The Quiet Mind
Early stress research by Dr. Hans Selye showed the body will fight or flee in response to certain situations. The body responds to any perceived threat, (physical or emotional), with an increase in heart rate, breathing and moving adrenalin into the blood. In prehistoric times this was necessary for survival, however, today we deal with pressures that don't allow a physical release for this energy. A constant state of arousal can lead to chronic physical and mental disease. What can we do to deal with stress in a healthy manner?
Dr. Herbert Benson, of Harvard Medical School, researched various types of world literature for practices and guidelines on meditation. He discovered some common characteristics found in most cultures, which he called the "relaxation response." The relaxation response will calm the body and restore it to a peaceful, balanced state.
STEPS FOR THE RELAXATION RESPONSE
1. Select a mantra. A mantra is a word, sound, prayer, thought, or phrase. The mantra is most effective it has a spiritual meaning to you. (A Christian may choose: Peace with Christ. A Hindu may select Om.) The mantra is more effective if it is in your native language.
2. Find a quiet spot and sit in a comfortable position.
3. Close your eyes and focus on progressively relaxing all your muscles.
4. Concentrate on slow breathing and repetition of your mantra.
5. Don't worry when your mind wonders. Passively return to the mantra when other thoughts intrude.
Action Step: Meditate for 10-20 minutes, 1-2x's daily for the next 30 days to establish this as a regular practice.
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Dr. Herbert Benson and Dr. Joan Boryshenko have used meditation at the Mind Body Clinic to treat patients from everything from depression to cancer. Regular meditation will increase your self-awareness and the peaceful state of a relaxed body will be normal not the exception.
Jim Abbey M.S. /RsCP Transformational Coach Contact: jim@abbeyjim.com
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