Martial Arts and the Mirror Image: Improve Your Form, Build Strength, and Increase Flexibility with Psychology and Qigong Principles

Description

A groundbreaking approach to martial arts combining Self-Image Psychology and Qigong. Martial arts teacher Phillip Starr draws on more than sixty years of experience to introduce the Mirror Image Technique—a method that recognizes the reinforcing nature of body and mind. Our self-image expresses in how we stand, move, and hold ourselves in the world; and in martial arts, the way we move reflects the way we think on the mat, in practice, and when sparring. Here, Starr pulls from Self-Image Psychology and Qigong to offer readers a unique set of physical exercises that can be applied to any martial art tradition—as well as our personal lives. Like two mirrors facing each other, the physical body both reflects and changes the mind, and vice versa: our physical movements become more than just the consequence of our intentions or thoughts. As we adjust the way we move, we adjust the way we think: about ourselves, our lives, and our environments. Unlike other self-help books that consider the mind as the sole gateway to change, the Mirror Image Technique shows that cognitive transformation starts with the body. Starr takes readers through: Demonstrating key principles of Qigong with exercises like The Unbreakable Arm and The Unliftable BodyImproving your stanceIncreasing your strike forceInsights into the mindset for breaking boards (tameshiwari). Intended to enhance growth and personal development, the techniques in Martial Arts and the Mirror Image lead to a renewal of confidence and enthusiasm for one’s particular practice.   Title Page Copyright Dedication Preface Acknowledgments 1: Basic Principles of the Mirror Image Concept The Body and Mind Mirror Each Other Observation Exercise Number 1 Observation Exercise Number 2 What Is the Self-Image? And Here’s the Good News 2: We Are All Hypnotized We Are What We Believe Suggestions Made by Authority Figures It Ain’t Necessarily So 3: Up Close and Personal The List Use Your Emotions in a Positive Way Throw Away Your Treasures 4: Should You Believe Everything You Think? Special Exercise Number 1: The Unbendable Arm What Does It Mean? Try Not Special Exercise Number 2: The Immovable Posture Things to Consider Special Exercise Number 3: The Iron Ring Root and Extend 5: Preparing to Change Your Reality Test Yourself: Stand on Your Tiptoes Shake the Wrists and Arms Single Arm Swings That’s Quite a Stretch Dress for Success Movie Time Improving Your Forms How Does It Work? 6: The Mind and Posture Posture and Personality Body Alignment Exercise Number 1: Tatonka Below the Belt Body Alignment Exercise Number 2: Pucker Up What’s the Point? Learning to Hear What the Mind Is Saying 7: Qi and Mind-Body Unity The Four Types of Qigong Practice Finding Your Center The Four Basic Principles Relax Root Center Extend You Are What You Think The Sitting Exercise Standing on One Foot 8: Positive and Negative Like Attracts Like It’s Interesting … Negativity Clearing Exercise Special Standing Exercise to Eliminate Negativity 9: Self-Empowerment 10: An Ancient Chinese Secret—for Real Reverse Breathing Increasing Physical Strength Stabilizing the Breath Breathing and Balance The Relationship Between Breath and Balance 11: The Standing Exercises The Important Principles Three Standing Exercises Embracing Posture Pushing Palms Posture Pressing Palms Completing the Standing Posture Exercises 12: The Mind and Movement Moving from Your One-Point Exercise One: Walking from Your One-Point Common Errors Sitting and Standing from the One-Point Kneeling and Standing Properly Moving from Your One-Point in Everyday Life 13: Convincing the Subconscious You Can’t Move Forward with Backward Thinking Adjust Your Mental Timeline 14: The Moving Empowerment Exercise Before You Start The Breath Coiling Exercise Commencement Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Conclusion 15: Your Goal-Driving Black Box Why Does It Fail? Harnessing the Giant 16: Fear and Failure The Flavors of Fear It’s So Easy Board Breaking Bumps in the Road 17: Focus on the Goal The Written Word Regular Empowerment Exercise The Power of Your Mind A Basic Mental Concentration Exercise 18: Be What You Are Look the Part Talk the Talk Be the Real You 19: What Is Happiness? When Will Your Ship Come In? Making a Choice for Happiness But How Can I Possibly Be Happy? How Can Anyone Be Happy All the Time? Conclusion Endnotes About the Author About North Atlantic Books