SelfhelpMagazine

by Julie Lusk, M.Ed., NCC, RYT

The mind-body connection recognizes the reality that the mind and body are intimately and ultimately linked as one. There is absolutely no separation. What is thought or felt always resonates throughout the body moment by moment through a bio-chemical reaction. This reaction is either life and health enhancing or defeating. It has also been verified that each emotion has a distinct biochemical signature that affects mental and physical health and wellness.

Researchers report that meditation, deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and directed, guided imagery can boost the immune system, alter blood pressure, decrease pain, and help with problems such as infertility and insomnia. These practices often help people cope with20and recover from unpleasant medical procedures as well as the effects of stress from daily living. Furthermore, the refinement of consciousness that takes place leads to spiritual growth and maturity.

The positive aspects of this connection consist of and contribute to:

• The ability to accomplish dreams and goals
• Feelings of contentment
• Living in balance
• Physical, emotional, and mental well-being
• Awakening the spirit
• Finding peace and happiness

On the other hand, the mind-body connection can also:

• Undermine one’s health physically, mentally and emotionally
• Create negativity
• Block the flow of creative and healing energy
• Contribute to illness, injuries and disease
• Cause unhappiness and dissatisfaction

Transformational tools that activate and assist this process include:

• Focused breathing
• Guided imagery and creative visualization
• Meditation
• Mind-body fitness modalities like yoga and tai chi
• Affirmations
• Honest expression and congruence of thoughts, feelings and actions

* Excerpt from Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices by Julie Lusk

Resources and References for Relaxation Techniques, Guided Imagery, Visualization and Meditation

Achterberg, Dossey, Kolkmeier, Rituals of Healing: Using Imagery for Health and Wellness. New York, NY. Bantam Books

Chodron, Thubten, Guided Meditations on the Stages of the Path. Ithaca, NY. Snow Lion Pub., 2007

Durgananda, Swami (Sally Kempton).20The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience. S. Fallsburg, NY. SYDA

Keating, Thomas., Open Mind, Open Heart. New York, NY: Continuum Publishing Co. 1986, 1982.

Lusk, Julie, Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening; 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, Vols. One and Two. 1992-2005. Whole Person Associates

Lusk, Julie, Stress Solutions Now, 2009. Wholesome Resources Publishers

Lusk, Julie, Power of Presence CD, Wholesome Energizers CD, Wholesome Relaxation CD, Refreshing Journeys CD. 2003-2006. CardplusCD, Cincinnati, OH

Naparstek, Belleruth. Staying Well with Guided Imagery. New York, NY: Warner Books, 1994. HealthJourneys.com

Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Yoga Nidra. Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 1998

About the author:

Julie Lusk, M.Ed., NCC. is an internationally published author, recording artist and talented speaker. Julie has over 30 years of expertise in stress management, wellness, yoga, and guided imagery. Her publications include Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices; Stress Solutions Now; Power of Presence CD

Web: http://WholesomeResources.com, Wholesome Resources, 5678 Willnean Dr., Milford, OH, 45150
Telephone: (513)576-6662.

Check out Julie’s SelfhelpMagazine Blog on stress management, yoga and meditation at http://selfhelpmagazine.com/blogs/stress-management/