Welcome to the Twelve days of Christmas Meditation. It may sound counterintuitive, but when I am feeling tired and bogged down I often go for a run to awaken my body and consciousness. This often gives me an instant boost and allows me to think more clearly. Today's Meditation is to help give you a kick and a boost! Meditation is often associated with stillness. Sitting in a dark room with a candle or glowing lights, soft music, etc... but Meditation is simply opening up your mind and body to the sensations of thinking with your Alpha and Theta Brain. This can happen, not only when sitting quietly, but when running, walking, dancing and using other modes of movement. It is simply a Movement Meditation. This type of Meditation can actually be more beneficial for those of us who have trouble sitting still and enjoy the boost of energy that happens after :) Try these steps at home to boost your energy and brain function. Step One: Before you begin moving, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Remind yourself of why you want to exercise in the first place. Asking the WHY of things is key for growth. Do you want to become stronger and develop more physical endurance? Release stress? Find the answer to a problem you are having in your life? Answers to important questions often come to us at the height of Meditation. When we engage the Parasympathetic Nervous System, our thoughts take us to answers we've been storing deep inside us, and which have been buried by the daily task-oriented obligations of life. Step Two: While you are moving through this Meditation. become aware of every muscle, and how they all work together to create the wonder that is your body. Visualize strength and wellness flowing through your Being. Step Three: Say to yourself, "I am strong, I am healthy, I am aware. My Body, Mind and Spirit are attuned."
Step Four: Begin your exercise routine and as you get into your zone, find a focal point for your attention. This could be the sound of your feet hitting the pavement, the up and down motion of the exercise machine(if you are choosing to move inside), or the sensation of sweat forming on your skin. Use this focal point as an anchor, and if your mind begins to wander, direct your thoughts back to this focal point. Step Five: As you go deeper into your Movement Meditation, repeat your Mantra, "I am strong, I am healthy, I am aware." Then add to this Mantra any goal you might have, such as... "I am preparing for a half marathon; I am preparing for my speech; I am preparing to finish my book, my painting, etc." Honestly, anything important to you that carries any amount of weight can be a good goal for you to focus on and say to yourself. Step Six: When you are finished with your Movement Meditation, take some time to ground yourself, calming your heart rate and remaining aware of your muscles. Breathe deeply and remind yourself that you are strong and healthy, and your Body, Mind and Spirit are connected. Step Seven: After this Movement Meditation you might want to write down any thoughts/insights that stood out during your exercise. Light bulb moments often come to us during deep meditation, and especially during focused movement. While you are writing down your findings, sit back and enjoy this special energy-boosting cocktail! I chose this cocktail because its light and refreshing, while including energy-filled ingredients like Mint, Blueberries and Lemon Juice.
The Last of the Mojitos, Energy-boosting Cocktail! 5 fresh bluberries 3 small, fresh strawberries 8 sprigs mint leaf 1/2 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce agave nectar 1.5 ounce light rum 1(12-ounce) can club soda
Muddle the berries, mint, juice and nectar in a cocktail glass add rum and a handful of ice. Stir all ingredients and top off with club soda Enjoy!
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