Parenting Is.



.Not For Sissies

 Darlene Booth
R.N.C.P
 


.....We often give lip service to the phrase “body, mind and spirit” in relation to achieving optimal health but do we really embrace the impact our mind actually has on our overall health? Over the years, my own journey has brought me into awareness that the mind is perhaps the most powerful healing tool we have and more importantly, our thoughts and emotions can create many detours and diversions on the road to wellness.
.....We have been very well trained to focus on our physical bodies. We strive to eat a balanced diet, choose wholesome foods, take our vitamins, participate in daily exercise, visit the doctor for our annual check-ups and see the dentist twice a year. But is just addressing our physical needs enough? You only have to look at the health of our nation to realize that our mainstream practices are not working. We have access to more diagnostics, more technology and more pharmaceuticals than ever before but no fewer incidences of illness and disease. Perhaps there is a piece of the puzzle that we have overlooked?
.....Those aligned with natural medicine are more inclined to treat the whole body not just the physical symptoms of dis-ease within the body. In treating the whole; the body, mind and spirit come into play. Eating a healthy diet is not enough. If you are putting healthy food into your body and not nurturing a healthy mind you are going to have a more difficult time maintaining health. On the other hand, if you are spiritually and emotionally balanced, the body will follow even if the diet itself is not optimal.
.....Creating a healthy mind/body connection begins with an awareness of where our mind wanders. Are we stuck in old thought patterns that no longer serve us? Are we operating in a constant state of fear and anxiety?
.....Here are some steps at becoming more in tune with your spirit and emotions:
1. Meditation is a valuable tool. Sitting comfortably with

an awareness of breath is a time out from all the other
places our mind wanders. We often hear the term
“empty mind” in relation to meditation but an empty
mind is not the ultimate goal or an overnight occurrence.
When we begin to awaken and begin to sit, we notice just how many distractions our minds create! Thoughts, thoughts and more thoughts! I watch my thoughts pass, I don’t engage them and I try not to get caught up. Try is the operative word…I guess that is why they call it a practice!
2. Affirmations are another way to tune into old patterns. Negative affirmations propagate negative reactions and
experiences. Watch your language and turn the negatives into positives. If you are always telling yourself you aren’t
good enough then you will certainly live up to that awareness. You are good enough. You are worthy. You are wonderful.
3. Let go of old habits and thought patterns that you no
longer need. Often we bring our past into our future.
Learn to live in the present moment. We cannot change
the past we can only work with where we are now. Accept
the lessons life has brought you. Each new day is a gift with
an opportunity to create the life you really want. Forgiveness
for yourself and others can bring much healing into your life.
4. Joy! Gratitude! If you feel that life is just about hard
work and suffering you will create it. We can work hard
without the suffering. We are truly meant to be happy.
Let go of fear and worry. They limit us. I am an eternal
optimist and try to look for the lessons, the opportunities
and the good stuff that life has to offer. Focus the mind
on the positive and you will allow it to flow. I am
thankful for every new day.
.....We reap what we sow. When we remove the negative thought patterns and become more at peace in our bodies and our lives, we allow the natural process of health and healing to work at a deep cellular level. Perhaps Rene Descartes’ philosophical statement; “I think, therefore I am” is not just about the fact that we exist but more so about the state of how we are existing? As I think [I am] I will be. You see, it is my belief that the body is very obedient and most often will do exactly what we believe it will do.
.....Good Health to You!

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