Understanding the Mind-Body & Spirit Connection

I remember many years ago hearing Alan Alda speak at a medical school graduation. He told the young doctors that it was imperative for them to remember something that he was sure they hadn't learned in anatomy and physiology: "--- the head and the heart are connected and you must all do your best to never break that bond---". How many times in our lives do WE, ourselves, forget that our heads, hearts --- and spirits are connected? How many times do we ignore the messages that our bodies send to us letting us know that there is a problem, a difficulty, a stress, a dis-ease? Our bodies communicate with us regularly; they let us know when we're hungry, tired, confused, angry, upset (either over something that we ate, or something that has occurred, etc.) This COMMUNICATION is imperative! Do you stop and pay attention? Do you stop whatever it is you're doing and acknowledge and respect the message that your body is communicating? How often do you tell yourself when those hunger pangs hit that you can wait, or that you shouldn't eat anyway?

How often do you tell yourself that the stress at work that gives you a severe headache, doesn't matter; that you just have to "suffer" and "deal with it" just to get through the day? Do you ignore or minimize those back aches and sense of fatigue by saying that everyone is stressed and it will pass if you can just make it through till the weekend or until your next vacation? These are all ways in which you disrespect yourself by breaking the bond between your body and mind. These messages of denial are not enhancing to your overall self-esteem and are definitely dangerous to your well being. I am not saying that the minute a hunger pang hits, you should stop what you are doing; or the minute you feel stress at work you should quit your job. I am saying, however, that these messages have to be acknowledged, addressed and respected. They have to be dealt with, NOT ignored! STOP! BREATHE! FOCUS! How do you want to handle these messages. Remind yourself that you are receiving these messages for a reason. Make a conscious decision as to what you do, not an automatic one.

What do you do in order to relax and unwind so that you can reconnect to your inner worth---to the part of you that knows "who I am is enough, and I deserve to be treated as such"--- to the part of you that is connected to something more than your day-to-day existence. This is a connection to your spirituality. Spirituality is NOT about religion or any one god. Spirituality is defined as the way people find meaning, hope, comfort, connection, inner peace, strength, love and other positive intangibles in their lives. Some people find it in their religious beliefs, others through music, art, nature, values and principles, exercise, walking, meditation, etc. There are a multitude of choices when it comes to anyone's spiritual connection. No one can tell you what your spiritual connection "should" be. Only you can decide what works for you. Without an awareness of, or connection to what grounds you or centers you, you are at greater risk of imbalances in your mind and body.

Most people do not realize that many imbalances in their physical bodies start from outside their bodies. These imbalances may be from stressors in our environment, constant negative debilitating thoughts or anxiety As individuals we must learn how to treat ourselves with the love, respect and compassion that we deserve and need. Unfortunately, way too many people stop doing the very centering and loving things they need when these stresses hit. Too many people have been taught to "power on" through any obstacle and ignore their feelings and emotions. This is only one way people learn to live "unconsciously". They learn to block out any feelings they may have so that they don't have to stop and deal with them. There is an inherent fear that if they stop to ponder, deal with or explore their feelings then they'll become overwhelmed and fall behind, or be seen as weak, or perhaps come to a realization which they are not yet ready to handle. Learning to take care of yourself prior to any problem really erupting seems alien to many people. Have you been taught to put "band-aids" on problems rather than prevent them or seek out the root causes? Do you avoid taking care of yourself.

It takes time, energy, and patience to pay attention to ourselves: to our needs, our thoughts, and our feelings. Are you willing to take that time, energy and patience, and give yourself the love, respect and compassion that you deserve BEFORE you are physically ailing, or will you wait until you have no choice?

