Living like a Shaolin Monk gives us a fascinating insight into how we can live a longer, healthier life with more vitality even in the midst of our urban modern life. Many of us look at a Shaolin Monk's life and think it's extreme but think of a Shaolin Monk like an Olympic champion, working hard everyday to remain at the peak of their health and fitness so they can achieve their end goal of enlightenment.
1) Make your health your priority
Yesterday a student came to me with back pain so bad, he found it difficult to stand up straight. He told me that he couldn't work or do anything because he was so overcome with pain. I massaged his pain to alleviate the worse of it then I guided him through a Qigong sequence. At the end of our session, his pain was almost completely gone. I asked him what had triggered the pain, and he told me he hadn't had time to do any training for many months.
Remember that your health is the most important thing there is. Without health you can't work or look after your family. Make it a priority. Shaolin Monks never skip a workout.
Before embarking on their training, a Shaolin Monk makes a vow in front of their community. Being healthy requires a lifestyle changes and a way of approaching life in a more holistic way. Think of what you want to achieve, how much time you can give to achieve this goal, and make an inner commitment to strengthen your resolve.
3) Everyday day life is Zen
When a Shaolin Monk eats they do eating meditation, when they walk they do walking meditation. Staying focused on the path leads to unshakeable peace. So next time you're in the supermarket do shopping meditation.
Through training, your body will naturally reject unhealthy foods and crave healthy foods. Shaolin Monks think of food as medicine, only eating and drinking what they really need.
5) Quantity counts more than quality
When a Shaolin Monk trains they train with their heart - mind first then their body. Better to train for ten minutes like this than an hour of unfocused training
6) It is our bad habits that cause us trouble, not reality
Whenever a negative emotion arises, a Shaolin Monk welcomes it as a gift so that they can progress on their path. We tend to cling to our worries, circling them round and round in our mind like a marble. But the truth is that by doing this we are only adding to our problem.
7) The peaceful heart is always here
A Shaolin Monks way is to peace is through their training and meditation. Whatever yours is, make sure you give yourself time to renew yourself on a daily basis and get in touch with the peace that is always within you.
For more information on the graded path to Shaolin please visit www.shifuyanlei.com
