346. The Immune-Boosting Breaths Pro Athletes Use to Stay Healthy - Jeff Patterson

Meditation Conversation

I love to explore the link between meditation and martial arts. Combat skills seem on the surface to be in opposition with inner peace and calmness. Jeff Patterson is a wonderful embodiment of the link between the two, as a seasoned martial artist with over 36 years of experience. In this episode, we uncover how his initial skepticism of meditation transformed into a deep appreciation for the powerful impact of meditation on physical, mental, and emotional yielding skills, and how it has become so central to his practice over the decades. Jeff's journey from boxing enthusiast to embracing meditation will leave you amazed at the unexpected depth it brought to his martial arts practice.

If you're feeling frustrated by the lack of progress in your own meditation practice, then you are not alone! Jeff talks about how many people struggle to quiet their minds and find it challenging to integrate meditation into their daily routine. Despite their efforts, they may still feel stressed, anxious, and emotionally unbalanced. This struggle can make it difficult to see the true benefits of meditation in their martial arts practice and everyday life. Jeff gives very practical and grounded advice on this common topic.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering the Art of Yielding: Learn how to apply yielding in daily life for improved resilience and adaptability.

• Elevate Your Athletic Performance: Discover the impact of implementing qigong in your martial arts skills and overall athletic performance.

• Unlock the Power of Breath Work: Uncover the connection between breath work and immune system strength to enhance your martial arts training.

• Embrace the Benefits of Meditation: Explore the invaluable benefits of meditation for martial arts practitioners and how to integrate it into your daily routine.

• Integrating Meditation for Everyday Balance: Learn effective strategies for seamlessly integrating meditation into your everyday life, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance.

Meet Jeff Patterson, a seasoned martial artist hailing from Portland, Oregon, with an impressive 36 years of practice under his belt. Jeff's journey began in his mid-teens, spanning through his time in the Marine Corps and college, where he even taught martial arts to support his education. Delving into various practices such as Western boxing, Tai Chi, and qigong, Jeff's encounter with these meditative arts was a game-changer, leading him to a profound understanding of their transformative potential. His wealth of experience is reflected in his three authored books, two audio courses, and numerous instructional videos, all aimed at sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise. Jeff's dedication and teachings have had a positive impact on countless individuals, providing them with invaluable tools and techniques for enhancing their overall well-being through the practice of meditative arts.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:06 - Introduction to Meditation and Martial Arts 00:01:12 - Jeff's Background and Martial Arts Journey 00:03:48 - Meditation's Impact on Athletic Performance 00:08:30 - Types of Meditative Practices 00:11:05 - The Concept of Yielding 00:16:26 - The Beginnings of Meditation and Martial Arts 00:18:05 - The Practice of Boxing and Martial Arts 00:19:17 - The Evolution of Jeff's Practice 00:22:02 - Understanding Meditation 00:24:41 - The Spiritual and Energetic Aspects of Qigong

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit theyieldingwarrior.com to get a free copy of Jeff Patterson's book The Yielding Warrior by paying for shipping and handling.

• Explore Jeff Patterson's online program, which offers a trial period to experience the content and determine if it resonates with them.

• If located in Portland, Oregon, consider visiting Jeff Patterson's academy to explore the offerings in person.