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What is the body-mind connection? The belief that our brains, our emotions and our physical bodies are intrinsically connected and part of an interdependent system. It is known that our mental and physical health are constantly being affected by each other. When the mind is out of balance, for example in the state of depression/anxiety or heightened stress, the body immediately begins to produce neurotransmitters that increase inflammation in our various systems. Inflammation is the culprit behind heart disease, auto-immunity and cancer, as well as more minor ailments like allergies or migraine headaches. If we can learn how to lower our stress, we can reduce inflammation thus encouraging good physical health.
Mindfulness practices force us to pay attention to our bodies. When we slow down we can really tune in to how we feel and learn to interpret physical symptoms as our body’s unique language. If we notice that our chest feels tight or a slight headache is present, we can use this as information towards how we will behave. We might use a mindfulness practice to relieve the discomfort or use the knowledge of these symptoms as a way to understand if something deeper is going on. If we are lost in our heads over the stress of life, a few moments of deep, intentional breathing is often all it takes to clear the mind and choose behaviors that we know will slow the roll of a runaway mind. Understanding how the mind and body work together will support overall health; it is a superpower.
Mindfulness practices encourage a deep sense of connection within ourselves. This is a radical and fun way to be with ourselves throughout the life span.
Pranayama is the Sanskrit term meaning breath “control” or “awareness”. The intentional control of one’s breathing is an ancient yogic practice that results in decreased stress, increased oxygenation to all bodily systems, increased mental clarity, increased respiratory health and an enhanced sense of the body-mind connection.
Our body is the house of our soul. The practice of yoga asana tones every muscle, organ and system in the physical body and cultivates enhanced balance, flexibility, strength and coordination. Everyone knows that a healthy body is necessary to support our most productive selves. Mindfulness practices can be a life-long way to maintain our best physical health.
Gaining awareness and control of the breath and the body leads to a deepened understanding of the mind. Our brain is divided into 3 segments, the executive, limbic and reptilian systems. Mindfulness practices train us to understand how stress results in fight or flight, how we can emotionally regulate, and how we can use our higher executive powers to their fullest potential.
When it comes to working with others in any capacity, if we do not know ourselves we will struggle with interpersonal interactions. In a school or corporate setting, self-awareness is crucial. Understanding one’s personal emotional landscape and tendencies, we are better able to regulate ourselves thus contributing to a peaceful community. Reflective practices are an important component of my work. These practices might include journaling, dyads, empathy interviews or circle work. Meditation also lends itself to self-reflection by removing distraction so that we can focus on ourselves. In this quiet space we can fully feel all of our emotions and provide ourselves with the choice of how we will express emotions to others. Reflective practices work well in group settings and encourage empathy, compassion and productivity in the workplace.
"After living in New York City for 10 years, my husband and I moved to Vermont to be closer with family. Shortly after, I found Rebeccah through some local connections and we began weekly private lessons at my house with the goal of finding more work-life balance. One year later we are still going strong! She's also helped me develop my own daily practice, which helps me find a healthy mindset so that I can overcome whatever the day throws at me."
- Stevie D.
Panton, Vermont
"I always thought I was just a classic type-A personality. Super competitive, always stressed out. It wasn't until I started experiencing health issues like trouble sleeping, not being able to 'turn off' and finally full on panic attacks that I realized I needed help. I hadn't tried meditation before - I always preferred hard cardio exercises to tire myself out. Rebeccah was so patient with me... I went from being able to sit for barely five minutes to reaching deep meditative states for an hour, sometimes two hours! She has completely changed my approach to my anxiety and overall energy."
- Elaine T.
Charlotte, Vermont
"A friend of mine referred me to Rebeccah following a surgery I needed. Needless to say, I was in pretty rough shape when she met me! Her restorative yoga practice and breath work not only helped me through my recovery - it changed my life. I could not have done it without her by my side."
- Brenda N.
Bristol, Vermont
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