I offer you the following 5 reminders that you can choose to incorporate into your life, to enhance your awareness and increase your connectedness to your total being:

TOP 5 OPTIONS TO CONSIDER IN ENHANCING YOUR AWARENESS AND CONNECTEDNESS TO YOUR MIND BODY AND SPIRIT

1. BREATHING: Once every hour, STOP! BREATHE! FOCUS! Breathe in for the count of 4, hold for the count of 4 and exhale slowly for the count of 4, wait to the count of 4 and start again. (do this for 60 seconds) This is called square breathing. Slow, deep breathing brings clarity, calmness, centering to our bodies and minds. Every hour, just 1 minute of breathing can make a huge difference in your attitude, your perspective and your day.

2. STRETCHING: enables you to: release physical tension, release toxins, correct your physical positioning, get your blood flowing, and oxygenate your muscles.

3. MINDFULNESS: Be aware of your feelings, your reactions, needs, etc....Always ask "What is My desired outcome?" Please remember that, in any situation, a desired outcome MUST be something over which you have control.

4. DIET/FOODS YOU EAT: Notice how you feel in response to foods; honestly and without judgments. What are your comfort foods, and what are you really looking for? Pay attention to your body's responses to your choices.

5. SUPPORT SYSTEM: Who or what is in your support system? Who do you talk to? Are you willing to reach out to them... friends, doctor, therapist, clergy, family member, etc. Ask for what you want and then take a deep breath and ACCEPT the help, guidance and assistance that is offered. This is a hard one for most people...because it means you're allowing yourself to be vulnerable. (this is yet another topic for another day)

Loren Gelberg-Goff loren@wellfromwithin.com journey to self-esteem and self-empowerment to live authentically self-esteem

For more information about our services and self-esteem products for your journey to self-esteem, visit http://www.WellfromWithin.com Interested in hearing more about the Mind-Body & Spirit connection? Follow the link to the replay of the teleseminar on this topic:
http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=2431452

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1153344

Mind-Body Healing: 3 Tips for Those With Chronic Pain

Five years ago I found myself laying face down on the blacktop of Austin's Highway 360, after colliding with a parked SUV while riding my bike. The minutes following my accident dragged on like hours, filling my mind with every possible outcome, most of them horrifying. As an orthopaedic surgeon, I know spinal cord injuries, and I knew I was in trouble.

One week and one violent surgery later, in which my neck was fused in both the front and back and bone grafts from my hip were put in to help stabilize my cervical vertebrae, I called my wife from the hospital and told her to get me out of there because I could "smell death on me." I went home and directed my own course of treatment - physical therapy combined with two forms of what are considered "alternative therapies" in most conventional circles: myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. For four to six hours a day I worked, drawing on my experiences as a world-class competitive swimmer, my own determined nature and my challenged but intact faith, as well as the support of family and friends.

Four months after my accident I reentered the operating room - as assistant surgeon, and began the long road back to my life.

In truth, my life would never be the same again. I am the survivor of a serious spinal cord injury, and as such, I still struggle with recurrent pain, clonus, body temperature issues and a number of other conditions common to spinal cord injuries.

But my life has changed in other ways as well. My spinal cord injury has proven to be one of the greatest of all my teachers. Over and over my recovery has been referred to as "miraculous," and though I cannot disagree, what exactly that means is something I have given serious thought. My recovery from spinal cord injury has gone far beyond prediction or expectation. Why? How? There is an element in the answer to those questions that I acknowledge is beyond explanation. But, there is part of the "miraculous" that can be explored. Looking back over my recovery I can now pinpoint certain factors that played a significant role. Some of these factors I can speak to as a doctor, some as an athlete, some as a spinal cord injury survivor, and all as a human being.

Healing that is considered "miraculous" is that which transforms a condition into its highest possible potential.. Here I will share three principles that can help lead to transformational healing. These ideas are meant for those with spinal cord injury or any kind of chronic condition, and for anyone who desires to elevate their own level of wellness.

