Mindful Living Programs

One would think that as our society becomes more technologically advanced, we would also see a related improvement in our health. Certainly there have been huge advances in many ways of treating ill health, such as organ transplants and internal defibrillators. However, prevention lags behind. Diabetes and obesity have become epidemic. Heart disease and immune-system problems are rampant. As the Baby Boomers (the largest segment of our population) reach their 60s, health issues will become more and more a central concern. Part of the problem is that the society that brought us spectacular medical advances also brought drastically increased stress. Medical studies say that stress is one of the primary causes of illness in our population, increasing the chances of everything from eczema to cancer.

In today's society, at least for the majority of the population in developed countries, few people have to hunt for their food, seek out shelter every night or worry about getting eaten by an animal. We still have the "fight or flight" instinct and the resulting adrenaline stress response, but today it may be triggered by a looming deadline or an argument with one's spouse. Our fights are usually verbal, and we flee by retreating emotionally rather than actually running away. Without those physical releases, the stress builds up and doesn't get dissipated.

How Can We Relieve Built-Up Stress?

Physical activity is, in fact, an excellent way to deal with stress. Those who regularly run, lift weights, participate in sports or physical activities such as swimming or dancing are generally in better health, due to the effect of their exertions on both the physical body (such as the cardio-vascular system) and on their levels of stress. However, those whose physical limitations prevent such activities need to find another method of stress management.

Also, since much of modern stress is psychological, the mind must be involved in stress reduction even for those who are physically active. Since ancient times, meditation has been recognized as a highly effective means of improving one's serenity. Modern medicine has proven the usefulness of meditation in regards to health so thoroughly that it is now an entirely accepted tenet of mainstream practice. It has been shown to have measurable effects on a wide range of medical problems, including pain management, lowering high blood pressure, relieving migraines and even speeding healing time after surgery.

There are many different methods of meditation, but all involve focusing the mind in order to let outside influences drop away. One might follow the meandering path of a labyrinth in a walking meditation, or focus on a candle flame, or repeat a word or phrase as a mantra. Focusing on the breath is a part of almost all meditation practices.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the goal. Mindfulness means being intensely and purposefully aware of oneself, in terms of both body and mind, in the present moment. This ancient Buddhist principle is sometimes summed up as "be here now." A huge proportion of one's stress is related to such emotions as regret or anger over past events and worry about future events. Focusing one's attention on the present moment automatically frees the mind from those negative emotions.

It's important to realize that mindfulness does not mean ignoring or trying to escape from negative emotions. It simply means that you limit your attention to whatever negative emotions are present right at the moment. These emotions should not be "dealt with" or struggled against, but accepted for what they are. Striving and struggling only increase your stress. Acceptance of things as they are is the key to serenity. We are indeed on a journey, but each step is a destination.

For those interested in learning more about how you can reduce stress through mindful meditation, businesses like Mindful Living Programs offer courses and retreats, both online and at brick and mortar sites. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is offered in both an introductory class and an eight-week intensive program. Other classes are available at such services as well, including online yoga classes.