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068. Middleburg Martial Arts teaches Tang Soo Do based on the systems developed by Grandmaster Shin and the World Tang Soo Do Association. For more information, visit: WTSDA.com
Middleburg Martial Arts starts lessons at age 4 and puts strong emphasis on character and success skill development, including: focus, discipline, respect, confidence, leadership, and more!
Middleburg Martial Arts Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get and stay in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week at (904)569-6167. You can also visit our website at MiddleburgMartialArts.com.
About Master Jan Lappin: 5th degree Master Jan Lappin, a Middleburg resident, founded Middleburg Martial Arts in 2001. She has a background in and a degree in Psychology from University of Florida. She has been teaching martial arts since the 70’s. and recently published her book on the Leadership curriculum taught at Middleburg Martial Arts. You can find it on Amazon.
2nd location in Fleming Island, FL: 4th degree Master Rachael Macy founded their affiliate school, Ripple Effect Martial Arts located at 1851 Golden Eagle Way, Unit 44, Fleming Island, FL 32003. For more information, visit: RippleEffectMartialArts.com
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