Meditation

Do you practice meditation outside the dojo and do you find it effective in using in your Aikido practice? Or life generally? How long do you meditate for? I have started doing at home but usually only manage 10-15 mins per day but I hope to increase that to 30 mins per day.

Yes, I practice meditation, and I find it has a significant impact on my training.

My practice is mindfulness, from the Tibetan tradition - not an intense focus, but a relaxation and noticing. Mostly I notice my body and posture - which of course translates immediately into awareness that is useful on the mat. Habituating the mind to remain relaxed, alert, aware of a broad field of vision (field of perception) without being fascinated by any one thing within it (or being willing to gently drop the fascination as it is noticed) is good practice. Being well practiced in that is enormously helpful when training.

Hi Alex-

I practice meditation regularly off the mat. It is part of my own spiritual journey and my professional work as a licensed mental health counselor. I find that meditation allows me to still the mind in a way that can translate onto the mat. The best way for you to understand it is to experience it for yourself. There are many forms of meditation so do you research and maybe consider finding a good teacher. Lots of info and resources out there. You might check out "The Intuitive Body" by Wendy Palmer: http://www.amazon.com/The-Intuitive-...ous+embodiment

Been meditating since high school.

Mental calmness, clarity and discipline is always useful.