Possibility is Where You Find It

Dear Creative Leaders:

We each have more to offer than the world expects. Growth is something we’re capable of, as soon as we’re committed to seeing what we can contribute.

Leadership and contribution go hand in hand. This is the lens through which I will invite you to view this journey with me. It is much easier to gain traction through contribution, humility, and fierce devotion when it comes to our art form. In fact, I’d say that it’s easier to live life when our primary focus is on how to serve the greater good.

“To serve the greater good” was a big invitation in the original materials that I sent you. It was my intention to “pull you in” that way because I knew that you would get it. I believe that when we focus on being of service, our lives become easier and better because we tend to spend less time on our own problems and therefore diminish our ego-centered viewpoints.

My belief is that when we commit to our own possibilities, and when we choose to maniacally focus on what it is that we have to offer the world from a deep-seated center of goodness, that our own desires are instantly fulfilled.

That means that by focusing on your true talents and recognizing that your talents are exactly what is needed to bring the world closer together in its own Sacred Circle of Creation, so to speak, that we are operating from a higher field of consciousness. We are connecting to our life experience via the magical functioning of our entire human experience…..our bodies, minds, and spirits. In other words, we are involving ALL of ourselves.

I believe that the path to new and more sophisticated possibilities is in making deeper commitments and focusing on that which makes you feel good.

Think of it like this: for one part of your life, you thought that things would work out in a specific way. You had beliefs, expectations, you were taught a certain way of thinking, of acting, of inter-relating with others. You were sure that, that was the way. You invested yourself in this way because your life experience, thus far, had availed this philosophy that you decided, mostly unbeknownst to you, was “the way”.

Fast forward a few years, when suddenly, you realize that life was not “the way” that you had thought it would be. You experienced a few hard knocks, you got pulled over by the police of life and were asked, on more than one occasion, to produce a valid philosophy license.

The trouble is, you didn’t carry that philosophy any longer. You had changed your mind because you realized that the old way was no longer applicable based on your life experience. And now, your vision of what your future might look like took a very different turn.

That is the nature of things, my friends. Learning to go with the proverbial flow, as we develop a relationship to all that is changing, all of the time, around us is the new invitation in making deeper, more meaningful commitments. The good news is, that the flow is always present.

Right now, our current worldwide pandemic is a drag. It’s full of confusion, political discharge, chaotic rumblings of distortion, but it will have another side. And this “other side” depends on us.

That’s why programs like this one, where we all work together to make that prophetic shift into higher consciousness, works. Your life experience is what is valued here. Your contribution to building something of positive significance serves the greater good because you will be manifesting from your awakened philosophy.

Peer-to-peer leadership and innovation produce resilience. This kind of leadership turns into a greater possibility that instigates profound transformation for ourselves, one another, and the world. It’s how we make things better.

Today, I leave you with this beautiful conversation between Oprah and Thich Nhat Hanh. Please watch it. Every video counts because it is proof of your dedication and commitment to this program. And, we will be reviewing these in our Circle of Creation. Enjoy 😉

Please be sure to do your daily meditation practice to invite peace and well-being into your lives. I position it as an invitation but really, it’s more of a loving requirement if you are to become the Creative Leader that you want to become. Practice is foundational to your success.

I have nothing but love and deep respect for you…

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Starting with a blank slate in 2018!

You have to let go to move forward….

Every year brings its own challenges, joys, changes and insights. Somehow, I thought that things would get easier as I got older.

That somehow all the blessings and knowledge acquired over the years would evolve me into this amazing adult woman who felt confident, knew what to say, when to say it and that I would be full of wisdom to offer others.

I thought that my family relationships would get better. That my business would continue to grow gradually without having to work so hard, that my health would improve as I took care of my body and soul.

I thought that I would live happily ever after with my beloved. That we would walk together hand in hand into the mystery and marvel of life, that life would embrace me as her own, that I would worry less and feel more fulfilled overall.

In truth, many of these things are true and have happened in 2017. And many others have not.

Life sometimes feels like dancing on a fluid terrain: every time that you think that you’ve nailed it, that you’ve gotten ahead, that you’ve acquired some applicable knowledge that render measurable results, there’s another adjustment to be made.

The incredible irony of it all is that all of my research and work is literally the study of the living matrix.

Everyday, I assist a variety of people in aligning their bodies, their beliefs and their spirits. It’s actually my tagline: “Mind-body Alignment & Beyond!”

So, I have researched and sought for answers in 2017 as to why life doesn’t necessarily get easier over time. Why can’t life just keep getting better without having a right and left hook coming at us when we least expect it?!

Here are just a few points of what I’ve discovered:

We, humans, are creatures of habit. We have hundreds of habits that we repeat day in and day out. Some are awesome. More still are detrimental (ex: addictions vs. discipline)
We create stories in our heads of what we think we want only to find out that it’s just that: a story.
Life is sometimes hard. For everyone. But it’s just hard. What’s really difficult is the amount of attention we invest in this belief. (Please refer to point #1.)

If you’ve ever done anything taxing in your life like run a marathon, attend a triathlon, or a tough mudder competition you know that you have to train seriously for it. You will have to change your habits, get up earlier, go out for a run or to the gym every day, hire a trainer, adjust your diet, do your homework, invest in appropriate training clothing, psych yourself up by listening to motivational podcasts, and repeat this every day.

