October 2011 – Meditation – Connecting to the World Around You

Hi All,

It is already October and that is a little SCARY!  This year has really gone by fast, but it is notDon't be scared to meditate over yet.  There is still  plenty of time to make 2011 your BEST YEAR EVER!

Fall is here and what a WONDERFUL time of year.  With the beautiful falling leaves comes a little drop in the temperature and a great opportunity to  take time by yourself or with your loved ones to get outside, take walks and  connect with nature.

As demonstrated in the movie Avatar, our  energy and our lives are directly connected to Connect to the world around youthe world we live in and as we form deeper connections to the world around us we sync-up with the energetic flow of the universe creating great ABUNDANCE in our lives.

Similar to when you are playing a sport, there are times where you are “in the ZONE” and times when you just can’t do anything right.

Being “in the zone” is an example of when you have connected with the energetic forces of the universe and everything you do is relaxed, easy and right on!

The question is, how can you be “in the zone” more often?

Meditation is one of the primary methods of getting out of your head and connecting to the energetic flow of the world around you.  Our brain is always trying to be involved in everything we do, but as most of us know, when you are “in the zone”, you are not thinking about anything, you are just feeling and flowing.

Defenitions of Meditation include:

  • Development of the mind leading to awareness, tranquility and wisdom.
  • To contemplate or reflect in a state of relaxed focus.
  • a state of relaxed concentration on the reality of the present moment.
  • a state that is experienced when the mind dissolves and is free of all thoughts.

The Health Benefits of Meditation

  • Re-balances hemispheres of brain & increases brain activity
  • Calms & stabilizes nervous system
  • Reduces stress (cortisol)
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Reduces serum cholesterol
  • Normalizes Blood Pressure
  • Strengthens immune function
  • Restores normal sleep cycle
  • Reverses cardiovascular dz
  • Provides energy
  • Increases Happiness (Serotonin)
  • Clears the mind and helps bring it to a more restful state

There are many types of meditation but don’t worry about that for now.  The key is that meditation is much easier then you “think” and “thinking” is the main obstacle to overcome.  Once you have started meditating, you can explore and research all the different types and choose what is most appealing to you or mix and match to create your own meditation style.

Simple tips to help you start your meditation practice:

  • Set aside a block of time – 2 min, 10 min, 30 min, an hour…
    • Start small and work your way up to a time that is good for you
    • Don’t try to squeeze it in or you will feel rushed
  • Create a space
    • Comfortable – you can sit in a chair, on a pillow …
    • Quite or with relaxing music (instrumentals – no lyrics)
    • No distractions
    • Lighting should be low
    • Relaxing aromas are a nice touch
  • Mentally Prepare – no pressure, no problem and no rush
  • Get comfortable
  • Turn your attention inward
  • Choose something to focus on
    • Breathing (Prana) – focus on rise & fall of abdomen
    • Visualization – thoughts flowing out
    • Mantra/Sound/Chanting
  • It is normal to feel restless, agitated or bored when you first begin to meditate
  • Don’t Try to meditate just relax and set yourself free

Keeping Halloween Healthy

Most things in moderation are fine but are there healthy options for the holiday of candy Health Tips for Halloweenand sweets?

Halloween is a lot of fun but not when it makes you sick.  As we all know, candy is not good for you and in addition to causing tummy aches the sugar is bad for your teeth, cause inflammation and stress in your body, causes weight gain and weakens your immune system.  The key is to have fun just don’t over-do-it.

Tips for Avoiding Eating Too Much Candy

  • Eat a healthy meal before going out trick-or-treating
  • Set a limit for how much candy your children can eat while they are trick-or-treating
  • If someone is offering a healthier option take it, this will be a rarity
  • Make a plan in advance with your children to keep a portion of their candy and give the rest away.

Interesting Notes about Healthy Eating and Pumpkins

  • Pumpkin seeds offer an abundance of omega 9 fatty acids and are a very healthy snack
  • Baked pumpkin is delicious and offers wonderful vitamins and antioxidants

 I wish you all a Healthy, Happy and Safe Halloween!

Upcoming Events

School District 96 – D96 Dash 5K Run/Walk – Sunday 10/2/11

Stern Chiropractic is a proud sponsor of this event and Dr. Stern will be at the event providing FREE Health & Stress Screenings including hands on evaluations and an incredible EVENT DAY DEALStop by our table at the event for a FREE screening and an OFFER YOU CAN’T REFUSE!

Halloween

Stop by our office on Halloween for a Healthy Treat and check out Dr. Stern’s AWESOME costume!

 Stern Chiropractic “So Good It’s Scary” Halloween SPECIAL

50% OFF your initial evaluation (including X-rays) during the month of October.

  • Must mention this special when scheduling your appointment

 

Our expertise will improve your family’s Quality of Life!

Call Stern Chiropractic to schedule your family’s health evaluation TODAY!

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