A reflection of wellness from the inside-out.
There is so much discussion around Mindfulness in the headlines this week. I was just thinking the other morning of how refreshing it is to see this positive shift filtering through my news-feed lately.
I even just discovered Mindful Magazine at the grocery checkout yesterday.
In one of their articles, they gave a clear definition of what it means to be Mindful.
"Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us."
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So why is that such a big deal? Let's talk about that.
The intention and mental discipline to hold our focus on one certain thought or stay present in the moment is a stretch for most of us with heavy schedules and numerous distractions in our lives.
Carving out time to simply focus, be still, listen, pray, and breathe deeply is key to living a more positive, productive, healthy and joy filled life.
Mindfulness is much like a short version of meditation. And here's what I mean...
The Art of Living-Global offers a look at the health benefits of Mindfulness/Meditation:
Physical benefits of Meditation:
"With meditation, the physiology undergoes a change and every cell in the body is filled with more prana (energy). This results in joy, peace, enthusiasm as the level of prana in the body increases."
* Lowers high blood pressure
* Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
* Decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems
* Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
* Improves the immune system
* Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy
Mental Benefits of Meditation
Meditation brings the brainwave pattern into an alpha state that promotes healing. The mind becomes fresh, delicate and beautiful. It cleanses and nourishes you from within and calms you, whenever you feel overwhelmed, unstable, or emotionally shut down. With regular practice of meditation:
* Anxiety decreases
* Emotional stability improves
* Creativity increases
* Happiness increases
* Intuition develops
* Gain clarity and peace of mind
* Problems become smaller
* Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation
* A sharp mind without expansion causes tension, anger and frustration
* An expanded consciousness without sharpness can lead to lack of action/progress
* The balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness brings perfection
"Meditation makes you aware - that your inner attitude determines your happiness."
"To experience the benefits of meditation, regular practice is necessary. It takes only a few minutes every day. Once imbibed into the daily routine, meditation becomes the best part of your day!
Meditation is like a seed. When you cultivate a seed with love, the more it blossoms."
Here's how Mindfulness is a Reflection of Wellness from the Inside-Out...
A few years ago, David Bank, MD, a Board Certified Dermatologist wrote an article in Women's Health Magazine on The Beauty Benefits of Meditation.
He explained, "Stress is what I call a 'beauty burglar," "When you are stressed, your blood vessels constrict. Stress also makes you release all sorts of stress hormones, which can trigger your body to decide that skin circulation is not a priority and to channel blood away from the skin toward muscles and other organs in the body.
Our muscles tense and skin loses that rosy glow and fine lines and wrinkles begin to form."
So, not only eating healthy, proper skin care, exercise, sleep, drinking plenty of water all essential to our skin's health, but also a healthy, positive mental state is imperative as well?
Here are 6 steps to practice Mindful Meditation, from Emily Wise Miller at Live Happy:
1. Get Comfortable
Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Ideally this would be a room in your house where you can be alone and at peace.
2. Get in position
You might try sitting cross-legged on a low cushion on the floor, or upright in a chair. Some people prefer to meditate lying down.
3. Get relaxed
Close your eyes, set a timer for five minutes if you are just starting out, and begin by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths. Breath in deeply (but naturally) through your nose, and out through either your nose or mouth—whichever feels more comfortable to you. Let the breaths flow all the way down into your abdomen.
4. Focus on your breaths
Become aware of the sound of your breaths as you inhale and exhale. As you inhale, you breathe in all the peaceful and joyful things around you. As you exhale, you rid your mind and body of all the stress and toxins that have been bothering you. Let your mind become mesmerized by the rhythmic pattern of your breathing.
5. Bring your thoughts back to center
Your mind will wander. When you notice your thoughts wandering off from your breath, don't chastise yourself—it's totally normal. Simply acknowledge it and bring your focus back to the center, back to your breaths. Take in your immediate surroundings. What do you hear? What do you feel right now, at this moment? Try not to ruminate on the past or worry about the future, but be present in this pure moment.
6. Make a Commitment
Like exercise, meditation takes practice. And the more we practice, the better we get and the stronger that mindfulness muscle becomes. Even just five to ten minutes per day has been shown to make an enormous difference to well-being after just eight weeks of meditation practice.
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so we can keep you encouraged to Love The Skin You Live In!
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