Concepts
MINDFULNESS
In the Noble Eightfold Path, Gautama The Buddha showed the world for the first time that one of the eight elements for enlightenment is Right Mindfulness. It remained in the Buddhist traditions and practices for many years till a western psychologist and scientist, Dr. John Kabat Zinn, brought it out in a secular way for the world to practice. Mindfulness evolved, thus, as a special way of paying attention, of being aware of the present moment, non-judgmentally, and in total acceptance of all experiences.
Numerous research studies have shown that the practice of these three qualities, attention, awareness, and acceptance, results in a significant decrease in stress and stress-related diseases and has helped millions of practitioners across the world in becoming healthier and happier. It has positive impact on emotional, mental, physical, and even on social health. It enhances the quality of experience of whatever you are doing, whether it is walking, reading, cooking, or eating. Mindfulness is a method which can be practiced by anyone and everyone.
The ability to focus in the present is empowering. Mindfulness has its use in patient care and pain management. It has been found to be of great help in improving the quality of life in terminally ill patients. Mindfulness has its role in enhancing relationships by reducing the chances of conflict and increasing the opportunities for conflict resolution.
Corporates, in the last 10 years especially, have greatly acknowledged the usefulness of mindfulness as businesses have witnessed increased creativity and confidence in their employees and lessened number of sick days.
Breathwork
Breathwork, the new age word for certain ancient eastern breathing techniques, has been gaining significance in the past decade, and has attracted immense popularity after the Covid Pandemic. The considerable amount of research done in the area just positively validates the growth of these techniques in the everyday lives of people. Breathwork and Breath Meditations have proved their effectiveness on various areas of health and well-being. Slow and deep breathing activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) which is meant to relax and calm the body. Breathwork techniques have shown empirical evidence that points at reduction in stress and anxiety levels, a dropping in the blood pressure levels, an alleviation in COPD conditions, a better metabolism of sugar, and many more.
Corporations across the world also have started acknowledging the efficacy of these techniques and are now incorporating them in their employee wellness initiatives. Quite interestingly, the renowned carmaker Nissan-Renault has created a prototype of a car that is fitted with a breathing feature for the people in the car.
Conscious breathing or breath awareness has become paramount in all wellness programs and is seen in most personality development books. It has found a prominent place in psychology, psychotherapy, behavioural sciences, and even in pulmonology and sleep medicine. The best thing is we have it with us all the time and at our disposal.
TAI CHI
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise system developed in ancient China. It is considered a form of the internal school of martial arts and is based on the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang. It is popularly recognized as a kind of Moving Meditation as the fluidity and grace in the movements is a way of connecting the mind, body, and breath or spirit. The Chinese believed that the harmony of the three was the foundation of good health and longevity. It is a delight to watch a Tai Chi practitioner flowing graceful through the movements with each movement melting into the other.
The Tai Chi systems have shown remarkable positive effects on cardiovascular health, joint mobility, lung capacity, blood pressure, neuro-muscular coordination, and stress levels. In an interesting study, it was also found to have a great impact on the brain cells. The best part of this ancient art is that anyone can practice it, whether it is a 5 year old or an 80 year old.
To counter the fast and irregular modern, Tai Chi acts as a rooting system bringing you back closer to the laws of Nature. It creates a sense of balance and induces a feeling of ease and calm and lets you glide through the day.
Visualization Meditation
Visualization is a technique in which the mind does the work beforehand that the body and the spirit aspire to do. However, there are different tools used in visualization meditation, which through various imagery try to reinforce a state of mind that is focused, positive, and calm all at the same time. Research reassures us that the human mind loves to dwell in images and visuals. The mind is made to engage in a deep state of centeredness around the image.
The purpose of doing a visualization meditation can be manifold starting from manifesting a goal to easing pain and stress. It is no wonder that numerous high performance athletes are taught visualization techniques before their performance. Michael Phelps has been an avid practitioner of this empowering method and Phelps needs no introduction. A considerable number of hospitals, nowadays, have started utilizing this beautiful technique, based on clinical studies which showed positive effects on mental and nerve health and also cardiac health. It is, indeed, a great way to relax and expand your consciousness.
