Mindfulness

There are specific roots that can be directly cultivated. These roots include the capacity for being present, generosity of spirit, gratitude, loving-kindness and forgiveness.

Johann Hari’s book “Stolen Focus” is a must-read for parents, educators and anyone else who cares about the future. Our ability to be present is slipping away and it may not be what you’d expect.

Did you know that there are four independent brain circuits that influence our lasting well-being? While each circuit contributes beautifully on their own, when joined by the other circuits they create magic – broadening our everyday existence to include a wider and more vibrant range of experience.

This life force is known by many names. The yogis call it prana and activate it through breath and postures. Acupuncturist call it qi and balance its movement through a network of pathways.

It’s common for trauma to get caught in body memories. This occurs unconsciously and is what makes survivors jumpy, dysregulated, or numbed out in ways they can’t explain. Mindfulness-based, embodied therapy involves tracking body memories as they reemerge in treatment.

The more I practice, the more I realize yoga is quite possible the best therapy there is. Why? Because yoga works at both the subtle and the gross level, allowing the body and mind to soften. Additionally, yoga quiets the daily chatter of the mind.

This photo series by Eric Pickersgill is a powerful visual of how devices have crept into our relationships and how they are impacting our lives.

The connection between stress and modern aliments is becoming increasingly clear thanks to scientific research that validates the mind/body connection. We know food plays a powerful role in both physical and mental wellness. Understanding our bodies’ natural rhythms and learning how to listen to our bodies gives us are the key to self-empowered health.

Yin yoga was born from Taoist philosophy. The postures are more passive, occur mainly on the floor and are held for longer periods of time. It’s unique in that you let gravity do the work. There is no efforting. We surrender and release.

Your mind is likely thinking, “Wait a minute. What’s the catch?” The only one is that you have to do it. Thinking about helping that elderly person cross the street doesn’t cut it. You have to do it.