Mindfulness…..why all the buzz about mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness…..why all the buzz about mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness is evidence based and scientifically proven to help see the world with greater clarity and wisdom. Addition benefits includes: reduces stress, increases focus, reduces anxiety, increases fulfilling relationships, reduces depression, relieves pain and supports nurturing one’s mental health and well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice in self awareness, in fact the entire time we are focusing our attention on our own body, our own feelings and sensations, as well as our own thoughts and experiences.
Why mindfulness works?
Practicing is scientifically proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essentially helping your body to increase relaxation and digestion.
The autonomic nervous system has two parts: 1) Parasympathetic nervous system 2) Sympathetic nervous system Both of these systems work harmoniously to perform all of the automatic functions that keep you alive and able to perform. The autonomic nervous system regulates and controls everything from heartbeat, to breathing and digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system work together in opposite ways to control and regulate each and every one of your organs.
Mindfulness & Your Brain
The brain’s gray matter surrounding the hippocampus increases in mass. The growth in this specific region is believed to be responsible for enhancing brain functions related to learning, memory, empathy and self-awareness.
Gray matter density surrounding the amygdala decreases. This region attaches emotional significance to memories and also modifies the strength of memories specifically related to trauma and fear. The amygdala affects how you respond to stressful situations by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers fight or flight mode.
This is often considered the most evolved region of the brain, in fact the prefrontal cortex (also known as the frontal lobe), is what separates humans from other species in terms of our cognitive abilities. The prefrontal cortex plays a major role in: focus and concentration, as well as how we form ideas and make decisions. This is also where we learn and process information and experiences that are completely new to us. Meditation has been proven to increase blood flow and gray matter density in the pre-frontal cortex, which improves the overall functioning of this area.
Creativity
Imagining real life scenarios during mindfulness practice can be a powerful creative tool to help exercise neural pathways that support learning, achievement and resiliency. Every time you feel, think, or do something, you are creating a new synaptic connection in your brain. New neural pathways are created by real experiences and from imagined experiences to help create more peace.
How Meditation has helped my life?
I recently completed a Meditation Teacher Training with Anthony at Nature of Mindfulness (www.natureofmindfulness.com). I practiced meditating daily the past 8 weeks and my dog and cat also couldn’t resist joining. I advanced my meditation skills with guidance. It is wonderful to let someone guide you through the meditation experience and gain creative insight. I have found mindfulness to help with grounding, emotional regulation, creativity, confidence, problem solving and clarity. Mindfulness sounds simple however it is epically powerful.
Also, it’s natural for your mind to wander or drift. When you notice, focus back on your body and breathe. I often hear people say they’re getting distracted and failing. It is not a failure! Every time you notice and refocus on the present moment that is a mindfulness win! Give yourself a high five! Mindfulness is about noticing with curiosity, acceptance, non-judgment and kindness.
Feel free to check out my free guided meditation focused on grounding. More meditations will be coming soon! 😊
Happy Meditating,
Stacey