And if you continue to do this every day until competition day, you might have a fair chance at getting to the end of your competition. Notice, I am not speaking of winning any medals here. This is just to get you into the race and actually finishing it.

If you want a medal, well then, you have to invest in a totally different mindset and reeeaally do the work. Up until now, you’ve successfully adapted to a new possibility for yourself but in no way are we discussing a gold medal win.

And therein lies the devastating problem.

This scenario can feel like no matter how much we try, how much energy we put into our training, that it will just never be enough.

We are addicted to “not being enough”.

On the other hand, I have also learned that we humans are beyond resilient.

I have used myself, this year, as my own guinea pig to measure my own “not enough” story (“Not enough” = #’s 1, 2 and 3 listed above).

Here are my results:

First and foremost, I learned that in order to fully move ahead, I had to release what I believed were failures. If I didn’t let go of my own story of how it should have been or how it could have been better or how I could have done better, been more present, if only I had been a better person, practitioner, wife, sister, friend!!

To ask myself these questions, I discovered, was not only pointless but injurious.

What was helpful however was to apply myself in learning how to ask better questions.

For example: What am I grateful for today? What would make today great? What amazing things happened to me today/yesterday? What have I learned today? What am I proud of today? How has today added to the quality of my life? How can I use today as an investment in my future? Who do I love? (and very importantly…..) Who loves me?

This line of questioning keeps you focused on what is working instead of what is not working in your life. Can you see how important asking the “right” questions becomes on the path to a fulfilling life?

Conversely, what I have found to be the most detrimental is cynicism.

Cynicism is the cancer of the soul.

Here are a few synonyms for cynicism: Skepticism, doubt, distrust, mistrust, suspicion, disbelief.

If you recognize your own thinking patterns resembling cynicism, find help now. Your mind is playing a dirty game on you and if you keep hanging out there, your entire life will have been a hellish experience.

What I’m saying is that your habits, stories and beliefs are your responsibility. You have the power, control and resiliency to change them. It is within you to do so. Do not allow for anyone to tell you otherwise.

Participate and Contribute

In order to release of your old stories and beliefs around failure or “not-enoughness”, you must train yourself to participate in the game of life.

This can be done in several ways and in ways that best suit your personality, interests and curiosities.

For me, my indispensable cure-alls are my Mindfulness Meditation practice and my fitness training. Nothing takes precedence over these two activities. As a creature of habit, I choose to practice habits that empower my mind, body and soul.

And last but certainly not least, you have to contribute to your environment and community in order to feel whole and complete.

It’s just the way we humans are wired. We have an internal need to contribute and share of our goodness with one another.

It is the most basic of human traits. We have a need to support, share love and be loved.

My commitment to contribution in 2017 was to create a larger footprint for goodness.

What that means is that I’ve decided to get serious about how I can support others. I have done this by creating live classes, more online coaching calls, more free sessions (check your mail or inbox), sharing of my message of love and connection and to launch a new Mindful Communication online class in 2018.

Instead of focusing on some of the challenges that 2017 brought me, I decided to tap into my resilience and become even bolder in putting myself out there in the hopes of spreading the message that:

YOU ARE ENOUGH!!

And more than that, you are loved, you are important, you matter and you belong.

If any of what I have shared in this newsletter resonate with you, take action and join the Art of Alignment tribe!

It’s very easy to do. All that is required is to show up and share of yourself in a positive way. That means verbally, interactively but most importantly energetically.

Choose to begin this year with a pep in your step, no matter the obstacles or fears.

You deserve to be happy and live a fulfilled life.

Our upcoming coaching call is this Thursday, December 21^st, from 12 – 1:30pm EST.

I will share tools to release any perceived failures, fears or disappointments from 2017 and begin 2018 from a brand new blank slate where you get to begin again.

We all deserve a new start. It’s just a matter of letting go of old patterns and beliefs.

The fastest way to let go of the past is to join a group of like-minded individuals who are also on the path to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.

That’s us 😉 Sign up here.

Happy Holidays to All!

Love,

AMD

[/fusion_text][fusion_text][/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Anne-Marie Duchêne[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Grounding Techniques

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Meditation is an enlightening experience, but for those exploring this ancient technique, the concept may still seem confusing. In efforts to clear your mind and focus on your breathing, you may wonder: What is the purpose? What do deep breathing and describing your body posture accomplish? When meditating, you may not realize that you are seamlessly incorporating grounding techniques.

What Are Grounding Techniques?

Although grounding techniques are often referenced in the treatment of anxiety and similar overwhelming emotions, their basic intention is to help keep you in the present moment. When these techniques are applied, your mind is purposefully drawn to the ground beneath your feet, the wind rustling through your hair, and the pressure of your handbag on your shoulder. Grounding techniques can be especially useful for people who need prompts to regain their mental focus in times of stress, but this is a healthy exercise for everyone. Grounding is simply a tool designed to offer reminders of where you are in the exact moment.

Grounding Techniques Are Revitalizing

Our daily lives are constantly inundated with stress and negativity, and the simple act of grounding yourself in the present moment can do wonders for your well-being. Perhaps your work is stressful or your job makes you unhappy, and even the thought of returning from your lunch break causes anxiety. Spend your lunch break meditating, focusing on the drink in your hand, the taste of your meal, and the murmurs of surrounding conversations, to realign your thinking. You’ll be much more likely to return to work with positive vibes and a successful outlook for the afternoon, despite a tiring morning.

