Alignment of the mind and body is a major part of the equation for our total health and wellness. A key to this is personal growth with RECEPTIVITY opening the door.
Recently, I was reading a blog about Receptivity or open mindedness and how imperative it is for our growth. It made me contemplate how vital this is for our patients and their ability to move beyond perceived obstacles of what can often times be challenging therapies to get through to the other side. Being a cancer survivor, my patients and I have shared many stories about what it takes to dig deep and essentially take charge of
the here and now. What moved their wellness needle in the right direction, including mine, is the understanding that MINDSET is the major part of the battle. The blog 6 Pathways to Receptivity That Can Help You Learn and Grow, written by Nicole Leatherman for Chopra.com, explains that the following pathways can help shift your mind away from closed mindedness which, I would like to add, is an essential component of the healing journey.
Remove Distractions …
From TikTok to increasing emails to rush hour traffic, we live in a world of distractions. According to research, humans spend 47% of their waking hours not fully present. Mindful eating allows you to fully focus on the healing nature of the whole food or meal right in front of you. At your next meal, take a moment to acknowledge input from all your senses and savor every last bite.
Train in Uncertainty…
Patients often ask, “Why is it so hard to change an unhealthy habit?” I tell them because our brains will always choose comfort over being uncomfortable. Consistently pushing through that uncomfortableness is where the magic happens; the new healthy habit created in it’s place.
Seek Out Credible Opposing Views …
Being an advocate for your health is vital to the healing process which could mean researching the necessary information and doing your do-diligence when selecting your wellness team. It’s also extremely important to have trust in your chosen wellness team even if their treatment plan doesn’t necessarily jive with what you’ve read.
Meditate in Open Awareness …
Focusing attention towards everything that is happening WITHOUT judgement can turn the tides on limiting beliefs. This mindset can help propel you forward on your wellness journey.
Practice Other Grounding Techniques …
A calm mind decreases our sympathetic nervous system thus allowing the body to focus on the task at hand – Healing. Meditation isn’t always accessible in life, therefore, having a toolbox of grounding techniques, such as breath counting or savoring a scent, at ready will help your mind become an ally to your body instead of foe.
Be in Nature …
Nature = increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety. Enough said! Get outside or stare at beautiful nature scenes for a healthy dose of good, calming vibes!
