Meditation - Get It Right

Every now and then I receive emails with questions about various topics that I've discussed on the Health and Wellness Show. Lately, I have received quite a number of emails that have a similar inquiry - Meditation.

Does it seem like everyone else who meditates and talks about the benefits have it together? Well, the truth is, I talk about meditation and how great it is. However, it took me quite some time to get it right - well, I am actually a work in progress. I have heard about the benefits of meditation by many successful people and even more importantly, I have seen references to meditation in the bible. Needless to say, I decided that I would go for it. My family was alerted to my plan and they knew that I was not to be disturbed unless the house was on fire.

I would go into my room, turn the lights off, sit on the floor with my feet folded in front and my eyes closed. I sit and begin to clear my mind, listen to my breathing and try to center myself - sounds impressive? Well, far from it. I find that even though I am doing all the things I am supposed to do, I am distracted by the silence. I am thinking of dinner, my tasks, my goals, etc. I would sit there and then force myself not to think of those thoughts and try to block out the thoughts and focus on nothing. What is nothing? How do you focus on nothing? I try to blank it all out and by the time I think I have found that space of not being distracted, I am now disappointed at myself for not getting it sooner. There's goes my meditation.

Well, that went on for quite some time. The best thing ever was that I did not give up. Here are a few tips that I found to be helpful:

1. Give yourself time to get it right
2. Set aside 10-15 minutes to try it out every day at the same time (if you can)
3. Go into a quiet room where you wont be distracted
4. Get comfortable sit on the floor, you can turn the lights off, light a candle, or dim the
lights
5. Allow yourself to quiet your mind by focusing on a mantra - repeat it to yourself until you
are comfortable to let it go and just be still

Keep in mind that it may take up to 20 minutes before you can clear your mind into silence. By the time you achieve silence, stick with it for as long as you can. As time goes by with consistency you will master the art of meditation. Who knows, you may be getting up at 5:00am to meditate for an hour.

A Powerful Health Benefit - Meditation

Get a Clue - Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has long had it's supporters starting with the Healthcare Community. Sadly, the issue of breastfeeding has made the headlines in a political arena. While the First Lady of the United States encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies,  Mrs. Sarah Palin found a way to make a mockery of the efforts to promote healthy options. Breastfeeding is not an issue to debate for political points but instead it should be viewed for the health benefits to both mother and child.

As a mother, I was given the choice to either breastfeed or use formula to feed my babies. After learning about the benefits for my baby's health, it was a on. I wanted nothing but the best for my children and what an incredible way to start their lives setting them up with building a strong immune system and much more. Yeah me!!!!

For refresher's sake and for those who may not know, let's see what clues the Health Officials, Medical Professionals and Healthcare Community has to say about the benefits of breastfeeding:

From the mother

Healthy Nutrition: Breastfeeding from Healthy Children on Vimeo.


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


The National Women's Health Information Center


The American Academy of Pediatrics


 World Health Organization (WHO) 

A Perfect Combination

It's Valentine's Day and you may be thinking of healthy ways to celebrate and I have the perfect combination for you ;-) You think of chocolate and many things come to your mind. The taste, the smell, just the sight of it sets the chocolate lovers on. There are benefits to eating chocolate - dark chocolate to be specific. And to those who might be wondering, red wine also has health benefits.

Guess what? Chocolate &Wine are both good for your heart!

Here's why:

Both Chocolate and Red Wine contains Flavonoid. In consuming foods rich in flavonoid, studies indicates that we also benefit from the antioxidants.  There are flavanols which are the main type of flavonoid found in chocolate and cocoa And the now on to the benefits:

• lowers cholesterol
• lowers blood pressure
• improves blood flow to the heart
• improves blood flow to the brain
• improves on keeping blood platelets less sticky therefore it is able to clot

Now while you prepare to eat your dark chocolate and merrily drink your red wine,  do so in moderation. 

A Powerful Health Benefit - Meditation

Meditation has become quite the subject of controversy. The conflicts arise in the various religious takes on the act of meditation. The bible has many references to meditation. The spiritual benefit is to experience the ultimate connection with God. However, some Christians believe that Meditation has shifted away from God and moved to the power of the self and in some cases, other Gods. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age, Taoism and Jainism all embrace and promote meditation. It is an integral part of practice that they strongly believe will serve to enlighten and empower us. With respect to all religions, I would recommend mediation based on the findings of research studies that shows some of the great health benefits:

 It leads to a deeper level of relaxation
 Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients
 Slows the heart rate and increases the blood flow
 Reduces pre menstrual syndrome
 Lowers oxygen consumption
 Assist in chronic diseases like arthritis, allergies, etc.
 Boosts the immune system
 Reduces anxiety attacks
 Builds self confidence
 Helps keep things in perspective
 Provides peace of mind, happiness
 Helps you discover your purpose
 Increased self-actualization
 Gain compassion
 Wisdom
 Clearer understanding of yourself and others
 Unites the body, mind, spirit in harmony
 Higher level of spiritual relaxation
 Increases acceptance of oneself
 Helps you to learn forgiveness
 Changes your attitude toward life

The great news is that meditation does not cost you anything but your time. It requires consistency and a quiet place, preferably the same time if possible. Some place where you can focus on being still and cleanse the mind of negative thoughts while replacing the mind with positive affirmations. Keep in mind that this will take some time as your mind is filled with many thoughts that you have held over the years that’s where consistency is key. Don’t be alarmed if you find that you are having a tough time concentrating on being still – that’s when your mind begins to distract you with thoughts (what you would like to have for dinner, something you needed to do at work, plans for an event, etc.). Keep focused on being quiet let the thoughts flush through and begin to focus on quieting the mind. You may want to repeat a line in your mind “Nothing is impossible” or “I can do all things” - something that will give you a sense of calm. The goal of meditation is to lift your spirit to another level which should sustain you even when you are up and about. Why not give it a try, it may be the best thing you have ever done. Remember, consistency is key to experience the benefits of meditation.