Karate as a part of life

[opr1945]

I was watching an online video about Samurai and Bushido at a link that was posted on this forum when at the end the utube algorithm suggested another video link to Jesse The Karate Nerd Enkamp interviewing a Shaolin Monk about the role of Martial Arts as an integral part of ones life. While he is a practitioner of Kung Fu I believe his comments apply to Karate as well as any Martial Art.

Don't be misled by the title, the interview starts at 5:55 into the video. The video is 11 minutes long.

Personally, I found it both interesting and informative. But, keep in mind that I am a neophyite here. Advanced practitioners experience may be varied. I found this at 3am here, which might be an explanation!

Your thoughts?

 

[Gyakuto]

I’ve seen this nice video before. This ‘bodily awareness’, ‘mind-body connection’ is exactly what Zen tries to develop through it’s various practises. It’s not surprising since the Shaolin Monastery is the origin of Zen as we know it.

The idea is that of non-dualism: ‘mind is body, body is mind’ which is in stark contrast to Western philosophies where the ‘soul’ is separate from the body - the ghost in the machine- and, indeed, transcends it. Neuroscience is increasingly showing that former idea is more likely in ideas such as embodied cognition which suggests that our thoughts are not simply controlled by our brains but instead our bodies shape our thinking. Through our sensory interaction with the world around us, our body contributes to how we perceive and understand the world, and how our thoughts take shape.

Interesting stuff, eh?

 

[SirKicksAlot]

our thoughts are not simply controlled by our brains but instead our bodies shape our thinking

Yes, like the behaviorists say if you change your physical actions, eventually your brain chemistry will also change.

 

[opr1945]

Interesting stuff, eh?

absolutely!

 

[Gyakuto]

Yes, like the behaviorists say if you change your physical actions, eventually your brain chemistry will also change.

Yes and new synapses are formed too.

 

[Gyakuto]

One of the interesting things that comes to light with the idea of embodied cognition is in animals who’s nervous systems are not centralised as in mammals and most other animals (brain in the head, spinal cord down their back). I am, of course, referring to octopuses whose brains are distributed throughout their body and limbs! They use their limbs in thought processes and hence behaviour. If they lose a limb, they have less computing power and are not the same entity. We have some neural tissue in our limbs (nerves) which will be involved in simple but vital cognitive processes such as gathering sensory information and transmitting it to the brain for processing and carrying motor command down to our muscles and glands (‘secretory motor’). If a human loses limb(s) does that mean they’re not the same person as before the trauma? In a sense, yes.

An old Kendo teacher used to say to us, “Kokoro wa karada desu” - ‘mind is body’ and only years later did I realise this was figuratively and actually true.

 

[opr1945]

Yes, like the behaviorists say if you change your physical actions, eventually your brain chemistry will also change.

I first came across this in one of B F Skinners books, I believe.


I have read of 2 areas where this is believed to work and is actually implemented.

1. Substance abuse addiction one recommended is to act/behave as if you are living a recovery lifestyle and your brain will eventually catch up and help end the addiction.


The phrase "fake it till you make it" in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) serves a few key purposes:

1. Building Confidence: Many individuals in recovery struggle with feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. By encouraging members to "act as if" they are sober and confident, AA aims to help them gradually internalize those feelings and behaviors, fostering genuine confidence over time.
2. Promoting Positive Behavior: Acting as if one is already in recovery can lead to positive actions and decisions. This mindset encourages individuals to engage in recovery-oriented behaviors, such as attending meetings, connecting with others, and avoiding triggers.
3. Creating a Supportive Environment: When members adopt a positive attitude and behavior, it can influence their peers. This collective positivity can help create a supportive community where individuals feel motivated to stay on their recovery path.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Influence: The concept aligns with principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which suggests that changing one’s thoughts and behaviors can lead to changes in feelings. By "faking" positive attitudes and actions, individuals might eventually feel more authentically positive.

Overall, "fake it till you make it" is a strategy that encourages individuals in recovery to adopt behaviors and attitudes that support their sobriety, even if they do not feel completely confident or secure in their recovery journey at the outset.

2. In changing racist beliefs if one acts in a non-racist way the beliefs will be reduced.

At lease according to what I have read.

 

[Gyakuto]

Skinner performed some of the cruelest animal experiments ever

 

[opr1945]

I just read the book.

I suspect pharmaceutical companies are doing the same. (for the benefit of humans.)