1. True health is achieved through integration. We cannot focus only on the body and treating physical symptoms if we are to activate all of the possible healing powers available. Healing comes through three distinct and interrelated prongs: Science, Self and Soul. When we take the best of Science and combine it with the innate strengths and healing capacities of the Self and the Soul, we tap into our part in co-creating miracles.

Examples of Science: integrating conventional and complementary medicines; harvesting your own stem cells, healthy balanced diet, quality supplements and exercise.

Examples of Self: cultivating attitudes of determination, focus, confidence, self-trust and intuition, seeking and creating positive support systems, asking for help when needed, engaging in pleasurable activity, laughing often and becoming your own greatest advocate.

Examples of Soul: cultivating qualities such as optimism, humility, gratitude, hope, mindfulness and generosity, being of service and strengthening your internal locus of control.

2. The nervous system is the highway of life. It is responsible for maintaining and regulating our most automatic systems, those that keep us alive. It manages the body's stress and relaxation response, making it the great balancer of our internal system. The autonomic nervous system offers us one of the most direct examples of the need for balance in maintaining health and well-being. Healthy nervous systems keep our bodies in a state of homeostasis. Healthy lifestyles seek to do the same for all parts of our being and our lives - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

If it could speak the nervous system would tell us that these days stress is winning out over relaxation. Our fight or flight response - the body's response to stress - is in overdrive most of the time. So what do we need? To begin consciously balancing our experiences. To take as much time for slowing down as we do for revving up, to learn practices for activating the part of the nervous system responsible for the relaxation response - the parasympathetic system.

Examples: deep breathing with focus on slow, long exhales, mind-body exercises such as yoga and tai chi, therapies such as massage, craniosacral and acupuncture.

3. When it comes to transforming our health and well-being, practice does not make perfect. It leads to progress. When we make the commitment to wake up and engage in the creation of miracles in our daily lives, we are making a promise to practice principles of integrated self-care. Practicing means taking part in, learning, and progressing at our own pace. It means understanding that perfection is not the goal; rather, we seek to tap into a deeper process of healing that comes together as we continue to take small and steady steps. We set goals and move toward them. We reevaluate our goals, change them as necessary and keep practicing. I suggest designing regular practices for exercise, for relaxation, for self-evaluation through journaling or counseling, for having fun and simply enjoying life. Keys to practicing healthy habits include: becoming aware of what you need and where you are out of balance, engaging in honest evaluation, setting goals that can be achieved through small steps, and taking action through conscious choices.

Whether you are facing serious illness, spinal cord injury, chronic pain or simply desiring to create a healthier, more balanced life, it is vital to understand that every day is a new opportunity to begin again, to make new choices and engage your innate, profound powers of transformational healing.

Scott Spann, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former world-class athlete and recovered quadriplegic, is an innovator in the worlds of spinal surgery and clinical stem cell use and a proponent for the implementation of integrated health practices. Dr. Spann is a member of numerous medical organizations, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (certifying body of orthopedic surgeons in the United States) and Chairman of Spine Surgery at Westlake Hospital in Austin, Texas.

A consultant and instructor for several medical device companies, Dr. Spann has been a part of numerous product design teams for spinal implants and holds more than a dozen patents for orthopedic products and procedures.

Always pushing the envelope of possibility, Scott Spann's early research led him to become one of the earliest adopters in the world to use autologous (adult) stem cells in a clinical setting.

A championship swimmer during his years at Auburn University and the University of Texas, Dr. Spann broke five world records, including one of Mark Spitz', and was expected to qualify for the 1980 Olympics before the United States boycott of the Moscow games. An active alumnus at the University of Texas, he was inducted into the UT Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 2005, Scott Spann suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. Forging his own "miraculous" recovery, he was able to return to his role as surgeon within four months. It was this experience that catapulted him into the next phase of his life, as an advocate for integrated healthcare, stem cell usage and the movement toward a new vision of holistic wellness.

