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> I took up Kendo about 18 months ago, and the regularly scheduled classes and training sessions are good for forcing me off the computer and go work up a sweat
by sdrothrock 9y ago
> I took up Kendo about 18 months ago, and the regularly scheduled classes and training sessions are good for forcing me off the computer and go work up a sweat. I especially love the little 30 second meditation we do at the start and end of each class.
Mokuso was integral to teaching me to relax and focus; I try to continue meditating even though I haven't done kendo for years, but some days I just want to be sitting in my keikogi in a chilly dojo listening to someone shout "MOKUSOOO~" -- something about that environment was conducive to relaxing.
- Tharkun 9y agoMokuso, 黙想, "idea of silence", pretty much translates to "meditation".
- Camillo 9y agoWhy "idea of silence" and not "silent thinking"?
- cyberferret 9y agoAbsolutely. I look forward to Mokuso during training. It is really a great, relaxing transition between 'everyday' and 'dojo' state of mind. I particularly enjoy the ceremony surrounding Kendo. That, coupled with the discipline really helps me to focus and push myself both physically and mentally. It makes a great counterpoint to the purely intellectual activity of programming, which I find helps balance me.
- lloeki 9y agoI go skateboarding at a nearby spot right after work. I found out that, no matter what, I have to take some time for my mind to unwind, otherwise I'm just not there. Although I occasionally talk to fellow people during that time, more often than not I just sit there absorbing the moment, watching the flow and listening to the pops. Such mindfulness gives some quietness to the mind and dramatically improves mind-body attunement.