Many are afraid of being vulnerable. But is vulnerability really a bad thing and something to be fearful of? When we punch, for example, we actually put ourselves into a deeply vulnerable and off balanced position; but this same body weight shift that causes vulnerability also enables us to get the most power into the [...]
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Experiencing Hapkido.
I like the occasional cappuccino; I frequent a few cafes, but there is definitely one that I prefer. If you asked me why this cappuccino in particular, I’m not sure that I could answer you. Strong, but not too strong, the milk is creamy but not sickly the froth is light, but doesn’t evaporate… The [...]
From stress to personality trait.
I read somewhere that 70% of people who show up at hospital have a stress related disorder. That’s huge – our stress level is something we should take notice of! One could say that stress is our reaction to the outside world. To have a reaction is natural, it’s human. But if our emotional reaction [...]
Changing ourselves first.
By Ms Parlour on November 8, 2011 in Ki Meditation, Martial arts etiquette and discipline, Martial arts myths, legends and stories, Mental training for martial arts
Students often tell me that as they progress in Hapkido other parts of their lives also seems to move forward, to improve… like somehow things are linked… The following is an epitaph from an anonymous Anglican bishop who was buried in the crypt of Westminster Abbey in A.D. 1100. I think it speaks for itself… [...]
Philosophical definitions.
This month I thought I’d try and define a couple of philosophical concepts we often discuss within our Hapkido and Ki training. I would love to hear your own thoughts/definitions. Karma Karma comes from a concept of Indian philosophy meaning action. It is a part of living and cannot be avoided. It is something which [...]
Special conditions.
I read a definition of meditation a few years ago. “To see our original nature and not become confused”. I’ve always loved that quote. In our Hapkido training, and meditation practice, Master Chang often says that we should, ‘surrender our ego’. So we could say that our Hapkido training and meditation practice is about letting [...]
In front of your eyes.
I was on the tube on the way to class the other night, and sat right next to me was a business man. He had his briefcase open and was reading a report and scribbling changes and notes at the side. We arrived at South Kensington station and as the door opened he started panicking, [...]
Calming the mental clatter.
In Ki Class we often start with moving meditation. Sure, it helps strengthen and stretch us, but probably the main benefit we get is that it helps us to start to concentrate – to calm that mental clatter. Some people tell me “Oh I can’t do meditation, my mind is too busy.” What they don’t [...]
Thoughts on perfectionism.
I shared the following story in class this week, dedicated to all the perfectionists we have amongst us. A monk was tendering the garden making it perfect. Japanese gardens are always just so. They have perfectly raked sand and pots in just the right spot. When the master arrived the monk said that he had [...]
Don’t be weird.
At the end of his last Ki Seminar here in London, Master Chang said with a wry smile… “Don’t be weird”. He says they try to meditate at home when the children are playing. “Be quiet, stop playing, can’t you see I’m trying to meditate!” This response is silly, he claims. He says that now [...]