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Sound research shows that meditation and mindfulness reduces blood pressure, boosts recovery after stressful situations (as measured by reduction of cortisol), improves immune system (resilience against sicknesses like the common cold), slows down aging of the brain, and mitigates symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Jon Kabat-Zin founded the Stress Reduction Clinic in 1979 and wrote the book Full Catastrophe Living in 1991. So these results are not new. But it’s a timeless practice. If you feel moments that feel catastrophic, have hope and get quiet, Start with few minutes either right a day. And notice. Keep track of measurables, and observe for yourself.
Meet Erin Murph, owner, yoga teacher, manager, sales/marketing and overall magic maker at Black Cat Yoga Studio in Libertyville, IL. We interviewed her last summer to find out what makes her shine and how this very special place helps the community breathe and “level up” their lives. They have a FREE class on Sundays and provide a safe space to breathe and move. And if YOU know Erin, please comment and tell us what you love about her.
Black Cat Yoga @erinmurphyyoga @libertyville #yogachicago #chicagoyoga #chicago #illinois #yogaeverydamnday #levelup #keepmoving #magic #magicmakers #chicagowellness @erinmurphyyoga #illumine #illumined #illuminelife #illuminedlife #shinesobright
#marchmindfulness
In the Tibetan language to meditate means “to become familiar with.” Meditation can also be used interchangeably with “self-observation” and self-development. In order to become familiar with anything or anyone, we must spend time observing it, like getting to know a really good friend: it’s the hanging out on great days and not so great days, when we are at their best, delighted and engaged, as well as when we are irritated, agitated, triggered or down right mad. It takes time, frequency and consistently to really know and get familiar with our Self. Along the way of this familiarization and observation might be the feelings of humility, compassion and healing for who and how we encounter ourselves to be.
When we are able to go from doing something and start to watch ourselves doing something we get a new perspective. When coaches have athletes watch video of themselves in action, athletes can start to change and refine their actions to become more refined, purposeful, effective. Similarly this happens when we meditate and get to know ourselves. We start to observe ourselves not just when we are on the meditation cushion but out in the world. We notice and observe when we experience joy, irritation, jealousy, humor, and more. This process of becoming familiar with ourselves takes observing, awareness, unlearning and changing. You see yourself as you are and notice if there are new and other possibilities.