This ability to center yourself can be applied to any situation at any moment, and it is refreshing to your mind when you can focus on the present. Gone are the distractions of a future appointment, the regrets of a past mistake, or the anxiety that comes with hearing distressing news. Grounding techniques are powerful in reasserting the importance of the here and now.

Grounding Techniques Promote Mind-Body Connection

The difficulty with the mind is that our thoughts are inclined to move faster than we can truly comprehend. Without a pause, our minds easily fall into the undercurrent of negative emotions. To focus, our thoughts must be slowed. Otherwise, we engage in an exhausting battle with our own feelings. Grounding techniques are the brakes for the runaway train, as you rely on your current physical space to reconnect your emotions to reality. Grounding techniques draw away from negativity by asking you to focus on tangible items in the present moment, such as recognizing a single color in nature or the sensory experience of your toes on the carpet. It serves as a distraction, even for the briefest moment, and allows you to regain control.

Sometimes there are only a few minutes to spare to gain focus of the present moment. The great thing about using these grounding techniques is that they can be used anywhere – you don’t have to wait for a quiet, meditative moment to practice grounding. In fact, the times we need grounding the most may be the best time to try implementing the techniques: on a crowded train, during a stressful meeting, in the middle of a chaotic moment.

Grounding helps you understand where specific emotions are harnessed in your physical body, and give you the power to realign and reconnect in a healthier way. Grounding is the perfect partner to meditation and mindfulness.[/fusion_text][fusion_text][/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Anne-Marie Duchêne[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

A Prayer for You

It’s always the right time to be grateful. And this week, for millions of Americans, Thanksgiving is a time of connection with family, and a time to bow our heads in gratitude for all that we have.

It is also a time loaded with cultural and political strife. How can we give thanks when so many are suffering, when so much seems to be going wrong in our country, when discord is the new slogan whether you find yourself on the right, left or anywhere in between?

My heartfelt wish for you, at this time of the year, is to spend some time with yourself.

Perhaps, take some quiet time to gently listen to your own being without judgment.

I read somewhere that to observe oneself without judgment is the highest form of human intelligence.

Make it a special moment for you, to quietly sit and take a few contemplative steps back to view your world from a slightly different perspective. Open your peripheral vision.

Is it possible to be thankful and also feel the pain of others at the same time?

I think so. There is space within us to feel many emotions at once. My sense is that letting go of judgment, blame, resentment and anger is inherently healing.

Maybe that a helpful prayer to all living beings and things this Thanksgiving can be as follows:

Great Spirit,

Please use me as an instrument of your wisdom to carry in my heart a temperament that is mild.

Let All beings be free from pain. Let peace reign amongst all Living Things. Let the love in our hearts reach out to one another so that we may hear each other’s cries for acceptance, tenderness and understanding.

From my heart to yours…..

Know that you are deeply loved. You are appreciated. You are always safe.

Can Your Body Really Heal Your Mind?

If you had suggested to me, the idea that “your body can heal your mind” about ten years ago, I would have probably agreed with you. I would have agreed with you because I believed it.

Today, this concept is no longer simply a belief. I have actual proof that the body can and does heal the mind. This happens when your body is in a deep state of relaxation. When you slow down long enough to connect with your breath and allow for a gradual release to come over you.

As you let the weight of your body widen your back, form the top of your head to the back of your heels, your mind also releases the confines of its thinking structure to mimic your body.

When you are in this state, the best thing that can happen next is to receive a loving and connected touch. In my case, that shows up as an integrative bodywork session.

As we address and move through areas of your body that may be feeling pain or discomfort, a shift also occurs in your mind.

It’s called the Body-Mind connection.

A shift can and usually also occurs on an emotional and spiritual level.

And what I mean by spiritual is that your spirit, your animae, what animates your body, also know as your vital life force will also experience a shift in consciousness.

A shift in consciousness is a shift in the body.

A shift in the body is a shift in consciousness.

By now, as you may have guessed it, as your body progresses into releasing any pent up stiffness, tightness, tension and/or pain, this sense of relief is communicated to your brain through your nervous system where a synchronicity of surrender occurs.

Let me give you an example….

You’re sitting at your desk for several hours. All of a sudden you realize that you are completely hunched over your desk, your head is protruding away from its central axis and you are feeling pain.

You step away from your desk, take a couple of deep breaths, do a few head rolls, maybe even roll all the way to the floor and get a good, long stretch in your legs, back and neck.

Suddenly, your mind is clearer. It feels like there’s a little more space living in your body. You grab a drink of water, slowly walk back to your desk and get back to work.

That….that was your body healing your brain.

You’re sending currents of energy throughout your body, you are inviting more movement both musculo-skeletally but also throughout your nervous system.

When you receive integrative bodywork, you discover a new way to communicate information to your brain.

It’s all happening in the “soma”, in your body first. And that’s important because in this way, you get to create a deeper relationship with your-self. Literally.

And that’s important because you can learn to take better care of your body and therefore, develop a deeper connection to your body, which invites a deeper understanding of their relationship.

Essentially, the power of this work is to get you to slow down enough to hear what your body is saying. It’s in that listening that you can change how you react and deal with pain… and in the process you get to release your mind and enliven your spirit at the same time.

