Welcome to session one of the Smart Body Green Mindfulness program.
This first session is all about calming that fight-or-flight response,
Also known as the acute stress response.
This response is triggered by the release of hormones that were designed to prepare your body to either stay and manage a threat or to flee to safety.
While you may not find much of a need to flee from something like a mountain lion,
Like your ancestors might have done,
You may find yourself caught up in this agitated state because of the stress and strain of life.
If you live in a constant state of stress,
Your body cannot heal.
Anxiety can cause a similar reaction in the fact that your body will not be able to properly heal if you are continually anxious.
The American Medical Association states that up to 80% of all health problems are stress-related.
The Center for Disease Control concurs by saying that up to 85% of all diseases appear to have some kind of emotional component.
It makes sense that the first place to start on any healing journey is by finding that place of peace and calm within.
Let's do that now.
So before we get started,
Take a moment to get really comfortable.
Uncross your arms and legs and take a nice deep breath in.
And when you are ready,
Gently close your eyes.
We all get anxious at one time or another.
Anxiety is something we all need to deal with.
We usually only become aware of something like anxiety when it begins to overwhelm us in some way.
Sometimes a little anxiety or pressure can be a good thing because it helps motivate us to do better,
But it doesn't really help you on your healing journey.
If you are experiencing anxiety on a regular basis,
You are certainly not alone.
Chronic anxiety can make you feel nervous,
Tense,
Tight,
And extremely anxious.
Taking that time to stop and breathe and to look within can help you deal with anxiety in a healthier manner.
Any time you spend feeling anxious or nervous is one less moment you spend focused on your healing.
Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment in time,
Which can help you create some much needed space in your mind.
Let's begin by taking a few nice long deep breaths.
Breathing in and out.
In and out.
Once more,
Breathing in and out.
See if you can breathe all the way down into the body,
Deep into the lower belly.
Try and release any stress you feel with your exhale.
You are breathing in peace and exhaling that anxiety and stress.
It's okay to take a moment to focus on yourself.
Just keep breathing and focusing on how nice it feels to be here at this exact moment in time.
Let everything else go with each exhale.
Let any thoughts about your day float out of your awareness.
And now relax and breathe naturally and normally.
See if you can follow your breath as it moves down into your body.
Notice how the breath feels as you breathe in and out.
With each deep breath,
You are relaxing your mind and body.
And now take a moment to focus on your healing journey.
Honor the body with which you live in.
Thank the body for always being there for you.
Love your body and love yourself.
You matter.
You are important.
You deserve to heal.
Breathe in a deep breath of compassion for yourself.
Know that it's not always necessary to live in a constant state of worry or fear.
It accomplishes nothing.
Keep breathing deeply way down into the lower belly.
Imagine your body and your chest is opening up like a flower,
Gently accepting the morning light.
Notice the force of gravity and how your body is rooted to the earth.
Honor your healing journey.
You can do this.
And now open up your awareness to whatever you are drawn to at this moment.
Nothing exists outside of this moment in time,
So just be here now.
Observe the weight of your body and the feel of the air on your skin.
Breathe in any aromas.
Feel the sense of gratitude you feel for another beautiful day on this earth.
Every day is a gift.
Notice the temperature of the room.
Listen for any sounds like the gentle beating of your heart.
Ask yourself what you need to let go of to live a healthier life.
Take a look at those things that are in your control and those things that may be outside of your control.
Let any sense of control go.
Commit to living in the moment as much as possible.
If you are continually focused on things outside of your control,
See if you can let them go for now.
Focus on how you can respond in a healthier manner to those things you can control.
Take one more moment to open up your awareness.
See how much light you can drink in.
Imagine the morning sun is filling you up.
And feel the warmth and the emotional support.
And as we come to the end of our session,
Start tuning back into the current moment and how you feel.
Stretch your body.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Great job.
And congratulations on completing session one of the Smart Body Green Mindfulness Program.
The next session is all about learning how to ground and center your energy.
So I hope you'll join me.