Dr. Spann's website and blog can be found at: http://www.scottspannmd.com Dr. Spann is currently at work on a book to share "12 Simple Prescriptions for Transformational Healing."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5400786

Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection

Yoga is most famous for its healing ability and the peace of mind that it brings. How does Yoga do this?

The body has two nervous systems, sympathetic, and parasympathetic. The sympathetic system, also called the "fight or flight" system, causes blood pressure to rise, breath rate to increase, and stress hormones to flood the body. This prepares the body for fight, and in today's world, this occurs when we are stressed or agitated. This system, when over stimulated, can cause health problems like ulcers, migraines, and heart disease.

The parasympathetic system does just the opposite, lowering blood pressure and slowing the pace of your breathing. This frees the blood to travel to digestive, reproductive, glandular, and immune systems of the body, because it doesn't need to rush to the muscles. These systems contain the organs that are essential for long term survival. The body has time now to heal from the damage of daily battles. Long, deep breathing exercises encourage the actions of the parasympathetic system, allowing relaxation and healing. The breathing meditations practiced in Yoga encourage the parasympathetic nervous system.

Yoga encourages the mind to calm itself as well. By concentrating on breathing, your mind doesn't wander, and it is encouraged to stay connected to the body, in the now. The more we daydream and reminisce, the less our mind is open to the good things happening now. We tend to miss out on embracing the moments that are happening now. There is a connection between the emotional and psychological states and the pace of our breathing. When we are excited or frightened we take shorter, quicker, shallow breaths; when we are sleeping, or very relaxed, our breathing is longer and deeper.

Yoga teaches the mind to change the breathing pattern, to make breaths slower and deeper, and the state of our mind is similarly affected, being calmer, and quieter. Over time, those who practice Yoga will act and think from a state of peace, making them more likely to act with patience and understanding. The breath helps us to concentrate on staying connected to the present time, helping us move on from past grievances and sadness, viewing the world as it is, without false expectations. Those who practice Yoga accept themselves and others just as they are.

Being in good shape physically affects people's moods. Strengthening the muscles and joints helps us feel better physically, and reducing blood pressure and stimulating the immune systems lead those who practice Yoga to a state of peace in addition to physical health.

Discover more about fundamental principles of yoga [http://pilates-yoga.info/articles/Fundamental-Principles-of-Yoga.html] and yoga breathing exercises [http://pilates-yoga.info/articles/Yoga-Breathing.html] at pilates-yoga.info.

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Exercise is Good For Your Body, Mind and Soul

Most everyone knows the physical benefits of exercise: accelerated metabolism, lower blood pressure, increased lean muscle mass... the list goes on and on. Countless studies have documented the many ways in which exercise is just plain good for your body.

In recent years, we have seen a growing number of studies that report the mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.

There has been a great deal of research done on the physiological effects of exercise, and you may have heard or read about how exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood and attitude, resulting in a feeling of overall "well-being". The processes triggered within the human body during exercise are extremely complex, and frankly, not completely understood even by modern science. There are countless articles, white papers and books dedicated to this topic, and there is still some debate as to the nature and extent of mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.

Don't worry, this article is NOT about endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds and how they're secreted by the pituitary gland!

We don't need exhaustive quantitative data or an advanced degree in biology to prove to us that exercise provides tremendous benefits to THE WHOLE YOU: we know this for a fact thanks to personal experience and from feedback from dozens of our clients.

Exercise improves our emotional and mental well-being in several ways:

Positive Mood:

Everyone knows a positive outlook improves quality of life. When you know that you're engaged in an exercise program that will improve your overall wellness, and you see results in the way you look and feel, how can you NOT be positive!

Self Esteem:

When you look better and feel better, and are in a more positive frame of mind, your self esteem is elevated. Nothing can boost your self esteem like feeling leaner, fitter and stronger. This beneficial impact triggers a positive cycle: when your self esteem rises, you WANT to take better care of yourself.

