BE KIND TO YOUR MIND

There are more Black women now adapting to mindfulness meditation as there go- to way of releasing anxiety and stress than ever before. A much-needed selfcare journey, during a time of uncertainty, when reality is obscure and there is so much obliterating our beauty and our minds”.

It’s all very simple, Mindfulness could be the silent remedy for obesity, insomnia, and all general stress related illnesses. The practise of mindfulness is a powerful one. Yet when we hear about mindfulness and wellbeing it’s likely to conjure an unwarranted image of the long -pony tailed man, who wears handmade clothes, loves vegans and hangs around in quirky boutique coffee shops.

In reality are we missing a trick? A deep rooted and disciplined one, but a trick nevertheless. The mind is where we hold all our power after all. It encapsulates our memories, thoughts and feelings yet we choose to ignore it. Why is it that we can push ourselves to the most extreme measures to go on diets, do 50 squats a day, but we profusely refuse to look after the mind and its owner?

Imagine we have the key to empowerment waiting to be turned and we are choosing to ignore it. Surely if the prolonged and tragic days of 2020 have taught us anything it’s that we do need to empower ourselves, now more than ever before. Be implored to put down your phones and laptops, pause Netflix and whatever dating app you are trying to get your head round and nourish your mind!

Mindfulness Meditation is probably the best and less exertive forms of exercise we can do. It is the practise of focusing your thoughts on the present, free of judgement and animosity. On average we breathe around 16 breaths a minute and 20,000 per day… all subconsciously and without will. But what happens when we suddenly focus our breathing? Making a conscious and thoughtful effort to pay attention to your inhale and exhale can release a multitude of positive results on the mind and body.

We are living in an age where easy access to negativity rules us. Without realising it our minds are subconsciously collecting information from Instagram posts, derogative song lyrics and newspaper articles and storing it for later. ‘Bad Vibes’ isn’t just an entity that bounces from people, our brain is constantly starving, be careful what you feed it.

Still not buying it? Let’s look at the facts. On average our mind wanders around 47% of the time. That's 47% of random repetitive thoughts and negativity spiralling around in our heads. How can we possibly grow in all our beauty? Radiate with all our greatness, or generate and execute ideas of triumph, if our minds are constantly battling to pay attention?

I have to admit if someone had asked me five years ago whether I would consider researching mindfulness meditation, my eyes would have reached the back of my forehead. I am a working professional after all, I have no time to sit, ‘chill’ or relax. I mean, I have seen Angela Bassets rendition of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, chakras chanting and all’. I have seen what meditation can do for Tina, but I simply do not have the time. It is that statement right there that is part of the ongoing mythology. To think that time, effort and energy is needed to be mindful, when in fact all three are the biggest misconceptions for training the mind. The journey to mindfulness is a solo expedition. You don’t need a yoga mat on the top of a scenic country hill to make it work.

Mindfulness Meditation diminishes anxiety and stress responses. It Increases immunity and reduces the acceleration of age. It releases endorphins to aid creativity and improved memory. This is a modern-day survival guide to flourish in the corporate world and relax in your own. Mindfulness is not something that has been written in scriptures just for religion, it’s free from culture and is born from spirituality. All you really need is yourself and the willingness to give it a try.

The Power of the mind is one not to be forgotten. Ladies, please don’t put down the night serums and cocoa butter just yet but gravitate yourself to the best form of self-care there is. Look after your mind. I am no psychologist, nor am I a professor in neurology, but isn’t that the point? It doesn’t take an expert to know the mind is what really matters.

HOW TO START YOUR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION JOURNEY

v  START SMALL

Meditate for 5-10 minutes maximum a day to begin with. Choose simple ways to focus the breath. Starting with 30 minutes – 1-hour meditation techniques doesn’t always work, and can deter you from wanting to continue.

v  DON’T FORCE IT

Meditation shouldn’t be hard work. It isn’t about clearing the mind from thoughts, it is the complete opposite. Mindfulness meditation focuses your thoughts on the present, reflecting without judgement is key.

v  TRY AGAIN

There are many stories of people attempting meditation and giving up, then trying again years later. Sometimes we can focus too much on what we think we should be doing when meditating. This can be confusing and often very boring. If you find yourself open mouthed and yawning thinking ‘this doesn’t work for me’, I challenge you to try again.

v  FIND YOUR GROOVE

There are many different forms of meditation. Find the one that works for you.

v  Mindfulness Meditation

v  Body Scanning Meditation

v  Pranayama & Hatha Yoga

v  Breathing Meditation and many more.

Related articles

https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/a27030704/how-to-start-meditating/

https://www.blackwomensyogaco.com/about

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