Integrate Body, Mind and Spirit

We tend to think of our bodies, minds and spirits as separate components of our "selves". The body seems to do its own thing: functioning, digesting, circulating blood, all with very little thought from us unless something goes wrong. Then we go to a doctor to diagnose and treat the problem, which almost always involves a prescription for one or more drugs.  The mind generates thoughts and directs our daily activities, while the spirit remains on hold, waiting for the few moments that we spend in prayer and meditation, or the day that we attend a religious service and try to connect with that part of our being.

But what if we were able to integrate these three into one authentic being who brings the pure awareness of spirituality into day-to-day living?

  It can be as simple as focusing on your breath.  Consider that the root word for respiration is the Latin spir, or "breath of life", ("spirit"), as you practice the following meditation:

•   Find a quiet place to sit, get comfortable and  follow the flow of your breath as it travels into your nostrils, fills your diaphragm and releases in the exhale. Don't try to direct its flow, simply observe, keeping your full attention on your breathing and allowing any thoughts that enter your mind to gently float away.  
• Practice this for at least ten minutes, then bring your awareness to your body, relaxing any areas of tension and breathing into any pain or discomfort you may be feeling.
•   Next, stand up and stretch, continuing to observe the breath as you focus on grounding to the earth and feeling every part of your body
• When thoughts arise, let them go and focus on the breath, connecting to the pure self awareness that is the essence of your spirituality

You can then bring that pure awareness into your daily life through active meditation, or mindfulness, which simply means to be fully aware in each moment.  Engage all your senses in whatever you are doing  throughout the day, continuing to focus on your breathing and releasing the constant chatter of thought patterns. This may be very challenging at first, but will become easier with practice. Each time you find your mind wandering, bring your focus back to the breath and connect to your surroundings.  Be aware of your body, how it feels at any given moment.  If you sense the need to stretch, take a short break, breathe deeply, stretch arms over head and go for a walk if possible.  Release tension, follow the flow of breath, give thanks and connect to Spirit throughout the day. Experience the integration of body, mind and spirit.

Practice Mindfulness and Find Peace