'Think Before You Think'

It is becoming more and more understood that our bodies and our minds are two sides of the same coin. In fact, they are not even opposing sides. Our body has the ability to influence our mind, and our mind has the ability to influence our body. For example, try slouching forward on a chair and hang your head low. Try to smile and laugh while slouching, and you will probably find it quite awkward. Or think about a dispute you recently got into with someone... notice if the quality or rhythm of your breath changes by simply bringing this situation back into your mind.

Okay, so the secret is out! The mind and the body are one. Just like we exercise the body (our external self), meditation is essential to build a strong internal self. This is extremely important, because stress happens to be one of the leading cause of chronic illness. In fact, stress accounts for two-thirds of family doctor visits and half the deaths to Americans under the age of 65 according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stress can be attributed to many ailments, such as fatigue, depression, cancer, backaches, insomnia, and heart disease.

If the thoughts you think have the power to activate stress in your body, you can literally be making yourself sick! When we are chronically stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. It is also known as the 'fight or flight' hormone. Overproduction of cortisol over a long period of time can result in a myriad of illnesses, ranging from high blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances/hyperglycemia, and increased abdominal fat, to lowered immune function and decrease in muscle tissue.

Don't get stressed about getting stressed though! What you may not be aware of is the miraculous gift you were given... it is called a CHOICE. Each of us chooses what we think, and how it affects us is secondary. Noone can 'make' you think anything. If we can maintain a balanced mind, both, when things go our way and when they don't, not only will we feel more peaceful, but we will be healthier overall.

Next time you are in a seemingly 'stressful' situation, first notice your breath. Take a step back and just look at the situation as if you were an outsider looking in. Bring your breath back to its natural rhythm and check in with yourself. What response to the situation do you choose?

We have lived with the belief that our reactions are cause and effect. Are we that detached from our own minds that someone or something else has complete control over our reactions? For example, you were having the best day ever when all of a sudden a car cuts you off and all of a sudden your mood has done a complete 180. You do not need to be controlled in that way. The more you take time to sit silently and focus on the present moment, the more balanced you will remain.

Remember, you choose your thoughts, and with those thoughts you create your own reality. Everything begins with a thought or an idea... every great invention, every action, every life.