
–Thich Nhat Hanh —
DYNAMIC MEDITATION
Zhong Xin Dao has a strong reference to dynamic meditation as it is a martial art based heavily on Zen and Tao philosophies. By dynamic meditation, we are referring to a meditative type of mental state while in action. This mental state can be practiced and achieved during any activity. As the basis of establishing this mental state we must put our intention on attention and attempt to be mindful in our actions and thoughts—coming back to our center.
As a beginning we can focus this attention on our breath. We watch our breathing and observe the rise and fall of the breath. We observe the breath in a passive way, not forcing or controlling the breath. The next step is to process emotions in the same way. We observe the emotion as it begins to affect us. We observe the emotion’s state as it rises and falls. In the same way we do not force our breath, we do not force these emotions to come or go, just simply observe and recognize them. It may be helpful to associate the rise and fall of the emotions with the rise and fall of the breath.
MINDFUL ZXD EXERCISES
We suggest practicing the 15 basic exercises or the 21 form, be mindful of every move — bringing the attention to our body. We can be mindful of our environment and be mindful of our physical state. Recognize the changes and be with the moment. Unifying the mental and the physical, balancing the mind and the body to relax.