Healthy Intentions Community

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

We are living in frightening times. On a large scale there is so much unrest and uncertainty as to what tomorrow will hold for us, and in each of our own lives there are struggles, challenges and uncertainties as well. This week we are focusing on being positive.

A suggestion for the week:

If you would like something different this week I would suggest doing a walking meditation. Find an area that is safe to walk in, at a time that is not too hot to be active outside. If that is not a possibility for you today, then come to a comfortable position in your home. Ponder the following questions.

· What will make you happy today and tomorrow?

· What beauty are you able to see on your world today?

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

Happy Labor Day!

I thought that for this week we would go back to the basics. Mindfulness in its basic concept is about being in the here and now. Being fully present in every moment to experience all of the richness and diversity that life has to offer us.

A suggestion for the week:

· Come to a comfortable position (seated or laying). You can have your eyes open or closed. Set a timer for a minimum of 5 minutes.

· Begin by focusing on your breath to settle into the restful position. Feel the air as it is passing in through your nose with a coolness at the tip of your nose, then feel the warmth on your upper lip as the air is passing on its way out. Feel the natural rhythm of your breath for a few minutes.

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

With school just beginning in some areas, or it is about to begin in others here is a family based mindfulness activity that may be a good step to promoting family harmony and peace.

Establishing an ongoing practice of mindfulness will take time and determination and continued engagement is especially important for children to keep them from losing interest. Listed are some suggestions for helping to keep you and your kids engaged in mindful activities.

A suggestion for the week: Try one of these suggestions to improve family engagement for you and your kids.

· Practice mindful movement like walking meditation, yoga or mindful stretching, focus your attention on the connection of your body with the movement it makes. Children especially love activities with movement.

· Do something gratifying for your body such as soaking in a tub, taking a nap or treating yourself to your favorit…

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

Today’s mindfulness activity is giving your self the gift of rest. Life is a balancing act, we make time for work, play, we need to have time with other people and time alone. In the same respect, with all of the activities of daily life, we need to schedule rest time.

Ignoring your body’s need for rest not only leads to fatigue, it can also contribute to physical ailments, it can cause moodiness and irritability, dull your memory, and increase your risk for hypertension. Doing nothing allows you body to rest and rejuvenate.

Some suggestions are to unplug from electronic devices, take a nap, relax in a chair and put your feet up, or spend the afternoon outdoors and enjoy nature. Mindful meditation is also a great choice to help rejuvenate your body as it helps you to focus on your needs, you can release the tension throughou…