“When you find gratitude in your breath, you connect to this life force and the good fortune of being alive. You see life as a miracle and embrace that which is “us.” Though each of us is unique, we are interconnected. Breaking down the barriers between you and others frees…
Breath Practices
Breath as the Bridge
“Because the mind is often miles away from the body, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (1976, 15) explains, the “breath is the bridge” that connects the mind to the body. Bringing your attention to your breath halts the incessant chatter of your thoughts and your concern…
Breath Work as Medicine
“Breath work has been revered through the ages as potent medicine for calming the mind and body. When you consistently breathe from your belly, you change patterns in your nervous system and in your mind. Abdominal breathing stimulates your hypothalamus, the “command center” of your brain—in response, your hypothalamus sends…
Turning on the Relaxation Response
“When you constantly determine whether you’re measuring up, this turns on your stress response because you either forget to breathe or hardly breathe. Your feelings of insecurity increase. In this vulnerable state, you tend to mindlessly react, and in doing so you lose your connection with yourself.” (Marotta, 2014, 17)….
What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Such a Challenge?
by Dr. Deborah Zucker “Self-Care” is a big buzzword today in the health community. There are many books and professionals offering quick and easy tips for better “self-care”. But, I’m going to suggest something here that may seem kind of radical. Self-care isn’t about the list of things you are supposed to do…
Mindful Self-Esteem and Self-Care: Breath Practices
This series explores the relationship between mindful self-esteem and self-care and begins with a wonderful article by Deborah Zucker, a naturopathic physician and transformational health coach, who wrote the new book, The Vitality Map: A Guide to Deep Health, Joyful Self-Care, and Resilient Well-Being. As opposed to focusing on what…