Declutter Your Mind

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Declutter Your Mind

[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth][fullwidth backgroundcolor=”” backgroundimage=”” backgroundrepeat=”no-repeat” backgroundposition=”left top” backgroundattachment=”scroll” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” bordersize=”0px” bordercolor=”” borderstyle=”” paddingtop=”20px” paddingbottom=”20px” paddingleft=”0px” paddingright=”0px” menu_anchor=”” equal_height_columns=”no” hundred_percent=”no” class=”” id=””][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth][fullwidth backgroundcolor=”” backgroundimage=”” backgroundrepeat=”no-repeat” backgroundposition=”left top” backgroundattachment=”scroll” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” bordersize=”0px” bordercolor=”” borderstyle=”” paddingtop=”20px” paddingbottom=”20px” paddingleft=”0px” paddingright=”0px” menu_anchor=”” equal_height_columns=”no” hundred_percent=”no” class=”” id=””][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Our minds are a reflection of our environment, as our surroundings can directly impact how we think and how we feel. But isn’t also possible that our environment can be a reflection of our minds? Clutter within your thoughts can have a detrimental effect on your entire day, because it is impossible to focus on external tasks when you are not at peace internally. Decluttering your mind is an intentional application of mental energy, and like any mindfulness technique, it does take practice. The following tips will help guide you towards a restful and focused mind.

Write it down – This is as simple as a to-do list, and is less complex than journaling. You can free mental space by writing down what needs done, rather than having to repeatedly recall a task to prevent forgetfulness.
Exercise – Physical activity of any kind releases endorphins that boost energy and improve mood. Activities such as a mindful walk have shown to reduce the clutter in our minds and promote connectivity with the world around us.
Prioritize – You absorb an enormous amount of information each day, and if you do not prioritize that information, your mind can easily become overwhelmed. Decide what deserves your immediate attention and set the rest aside.
Let go – Not every thought deserves a reaction. If an idea is of no importance or consequence, allowing it to flow out of your mind will help minimize clutter.
Meditate – Meditation has numerous calming benefits for the mind and body. A few minutes each day will have a positive impact on your thoughts and emotions.
Practice gratitude – Practicing gratitude clears mental clutter by acknowledging all that you have, and it is a key component of mindfulness. It has shown to reduce stress, simply by recognizing the realities of the moment you are in.
Journal – This method allows you to release thoughts that are circling, but there is also value in distancing yourself from the topic at hand. You will find it difficult to process your thoughts faster than you can write them; therefore, your perspective changes.

A cluttered mind compromises clarity and lacks coherent vision in the moment. These tips will allow you to step away from complaints, concerns, and ruminations about the past, present, and future. A mind free of clutter can be more present, and it becomes easier to make decisions and respond positively, even amidst negative experiences. A clutter-free mind is empowering, and mindfulness can help you achieve the mental space to confidently tackle each day.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Why Happiness is Sexy

It’s true that the best of times may not necessarily be shining brightly upon our planet at this moment.

Floods, fires, murderous attacks, devastation…..Nothing to be happy about really.

But here’s the thing, there is also waking up every morning and breathing, there are weddings, births, graduations, Broadway shows, motorcycle rides, family reunions, the love of your children and spouse and so much more that brings us happiness.

In my bodywork and coaching practices, clients have been sharing that even though they feel happiness in their lives, that they are also experiencing feelings of guilt and shame about feeling happy.

How can we be happy when so many need help, when so many are suffering?

Maybe that you too are feeling a sense of helplessness within. That in the bigger scheme of things, desperation seems more appropriate than hope. That in fact, we are doomed and that the “dark side” has finally taken over!

Here’s the good news: it is ONLY through the tumultuousness of the dark side that we can find our light. It is only through our shadows that we can crawl our way into the light.

Our shadow side is infinitely intelligent. It’s like Leonard Cohen’s timeless quote, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

Please allow me to remind you, with much love and respect, that we are not doomed. That in fact, we have not even begun to realize our greatest inner potentiality.

Based on some of the newest neurobiology research, science is uncovering a multitude of intricate machinations in our neuro-synapses, each igniting a specific part and functioning of our brains.

That means that we can feel sad, helpless, overwhelmed and simultaneously feel happy, in love, and joyful. How about that!

We have the capacity to experience these emotions in our brains and more importantly, in our hearts. We have the power to shift our state of being in a moment’s awareness.

All we need to do is to become aware of our state, of our thoughts, of our fears and of our bodies. It really is that simple but why does it seem so difficult to cultivate awareness?!

Well, it’s because it requires focus, attention, intention and a true desire to leverage ourselves. What I’m saying is that it requires actual work.

Developing a heightened state of awareness requires practice and dedication.

Please listen to me: YOU ARE INFINITELY POWERFUL!

You have the capacity to transform your environment by your language and actions every single day. YOU, yes YOU have this super power within you.

So, my question is: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

Happiness is SO sexy! We want more of it not less so don’t ever feel guilty about feeling happiness. Instead, practice random acts of kindness and watch your guilt dissipate.

Here’s the thing: you are either one heck of a happy person who is focused on transforming her environment every day or you are criticizing someone who is ridiculously happy and transforming her environment every day.

I am inviting you to join me and thousands of others who have chosen to be happy and consequently, sexy ;-).

I’m making it easier than ever to join one of my monthly coaching calls and practice coming into community to share of yourself.

Just sign up below and join a group of really amazing people who are committed to having real conversations around real topics.

The antidote to fear, anxiety, guilt, and feeling hopeless is sharing of your presence in a safe and loving COMMUNITY.

In addition to my coaching call this month, you are invited to join us LIVE for my Mindful Communication Event offered on Friday, 10/27/17. Please see the details below.

As always, continue to follow your path. Be bold and dare to be happy for no good reason at all.

Choosing fear and anxiety does not help you or anyone else.

Know that you are not alone.

There is infinite hope. There is an incredible bright light at the end of the tunnel.

Join our community today!

With Love,

Mindful Walking in Nature

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]There is a widespread misunderstanding about mindfulness that prevents people from realizing its limitless benefits. Mindfulness does not exist only in quiet, still spaces. Mindfulness surrounds us, and experiencing mindfulness in nature is particularly helpful. Attending to calm surroundings not only connects us to our environment, but to a deeper place in our own being. For those struggling to be mindful, and even for those proficient in meditation, a mindful walk through nature can ease many troubles.

What does it mean to walk mindfully?

Walking mindfully is realizing the external effect of the actual process of walking and the subsequent internal experience. To walk mindfully, the focus must be on each of your senses, rather than the end destination. With each step, you must focus on placing one foot in front of the other. You listen closely to the beat of your own heart, as well as the sounds of crunching leaves and singing birds. You gaze at all that surrounds you, paying close attention to the trees nearby and the sun in the distance. Without even realizing it, your thoughts are likely to quiet as the mental fog clears.

A mindful walk shifts your perspective.

Rather than focusing on the troubles of your current day or week, your awareness is restricted to the moment that you are in, connecting external and internal realities. However, this is not a deliberate avoidance of stress. Instead, it is a means of embracing the total experience and allowing yourself to view small problems in the larger realm of nature.

Why is it so important to walk in nature?

Although any kind of walk can be beneficial when striving to expel negative energy, it is nature itself that proffers a cleansing result. A study using portable brain technology demonstrated the differences in a walk through nature compared to a walk in an urban center. Green spaces require less of our mental attention, allowing the brain to relax, thereby reducing mental fatigue. We are often over-engaged, and a walk through nature can have a restorative effect.

What are the benefits of a mindful walk?

For those resistant to the idea of meditation, a mindful walk is a great option. Walking is an activity busy enough to motivate those who feel restless in a sitting meditation pose, but still quiet enough of an activity to allow the mind to focus. There are several benefits to a mindful walk:

Combats stress
Uplifts mood
Strengthens concentration
Increases awareness
Promotes body consciousness
Helps manage negative feelings

A mindful walk through nature encourages us to remember that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that integrating our environment with our internal thoughts can promote connectedness throughout every aspect of our lives.

If you are struggling to connect to the present moment, a mindful walk through nature is an easy and healthy habit to develop. With practice, you’ll find that you can employ mindful walking at any point in your day, even in urban settings. Mindfulness can easily be incorporated into everything, and it will be easier to achieve awareness in life if you have practiced first in nature. The natural environment asks very little of us, and can hold our attention while also allowing for reflection.

Are you interested in learning how to integrate mindfulness into your life? Please join us on Friday, 10/27/17 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm for a stimulating evening on the topic of How to Communicate Mindfully Around Difficult Topics. [/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

The Power of Community…. and Why You Need One

I have just returned from a weeklong journey in Mount Shasta, CA to be with my Hellerwork community.

Since several of us were attending, I decided that it would be a good opportunity to document as much as I could about our work. With the support of my community, I attended with my videographer and forayed into my first attempt at creating a documentary of Joseph Heller’s life and his work. Fun stuff!

This was Hellerwork’s continuing education workshop where Joseph Heller, now 77 years old, taught a workshop on what he calls “Gravi-dynamic”. Joseph Heller is an innovator. He continues to explore, research and offer new ways to expand Hellerwork.

I am entering my ninth year as a Hellerwork practitioner. Within my community, I am still a baby practitioner as many of my colleagues have been practicing for 20 or more years.

What is remarkable about this community is the support and the openness to make space for others. It’s not as if everybody agrees on everything. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows. But it is about an intention to intelligently communicate, emotionally connect and speak from a heart-centered place.

In fact, the entire premise of Hellerwork is to work from a heart-centered place. What this means is to go beyond the intellect and to speak and listen from a space of compassion. Within the Hellerwork community, our goal is to communicate with each other with empathy.

If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know that this is not always easy. Still, it is within your community that you can practice these skills and develop your emotional intelligence.

Your community is the key to your growth and success as a human being. What I mean by success here is your capacity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Your community is who you surround yourself with. It is who influences you, who assists you in seeing who you really are, who is capable of loving you unconditionally and at the same time offer you guidance and support.

Think of the five closest people to you.
Do these five people love and support you?
Do they offer you valuable feedback?
Do they lift you up?
Do they encourage you to go beyond what you think is possible?
Are they honest?
Do they model and value integrity?
Do they take care of themselves physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually?
Are they open or closed -minded?
Are you inspired by them?
Do they motivate you?

A great community will support you in being accountable, they will push you to excel and congratulate you when you do!

Think of it this way: your community is the ground upon which you stand. If your ground is shaky or too hard, if the ground you stand on is like quicksand, if it is unstable, it is unlikely that you will be able to forge ahead successfully.

Be honest and take a mindful inventory of who you surround yourself with. This is not an exercise in criticizing anyone. Instead, it is an opportunity for you to review who you choose as your A-Team.

If the closest people to you criticize you without offering valuable feedback for your growth, if they are negative, if they are miserable, if they are shut off and unable to expand their own vision of what is possible then it is possible that you too mirror these beliefs even subconsciously.

Life is an endless network of limitless possibilities. If you are not attaining your goals, it is either because you don’t know how and that you are not choosing the right people in your life who can propel you forward. Remember: you are in charge of your life and of who you choose as your support system.

Make a decision today and choose to surround yourself with innovative thinkers, risk takers, inspiring creators, and people who will support you from a heart-centered place along the way.

If you are ready to take the next step, go ahead and reach out to me. I offer 15-minute FREE consultations where we can have a conversation about your goals and aspirations.

We’ll go over how it can be possible, for you too, to be a part of a community of people who are looking to expand their own consciousness and grow themselves into the person that they are really meant to be on this earth.

I hope to hear from you soon!

With love,

The Art and Science of Being a Mindful Business Leader

Artistry takes dedicated practice. It takes listening and fine-tuning. It takes trial and error. And in the end, your efforts produce works of art – beautiful, unique, individualistic, breathtaking art.

What artists create is undeniably their own, but, to be fully appreciated, art must have an audience. Art that is most powerful is impactful. People walk away from exceptional art inspired in some way. Mindful communication is no different. When done well, it inspires replication by others. The end result of true mindfulness is not confined to you; it spreads to those around you and creates a united, mindful community.

Of course, there are scientific and psychological elements of mindfulness, as well, but, at its heart, being mindful is a state of awareness and benevolent action that is based on observation, impression, instinct, and communication. It is more than just being generally aware. Being mindful is being aware of the subtleties of human sensations and interactions. Mindful communication is an integral aspect of comprehensive mindfulness – the most obvious, fundamental way you convey your awareness of and concern for others.

As a business leader, there can be many things that distract from being mindful. Sales and revenue goals, hiring and firing decisions, rules and regulations, interpersonal conflicts, training requirements: these components of business can overwhelm leaders and cause them to forget about being aware of, and serving others, as distinct individuals. Personal lives can also contribute to a loss of mindfulness.

How can you be a mindful business leader, and why is it important that you do so?

The most successful and appreciated leaders, however, are those who can manage necessary tasks without losing sight of and caring for people: themselves, their families, their colleagues, their employees, their clients, their prospects, their communities, and everyone else with whom they interact.

At the most basic level, people need to feel loved and appreciated. This is universal. If you want happy, satisfied, loyal, long-term employees, the most important thing you can do is to be mindful of them – and to make sure they know that you are.

So, how can you be mindful of the people in your company, and how can you communicate in a mindful manner with them? The following suggestions are broad, because people are different, but working within these general guidelines is a great start toward becoming a truly mindful person and communicating in a mindful manner:

Become a mindful person, not just a mindful business leader.

Mindful business leaders are mindful people. You can’t be a mindful business leader and lack mindfulness in the other areas of your life. Don’t segment or silo your work persona from your non-work personality. Be consistently mindful in all areas of your life.

Remember: People are more than their jobs.

Know your employees as people first and employees second. If you lose sight of their individual humanity, they will become numbers or cogs in a system, and they will feel that emotional disconnect when you communicate. They will know you are aware of, but not mindful of, them.

Communicate with people.

Communication is a two-way street. Mindful communication requires talking with people – not merely at them – and listening first to understand, not to respond. It is a process of soliciting input and valuing that input enough to consider it carefully and consciously. It involves getting to know how and why people think and see and feel, not just what they think.

Understand and respect differences.

Differences make up the uniquely blended colors on the canvases of our lives. It is impossible to be fully mindful of others without understanding and respecting the things that make them unique. Consciously focus on creating a diverse employee base in as many ways as possible in your location.

Remember, however, that being mindful is not a result of completing a checklist or memorizing key words or phrases. Being mindful is not so much a process of just doing as it is a process of feeling and becoming. It is an art.

Your business can be a manifestation of your vision for the world around you. You might not be able to change the entire world, but you can change your own world. You can make your own amazing art and become a Master Mindful Artist along the way.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Communication

Focusing on the purpose of the moment; truly valuing others; being respectful, thoughtful, and intentional in everything you do: these are all essential components of mindfulness. But the first and most fundamental aspect of mindfulness is the way in which you communicate. Everything else revolves around communication, since it is the cornerstone of all instruction, training, collaboration, and interpersonal interaction.

Body language and non-verbal cues are an important element of communication, but the words you choose and how you speak them has an immeasurable impact on your personal and professional relationships.

The following aspects of mindful communication are a good starting point for your future efforts:

Be Humble

Accept others as equally important, regardless of what they do for a living, where they live, how they dress, or what they look like. Your words are a reflection of your thoughts, and your words betray your thoughts just as quickly and surely as your actions. Speak to others the way you would like others to speak to you if your roles were reversed, with respect and consideration, regardless of the circumstances. Even frank conversations can be handled respectfully and humbly.

Speak Clearly and Concisely

Precision, clarity, and brevity do more to help us avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding than anything else. No matter how clear and concise you believe you have been, always ask if there are any questions. If you foster a culture of openness and trust, you will be surprised to discover how often that which you believe to have been clearly communicated actually needs to be clarified.

Practice Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication includes the way you use your body, eye contact, facial expressions, your energetic field (more on this in my next newsletter), and your capacity to hold space with your presence.

