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Mind, Body, Soul
An Invitation
By Mona Lease
Greetings, gals!! In my introductory edition of Mind, Body, Soul - I
had meant to extend an invitation to the guys out there. Some of this
stuff will benefit you - diet, exercise and the like.
As nearly as I can tell - we women get a double-portion of what I call
the "mush and gush." Males have the xy chromosomal pattern and we women
have the xx chromosomal pattern. Don't be offended guys by what is in
these columns. The intent here is for we women to bring our mind, body,
soul into some sort of agreement or alignment (harmony??). Take what
you can use, guys - leave the rest.
I trust that those of you who have started the exercises (breathing and
the back stretch) are noticing a positive difference. Practice,
practice gals - it does get easier!
I recently spoke to a couple of gals I know. They said they were very
interested in a column such as this. We'll discuss various topics and
how we can make and maintain the desired changes within ourselves.
Zen Yoga has an exercise which is very beneficial for memory and
relaxation. Give this a try - I find it most interesting. It will show
you how busy your mind is with thoughts - those you are actually
thinking and those that "show up" to drag you off track.
In a quiet room (good luck with that, huh?) - light a candle.
Concentrate on the flame (Remember - deep, slow breathing). Notice how
the flame sets on the wick. See how the flame moves? Remember the color
of the wick - the color of the bottom of the flame - the color of the
top of the flame. Study the flame for a few minutes. Blow out the
candle. Close your eyes. You should be able to recall how the candle
flame looked - all the above details. Don't get too excited if you
can't do this at the outset. Remember - practice. In our world of
"busy, busy, busy makes us great" - concentrating on one thing seems to
go against the "norm." With this exercise - you need to empty your
mind...push all else out and concentrate. A word helps...which is known
as a "mantra." There are those who believe the mantra should be given
to you by a teacher - especially for you and you body rhythm, etc. I
think any word will work. It serves to center your concentration to one
thing. This is actually the start of "channeling you body energy" (or
xi..."chi") where it needs to be for different situations.
The following is a relaxation exercise. It is called Corpse Pose or
Shavasana in Sanskrit. It's tricky to keep your muscles loose and to
not let your mind wander.
On a yoga mat or a firm surface (I like a plushy carpeted floor), lie
down on your back. Keep your legs relatively straight (don't force them
though). Keep you feet 12" apart. Your arms should be a comfortable
distance from your body... 6-8". Close your eyes - relax. I find that
20 minutes of this gives me the effect I desire.
Here are a few things to consider:
Silence is better than unnecessary drama. - Buddhist Vision
"In order to change your life, you must first change your thoughts." -
Denzel Washington
A negative mind will never give us a positive life. - Buddhist Vision
Never let a bad situation bring out the worst in you. Choose to stay
positive and be strong. - Halos and Horns Fun Page
Making a big life change is scary. But, know what's even scarier?
Regret. - Halos and Horns Fun Page
As you move forward in life, you may need to change your circle of
friends. Not everyone around you is interested in seeing you improve. -
That's Life 1
Sometimes all you need is for someone to just be there, even if they
can't solve your problems. Just knowing there is someone who cares can
make all the difference. - sun.gazing.com
The best is yet to be!! MONA
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