Mind/Body Connectivity

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We have, as a species, strayed off the mark a bit by thinking that the body and the external drives the internal so we focus on the external to the detriment of the internal. We focus on the body while assuming the mind follows naturally when the truth is that everything, reality of beliefs, is a product of the mind-works. If we learn about focus, concentration and control through the effort of our minds as it directs the actions of our bodies with an intent to realize the works of the mind we can visualize how the mind leads to body and the body follows the mind. 

In this effort, as yin/yang principled practice, we know that a balance can be achieved of the mind/body connectivity where a balance of the internal, mind-state and mind-set, and external, the bodies ability to manifest the results of our mind-works, we achieve mastery of the mind/body. 

In that light, intent and focus and concentration should be of the mind where it takes control of the actions of the body to dictate how the body reacts when the mind is engaged in realty, situations that effect the mind, like the monkey-mind, in how the mind reacts thus triggering the bodies reactions, i.e., stressors, anxieties, emotions and feelings, the adrenal stress-induced chemical reactions that all combined lead the body one way or the other dependent on the mind-state and mind-set of the mind. 

Know this: 

"Believe nothing until you find it out for yourself - that is what teaches us. Truth requires no prop to make it stand." - Vivekananda, Raja Yoga

“We shall find how intimately the mind is connected to the body. The mind is simply a finer part of the body, and that the mind acts upon the body, then it stands to reason that the body must react to the mind. … When one is angry, the mind becomes disturbed; and when the mind is disturbed, the body becomes disturbed. (when the mind is calm, the body becomes calm.” - Vivekananda, Raja Yoga

“We have very little command of our minds. Therefore to acquire that command, to get that control over body and mind, we must take certain physical helps; when the body is sufficiently controlled we can attempt the manipulation of the mind. By manipulating the mind, we shall be able to bring it under our control, make it work as we like, and compel it to concentrate its powers as we desire.” - Vivekananda, Raja Yoga

For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)

Note: in martial arts for self-protection in self-defense it may be critical to ensure one achieves a certain proficiency in mind studies, training and practices before qualifying for their dan-sha and then a main focus of all levels from sho-dan and above.