The mind is in the body! My question is.....
What is the connection between mind and body and how does it affect and determine ones living and most importantly ones health?
The benefit of the connection between mind and body is not something new. It was there, it is there and it will be there. Ancient systems and mantras accentuated the interconnection between mind and body and its power of healing. The yoga, one of the oldest traditional forms of meditation is all about connecting the mind and body. So what is the connection between mind, body and health? I believe good health depends on a balance between ones mind, body and immediate environment. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga, brings about psychological changes and has a positive impact on ones health. It can be used to lower stress levels and support a patient’s journey through illnesses and trauma.
According to James Gordon, Director and Founder, Center for
Mind-Body Medicine, “the health of our minds and the health of our bodies are
inextricably connected to the transformation of the spirit.”
What will happen if we disconnect out body from our mind?
We cannot have thoughts without our body with us because our bodies are part of our thoughts. We may sometimes get disconnect from, or become consciously unaware of, our bodies but we cannot get disconnected. Without full awareness of our body, we will not be aware of our feelings and lose a sense of meaning in our lives.
What will happen if we disconnect out body from our mind?
We cannot have thoughts without our body with us because our bodies are part of our thoughts. We may sometimes get disconnect from, or become consciously unaware of, our bodies but we cannot get disconnected. Without full awareness of our body, we will not be aware of our feelings and lose a sense of meaning in our lives.
The
strength of prayer (for me)
I start my day with a prayer. Not an hour-long prayer but at least a short 10 minutes prayer. Praying connects my mind and body spiritually. It gives me a sense of peace, confidence and a sense of identity. I am not saying prayer gives me miracles but it says something incalculably important to me and tells me who I am. It gives me faith, courage and confidence to move ahead without any fear and doubts.
Using mind Body therapy to empower children
with special needs
As a special education teacher I believe that mind body techniques can help a stressed child calm down and regulate his/ her emotions. Fun, engaging mindful regular physical activities can help special needs individuals with Down syndrome, ADHD and Autism regulate their challenging emotions and calm down. One of the major concerns of children with special needs is their challenge in making social connections. Mind body techniques can help these individuals be more socially engaged.
As a special education teacher I believe that mind body techniques can help a stressed child calm down and regulate his/ her emotions. Fun, engaging mindful regular physical activities can help special needs individuals with Down syndrome, ADHD and Autism regulate their challenging emotions and calm down. One of the major concerns of children with special needs is their challenge in making social connections. Mind body techniques can help these individuals be more socially engaged.
The
social and emotional challenges of children within special needs can be
devastating not only for the child but for their family as well. Research has
shown that engaging in some form of physical activity releases serotonin, which
compensates for their sadness and allows these children to feel better, happier
and more positive. When these children are physically engaged the chances of them
breaking down emotionally decreases thus allowing for greater progress
academically and socially. Creating a mind body experience through simple interactive
games can help students with special needs in their memory retention as well. Body
movement improves mood and enables students to stay focused.
My personal live experience of mind body connection and health as I move through these two years of HEALing journey
Hear my personal experience and journey as I join Yoga class. My goal is to experience mind body connection and its implication/benefits on my health.
Hi Sunita, I appreciate your comments about prayer, physical fitness and your journey with yoga! I am curious to hear about how it all unfolds. I am looking forward to hearing your tips for promoting physical activity for individuals with Down's Syndrome. My niece was born with Down's Syndrome last fall and I hope to learn some tips from you!
ReplyDeleteHI Sunita. I wonder if we can have thoughts when we disconnect from our body. Is that the cartesian split? If you believe a certain way about yourself and outside influences tell you that you are wrong, is there a split? For instance, anorexics are told that they are not fat, yet they cannot believe that. Do they have a mind body split? I don't know the answers...I'm looking for them:) Hopefully you - or anyone else reading this - can help.
ReplyDeleteSunita,
ReplyDeleteYour self-posed guiding question was an excellent way to format your blog post, it was truly informative and thought provoking. I have always been tempted to try yoga, however I have never felt comfortable in taking that "first" class. Fitness classes of any kind seem restrictive and I would much rather experience physical activity outside. Having said this, I think yoga could be an excellent activity for students with special needs as well as students with behavioural problems.
Incorporating physical activity in your teaching seems like a worth while use of time and one that can create such a value experience for your students. From my experience in Physical Education, games and sport can be an engaging activity that allows all different levels and abilities to coexist in a meaningful way. It is always so rewarding to see a group of students in a particular class working with and including students with special needs while working towards a common goal.
I look forward to hearing more about your inclusion of physical activity into your teaching.