Wei qi life: wei qi/go is a mind sport

Have you ever wondered how to train your mind? 

This is a very challenging question because the mind cannot be touched by human hands. We may be able to touch our heads, feel our hard skulls and sense the soft brain encased inside but that is as far as it goes for most people. When we see pictures of our brain we wonder how something so fragile can control our entire being and the strong muscles that we build. It really is a mysterious thing.

That leads to the next question which is if this organ is so important how do we take care of it?

People think studying is one way to train the mind. I would agree with that. For sure when it comes to learning, researching, memorizing and studying our mind becomes a crucial organ which we exercise. We are only beginning to understand all that our mind is capable of. We need to keep our mind healthy. Rest, food, air and keeping our bodies clean and functioning are all essential for the good of our mind. Remember that the mind is an organ that controls your entire body and not just your head. Your head is where it resides and does its work. Bad habits, toxic substances, sleep deprivation, hunger, thirst and all these things will affect your mind negatively. 

The reasons a person should keep their bodies and brains healthy are many. We use it without even thinking we are using it. As we learn new things and skills we begin to grow in our bodies and minds. This is proof that the mind doesn't stay the same. It grows along with us. The mentality of a child is different from that of a teen, young adult and an older adult. Their learning speed and process becomes quicker and more efficient.

What is a mind sport?

This is a question that could take a long time and several blog posts to answer. But in short it is a game that is played using the mind instead of the body. Yes you still need to use your body to put down answers or make moves but it is not the same as kicking a soccer ball across the field or punting a football as far as you can. You won't feel the same kind of physical exertion as when you run a marathon or play a game of basketball or tennis. A mind sport like the name suggests is a sport of the mind. A game for the mind but not just a game; it is a sport. If you look at physical sports you can get a good picture of what might be going on inside your mind as you study, play or train in a mind sport.

Why is a mind sport different from studying a textbook?

Studying largely has to do with memorizing and analyzing the text or the work of another person. When it comes to mind sports one is not just learning the skill but learning to use it as effectively as they possibly can. This involves creativity, intuition, imagination, control, smarts, analytical skills, problem solving and more. You must learn the skill and then best your opponent or opposing team at it. This is really the only way to play and win the game. 

Wei qi/go is a mind sport.

Go is known as one of the oldest board games still being played today. As you begin your journey that will hopefully be long and fruitful you must remember this about go. This board game is a mind sport and is pretty much the pinnacle of what a mind sport is. The different creations on the board that is pieced together by each dot placed is limitless. Ancient chinese players likened it to painting art on a canvas or blank slate. It is just as much an art as it is a learned skill.

There is much creativity when it comes to playing this board game. At least there is if you love the game and want to play it how it should be played. If you look at the dots that you place on the board you can see it really is just like a dot drawn with a brush. Each dot is your mark on the board. You aren't using a brush but round pieces of stone, glass or plastic. How the game goes is up to you and only you. You will spend hours and hours studying just to improve your game. This is perhaps going to be one of most popular tips for beginners because it is true. Losing will happen and you can't let it discourage you. Slow progress and lack of understanding is going to happen to everyone, even if they are good at the game. You must remember how long it takes for even a professional to reach the high level that they're at.

I feel we are only beginning to learn how to train and master our mind. With things like go it is an exercise of the mind in ways other things are not or use only a little of. If you have the ability to learn and be good or even master the game do not let it slip by you. Take hold of this chance to teach and train your mind in this high art form. It may take years and long hours but you will be glad you did and your brain will reap all the benefits.