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]]>LEARN ACCEPTANCE
Rather than becoming a victim to rumination, worrying and anxiety – it’s scientifically proven that when you learn to recognize and accept your negative experiences and emotions and acknowledge their existence at the time they occur, you will become a victor rather than a slave towards such tendencies. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and/or mindfulness are proven to be effective ways to bring
about awareness and acceptance for individuals experiencing physical or psychological pain. Ron Siegel, an Assistant Clinical of Psychology Professor at Harvard Medial School mentions a study on his blog and indicates the positive benefits of CBT by writing, “It helps us learn to observe and identify our negative thoughts about our condition, and replace them with more realistic ones.” *
THE SCIENCE OF MINDFULNESS
There have been many neuroscience research studies done on how mindfulness positively correlates to better cognitive function. One study revealed that mindfulness reduces inflammation in those experiencing chronic stress. The research found that mindfulness increased connections between the
amygdala and the prefrontal cortex – which helped these parts of the brain be less reactive to stressors (Berkeley University, Greater Good, 2017). * Also an article in a 2011 publication of Psychiatry Res. cites a study where fMRI images revealed explicit changes in concentration in brain regions that are involved in learning, memory and emotional regulation.*
THE BENEFITS OF BEING PRESENT
There’s no denying that both the Western and Eastern worlds associate more happiness and greater health with mindfulness. Eckhart Tolle says, “With the simple act of surrender to the inevitability of the present moment, another energy comes.” Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and a spiritual teacher tells us to focus on our breath and recite mindfulness versus to help calm our mind, to accept what’s in front of us and to return back to ourselves. These actions provide us with physical, cognitive and relational benefits:
Physical – sleep patterns improve which help our bodies restore itself, and supports major systems heal itself. Studies have also revealed that mindfulness has helped reduce chronic back pain by raising awareness of the pain and paying attention to our tendencies and specific thoughts that make us tense up. Mindfulness and focused breathing activates the parasympathetic autonomic system which places our muscles in a relaxed state, reduces our heart rate and and stimulates digestion.
Cognitive – When our minds are at ease, our hormones are better regulated and blood and sugar levels are at normal levels. This aids with better concentration, memory, organization and focus. Also, we experience lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression due to our ability to better regulate our emotions.
Relationships – Mindfulness increases our ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships. A 2004 study of mindfulness-based relationships revealed that couples that practiced mindfulness on a regular basis experienced more happiness, less stress and developed better ways to cope with uncertainties. *
BEING IN THE PRESENT AND GOAL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
When you are fully in the present moment and embracing the time by reflecting, creating, and visualizing – you are navigating yourself into being in a place of comfort, awareness and self-compassion. These are the qualities will continue to carry you forward time and time again. The present moment will clearly reveal your next endevour and guide you towards your next action steps…
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