As the heat of the summer sun begins to ease up, we know that a seasonal shift is coming our way. During seasonal shifts, it’s important to prioritize mindfulness around mental health. Such shifts in our environment can bring about internal shifts, and being tapped into our inner-scape can help maintain stability amid change. There are many ways to cultivate mindfulness, from yoga and meditation, to therapy and journaling, just to name a few.
Our minds and bodies are deeply interconnected – our brain tells our body what to feel and vice versa, after all. It can be easy to ignore our bodies, and often not so easy to shut off our minds. For many reasons, we tend to be cut off from our bodily experiences and value our intellectual experiences.But when we tend to the signals in our mind and body, we can unlock major healing potential, essentially rewiring our brain in new ways so that our body can respond in new ways, too.
By restoring the balance between mind and body – listening to both together- we can understand our body, thoughts, and emotions in powerful ways. Take time to listen to the subtle whispers of your body, noticing physical sensations and any areas of tension or discomfort. Sometimes, what’s going on in your body is a reflection of your mind’s current state. By becoming more in tune with the subtleties of the body and the mind, we can enter a state of mindfulness that can carry our mental (and physical) health to higher places.
Engage in mindfulness practices that bring your attention to the present moment, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. Allow yourself to acknowledge and express your emotions, understanding that they can manifest as physical sensations within the body. By cultivating a compassionate and aware relationship with our bodies, we can tap into endless inner wisdom and enhance our journey towards holistic wellness.
Yoga is a great way to increase mind-body connection. Through ancient movement flows connected to the breath, you can down-regulate your nervous system. Yoga helps create a clear headspace which aids presence and calms the mind. Yoga can be a wonderful compliment to yoga, so consider visiting our neighboring yoga studio (which we love), Lighthouse Yoga Center.
Meditation is another great way to foster mind-body connection. You are electric – you have a river of energy flowing through you, at all times. Our bodies are not just physical vessels – they are dynamic sources of energy and life. By cultivating a conscious connection with this energy, we can tap into a profound sense of self-awareness and alignment.
Yoga and meditation are two ancient practices that have been around for thousands of years. When used separately or together, these practices can help make space for mindfulness in your daily life. Yoga and meditation both foster mind-body connection, reflection, relaxation, and growth. Incorporating yoga and/or meditation into your daily life can be as easy as finding 10 minutes to just sit with yourself. If you feel you can’t commit to a daily hour long yoga class at a studio, you can simply find a 20 minute flow on YouTube. It helps to set a certain timeframe dedicated to these practices. Whether you want to start your day off on the right foot, have a mid-day reset, or end your day with peace – try to be consistent in order to more easily build the habit. By prioritizing these positive routines, you are investing in your mental health, and nurturing a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit.
Getting outdoors and immersing oneself in nature can be another powerful form of alternative therapy. In our increasingly digital and fast-paced world, it is easy to lose touch with the natural world around us. However, reconnecting with nature has many benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The elements of nature have a unique ability to calm our minds, reduce stress, and improve our overall mood. Immersing ourselves in nature provides a meditative escape from the daily demands of life which allows us to pause, reflect, and reconnect through disconnection. Nature therapy is a reminder that we are part of a larger ecosystem, and by immersing ourselves in it, we can tap into its healing power and experience a profound sense of connection and belonging. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a stroll on the beach, or simply sitting under a tree, spending time in nature can be a valuable part of any self-care routine
Meditation Exercise
Take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and gently bring your attention to the sensations in your body. Notice the subtle shifts, the tingling, the warmth, or the gentle pulsations. Try to feel the energy in your big toe. What does it feel like? Once you’ve felt it in your toes, try to feel it in your entire foot – and then your entire leg. Feel it all the way through your whole body, one part at a time, and then all together. Allow yourself to surrender to this energy, embracing it as a guiding force in your healing journey. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, or lost, or just out of whack, try tuning into your energy and letting it carry you back to your center.
Mindfulness Book Recommendation:
One of the best books out there for mindfulness and presence is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book is a nice easy read that feels like a meditation in and of itself. Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle presents some of the core concepts and benefits of true presence, as well several guided exercises to become more grounded in the present. This book is a great end-of-summer read to help you get in the headspace of mindfulness that will carry you through the seasonal shift.