Tag Archive for: slow down

Quieting the mind can heal

Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in God— Thomas Keating

What brings you to the brink? –that tipping point that finally turns you away from your old habits and turns you to healing and wholeness?

For me turning 30 was the tipping point –I knew I didn’t have the stamina to run from life anymore – neither, I hated to admit, could I control it. Old hurts, consequences of my choices, the challenges of marriage and family life brought me to the brink. I had to make the decision as Hafiz puts it –“we have just two choices; we can come to God dressed for dancing, or be carried to God’s ward on a stretcher”. I choose dancing, so for the past 20 years my dance partner has been meditation. Each day Life/ God gives me new opportunities to let my spirit dance and begin to heal.

I liken my process of healing to one of my favorite camp stories called “Going On A Bear Hunt”. Remember that brave hunting party that faced tall grass, mud, a lake and a then a dark cave. Each time the children gleefully repeated with us…

“Couldn’t go under it, couldn’t go around it, had to go through it!” In the story the hunters turn and run when they finally find the bear, and they go back through all those obstacles.

With meditation, when I ran into that bear in the dark cave, I didn’t run, I didn’t hide, I sat down, and let the darkness speak in the silence of the cave. Meditation became my way of dancing through that mud, through that dark cave and finding a way of peace and wholeness.

I’m very excited to lead a meditation session at Bonnie’s upcoming wellness retreat, Eat, Play & Love Your Body,  so I can share the gift of meditation with you. For those of you who cannot be there, I would like to share some of the benefits of meditation and encourage you to begin a period of interior silence in your life.

True wholeness beings on the inside, deep in our hearts and minds. What we put into our souls and our minds have every bit as much power and potential to heal or harm as they food we choose to put in our mouth..

Every day scientists are finding more evidence of what the mystics knew long ago. Meditation brings health and wholeness on many levels.

  • Physiological
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Increases blood flow and slows heart rate
  • Improves brain function and focus
  • Reduces free radicals
  • Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Cures headaches
  • Improves stamina and energy level.
  • If that is not enough – look at the Psychological benefits.
  • Reduces Anxiety
  • Builds confidence
  • Helps us see the see big picture
  • Improves creativity
  • Aids in positive thinking and decision making.
  • Increases emotional stability
  • Improves relationships at home and work.
  • Purifies your character
  • Increases serotonin level and improves mood.
  • Spiritual Benefits
  • Increases peace
  • Leads to serenity and acceptance
  • Felt sense of living in God’s presence
  • Opens eyes of heart to compassion
  • Opens inner wisdom of God
  • Increases charity
  • Heals grievances/opens way to forgiveness

I hope you can join me and begin receiving the benefits of meditation. If not there is no time like the present moment to become silent on the inside. Take 10 slow deep breaths with attention to your breathing, and let your mind fall quite for a just a moment. Find the joy of your true nature, just waiting there in the silence.

Maryann Joyce is a trained Spiritual Counselor working in the Evansville Indiana area. For support on your life journey or coaching with meditation/centering prayer please contact her at maryanjoyce[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Busyness is Based in Fear

I recently listened to an audio (How Did I Get So Busy) by Valorie Burton that really moved me. It was an aha moment learning that busyness is based in fear.

My goal this year is, believe it or not, to do LESS.  Don’t get me wrong, I want to help more people but want to find ways of reaching more without overextending myself in the process.  I have come to the conclusion that if I don’t practice self-care, I will not be able to serve those who need it most.

Busyness is often based on fear.  I heard the words but never really equated busyness with fear.  Valorie discusses some of the reasons why people stay busy.  It’s often the “what if?” questions that cause people to get caught up in the busyness cycle.

“What if I say ‘no’ to certain activities and let people down?”

or

“What if I slow down and I’m not able to accomplish everything I need to?”

“What if I stop taking on so much and discover people don’t need me as much as I thought they did?”

Often, people equate being busy with being significant.  We wear our busyness as a badge of honor.  Significance and busyness are not one and the same. One is about doing a lot and the other is about making an impact.  It is about being intentional.

 

So what can we do to stop the busyness cycle?

First, acknowledge there that busyness is a challenge in your life.

Second, know you can reclaim your schedule. You can make time for yourself and those who matter most to you. But you must be intentional about it. That means making sure your priorities are reflecting in your schedule and life .  Is Wellness a priority for you? Then make sure you plan for it every day.  It could be meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, exercise, stress reduction or rest!

Is family a priority for you?  Be sure to connect with your spouse or children daily at breakfast, dinner through meaningful conversation and by being fully engaged.

The same holds true for reconnecting with yourself. Resting, self-reflection, vacation, hobbies, fun—these are all important aspects of living intentionally and fully. When these things get crowded out, it’s a sign that you’re too busy!

Need to know if you need a busyness detox?  Take the first steps toward better health and mental clarity today by booking a consultation today! I offer a 6-week program on helping you kick the busyness addiction that has been transformational for so many.