Unit 3 The Mind-Body Connection

I appropriately named the blog "The Journey That Will Never End" because optimal well-being is a lifelong journey. There would not be a destination without the journey. I can say I am enjoying the ride! On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being optimal wellness I would rate my physical well-being as an 8. I won't get into the details but I will say that I eat fresh, exercise regularly and don't smoke. A friend once told me that the number one thing you can do for your health is to put down the cigarettes.  I would like to pass that on to you and hope that you can pass it forward.  It may just click for someone.

Spiritually I rate at a 6.  I like to think I rate higher but that is not the case.  I am very close with the spirits that are around me all of the time.  I can feel them and I can hear them but my intuition wavers. I am reminded often that I have a great energy but sometimes I let my environment overshadow my feelings on that.  Everyone has this ability but needs to be practiced. Intellectually I know I need to spend more time on this subject but emotionally I am stunted.  Maybe afraid of what I might find out?? Maybe.

Definitely an 8 psychologically. I spend a lot of time on this area since I returned from the war. Re-framing is key in this department.  Being able to view negative events and interactions with a positive twist is like shining a light in a dark room...it provides hope.

Having goals to work toward helps tremendously to keep you track of your health.  Accountability can be the deciding factor in a monumental success or an epic fail. So here are my goals and how to achieve them toward my optimal health. If this inspires you, get yourself a pen and paper and write down 3 for yourself!

1) I WILL NOT EAT NON-ORGANIC APPLES!!!!
Seems like a silly one, but apples that are not organically grown can be just as toxic as a Big Mac. Be warned. There isn't much of an exercise for this but I guess I could learn to juggle with organic ones!

2) I will refresh my attunement to the spiritual world and practice it daily on myself and others that will allow me to. Imagery lends a helping hand with this. I will secretly do it to my better half while he is asleep! Shh.

3) My goal here is to work on training my mind to respond to stressors that are out of my control in a more calm, peaceful way.  I plan to enrich my psyche with positive energy and think with a stillness before reacting. I am partial to the progressive muscle techniques so that is how I will start.

The Crime of the Century Reflection

Another truly wonderful relaxation technique.  I love that it was chakra based and I can't get enough of that man's voice! How soothing! I love that he incorporates science into this. He describes tapping into your left and right brain etc.  That is what integral health is all about! A truly unique mind-body-spirit sensation that has lifted my mood for the evening.  I might knock out early though! 

Love & Light

Take A Trip From Where You Sit

This is the photo I have had on my computer screen for four years now and have no plans on changing it. It brings me peace, happiness and loving fond memories. I know where this is, but it can anywhere you want it to be. Imagine and enjoy!

Love & Light

Take Time For Reflection

Hi everyone! My name is Stevi Gelinas and I live in northern New Hampshire.  I am a self-employed Massage Therapist and Reiki practitioner.  I am also a lifestyle educator for a wellness program called FirstLine Therapy.

My better half and I built a beautiful home on a mountain and live quite peacefully. I love hiking, rollerblading, yoga, massage, swimming, surfing (though not that good!), chess, and I snowboard in the winter.

I am thrilled to journey through this learning experience with all of you.  I will look to you for inspiration and hope to inspire many of you on your path for health and wellness! Cheers.

Journey On Reflection

I fail at making time everyday to meditate and truly relax the muscles of my body.  I feel that this is a common occurrence for many.  Well, I woke this morning and made time and I feel great.  I gave up caffeine and coffee 5 years ago because of the negative effects it had on my body so to jump start my body in the morning I will typically spend 5-10 minutes stretching.  My better half cannot and will not start his day without the jolt of a very large cup of coffee.  I have always wondered why this has become such a popular ritual (no judgement by the way!).  I started this morning with a Journey On relaxation exercise and I feel ready for the day.  It was a short 15 minutes of total relaxation but just enough for me to feel energized and not tired. I can tell that it was long enough for a parasympathetic response and therefore I find myself hungry!  

The mind-body connection is truly under your control if you make it so.  I was able to visualize the blood from my belly slowly moving up to my shoulders and down to my hands like molasses. And so it did.  I felt the warmth in my shoulders and then in my arms and then down to hands.  I felt the subtle energy waves travel not only that path but through my entire being.  I enjoyed this relaxation exercise so I continued with it to my legs. As I imagined my blood flowing down my legs and into my feet I was able to feel a tingling in the arches of my feet. It was beautiful! 

For anyone who is interested in giving this a try I have attached the link!

http://www.kushs.net/kaplan/HW420/JourneyOn.mp3

Love & Light