Mindfulness

I saw a book on Mike's night stand this morning and told him I was taking it!

It's about mindfulness.

Before my stroke, I don't think I'd ever heard this work.

And, if I did, I paid it no attention.

That word literally meant nothing to me.

When I had the stroke, it was a word that I heard constantly.

And, I had to pay attention to it.

It would require my full attention in order to heal...

In order to connect my brain with my body once again.

The concept of mindfulness is all about being present, fully in the moment, and becoming aware of yourself and your surroundings.

It also means practicing non-reactivity and not becoming overwhelmed by your environment. 

I learned all about mindful meditation.

And I had to do it every single day in the hospital.

I still do it.

I do guided mindful meditation, which I simply do on YouTube.

It really makes a difference.

I recommend to EVERYone doing mindfulness exercises.

Yoga is a great way to connect to your body.

Meditation is fantastic.

Breathing exercises are excellent.

Taking time to ask yourself, mindfully, where your body is in your space is something that I do each day when I begin to feel overwhelmed.

Example: Quietly (in my mind) asking myself:

"Where are my feet? What are they touching"

"What is the chair touching?" (back of my legs, bum, back, ribs)

"What do I smell?"

"What do I hear?"

"Where are my fingers?" (then I touch each finger to my thumb slowly)

This is a great way to get back to your "center."

Tummy breathing is SO effective.

Breathe in (down to your belly) for a count of four.

Hold it for a count of four.

Release slowly to a count of six.

Repeat four times.

Focus on your belly filling with air.

Sometimes, I will focus on a certain body part.

Example: my sore foot.

I will imagine myself breathing down into my foot. 

Or wherever you might be having pain.

It is amazing!