While
I would like to say I exercise regularly to relax I cannot. I can state that I am aware that regular
exercise does release stress, and that meditation breathing is effective for
this purpose. A long ago in a body that
was not marred by thirty years of abuse; I exercised daily. The
program that was followed combined weight lifting, martial arts (Judo, Tae Kwan
Do, Jeet Kune Do), gymnastics and competitive shooting. What I learned from each one that breathing
was an essential key to being successful in each discipline.
Weight lifting can have three main
purposes and each requires proper breathing.
The type of breathing technique used varies depending on that type. Example, for power lifting the exhale is the
most important. You combine the energy
of the release with the explosive surge of the lift to create maximum
force. When cardio lifting, breathing is
more shallow and even to reduce variations in heart rate. Lastly, when using lifting for equalizing
muscle strength, such as building your biceps as much as the triceps, a deep
measured exhale is used with each movement with a slight pause at the end of
the movement used for inhaling.
Martial arts use the exact same
techniques for different movements and effects.
Striking an opponent is the exact same as power lifting. You use an extreme exhale in conjunction with
the strike to focus that energy (also known as Chi) at the exact time of the
strike forcing all that energy into your opponent. When grappling with an opponent you must keep
your breathing constant so you don't tire yourself out between moves. This also helps to prevent tunnel vision by
keeping your mind from fully embracing the adrenaline that is attempting to
take over your senses. When meditating
an adapted version of the measured breathing in weight lifting is used. Instead of the quick intake the entire
breathing cycle is measured causing the body to fully relax.
The same technique is used in
competitive shooting at long distances.
If your heart is beating too hard or fast your entire musculature moves
with it. Every expansion of the veins
and arteries moves the muscles holding you steady. The causes your face to rise and fall on the
cheek piece, your finger to tremble on the trigger, your body to vibrate moving
your sight position on the target, and cause your chest to rise and fall
lifting your body from a solid resting place to that of being placed on a
balloon. Breathing evens out and
minimizes these movements allowing a clean sight view, smooth trigger pull and
a shake free follow through. The
"sweet" spot is just at the end of the exhale just before the
inhale. This is where your body is the
stillest making your shot the most accurate.
If you are in tune that small split second seems like an eternity and
you are in a state of mental awareness surrounded by physical stillness, just
like the meditation used in martial arts.
It is there in that state of
awareness surrounded by physical stillness that full peace and relaxation finds
me. My physical condition determined
what I was able to do in that space.
Then I could lower my heart rate to less than 40 beats per minute and
change my body temperature. Now I use
the technique to remain calm in stress filled situations. I sit at times focusing on those moments and
concentrate on what sounds are around me increasing my awareness. It is amazing what you can hear in a Park or
café if you just breathe and listen.
Breathing still insulates what I feel, see and hear and allow me to feel
centered and calm. So if you see me just
sitting somewhere not moving I'm not asleep or dead, I am breathing.
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