Stress Relief:

Recent generations are learning more and more about the devastating effects of stress on our minds and bodies. Stress contributes to so many maladies it would be difficult to list them all in this short space. Bluntly, stress can be a killer. The good news is that it's been proven time after time that exercise is an excellent antidote for stress. Physical activity relieves stress, reduces anxiety and provides an outlet that improves overall balance.

More Restful Sleep:

In addition to- and because of- the benefits listed above, people who exercise also enjoy more restful sleep, which in turn improves alertness, attitude and mental acuity.

In summary, exercise is obviously good for your body, but it is also good for your mind, your attitude, your overall well-being: in other words, THE WHOLE YOU!

Pete Bellisano is a certified personal trainer and owner of Peak Performance Fitness in Berkeley Heights NJ. Peak clients are achieving outstanding results losing weight and improving overall fitness, through our unique approach to Fitness For Real People. Visit our site to see what our clients have to say about their success, and to pick up your free fitness info. [http://www.peakperformancenj.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1339692

Healthy Body - Healthy Mind!

More than two thousand years ago, Hippocrates, the Greek physician and father of medicine, said, "A wise man ought to realize that health is the most valuable possession."

We are obliged to Hippocrates' and others from the past for
reminding us that fitness and health is not just a new and passing phenomenon and neither are the ways to achieve and maintain good health.

The fundamentals of good health, known and proven for so
long, are available to anyone who decides they want to fully enjoy the enormous benefits of healthy living.

The reality of this lesson is brought home in the compelling story from over a century ago of an American boy, sickly and weakened by childhood diseases, who sought a refuge from his physical handicaps in a love of books and reading. As time went on, just as his mind grew strong from his studies, his body continued to fail.

His concerned father at last told his 12-year old son, "You have the mind but not the body, and without the help of the body the mind cannot go as far as it should. You must make your body know you will do it!" And the wise father then gave the boy weights and other gymnastic equipment and worked with him to strengthen his frail young body.

Well, this story has a remarkably happy ending. The boy heeded his father's encouragement, and not only worked hard to rebuild his health, but became a superior athlete, graduated from Harvard University and went on to lead a vigorously active life of eminent achievement. This once-sickly boy eventually became the 26th president of the United States. He was Theodore Roosevelt, who at age 42, was and is the youngest man ever to become president.

Throughout his life, Roosevelt practiced what he called, "the
strenuous life." His energetic commitment to physical activities
included boxing, horseback riding, swimming and hiking among others.
Teddy Roosevelt discovered that an important foundation for good
health is movement and activity. He demonstrated that our bodies are
designed to get stronger as they are constantly used and challenged
with purposeful physical activities.

Teddy Roosevelt, incidentally, was a great outdoorsman and probably
knew more about natural science than any other President who has ever
been in office, and some of his most notable achievements were in the
area of conservation. He added about 150 million acres to the
national forests, set up five new national parks, created the first
51 federal bird reservations and established the first four national
game preserves. He loved nature and worked to preserve the
environment for future generations.

Roosevelt undoubtedly agreed with Hippocrates view that, "The first
wealth is health." And with the old proverb that takes Hippocrates
idea one step further by saying, "Health is better than wealth."

Because Teddy Roosevelt's life dramatically exemplifies the
life-changing power of achieving and maintaining good health. The
simple moral to his story is that nothing is more essential to
building a successful life than good health.

As Teddy Roosevelt showed us, the secrets to good health are not
complicated. They are known and waiting for you to discover them and,
most important, to put them into practice. The blessings and joys of
good health and fitness can be yours when you choose to make them
priorities in your life.

Good health, you know, means having the capacity to live life fully
and being able to experience the best that life has to offer. It
means having vigor and energy. It is having the ability to pursue
your dreams with the confidence that you will be able to accomplish
them.

