Inspired, Intentional Wellbeing [Start Here]

Individuals with resilient mental health are inherently aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Many are conditioned to cope with stress or stressful situations as if it were second nature. As an emotionally balanced being, our resilience prides us with positive self-efficacy and increased self-esteem. Our buoyancy encourages healthful habitual practices and fruitful relationships. But what happens if our emotional & mental wellbeing gets disturbed? What happens when we get thrown off balance? What do we do when we fall short on the wave called life? How do we cope?

Good changes can be just as taxing as bad changes, and our bodies respectively respond to these changes. The way we think, feel and act may be dependent upon our emotional wellbeing. Therefore, taking good mental care is a necessity. At times it may seem like a challenging task, indeed. But keep an open mind. The task is enthusiastically stimulating at its core and well worth every effort!

Seeking a rooted connection between our mind, body and spirit can help aid us in the development of our own unique individual resilience. Relaxation methods, such yoga and meditation can be a powerful tool in stimulating a sense of organic connection. Both readily offer a vast open space for facing pleasant and unpleasant emotions, thought patterns, fears, and cravings without additional distractions. Both stimulate us to cleanse our mind/body and aspire us to achieve a complete state of liberation, freedom and clarity.

So, just as exercise maintains the body, meditation strengthens the mind. Honoring our mental health allows us to acknowledge our full potential, cope with everyday stresses, live productively and reside more meaningfully. Meditation simply encourages us to exist with an open heart and open mind. Resultantly, offerings of gratitude and gracious contributions are more eagerly spread to our friends, families and communities. This offering inspires us all to prosper.

Open your heart and mind today by super charging your mental health with meditation. Plant your seed. Spread your joy. Encourage growth. If you already hold a meditation practice, continue nourishing and flourishing. For the inexperienced meditator who wishes to create more of a natural balance in his or her own emotional wellbeing, begin today!

How to Meditate: Simple Mantra Meditation for Beginners:

1. Find a safe and comfortable space. Sit or lie down.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Make no effort to control your breath; simply breathe naturally.
4. Focus your attention on the breath. Notice how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation.
5. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage and belly. Acknowledge if you are holding any tension in any of these areas. If so, give yourself permission to release the tension. Simply, on your next exhalation- let it go.
6. Re-focus your attention on your breath. Once again observe your inhalation and your exhalation. If your mind wanders at any point, simply return your focus back to your breath.
7. On your next inhalation silently repeat “I AM”.
8. On your exhalation silently repeat an affirmation that comes to mind. I.e.: “Resilient, Strong, Confident, Brave, etc.”
9. Stay with this meditation. Every inhalation “I AM”, every exhalation, “affirm”. Stay attentive with your affirmation. If you wish to change affirmations on any exhale- do permit, however just be sure the affirmation remains of positive and nurturing nature.
10. Encourage this meditation practice for 2–3 minutes at start. Then explore trying it for longer periods of time as your essential meditation practice progresses.