What does the word Mindful mean? It means lots of different things. It means, feeling compassion, finding life balance, understanding what you are grateful for, and being kind to yourself, mind and body!
A few weeks ago I was talking to my oldest daughter on the phone. I said, “I’m in such a bad mood today”. I am usually happy and cheery. I was driving at the time, and had just woke up in a sour mood on that day. As I was driving after hanging up with my daughter, I started thinking. Why am I in such a bad mood? I have everything I need and very happy in my relationships. My children are healthy and so are my friends and family. What else could you want? I need a walk!
Lets start with Endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters to our brain. They are the “feel good” chemicals that are pumped to our brain. Runners call it their High! When this happens to them, they are able to run even longer. The meaning of the word endorphin is, endo-which means ,comes from within the body, and morphine which is an Opiate for pain, you get it in a natural way. Endorphins work on the opiate receptors in the brain, they reduce pain and increase pleasure. They are released during exercise, eating and sex. It is the most natural way to relieve stress and make us feel better. It’s a bad mood breaker.
COMPASSION. Showing Compassion is more than feelings of helping others when they are in need. Death, destruction, newborn babies, puppies, talking to a homeless person on the street, natural disasters, etc. When we feel compassion for others, what we get in return is feeling positive about ourselves. During these situations, our endorphins increase and we get a “high”, just like when you exercise! It is truly a natural healing benefit. Try to build your skill of compassion by starting with your own family, or friends. I worked for Hospice for 17 years in New York and Maryland. I remember this feeling of helping someone pass away. I would read to them, listen to music, sing, or just hold their hand. I always felt that increased release of oxytocin which is the warm feeling that you get when helping others.
Start in a simple way to build our Compassion to ourselves and others. Its a work in progress, but its worth it!
1-Having more compassion for your family and friends is a good place to start.
2-Dont forget to have compassion for yourself.
3-And then practice Compassion with strangers
I remember when I younger and would go to a funeral. I didn’t know what to say to comfort people. It was hard to be compassionate, to know what to say to people that were suffering with their loss. When my brother died, I learned about being compassionate, because other kind wonderful people showed me the way. There was an outpouring of love and compassion for my brother. Now I know.
MINDFULNESS, be aware and be thankful for who you are. Its a natural instinct to want to fix things when they happen. Life, is unexpected. There are many twists and turns. Instead of trying to fix everything , let it all go. Meditate, and be at peace with the situation. The time will come when your heart becomes lighter, and you can recognize another path. You will be able to forgive, and follow your path, you have to be quiet and listen for it!
…….remember to make a memory every day, and don’t apologize for who you are….Rebecca
Walnuts & Wallpaper 