It's doubtful that Teddy Roosevelt would have accomplished much in
his life had it not been for the words of advice from his father
about developing his body in addition to his mind. It's worth
thinking about, especially these days when so many of us live
sedentary existences. We can only go where our bodies can take us,
and our bodies need exercise to stay healthy and strong. So remember:
build both your body and your mind. They're a powerful combination.
Teddy Roosevelt proved it.

Action to be taken: Commit to a firm set of health related goals and
get yourself in the best physical shape starting today.

Everything Counts!

Gary Ryan Blair

Gary Ryan Blair is President of The GoalsGuy. A visionary and gifted conceptual thinker, Gary is highly regarded as a speaker, consultant, strategic planner, and coach. Visit The GoalsGuy at http://www.GoalsGuy.com as well as their new lifestyle brand at http://www.GotGoals.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/70599

Transform Your Mind, Body and Spirit in Just 30 Minutes a Day

Do you want to lose weight? Is there a particular reason why? Women have several reasons for wanting to lose weight and get into better shape. Sometimes it's because of health problems and the doctor has advised a change in diet and has strongly suggested beginning an exercise program. For other ladies it may be a way to get back into exercising after the birth of a baby or some other deterrence from physical activity. Whatever your reason, getting back into or starting a fitness program begins with inspiration.

Why put it off any longer? Toss aside any doubts you have about yourself and begin today. You can lose weight. You can have a beautifully shaped body.

Believe me when I tell you... all it takes to get in shape is 30 minutes a day. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day, followed by a diet of healthy and delicious foods will put you on the road to success.

When you transform your appearance, the way that you perceive yourself will change too. You will feel confident knowing that you have the power to revolutionize your body and take control of your mind.

Family, friends and foes will notice the new you. Many will give you words of praise, while others may choose to cut you down. You will need to surround yourself with positive attitudes and remember to say your daily affirmations to keep you focused on your goal.

Are you ready for a life-changing experience as you transform not only your body, but your mind and spirit too?

You can do it! Think it, believe it, achieve it!

Karen Ficarelli is the founder of Fitness4Her.com, a diet, exercise program and women's fitness blog, developed especially for women. A mother of three, Karen knows how hard it is to fit exercise into a busy schedule.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3419370

Music for Mind, Body, and Soul

Music comforts discomfort, and strengthens will. It is a vital element to every single culture. Listen to a beat, and a medley of emotions will arise. Music knows has no limits. Language cannot even constrain its powers.

Sometime ago I was trying to learn a new language. Seeing as I don't pick up on linguistics well I decided to search the net for methods to improve memory retention. One strategy that continually popped up was Suggestopedia, or Accelerated Mastering. Basically, certain musical pieces can tap into the vast capabilities that remain dormant in the brain. Music is effective, and since the beginning of time (pretty much) proof has been uncovered that show a link between music and human behaviour.

The Early Beginnings
Music dates back to the Predynastic Period (3100 BCE) of Egypt. Depictions of different instruments have been found etched out in ruins, and documents state that music was a critical piece in Egyptian culture. The Egyptians declare their God Thoth (frequently known as "Master of Balance") disovered music. All the secrets of the world were recorded by way of music. Therefore, it is no shock that songs have hidden unknowns directly linking to the brain.

At one time Ancient Egypt was a barbaric society. It was the God Osiris who grew to become King, and through his appreciation of songs he civilized the nation. No matter where he went, his musicians were sure to follow.

Music filtered the lands of Ancient Greece through quite a few different functions within society. It was incorporated in several customs being part of the school curriculum, and utilized for sheer entertainment. Many early Greek philosophers spoke of the distinct connection amongst songs and character. Amazing that from 600 AD awareness that music impacted the brain was flourishing.

In accordance with Aristotle music conveys emotion. Consequently the energy of a song could affect ones psychological state. This might either be a detriment, or advantage to character. Plato believed the downfall of Greece was linked to the music that was produced. He stated, "Musical innovation is full of danger to the State, for when modes of music change, the laws of the State always change with them."

