When it comes to living in accordance with our passions, many of us tend to fall short. We tend to work long hours connected to a computer, and fail to take care ourselves the way we deserve to.
Meditation - medicine for the mind
The majority of us have heard/seen many apps and influencers speak about the beneficial effects of meditation, yet it can be difficult to take that first step. I like to think of meditation, whether it's for a minute or twenty, of purging my inbox from junk mail. On a neurological level, a daily meditation practice translates to less age-related cortical thinning as well as brain shrinkage.
Sunlight
The energy of nature can be inherently healing. When we are in that space, our bodies and brains can respond both on a structural and functional level. By being electrically grounded with earth, our aura and human spirit can feel an awakening.
A walk in nature for even 10 minutes has shown decreased rumination and negative feelings, as well as an improvement in our cognitive performance (as opposed to walking along a busy street). As soon as you wake up, try to go to a window and let the sunlight hit your eyes in the morning time.
Musical Influences
I'm a bit biased on this one, but I do believe music can have a tremendous impact on mellowing the mind.
•The Prayer – Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
•Emile Pandolfi piano medleys
•Moonlight Sonata – Beethoven
•What a Wonderful World – Louise Armstrong
•Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
•Hawaiian Wedding Song – Elvis Presley
Attitude of Gratitude
As a general exercise, pick five things you are thankful for. The more you think about a subject, the more blood flow to that center of the brain. In this case, you would feel a greater amount of activation in the compassion and empathy centers of the brain.
I like the junk mail analogy and purging yourself of unimportant thoughts and worry utilizing meditation!