Courtney Robinson seems to have found a meditation partner to help during those times when stress tries to overwhelm the spirit.
By Courtney Robinson
In this current age of information, we are bombarded with stressful news coming from screens everywhere. For many people life is busier and more stressful than ever. Meditation can be the antidote.
When our bodies and minds are in a constant state of stress our nervous system goes into what is called “fight or flight.” This raises stress hormones like Cortisol, makes our hearts beat faster, can raise blood pressure and prepares us to fight or flee. When we are stressed for prolonged periods it causes an imbalance in our bodies linked to inflammation and disease.
The opposite of “fight or flight” is the “relaxation response,” which decreases harmful stress hormones, regulates our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This state increases our bodies ability to heal and come back into balance.
When one practices meditation one can access this healing state. It could be compared to running a marathon. When you run a marathon you must train. Meditation is training for the mind. We can reach that relaxed state much easier when we have practiced techniques that help us return to calm when needed.
When starting a meditation practice you are simply developing the ability to observe the fluctuations of your mind. You may choose to meditate for one minute or one hour, either is fine. You can do it anytime, anywhere, and any type you like. If your mind wanders simply observe without judgement. This creates a sense of self awareness and calm.
Benefits of Meditation
- Increases our ability to sustain our attention, to perform demanding tasks and our ability for decision making.
- Meditation is shown to have a positive impact in decreasing major diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic conditions such as depression.
- Meditation is a tool for weight control as it decreases Cortisol which has been linked to an increase in belly fat.
A Simple Meditation:
Set a timer for one minute. Close your eyes and focus on slow belly breathing. Feel your body relax as you focus on your breath.
Courtney Butler Robinson is the author of “The Mud & The Lotus: A Guide and Workbook for Students of Yoga”. She is a Stress Management & Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) for The Dr. Dean Ornish Heart Disease Reversal Program at Saline Heart Group.
You can learn more about Courtney and her offerings at StressManagementYoga.com. Resources: Ornish.com