Everything from mind and body are all related. For optimal growth we must develop each area as one. Psychiatrist Georgi Lozanov concluded that notion, and made learning enjoyable, which, in turn, would achieve maximum results. His exploration led him to the relationship of cognitive and emotional stimuli. He discovered that retention rate enhanced by 25%, and what was previously learned in a two yr period could essentially be realized in 6 months. He called this Accelerated Mastering.

Classical songs were the channels Lozanov utilized, so as to attain these final results. So the question, why classical music rather than rock? Mathematician Pythagoras was intrigued by the mathematical proportions within musical harmonies. He broke down songs substantiating that harmonies were controlled by mathematical equations. Through intensive scientific studies Pythagoras called these harmonious equations octaves. With first glance math and music appear to be total opposites; a single melody embodies creative expression, while the other logical thinking, but collectively they are amazing results.

How it works? The configuration of Baroque leads to special responses, and by listening to these sounds the hidden secrets of the mind are stimulated. Research confirmed the order by which the melody plays is what provides us that maximize degree of understanding. Baroque has 60 beats per minute which affects the brain wave frequency. Baroque movements include rhythmic and melodic variations that loosely mimic a mathematical pattern. Our thoughts grow and right and left side of the brain are engaged.

Here are some vital scientific results that classical music eases in the brain. With each one of these factors in place our spatial reasoning advances increasing our long term memory. This permits us to focus, and therefore, increases our memory.

• Alters the hormone in a way which aids us to concentrate much better. Our breathing calms, and stress lessens.
• Seretonin (brain neurotransmitter) is released turning our moodin to a joyous state.
• Melody and rhythm. Rhythm brings it all together while the melody boosts creativity.

Rhythm is usually heard, and felt. Baroque songs relaxes the heart bringing in towards the beat with the songs. With this calming have an effect on we are in a a lot more relaxed state to maximize our discovering.

Exercising the body is similar to exercising mind power. The important thing to obtaining that lean physique is incorporating muscle exhaustion into your routine. Within a week you'd do yoga, pilates, running, and bicycle spinning; diverse physical exercises demanding your muscles in other ways. The same goes for exercising the brain. Baroque pieces set a theme, and the harmony is only repeated for just a moment. This keeps thoughts active, and alert.

Songs transcend the unknown. What we are slowly discovering is that almost everything in the world is linked. Nourishing the mental, spiritual and physical is essential to maximizing your personalized advancement. In the root of it is growth. Striving to ensure the negativity does not overpower positivity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7247396

Fitness Mantra for Your Mind, Body and Soul - Ashtanga Yoga!

How are you maintaining a balance with the fast paced world? Do you sometimes feel tired of life? Do you want to strengthen your body so that it can withstand the daily pressures of life? Are you sick of the daily exercises which are boring and which actually you want to avoid every morning? If your answer is a 'yes', then read on. And if it is a 'no', then I must say, there is something special for you too.

One of the biggest drawbacks of your regular exercises is that it can provide fitness to your body only; what about your mind and soul? One simple answer - Try the age-old practice of Yoga. Yes, whatever you call it, yoga, dance yoga, kickboxing yoga, yoga workout or anything else, the point is that it can certainly give you a solution.

What you need is to join a yoga class. You can go for a yoga centre or a yoga studio, whatever it is and start practicing. One advantage of joining such classes is that you can have the proper training from the yoga teachers. Once you have learnt Ashtanga Yoga you can easily practice it at your home. You just need to buy some equipment like a yoga DVD, a yoga bag and a mat to perform the exercise.

No matter where you practice, at home or at a class, doing the yoga correctly is very important for a positive outcome. Whereas a right posture can cure many diseases, a wrong one can create troubles too. Here are some types of yoga which are very popular nowadays.

• Pilates Yoga- Developed by George Pilates, this type of exercise is very popular in the United States. Though it is referred as yoga, actually it is not. The only resemblance is that it also gives an exercise to the mind. It can be referred to as a yoga with movement or yoga with machines.

• Bikram Yoga- Bikram yoga is a more aerobic and a physical type of yoga. It was founded by Bikram Choudhry. This type of yoga is not meant for everyone. It is carried out in a warm room with a temperature around 90 to 100 degrees and therefore it is also called as hot yoga.

• Power Yoga- This is actually a modified version of Ashtanga yoga, which will be described later on. It is a practice of doing 'yoga poses' in a continuous series of exercises. This type of yoga helps you to enhance your inner power and to make a connection with your soul.

• Ashtanga Yoga- In Sanskrit, Ashtanga means 'eight limbs' and it refers to the eight limbs of the Yoga Sutras. It was taken from Yoga Korunta, a very ancient text. A student has to progress through six different series in this type of yoga.

This method helps in realignment of spine, detoxification of body, building strength and flexibility and also in strengthening of the nervous system.

There are three different levels of Ashtanga yoga. The first level helps you to align the body and gets the toxins out of your body. The second level helps to clean and open the energy channels. The last level is for the advanced ones and it helps in measuring power and grace.

Ashtanga yoga is a very popular type of yoga. It is a very energetic and athletic form of practice. It has many benefits like relieving from sore muscle and joint pain. Along with these physical benefits, it does have some mental and emotional benefits also. If you practice this yoga, you gain the ability to focus mentally and release the negative energy. It will give you relief from unwanted tensions as well.

If you are searching for a perfect yoga fitness program, Ashtanga yoga can be a good choice for you. If you are a beginner in the field of yoga then this can be quite tough for you to start with. You can start with some other simple methods. After bringing yourself up to its level and gaining the required fitness level, you can surely give it a try and reap the benefits!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5144853

How to Have a Mind, Body and Soul Balance

Balancing the mind, body and soul is the best approach to health and wellness. Being physically and mentally fit is essential to keep the person feel good about himself. Staying healthy is essential because it is a way of enjoying life, without worrying about illnesses, stress, and pressure. It is simple to have a body, mind and soul balance. There are many ways to utilize in order to have a balanced mind, body and soul.

There are several factors why most of us are always stressed, pressured and unhealthy. The primary reason of this is our lifestyle. Although sometimes, we could not really get away from the unhealthy lifestyle because there are so many things that make us unhealthy, and one of this is imbalanced diet. Stress is also another factor which is always present in our everyday lives. Now the best solution to overcome these negative factors is to have a body, mind, and soul balance.

There are different and effective ways to balance the mind, body and soul. Some of these methods include the following:

• Meditation and Breathing. Breathing and meditating are spiritual training that help individuals to balance their energy fields. This is a great way to balance the mind and the soul. Yoga is one popular way to relax the mind, body and soul. It has also believed that it brings many health benefits.
• Drinking of lots of water. Most people would feel weak because they are not aware that they can be already dehydrated since they lack water in their body. There are so many drinks that are usually preferred by many such as sodas, coffee, alcohol and juices. However, those drinks are not the ones that our body needs. Water is very essential as it keeps our body clean, healthy and hydrated.
• Relaxation. Having peace of mind through relaxation helps the mind and the body loosen up. Find a peaceful place where you can relax your mind and body. This can be best done in the outdoors where you can smell the fresh air, and watch the clouds.
• Have enough sleep. One of the best things to relax the mind, body, and soul is to sleep. Everyone is required to have at least 8 hours of sleep to keep them energized.

Whether there are so many negative agents that trigger bad health, stress and pressure, it would still depend on us if we really want to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul balance. Apply the above mentioned ways to balance the soul, body and mind, and then start living your life to the fullest.

Stay physically and mentally healthy by knowing how to balance the mind, body and soul. Visit this website for more information about mind, body and soul balance [http://www.mind-body-and-soul.net]

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