Ever wondered what that quiet few minutes is all about just before we dive into the action at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts? You know, when everyone sits still, closes their eyes, and takes a few moments of peace before the energy levels go stratospheric? That, my friends, is called Mokuso.
It might look like we’re just having a little sit-down break before getting started, but there’s actually a super important reason we do this. And to explain it, I want you to cast your mind back (if you’re old enough!) to the days of ye olde Windows PCs.
Remember when computers used to get slow and sluggish? You’d open a file, and it would take ages because bits of that file were scattered all over the hard drive. The solution? Defragging! It was a magical process where the computer would take a moment to rearrange all the scattered bits of data and put them back in order, making everything run smoothly and efficiently again.
Well, think of Mokuso as hitting the ‘defrag’ button for your brain and body!
Why do we ‘Defrag’ with Mokuso?
Our lives are busy, right? We arrive at training carrying the weight of the day – school, work, chores, that annoying traffic, or just a head full of thoughts buzzing around like confused flies. Our mental “hard drive” is often fragmented and noisy.
Mokuso provides a bridge between the outside world and the focused, positive training environment we build here at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts. It’s a signal to ourselves that it’s time to leave the external distractions behind and arrive fully in the present moment, ready to learn and engage.
The awesome benefits of Mokuso (beyond just sitting still)
That short period of quiet reflection might seem simple, but its impact is huge. Mokuso helps us:
- Boost Focus and Concentration By intentionally quieting the mental chatter, we train our ability to focus. This means we’re more present during instructions, drills, and sparring, getting the most out of every session. Developing concentration is a skill we aim to foster.
- Build Mental Resilience and Well-being Taking time to simply breathe and be still is an act of self-care. It helps manage stress, promotes mental well-being, and strengthens our ability to handle challenges – contributing directly to the mental resilience we aim to help students develop. In the context of our trauma-informed approach (informed by insights into mental health and making sense of experiences), this moment can be vital for self-regulation and creating a sense of calm and predictability.
- Enhance Self-Control and Discipline The very act of sitting quietly and resisting the urge to fidget or let your mind wander is an exercise in discipline and self-control, skills that are fundamental to martial arts training and personal development.
- Prepare Mind and Body Mokuso isn’t just about the mind; it helps connect the mind and body. It allows us to become aware of our physical state, release tension, and get ready for effective martial arts training.
- Strengthen Our Community Vibe While it’s an individual practice, doing Mokuso together creates a shared moment of calm and focus before we connect through training in our inclusive and welcoming community. It contributes to the positive, friendly atmosphere by setting a respectful tone.
How to practice Makuso
To practice Makuso for 2-3 minutes, begin by finding a comfortable and quiet place where you can sit undisturbed. Adopt a relaxed yet upright posture, cross-legged on the floor or seated in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or lying on your back nice and straight. Gently close your eyes or lower your gaze. Bring your awareness to your breath, noticing the natural rhythm of inhalation and exhalation without trying to control it. Allow your thoughts to come and go like clouds passing in the sky, observing them without judgment or engagement. If your mind wanders, gently guide your attention back to your breath. Continue this process for the desired duration, allowing yourself to simply be present with each moment.
You can introduce variations to your Makuso practice by incorporating imaginative visualisations. For instance, you might imagine yourself peacefully climbing a tall, sturdy tree, feeling the connection with nature and the gentle sway of the branches. Alternatively, you could visualise sitting on a warm, tranquil beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves and feeling the gentle caress of the sun on your skin. Another variation involves imagining yourself sitting comfortably inside an expanding bubble, creating a sense of personal space and detachment from external distractions. These imaginative scenarios can help to deepen your focus and create a more engaging and personalised experience during your Makuso practice.
You can practice Makuso at any time: first thing in the morning, before or after an activity, at the end of the day. If you’re at school / work, or on a bus, you can sit in your chair and rest your hands in your lap. Take a moment to calm thoughts and slow down the monkey mind!
Why is it so important
Mokuso is more than just a traditional ritual; it’s a functional tool that significantly enhances the quality of our training and supports our personal development journey. It ensures that when we stand up and bow, we’re not just physically present, but mentally and emotionally ready to engage, learn, and grow.
It’s one of the many small things that contribute to making Warrior Spirit Martial Arts a place where you can not only get fit and learn self-defence but also develop confidence, kindness, mental resilience, and feel empowered to become your best and strongest self in an amazing and friendly team environment.
So next time we start with Mokuso, embrace that moment! Hit that ‘defrag’ button, clear your mental clutter, and get ready for a fantastic training session!
