Greetings to you all on one of the finest of Saturdays in the month of March…..

“The best way to cheer yourself is to cheer someone else up”- Mark Twain

The sun was at it`s brightest in the city of sails- we had blue skies , cool air and a lot of warmth – hope the day for each of you is going well ….. hmmm it is all very well when things flow and we feel the zennnn in all that we do !!

However there are times and days when everything feels off- beat and we feel a sense of restlessness and unease – which permeates into our being and sadly impacts on each of our outcomes – immediate and long term ones.

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So the intention of today`s writing is

A. To share some truths about using brain science -sharing some home truths of how our brain is structured – knowing these truths can help make a difference of how we think, feel and do life …mindfully

• The brain is like a four layered tool box
• Each layer has a function or a role
• The bottom part of the brain is known as the brain stem
• The brainstem feels unsettled when we feel sadness, fear or anger
• The top part of the brain is known as the cortical region – looks after our learning and thinking
• When our brainstem feels unsettled – we cannot think well, feel well or do well

B. To reiterate the power of affirmations – the power they have in making us think better , feel better and do better:)

So here the the 5 aspects of why affirmations work….

• The primary need of the brain stem is to feel safe – brain stem is known as the primitive brain
• When we use affirmations , we fulfill the brain stem`s need to feel safe
• When we feel calm and safe , the brain stem is in a happy calm regulated state
• When the brain stem is happy, calm and and regulated – the brain stem releases the “feel good hormones”
• When the “feel good hormones” are released we can focus – and function effectively – feel better, think better and do better!!

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“Nothing can bring peace but yourself” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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With much aroha from beautiful NZ

Kia Ora to you all from the land of long white cloud , hope the week and the month of March has started well. In today`s blog I wish to elaborate on the benefits of being mindful. Mindfulness is an inherent wisdom that has always been here – however we as humans have to shout a huge thank you to Jon Kabat- Zinn founder – Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine. His ardent work in this field affirms the physiological and psychological benefits of mindfulness.

There is a story behind my rationale for having chosen this topic. I was participant to a dialogue and very soon it became obvious that this was no dialogue – it involved one person talking in a loud and impassioned voice…. What helped me here – was stepping back.

We have all at some point in our lives experienced contexts that are incredibly challenging. Being mindful helps us to 1. Take a step back – -……… and when we do take a step back

2. We also create a space that feels safe .

In that safe space we create an opportunity for ourselves to connect within- to the present moment and focus

To gain insight and develop an awareness -of what really matters…

So this practice of mindfulness cannot just happen overnight – we need to make the time to excercise our brains or our minds in learning to be still .

What are ways that we can inculcate the habit of mindfulness

• Practice Breathing – Take the time to be still and watch / hear your breath
• Taking notice of your breath – practising breathing – is about informing ourselves that everything is ok
• We can practise breathing – when we sit , when we take a walk –
• So, let`s just focus on our breaths and take in more of the good 😊

What are some of the other benefits of practising mindfulness- this is an excercise that

• Improves focus
• Nourishes the brain ( Refer to my earlier writing on brain and wellness 🙂
• Improves our ability to learn
• Reduces stress
• Helps us to take better care of ourselves
• Reduces some of the risks that comes from being impulsive
• Makes us more thoughtful
• Makes us kind and wise
• Adds purpose and intent to our lives
• Allows us to think before we speak
• Increase the feeling of physical and emotional wellness

So do make the time today to take a break – tune in ….. and make mindfulness an everyday practice .. and enjoy all of the nourishing and the wisdom that comes with it …..

” Mindfulness is about love and loving life – when you cultivate this love , it gives you clarity and compassion for life , and your actions happen in accordance with that.”- Jon Kabat- Zinn