The power of the Mindbody

We hear the words "mind" and "body" together quite often, sometimes along with "spirit". From my experiences practicing martial arts and yoga throughout the years, the concept of the connection to the mind and body are referred to regularly. The best cues I've ever received to help me perform a physical task are accompanied with a visual. In the case of board breaking, being told to "have the intention to strike a point beyond the board" allowed me to follow through instead of stopping at the board itself. In yoga, the cue to physically "lift the corners of your mouth" while holding a plank, actually makes it easier, and not only that, but the act of smiling makes you happy to be shaking with muscular exhaustion! Try it!

The connection between mind and body is especially evident to me when thinking about depression. A couple of the main symptoms of depression are "lack of motivation" (mind) and lethargy (body), and can be caused by emotional trauma (mind) or chronic illness (body). Regardless of how you become depressed, you will experience both physical and mental symptoms. And what is the best medicine for depression? Laughter of course.

I'm currently reading Dr Gabor Mate's book called When the Body Says No. Dr Mate is a world renowned medical doctor and author, and has spent much of his career working with addictions and in palliative care. In his book he speaks about the connection between stress and illness. I think we can all agree from personal experience that these do in fact go hand in hand (my initial thought is when you get sick the day after final exams finish).

He uses the term "psychoneuroimmunology" and mindbody to describe the connection between the brain and the immune system and speaks of the repressed emotions and tragic childhoods many of his patients with serious immune diseases have in common. The first chapter of this book is available to read for free on his website: www.drgabormate.com.

I do believe in the power of the mind and the body and the importance of honouring one to help the other. Life and sport coaches have been utilizing the power of the mind for physical performance for a long time. Focusing on what you're grateful for, visualizing your successes before they happen, looking towards the end goal in order to motivate for the present. We use mindbody all the time. I think it's essential to acknowledge the power of the mind over the body and the body over the mind when taking care of yourself or others. Making time to do the things you love, finding healthy outlets of negative emotions, and surrounding yourself with positive influences and love, can actually have a direct affect on your physical health.

‎"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss