Balance Stress with Three Easeful Steps

Dear friends,

Perhaps we should be more focused on what we think and feel rather than what we eat? Although both thoughts and foods equally affect our minds there’s been more attention on what we eat than what we think. The premise of mind-body medicine promotes that the quality of our thoughts has a direct impact on our physiology. This is not new age medicine. Neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh have identified the neural networks that connect the cerebral cortex to the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for the body’s rapid response to stressful situations. These findings, reported in the online Early Edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), provide evidence for the neural basis of a mind-body connection.

What can we do to set our minds in the right direction and flow through stress?

Step One– Begin your day with an intention. Be it kindness, ease, breath, joy or love let the word or imagining the feeling guide your day. After you get the kids off to school or before you head out to work or errands, spend five to ten minutes either journaling your intention or pinning the words near your computer while sitting in your own special chair or cushion. I use pictures above my computer that I’ve cut out from magazines with phrases to look at and reflect on. Certainly, if you are feeling sad or depressed speak with a professional and reach out for some support.

In the article entitled” The Mind Unleashed”, Dr. Masaru Emoto, a researcher and alternative healer from Japan has given the world a good deal of evidence of the magic of positive thinking. He became famous with his water molecule experiments featured in the 2004 film, What The Bleep Do We Know? His experiments demonstrate that human thoughts and intentions can alter physical reality, such as the molecular structure of water. Given that humans are comprised of at least 60% water, his discovery has far-reaching implications… can anyone really afford to have negative thoughts or intentions?

Step Two– Use your “awareness” to signal you when you need to take a pause. Just the way a toddler gets overstimulated and excited from too much running around our delicate nervous systems warn us when we are doing too much. Some examples: Your head may feel full, you might be sighing or yawning during the day, you might feel a sense of grief or loss, sadness, fatigue, headaches, erratic digestion, constipation, overwhelm, and hunger. Instead of pushing harder, take heed and pause. Dr. Lad said at my Ayurvedic training when there is awareness  (without judgment) there is acceptance, when there is acceptance there is compassion when there is compassion there is freedom.

In Huffington Post article “How your Mind Affects Your Health” by Ed and Deb Sharon  it suggests, “Become aware of the physical effects in your body of different situations, thoughts or feelings. As you do this, you will see how closely all the different parts of your being, both physical and psycho/emotional, are interwoven.” 

Step Three– “Let’s face it, a lot of us don’t enjoy exercise. The idea of a gym surrounded by sweaty men or pedaling until we drop in a Soul Cycle class can be a dread rather than inspiration. But movement be it dance, Zumba, belly dancing or tai chi, unleashes endorphins and leaves one feeling inspired, vibrant and joyful. My advice? Ignore the workouts that bore you and embrace movement”; from the chapter The Joy of Movement in my recent book ” Enough Drugs, I am a Woman and Can Heal naturally- a practical guide to feeling your best.”

http://www.facebook.com/enoughdrugs  Please ” like” my fan page.

Even though you are busy, aim to get a walk in, plan for a yoga class, or simply practice one yoga pose such as “shavasana” or corpse pose where you  lie down on the floor, arms extended to the side away from your body, feet relaxed ( phone off) and allow your whole body to let go. A few minutes of corpse pose can recharge and restore your entire being. The picture on the right demonstrates a “supported” version.( avoid practicing on a full stomach)

These are some of my favorite Yoga studios in the area: Springs Yoga http://www.springsyoga.com/, (Roswell Rd), Peachtree Yoga ( Sandy Springs) http://peachtreeyoga.com/  Vista Yoga ( on La Vista near Druid Hills) http://vistayoga.com/

Upcoming Events

You are invited to bring your friends and family;

1-Centre Spring –

Wednesday, January 31st- 7 pm for a book signing celebration with light food and refreshments.

There will be a raffle for a visit with Gedalia as well as a visit with Dr. Taz- founder and CEO of Centre Spring MD.

RSVP to this email please- gedaliagenin@gmail.com

2- Topaz Gallery-  3145 Peachtree Rd NE # 177, Atlanta, GA 30305   

Saturday, Feb. 10th  1-4pm ” Learn how to use gemstones” while being amongst magnificent gemstone jewelry. Book signing- light refreshments and good company.

Raffle for 30-minute gemstone personalized consult with Gedalia

3- Sally B’s- 800 Miami Circle Buckhead – a local company that makes organic skin and body care.

Saturday, March 3rd  12-3pm  Chai Tea with Monica from The Chai Box  https://thechaibox.com/ 

” Three Ways to Best Use Essential Oils” Talk at 12:30 pm with Gedalia- Book Signing

Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays!

Gedalia

#blog #ayurveda