Mental Health and Martial Arts

[evmdimples]

I'm reminded that the practice of martial arts/meditation seemed to have a huge positive impact on my now ex-gf who had a host of emotional disorders, BPD being the most prevalent. Unfortunately her work scheduled changed and she had to stop. Noticeable difference, in a negative way! I am wondering if anyone else has made this correlation? I am certain that it's because of the mindfulness of the practice, it brings awareness of the mind/body into the here and now. Between the controlled physical aspect of the practice and the mental exercise (learning the philosophy behind the practice) that all seemed to bring an incredible amount of peace to her, she seemed a lot calmer and focused on the positives vs. the negatives. Even her angry outbursts became history. Anyone else have knowledge/experience with this? I think the practice of mindfulness, however it is achieved, is such an essential tool in my own recovery process and now i'm thinking it might be a good tool for mental health. Thoughts? I'm posting this under the fitness threads as well.

[Bamboozle]

I'm no guru, but for me mindfulness comes from within myself.

I don't place it upon any outside activity.


The one thing I have that no one can take away as long as I live and I'm not injured/mentally incapacitated are my thoughts. My thoughts belong to me alone. I'll always have that. The moment I don't it won't matter anyway.

[evmdimples]

Thanks for your input Bam!

I hunted around the web a bit and found out that mindfulness is the core component of DBT, one of the (successful) therapies for BPD. No wonder I noticed such a difference in her! Here's a nice synopsis about mindfulness and the therapies that have been developed which incorporate mindfulness in the treatment of different disorders. I myself am somewhat familiar with the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and with Zen Buddist thought. They have been invaluable tools on my recovery path.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness_(psychology)

[OzSandy]

When I am more physically active in general, I notice improvements in my mental health. I used to do a bit of Tai Chi, and that was very calming. It's also a mindfulness technique.

I saw a discussion about 'mindfulness' on another forum. Some people I know use a method called 'Tapping' or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). It can be done pretty much anywhere. I'm thinking of giving it a try and seeing how it works.

[mxchaos]

mindfulness is great so are martial arts really helps to center one self

[DonneIslanding]

I've done some research into this recently and have read that Aikido and Tai Chi can be great forms of Alternative Health Care.

There are many other forms that work as well. Art therapy, Dance therapy, etc. I'll link to the U.S. Government's SAMHSA webpage on Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care when I'm able to post links.

[DonneIslanding]

Originally Posted by DonneIslanding

I've done some research into this recently and have read that Aikido and Tai Chi can be great forms of Alternative Health Care.

There are many other forms that work as well. Art therapy, Dance therapy, etc. I'll link to the U.S. Government's SAMHSA webpage on Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care when I'm able to post links.

Well that took less time than I imagined. Here's the link:

SAMHSA: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care

[mariechi]

Please smile at this, I'm just sharing.

I studied tai chi for 10+ years and have recently decided I need to get back into it. Like many of the arts, it has a wonderful affect on your health and well-being. Mindfulness.

Of course, I'm an alki, so a good session made me feel good, and I was ready for a beer. Mindfulness. Intention. I know this is a mental health and not alki recovery forum, but I think intention is important.

Anyway, just thoughts.