Living in a space that is not connected to oneself can be detrimental to our mental and emotional health. Feeling trapped in an environment that doesn't align with our values and beliefs can be overwhelming. However, imagine living in a space of peace and love where you feel comfortable and free to grow. Many of us would choose this option, yet we often find ourselves stuck in between spaces, unsure of how to move forward.
The anti-aging effect of intermittent fasting is quite profound. It slows down the aging process and has been found to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation ( 1 ). IF can also suppress genes that accelerate the risk of age-related chronic disease like cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes ( 2 ).
Love and self-respect are two fundamental pillars of our well-being, and they are cultivated from our earliest experiences. However, it's not uncommon to find ourselves yearning for a love that doesn't match our worth, perpetuating a cycle of disappointment and dissatisfaction. This cycle only sows seeds of discord in our future relationships.
Living in a space that is not connected to oneself can be detrimental to our mental and emotional health. Feeling trapped in an environment that doesn't align with our values and beliefs can be overwhelming. However, imagine living in a space of peace and love where you feel comfortable and free to grow. Many of us would choose this option, yet we often find ourselves stuck in between spaces, unsure of how to move forward.
Dear Wonderful Friends,
I hope this message finds you in a state of peace and tranquillity. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing something truly magical with you – an experience and a practice that has profoundly touched my heart and soul. Imagine being enveloped in a world of calmness and serenity, like floating on a cloud. That's the essence of mindfulness, and I want to introduce you to a special way to embrace it – through the STOP method.
S: Stop and Pause Before Reacting
Life has a way of surprising us, much like a thrilling rollercoaster ride. In those moments, I invite you to STOP! Picture yourself as a sturdy tree, its roots anchored deep into the ground. Despite swaying in the wind, your core remains unwavering. Taking a pause is akin to pressing a pause button in your mind. It's the beginning of something magical, where mindfulness begins to flourish.
T: Take Three Deep Breaths
Now, let's focus on something incredibly important – your breath! Your breath is akin to a magical wand, capable of bringing calmness to your being. Take three deep breaths. Inhale slowly, filling your lungs with the fresh, invigorating air around you. Then, exhale gently, releasing any worries that may have taken residence within you. With each breath, you usher in harmony with your body, mind, and soul. It's akin to a peaceful lullaby, soothing your entire being.
O: Observe Your Mind Getting Quiet/Calmer
While you breathe, observe something truly remarkable unfolding. Your busy thoughts, akin to waves in the ocean, begin to settle down. The cacophonous chatter in your mind gradually fades away, making room for clear thoughts and inner peace. This calmness is akin to discovering a hidden treasure within yourself. Embrace this serene moment with curiosity and let it fill your heart with warmth.
P: Proceed with an Aware Response
Now that you're wrapped in a cocoon of calm and peace, it's time to respond to the world around you. But hold on, this isn't just any response – it's mindful! With your senses awake and alert, you can handle any situation with grace and kindness. Instead of reacting impulsively, respond with understanding and love. Your words and actions become gentle ripples of harmony, contributing to making the world a better place.
My dear friends, there you have it – the art of STOP. It's not merely a practice; it's a way of life. Imagine every moment as an opportunity to be mindful, to STOP, and to reconnect with your true self. You hold the key to this peaceful place within you. With STOP, you can unlock the door anytime, anywhere.
I had the privilege of reconnecting with a wise soul named Deepak Chopra, an experience that profoundly impacted my perspective. Deepak shared wisdom about our minds, the vastness of the universe, and the importance of love, joy, and creativity. His words resonated deeply, reminding me of the beauty of our world and our interconnectedness.
I hope you find solace and inspiration in the STOP method, just as I have. Wishing you moments filled with inner peace, wisdom, and boundless love. Remember, the universe resides within your breath, and you are extraordinary just the way you are.
With happiness, curiosity, and love,
Garnet Santicruz
Wellness Enthusiast
Marcus Aurelius “You’re better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve.”
Feedback whether it is constructive or destructive stings. In my teens, I created my first song and recorded it. The response was generally well until one came in that said it's not bad BUT it's not as good as D’Angelo’s (Recording Artist who had a hit called How Does It Feel)………...this stopped my creative pursuit to attempt to finish the rest of the album. It got SCRAPPED because my ego felt like CRAP. Fully acknowledge the EGO bruised and stained, the wisdom comes later I create from a place of care and love of the process. I learned when I was young that I was trying to get the approval of one particular person which did not line up to my soulful purpose of doing GOOD and inherently down the narrow path of not so GOOD. The parallel to this is that as children we look for the approval of our peers or parents but fail to see the caring people that are on our peripherals that have been waiting for our craft to be released. The cycle continues as we look for validation as the person looking up at us is looking for our blessing. There has to be a better way of acknowledging and sharing our energy with those looking for what we are doing. Why do we play for one particular person or group? We need only a few to understand our work and look forward to what we are bringing to the table. Simply, bring your best version of yourself at that moment with consistency. This will yield to a high percentage of many seeing your true gift. You are the Gift.
What caused you to stop your creative work? Are you now ready to pursue it again?
by Ryan Hayes RMT
A new year. A new variant. A new challenge. A new stress. While the global upheaval persists, many people continue to struggle with isolation from friends and family, scheduling conflicts of homeschooling children, and a topsy-turvy work environment, finding ways to create consistency can be difficult. There seems to be less and less that we can rely upon for stability. One thing that needs to remain constant through this turbulent time is our sense of self.
As the responsibilities of the individual continue to mount, we can easily find ourselves sinking beneath the surface of functional physical and mental health. Now, more than ever is the time to put ourselves first. How can we be either a supportive spouse, sibling, parent, teacher, or coworker if we are struggling to stay afloat? What can we offer to others if we refuse to pay attention to our own needs?
Many of us are quite adept at putting everybody else and their needs before our own. Further, the responsibilities of the average individual often exceed the energetic output available to effectively manage the altered pandemic lifestyle of today. However, there are many people out there whose job is to help declutter the brain, relieve tension from the body, and help restore a better balance between the body and the mind.
Today’s society necessitates active reflection over our state of health. We need to make sure to take some time to put ourselves first. The time for this does exist. We do not have to create time. We have to allocate time. It is neither impossible nor unreasonable to take an hour or two a month to have our batteries recharged. It is essential to seek out a healthcare provider to help in the areas we are finding ourselves deficient or need support.
This help can come in the form of a talk therapist, a massage therapist, a personal trainer, an acupuncturist, an osteopath, etc. There are many different venues and practitioners to help with the multitude of strains that we are put through daily. Even a car needs an oil change every 5000km. We are no different. Unfortunately, we drive our bodies until they run out of gas. This is not ideal in the long run.
We must resolve to invest in our health. If our health suffers then all aspects of our existence are diminished. A mind cannot function optimally if it is distracted by the woes of the body. Further, the hamster wheel in the head can grind the body to a halt. To function effectively in the home and society our body must function effectively from the inside out. A healthy individual can be a productive individual.
We save for our retirement, we save for our children’s education, we save for a home, we save for a trip. When these moments arrive how can we enjoy them if our health is less than functional? Part of saving for the future is investing in our health today. Make massage therapy a part of your support network. Your daily productivity, your sleep, and your ability to manage stress will improve. Your body and mind will thank you.
