Ever wondered how ancient martial arts can reshape modern lives? 🥋 American army veteran Zachary MacBride has a story that’ll inspire your next mindfulness practice.
A Veteran’s Journey from Struggles to Strength
After leaving the military, Zachary faced a tough road—stress, uncertainty, and the search for purpose. That’s when he discovered Shaolin kung fu. For over two decades, he’s trained in the art of Chinese martial arts, embracing its discipline and philosophy.
The Power of Stillness
In CGTN’s 2025 documentary "The Spirit of Shaolin," Zachary explains how kung fu taught him to find calm amid chaos. He practices nei jing (inner cultivation) techniques—simple breathing and focus exercises that help you hit pause on a busy mind and recharge. 🧘♂️💥
Lessons for Your Daily Zen
Whether you’re hustling in a startup or grinding through campus life, here are three takeaways from Zachary’s journey:
- Discipline over motivation: Show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Mindful movement: Turn your fitness routine into a meditative practice—focus on each breath and motion.
- Community support: Train with friends or online groups to stay accountable.
For tech-savvy millennials and Gen Zers in South Asia and Southeast Asia, Zachary’s story proves that blending tradition with modern hustle can unlock new levels of resilience and wellbeing.
The Spirit of Shaolin is available on CGTN to dive deeper into his path to zen. 🎥🙏
Reference(s):
Kung Fu Brought Me Up From the Bottom | The Spirit of Shaolin
cgtn.com
