At a time in our society where we are busier and more switched on than ever before, people are seeking balance and calm through retreats, yoga and meditation based activities.
Activities like meditation help us to slow down the mind, help with managing stress and take control of the myriad of thoughts, both positive and negative, that flood our consciousness every moment of the day.
Our thoughts are directly related to our health and the reactions that can manifest within our body. Being able to manage our thoughts provides an incredible tool for greater wellness, health and happiness.
You decide every day what mood to be in. Only you have the power to change your state of mind. Other people, events and experiences challenge your ability to process and manage your thoughts and emotions.
Gwinganna’s meditation expert, Andy Kidd says, “Gaining and maintaining peace of mind is a matter of learning simple habits. Meditation reminds us that it is easier to be happy. Once it is explained properly, we find meditation to be easy”.
If we can adjust our perceptions, we can see life from a different angle. By auditing our thoughts, and swapping from a negative thought to a more positive one, we can shift to a more productive and creative view of the world.
Imagine if we considered how to best support our health both during and outside of our working hours. Each moment could be an opportunity to support better health. There are countless ways you can do this but start with simple things that are achievable and that don’t feel impossible.
Try and notice the beauty around you every day. Focus on finding those positive elements. Drink fluids that support and hydrate you and choose organic foods that nourish you. Think positive productive thoughts and learn how to manage psychological pressure effectively. Step away from drama and gossip and connect with people who lift you up, rather than drag you down.
A wonderful strategy for managing psychological pressure is to ensure you get time for yourself with no agenda and no physical exertion. I like to refer to this time as ‘strategic rest’. This is essential time for adrenal restoration and necessary time for reduced mental and physical stimulation.
In the past this concept was probably regarded as being self indulgent or lazy, however in the busy world we live in today it is vital for self preservation. At Gwinganna, we created ‘Dreamtime’ to ensure that each afternoon on retreat, you have time to rest, and time for you. Time to just ‘be’, rather than always ‘do’.
Create your own Dreamtime – read a book, take a nap, sit quietly and learn how to be still again. The ability to switch off is a vital skill to learn how to survive in this modern world. Mindfulness is key. Practice this consistently and you will develop greater emotional resilience and be able to enjoy each day more.
We need to understand better how our body responds to our thoughts and the impact this has on our ability to manage stress. Slowing down, switching off and pressing pause allows us to restore our energy and balance a busy state of mind. Deep belly breathing is simple to do and of enormous value, while meditation, yoga and quality time with yourself are also essential tools to use.
If you can’t schedule some time to get away to a retreat, a wonderful stress management program is now available online with a leader in this field, Dr Daniel Friedland. See Dr Daniel here speaking about this exceptional online training program.
