Martial Arts, Emotions & Twitter

The Brain & Creativity Institute of Southern California researchers conducted an experiment measuring the development of someone’s emotional response to compelling stories. Results show that we need to process our emotions to be fully engaged. 13 volunteers were told real-life stories to induce admiration for virtue or skill, or compassion for physical or social pain. Brain imaging showed that the volunteers needed 6 – 8 seconds to fully respond to stories of virtue or social pain. Once the emotions were awakened, the responses lasted far longer.

The study raises questions about how media, online communities and social networks, like Twitter, present a quick and steady stream of stories, without allowing time in between for adequate processing of our emotions. Are we giving ourselves room to “feel” these real life situations? Are we reacting appropriately? Morally?

These are interesting questions. We are active Twitter users and find that when you are removed from a face to face interaction, its all in how you participate in an online community. The first step is to realize that a real live person is at the keyboard. Everyone has a story to tell, ideas to share. Knowing that is a first step in the right direction. Give yourself time to absorb the information you are receiving. We learn about those who tweet in our community. Our TanDaoKungFu Twitter account is part of a growing martial art & wellness community. It is a place to learn & share information…and it is up to each of us to keep the heart and soul alive in communication. Here are some of the martial artist instructors, masters & schools on twitter and their websites:

@MinofDefense: Self Defense http://icandefendmyself.com/
@BlakeHolloway: Self Defense http://www.ultimatedefensesystem.com/blog/
@MasterBoozer: Tang Soo Do http://sbnboozer.wordpress.com/
@AikidoMac: Aikido http://www.midwestaikidocenter.org/
@Cdankski:Aikido http://www.aikido411.com/blog/
@Kyusho_Jitsu_Ca Kyusho Jitsu http://www.kyushojitsu.ca/
@AdamWilliss: Wing Chun & Qigong http://www.adamwilliss.com/
@HSMA: Shuri-Ryu Karate & Tai Chi http://www.hiryuuschoolofmartialarts.com/
@TWSeido: Seido Karate http://www.thousandwaves.org/
@ShinJinKarate: Shin Jin Karate http://www.shinjinkarate.com
@Chrischats: Tai Chi in Australia http://chrischats.com/
@Einarhagen: Karate in Iceland http://www.vondurmadur.blogspot.com/
@SenseiOrlando: Karate http://www.mkdkarate.com/
@SifuLloyd: Martial Arts for young & old http://www.martialartsyoungandold.com/
@Interdojo: Martial Arts http://www.interdojo.com/
@Vanadia: Martial Arts & Narrative http://www.vanadia.com/

@Ben10dough: Tech & MMA http://ronin20.com/
@KirkhamsEbooks: Books http://newbieservices.com/
@TurtlePress: Books http://www.turtlepress.com/
@VF_MMA: MMA Clothes http://www.versatilefighter.com/

Read the full article on the Brain & Creativity Institute research: Is Twitter Making You A Cold Heartless Being?