Meditation

Meditation is the Resolution Solution to Looking and Feeling Better

By Nancy Boudrie, Awaken With Light

It's already that time of year where the "resolutionists" are dwindling from the gym. All of a sudden, it's getting easier to look at those extra cookies and say, "hey, why not." Some of us are already feeling frazzled having found ourselves already scheduled out to March without carving out anytime for creativity or personal growth. A quote from a favorite musical sums it up: "Sometimes, it can be very difficult to keep momentum when it's you that you are following."

Meditation and other forms of mindfulness are solutions to keep that momentum and realize all of the positive intentions you've set for yourself in 2010. At Awaken With Light, our purpose is to illuminate your own inner power and peace and teach you to claim that resource to achieve your dreams. Here are just a few of the ways that services from Awaken With Light can help you meet your fitness and wellness goals.

Meditation’s Got Game

The LA Lakers and the Chicago Bulls might not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about meditation, but both championship teams have practiced mindfulness under the instruction of George Mumford, a meditation and sports psychologist. According to Sports Psychology magazine, athletes use meditation to “reduce pre-race anxiety, manage pain better, and improve performance.” However, you do not have to be a professional athlete to benefit from daily meditation. Learning to harness the mind through focused breathing can help you power through a workout, break past a plateau or just remain committed to a new fitness routine.

Meditation can also provide a break from negative self-talk that undermines weight loss goals. In a recent AARP article, a 36 year-old states: “The wonderful thing about meditation, especially for someone seeking to lose weight or dealing with body image, is that it can potentially free you from your body for a few brief moments.” She continues by saying, “By clearing the mind and releasing feelings of anxiety, including critical thoughts about your body and yourself, you can enjoy the freedom and joy of simply letting go."

Wellness through Mindfulness

The power of mindfulness is so respected that recently, the Mayo Clinic released an i-phone application to guide individuals through a daily ten minute meditation. Mayo Clinic researchers worked on the application for four years and state that the practice can help anyone feel more alert, focused and relaxed. Researchers at Duke University have also demonstrated that meditation can improve sleep in adults and reduce the need for sleep medication. The same researchers also say there is plenty of evidence that meditation can help children improve attention and cope with stress. Dr. Oz has even told his audiences that daily meditation may be the secret to a long life.

Awaken Your Light

The examples above are evidence that while you can do anything you set your mind to, "setting the mind" is much easier said than done. The mission of Awaken With Light is to connect everyone to their own inner light that lives within all beings. We are located in Downingtown, Pa, and we offer workshops for adults and children including meditation, Reiki services, Reiki Training and Self-Discovery workshops. We will also design and conduct an off-site meditation workshop. Contact us to increase your self confidence, reduce stress and start down a path of tranquility and balance.

About the Author: Nancy Boudrie is a Reiki Master and Teacher and certified meditation instructor and provider. She is committed to enhancing the quality of life in others by illuminating the path to self-discovery, wellness and positive living. As a business owner, mother of two and former insurance agency president, Nancy understands the demands and stresses created by today's hurried world. She is also the creator of Welcome Inner Balance, a visually guided meditation CD. Contact her to begin to awaken your light.