Be aware of the appropriateness of making gentle eye contact when you are speaking; in some cultures, it is inappropriate to make direct eye contact. Relax. Breathe and be aware of your audience.
Smile. Practice having kind eyes. Be open and listen with care. There is no logarithm for the perfect use of hand movements, so don’t obsess about finding one.
People want to communicate with others who care about them. Non-verbal communication is about demonstrating your true care and concern.

Mindfulness is an embodied way of being and living. It is a way of seeing another and allowing for the other to see you. One becomes more enlivened with mindful awareness because you focus, with attention to the other in a space of loving kindness. Your defenses are not at the forefront of your communication style. Instead, you may want to begin with an open mind and heart, to really connect with the other person.

Mindful communication requires effort and dedication. It is a skill well-worth practicing and can be highly rewarding. It is a way to exchange with another in a space of calm and connection.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindfulness and Mental Health

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]I have spent the last several months discussing how mindfulness can improve each area of our lives, and now I address the final area in which mindfulness proves to be important: mental health. Mental health is often the most difficult area to align, as the topic of mental health in general continues to be hidden in the shadows. Only recently have efforts been made to make mental health a safe topic of discussion, and it must be something we talk about more, considering that more than 300 million people suffer from depression, and roughly 7 percent of the world’s population suffer from an anxiety disorder. 450 million people suffer from some sort of mental disorder, and WHO predicts that at least 25 percent of the world population will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime. Scientific research has demonstrated that mindfulness can improve overall mental health in a number of areas.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The entire focus of mindfulness is to be present in the moment. Being present allows you to refrain from negative thinking and avoid ruminating on either past or future concerns. Mindfulness has proven to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the moment and what can be controlled in that precise instant, mental health improves. When your mind is more flexible in its environment, you can respond positively, adapt to negative situations, and even recall events more accurately.

Improve Emotional Regulation

Studies have also shown that the brain is responsive to mindfulness. Not only does this change in mindset encourage you to think clearly and objectively about your relationships, but mindfulness increases activity in areas of the brain associated with attention and emotional regulation. This offers a better understanding of psychological well-being, as people discover that they can self-regulate many of their symptoms associated with poor mental health. This connection promotes recognition of the negative emotions and subsequent harm, allowing you to actively select positive emotions and resulting health.

Treat Disorders

What is most interesting about mindfulness and mental health is that it is at the forefront of the latest therapeutic interventions. People treated for disorders such as substance abuse – a condition constantly plagued by the risk of relapse – have realized remarkable improvements when mindfulness is incorporated. Those with ADHD can also benefit, as mindfulness offers focus, and anxiety symptoms are reduced when individuals can improve their ability to rationalize. In fact, mindfulness can often be more effective than drugs for treating many mental health conditions.

I cannot impress upon you enough the potential that is unleashed when mindfulness is incorporated.

“Working with Anne-Marie has definitely transformed my life path. When I met her, I was in great pain due to grief from the loss of my mother, total dissatisfaction in my job, and serious health issues. Within a couple months of working with Anne-Marie, I gained clarity on what I wanted to do and my goals.”

Grace Kraaijvanger, Founder & CEO, The Hivery

Mindfulness and Your Family

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]As we strive to align every aspect of our lives, this series now moves on to what is likely a sensitive topic for many. Family relationships are connections in life that you didn’t necessarily choose but find yourself engaging with on a daily basis. Last month, I discussed how mindfulness can improve relationships, and now, I want to address the more specific – and often complicated – subject of family.

Encourage Understanding and Empathy

Within family relationships, it’s often difficult to distinguish unhealthy patterns. You may fail to analyze these intimate relationships and end up perpetuating negative tendencies, dwelling on past injuries, or judging harshly. However, mindfulness allows you the opportunity to look at your family relationships through a different lens. Rather than focus on past offenses, mindfulness encourages you to communicate and process thoughts in the moment. Being mindful allows you to have more clarity, understanding, and empathy toward your family member. Studies show that siblings who are more empathetic toward each other report stronger, more caring relationships. With mindfulness and empathy, there is less focus on the self and more objectivity within the relationship, complete with the ability to understand differing views.

Involve the Family

The wonderful thing about improving family life through mindfulness is that it can be incorporated into the daily routine of everyone in your family. While you can certainly create a Zen space, it doesn’t have to be structured. Mindfulness, together as a family, can function as a dinner conversation, where each person reflects on what they are grateful for. Mindfulness can weave through lessons learned and disciplines administered, and even through tactics such as helping your child name the different emotions they experience and recognize how they make the child feel. Mindfulness is a skill that must be learned and practiced like any other, and the family household can be a supportive space to explore this technique. Encourage family members to share experiences to draw attention to the here and now. Eden Kozlowski, who teaches mindfulness to kids, suggests easy ways to incorporate mindfulness at home.

Prioritize Self-Care

In your efforts to care for your family, mindfulness reminds you to care for yourself. Prioritizing self-care is essential, and as you endeavor to practice mindfulness with mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and children, you can forget to practice mindfulness personally. A mindful family requires a mindful self; if you take time to find quiet and reflective space within yourself, you’ll find that you’ll have so much more to offer your family.

