We live in a world that is loud. Each day we are met with distractions and busyness. The responsibilities of life can sometimes be exceptionally overwhelming as we chase ways to make ends meet. At the end of the day our minds are often consumed with our to-do lists. Our children need us. Our significant other requires our attention. Our jobs work us. And more often than not, we get lost in the chaos of it all.
And all that chaos contributes to stress.
Stress is how the brain and body respond to any demand. It is our body’s way of protecting itself from perceived danger. Innately, stress slows normal bodily functions, such as the digestive and immune system, so more energy can be given for blood flow, alertness, muscle strength, etc… When we live from a place of stress, we put our bodies in a precarious position — as it is always in fight or flight mode. We are not properly digesting food or warding off illness, thus jeopardizing our well-BEing. According to findings from APA’s 2010 Stress in America survey, chronic stress — stress that interferes with your ability to function normally over an extended period — is becoming a public health crisis. Did you read that?! CHRONIC STRESS IS BECOMING A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS!
Chronic stress is what led me to meditate on a serious level. I had an awareness of meditation; however, I was led to believe it was a woo-woo practice for those who were not ‘saved’ by GOD. I am so thankful that I did not allow this untruth to hold me hostage to a condition that was killing me softly.
There was a time I worked a job that was so stressful my blood pressure stayed elevated and it seemed like I had headaches on a regular. Thank GOD my doctor encouraged me to find ways to alleviate the stress and lower my blood pressure, otherwise medication would be inevitable. I did not desire to be bound to meds for something within my control, so I explored Tai Chi, meditation, intentional breath-work, yoga, and running. These modalities became staples in my everyday routine as I experienced significant changes in my mind, body and spirit. Practicing meditation continues to be essential to my life as I teach others techniques that support inner stillness that transcends to external peace. Meditation is essential to me. I have found various ways to weave it into my everyday life because I am worth it. Meditation benefits: relieve stress, increase cognitive skills and creative thinking, enhance awareness, improve the flow of energy, decrease worry, bring the mind, body, and spirit into harmony, support a closer relationship with God, and expand focus, just to name a few. All of which I can attest to.
Experiencing these benefits firsthand, sparked a desire in me to want others to know this same goodness. So, as a meditation guide and well-BEing advocate I take my clients through an experience that supports calm, focus and relaxation. Encountering inner peace, listening to the voice within, and feeling a sense of stillness are noted comments shared by those I have had the pleasure of taking through a guided meditation experience.
Stress is a choice and I chose to eliminate chronic stress from my equation. I choose, daily, to allow the PEACE within me to be my anchor. AND I choose to help others experience the stillness within them.
What are you choosing?
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