SSHHHHHHH

 I’m going to take you a place that might be a little foreign.  MEDITATION AND SILENCE.  Stay with me, I promise I’m going somewhere…

Now with a name like LIFE LINE NIGEL, it would be bogus of me if I only gave you all advice on how to keep the body right…Truth be told, the mind is much more important. 

Meditation may be thought of or defined as the practice of mental exercises and disciplines to enable the meditator to achieve control over the mind.   Cell phones, computers, iPods, work, email, planes, trains and automobiles all contribute to the insanity that we call life in the 21^st century.  Technology has grown exponentially while our minds might have taken a step backwards in the last couple of centuries. 

Regardless of the fact, that ancient civilizations didn’t use cell phones they were still able to build great pyramids  that still to this day  has not and cannot be duplicated by ANY BODY else! That speaks volumes about the mental capacity of those before us.  Back then, one’s focus and mental energy was on more significant things as oppose to the many “distractions” we have today. 

I have done some research and have had firsthand experience with the benefits of not only meditation, but SILENCE incorporated in the meditation.  Both contribute tremendously to the mental well-being.  

Irrespective of location (big city or not), in this society we deal with a lot more stress in every form and because of it obesity, anxiety, depression and crime are at an all-time high, while education and progression (WITH IN) are at an all-time low. We are committing mental suicide. 

My mentor Dr. Dana Dennard AKA Baba KaMau says that every human being should meditate or give themselves a minimum of fifteen minutes of silences EVERY SINGLE DAY.   Moments of silence/meditation are the first steps to spiritual healing.  They increase your mindfulness; help to develop the process of thinking which in turn can improve our relationships and give our mind the room for some needed introspection.  It is very easy to panic in a stressful situation; those who meditate or devote time to themselves for the ‘healing’ of the mind are calmer and better equipped in strenuous situations. 

Often times when going through life, we make vital decisions missing one VERY important component…MENTAL CLARITY.  While no one can always avoid stress or traumatic moments, those with some sort of mental/emotional clarity tend to make better decisions and come out on top. 

To that end, make some time for yourself.  I’m not talking about moments when you are alone to shop, play games, eat or run errands.  Take 15 minutes out of your busy schedule and have quiet time. This period will allow you to get your mind right.   Find an intimate spot; preferably somewhere with minimal interruptions. With your eyes closed, in utter silence (no music, phones etc) let your mind rest.   Trust me; your brain will thank you later! Remember good people: lower your stress level, listen to your inner temple and raise the level of clarity in your life.

You are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE…

Peace, LIFE LINE NIGEL

GET YOUR STRETCH ON

 Can you remember the last time you took time out of your busy schedule for a good stretch?  Not the half stretch you gave yourself when you got off the treadmill, but one that lasted 5 to 6 minutes and you hit every major muscle in the body.  All of my clients are required to stretch five to six days /week, whether they are hitting the gym that day or not.   Unlike all other fitness activities, not only are there no “risks” involved (injuries etc…) but, it helps prevent all of the possible injuries that can occur during physical activity. 

It is common knowledge that stretching can help prevent injuries such as muscle tears and strains, ligament damage and even BONE FRACTURES.   Let me tell you about some of the other benefits that come from a good stretch.   I need the “fellas” to pay attention because for some reason we have the misconception that stretching is a feminine activity.   In fact, you boys probably need to consider some yoga…HELP GET YOUR MIND’S RIGHT because it helps with stress management and mental clarity…but that’s a blog for another day.  Besides the obvious, stretching helps increase the blood flow which in turn helps to provide oxygen to the rest of the body.   To athletes or anyone partaking in a physical activity this is beyond important because oxygen is what helps to regain the energy needed to continue the activity at a high level.  Moving on, it helps to improve your muscle tone, provides a nicer physique, better posture (lessens back pains), and, ultimately a heighten total body performance.  

The key is doing it at the right time.   When being active you should always give yourself 5 to 7 minutes to warm up.  After your warm up take time to stretch before you kick it in gear.   The warm up is very important because if not performed, stretching can lead to the very injuries that they are intended to prevent.  After the work out or game, stretch within 10minutes of finishing while the muscles are still warm.   This will help to elongate the soft tissues and relax the muscles that were stressed during your activity.   I personally wake up and stretch for at least five minutes first thing in the morning 6 to 7 days a week.    My morning stretch is more for the mental benefits and not the physical ones.   Just some food for thought.

So with all that said, I know that %90 of you are still on your NEW YEARS RESOLUTION KICK.  Make sure that you add a healthy stretch to your daily routine.  If you can’t think of any or don’t know how to stretch properly…GOOGLE IT…there are plenty of stretch routines that you can print for free and make a part of your new life. 

Remember, you are more important than ROUTINE and CONVENIENCE

Peace, LIFE Line Nigel