As you continue to align your life, you’ll quickly discover the overlap that is certain to occur. Perhaps it is your daily yoga class that allows you to be not only a more mindful family member, but simultaneously improve your physical health. Next, we will discover how mindfulness can improve your professional life.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindfulness and Your Relationships

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Mindfulness and Your Relationships

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]The art of alignment is about synchronizing every aspect of our lives, and little by little, creating a happier and healthier self. This holistic approach emphasizes how mindfulness can improve the overall quality of life, with a close analysis of five key areas. Last month we began our journey exploring how mindfulness can improve physical health. Now we gain insight into how mindfulness can impact the many relationships we have.

Grow Compassion

Science tells us that mindfulness is linked with higher levels of satisfaction in both personal and professional relationships. Not only does mindfulness promote compassion, but it can actually minimize impulsive behavior. The ability to communicate clearly is the building block of a healthy relationship, and we can only do that if we practice compassion and demonstrate tolerance for other points of view and varied cultural backgrounds. Mindfulness provides the mental space to engage with others through a sympathetic lens, consistently evolving your understanding. Scientific studies have linked mindfulness to an increased resilience to relationship stress and increased relationship satisfaction.

Develop Empathy

Mindfulness within relationships encourages us to be more aware of our feelings, as well as the feelings of others. However, empathy transcends basic understanding, allowing us to be more generous in our attitudes towards others. Mindfulness, in the context of empathy, places the behaviors of others into the realm of circumstance rather than an assumption of a character flaw. Consequently, we are more quickly to forgive the negative behaviors of others and even be more mindful of how our own emotions impact those around us.

Rewire the Brain

Mindfulness requires practice, but as with any exercise, repetition builds strength. Mindfulness fortifies connections in the brain that affect our relationships, resulting in a chemical reaction that is more positive. Through mindfulness, the amygdala connects to the prefrontal cortex, reducing stress and anxiety in general. This engages the brain in positive thinking that is more concerned with protecting relationships instead of the self. When our defenses lower, we have the ability to think clearly and objectively.

This focus on mindfulness and relationships will also promote cognitive flexibility in the brain. The anterior cingulate cortex, associated with emotions and impulses, reframes our experiences. We are able to view our relationships from a different perspective, and then adapt to the changing environment.

Interacting with others can be a challenging task, but mindfulness can adjust your perceptions on a scientific level. Mindfulness can bring new depth to old and new relationships, while creating a more content sense of self that is confident within those relationships. Next month, we’ll explore the link between mindfulness and family.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth]

Mindfulness and Your Physical Health

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Last month, I discussed the importance of mindfulness in life. Because the art of alignment lies in synchronizing all areas of our lives, integrating a gentle and consistent awareness to each area of our lives will, in turn, improve all others.

Mindfulness has an enormous and positive impact on our physical health. Increasing awareness towards our physical bodies subsequently encourages us to nurture a healthier relationship with ourselves. In terms of physical health, we feel more connected overall when actively aware of our bodies and related sensory experiences.

Healthy thoughts, healthy body

Our physical health is largely related to how in tune we are with our bodies. For example, the practice of daily mindfulness diminishes the severity and duration of colds, resulting in a more joyful existence. Mindfulness also reinforces weight loss goals. As our thoughts are consistently aligned with healthy diet and exercise choices, we learn to make better decisions for ourselves and take full responsibility for our lives. Furthermore, by training ourselves to connect to our minds and bodies, we notice immediate and significant changes in how we feel. Mindfulness is a proactive and scientifically proven measure against illness and stress.

Stress management

Stress affects physical health in many ways, and mindfulness has repeatedly been proven to lower stress levels as well as stress-related diseases. When our stress levels decrease, so do our blood pressure readings, and lower blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease. Stress also raises cortisol levels, which influence our nervous systems and have a negative impact on weight, particularly belly fat. Reducing stress improves several common ailments, including digestive issues, insulin resistance, and sleeplessness.

Pain management

We can’t always control what physically ails us, but mindfulness can promote awareness of our personal reality and adjust our perceptions accordingly. Mindfulness encourages us to simply notice pain without judgment or negative thoughts. Noticing pain in the moment minimizes the concern of having to reduce or eliminate it, which also reduces the frustration associated with the experience of chronic pain. Awareness of pain allows us to recognize the ebb and flow, as well as learn what helps and what doesn’t in terms of easing pain. When we realize that pain is not a constant and unchanging element that we have little control over, stress is reduced.

Paying attention to our physical health through mindfulness and meditation has proven measurable and profound effects on our quality of life. It is obvious how focusing on mindfulness can not only have a positive impact on our physical health, but can also help us in aligning other areas of our lives.

Physical health is one component of an aligned and peaceful life. Next month, I will discuss how mindfulness improves your relationship with yourself and others.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Possibility is Where You Find It

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Starting with a blank slate in 2018!

Mindful Grounding Techniques

Mindful Grounding Techniques

A Prayer for You

A Prayer for You

Can Your Body Really Heal Your Mind?

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Declutter Your Mind

Declutter Your Mind

Why Happiness is Sexy

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Mindful Walking in Nature

Mindful Walking in Nature

The Power of Community…. and Why You Need One

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The Art and Science of Being a Mindful Business Leader

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Mindful Communication

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Mindfulness and Mental Health

Mindfulness and Mental Health

Mindfulness and Your Family

Mindfulness and Your Family

Mindfulness and Your Relationships

Mindfulness and Your Relationships

Mindfulness and Your Physical Health

Mindfulness and Your Physical Health

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