Patterns suggest predictable habits and habits are hard to break.
Language pattern includes sound or tone patterns, oral mechanics, pronunciation and accents, choice of words and much more. We tease Australians about “g’day mate” and of course Canadians are teased about their constant apologies and “eh”s. Language experts find that it is easier for a young child to learn/speak like a local as compared to an adult. To change an adult’s accent, you need to record it so that they hear the difference, for example, tone, tongue position, throat versus nasal, etc.
Physical movement pattern refers to how a person poses or moves around. Rhythmic gymnast’s chasse, a wrestler’s walk, a ballerina’s posture, a fashion model’s walk can all be useful or a hinderance depending on circumstances. Change of movement patterns is not easy but can be done. The person has to notice the difference and want the change, then with lots of repetitions the “right / new” way, patterns can be changed.
Thinking pattern is about how a person interpret / interact with outside stimulus, how they solve problems, how they see themselves in relationship to others, half glass full or empty and more. Most parents want to influence how their child think and interact with others. For example, “Don’t fight”, “Work hard”, “Be patient”, etc.. However, having someone constantly nagging is a sure way to cause a teen to shut-down. Martial arts have a distinct advantage in teaching / practicing some of the seemingly abstract concepts. Following are just a few examples:
- Work hard since your life may be dependent on it
- What is by-gone is by-gone – if you concentrate on a punch that has landed on you already, it is a sure way to get yourself beaten up
- Concentrate on what you can do and influence and quit stressing about things that you can’t change
- Managing anger – as part of training, you have to learn how to take hits. If you can take physical aggression, handling verbal aggression becomes much easier.
- Managing frustration – even the simplest straight punch takes a long time to perfect. You have to persevere to be able to go past it.
- Be confident – with training, you are stronger and fitter than most. Furthermore, you can take as well as dish-out more, you are naturally more confident with yourself amongst others.
- Be helpful and go with the force.
Exercise
Find and read some other articles from past blogs related to this one and discuss.