Silence and learning

Here is a quick observation about learning. The more you talk the less you actually learn!

Part of Zen training in the Martial Arts teaches us that most of us has an "internal dialog" going on in our head all the time. In other words we are busy talking to ourselves for most of the day. It's this talking to ourselves that prevents us from actually seeing and experiencing what's going on around us in the real world. In other words this "self talk" prevents us from listening.

It works the same way in a conversation. Someone is speaking and you are supposed to be listening, but instead you are planning what you are going to say and as a result no actual communication takes place.

This is also the same basic problem that students have when sparring or free rolling with a partner. They are so busy planning what they are going to do that they don't see the easy and obvious opportunities that keep appearing.

To be excellent at Martial Arts you must learn to stop this internal chatter. The place to develop this is during class. In class you make every effort to simply pay attention. When you begin to judge yourself (positively or negatively) you simply let that voice go and go back to the practice. In time you will begin to grow strong in your ability to concentrate for longer and longer periods, all by simply letting go of the internal chatter.

Beware! If you allow this "internal" chatter to go on for too long, eventually it will erupt into "external" chatter. You will notice students actually begin to chat with each other as they go into practice. They ask questions of each other, they stop to explain, and feel the need to share their experiences. This is absolutely contrary to the mindfulness that Martial Arts is designed to develop. So if this is you... just stop it!

The best way to learn is to learn in silence, both by not speaking, and then working diligently to still the mind as well. Your learning will be greatly enhanced as will the learning of those around you. If you do have a question, hold that question until the end of class and then use that opportunity to ask it. Do this not just in Martial Arts, but in every area and notice how your communication improves and your learning greatly accelerates!