For some of us, achieving well-being of mind and body seems like a daunting task. Some of us are so used to seeking and finding our favorite ways as not to feel uncomfortable. Depending on our past experiences and personal preferences, we can turn to a specific familiar and comfortable activity to avoid self-reflection and confrontation with our own inner and sometimes painful emotions. We may choose an overtly addictive activity, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and recreational drug abuse, compulsive sexual behavior, workaholism, or gambling, or we may choose a less overtly avoidant activity, such as excessive exercise, uncontrollable shopping, or even emotional outbursts and excessive talking.
Our inner and outer energy fields are affected by the people and environments we are drawn to. Our physical vibration actually synchronizes with others. It is well known that two young ladies who spend a lot of time together tend to develop synchronous menstrual cycles. However, most of us don’t realize that all of our organ systems and brain patterns also synchronize with those around us.
Studies have found that obese people who spend time with obese people, or happy people who spend time with other happy people, tend to maintain their current weight, attitude, and behavior. However, when an overweight person is surrounded by thin, health-conscious friends and co-workers, that person can begin to synchronize and more easily make decisions that will help him or her lose weight. A happy person surrounded by depressed and negative people may gradually lose their positive attitude and happy smile.
How can a person begin to make lifestyle changes that do not lead to physical well-being?
The first step is always AWARENESS
Pay attention and tell yourself the truth about where you currently are on the mind-body wellness continuum.
The second step is to OBSERVE your thoughts and actions.
Realize how these influence your choices and behaviors that transform your physical and mental well-being.
The third step is to FEEL your energy level.
Become aware of whether you have a high, medium, low or hyperactive energy level and identify what factors may be related to your current energy level.
The fourth step is to tune into your emotions.
Determine if your emotions are balanced and subject to your conscious control, or if they are either overly controlled or unpredictable and beyond your conscious control.
The fifth step is to REALIZE AND DEFINE your passion.
When your passion and joy is fueled by negative, self-destructive, harmful, or even illegal activities, you need to dig deep within your mind, body, and spirit to discover the core truth about your passion that has somehow been suppressed.
The sixth step is to RESTORE your passion.
Seek and find that high level of focus, intensity, invigoration, and pleasure that you have either completely repressed or poured into an unproductive pursuit.
The seventh step is ACCESSING your own inner being.
Find an access to your inner spirit, your soul, the wise in you,
Through some form of focused inner activity leading to personal relaxation, contemplation, meditation and spiritual connection.
The eighth step is finding a systematic way to retrain your own mind.
Scientists have discovered the brain’s neuroplasticity, its ability to adapt and change throughout life, creating new pathways, brain patterns and brain maps.
Eventually, as you begin to regain your own mind-body well-being, you will be able to grasp the concept that everyone and everything is energetically connected. You begin to understand that we are all spiritual beings claiming our own birthright to enjoy the wonders of creation.
When your own mind and body are finally in balance, you naturally connect to a place of depth within your own self, a place of spiritual alignment. Life becomes easier, less struggle, less fighting spirit against the tide. Life becomes less of an effort to “do” and more of a willingness to “allow” life to unfold gracefully.
What does it take to achieve such a high level of mental and physical well-being? All it takes is a sincere wish and small daily steps, one day at a time, one situation at a time, one moment at a time, even one thought at a time. The path to wellbeing of mind and body is a very simple, straight and narrow path. It is available to all who seek it.
Are you ready and willing to create your own body-mind wellness now?
Thanks to Erica Goodstone, Ph.D.
