​​Connect Body & Mind to Support Wellness from Within

Transformation begins when we bring awareness to what is going on within us.​ ​​Our bodies are meant to move, and with focus, our minds can follow those movements. ​Practicing this process through yoga and mindfulness allows for deep connection within. Instead of spending our days on auto-pilot, reacting to the outer stimuli of our day-to-day, we develop a system that regenerates our bodies for increased wellness.

We know that there is a distinct connection between bodies and minds. These aspects of our being are not separate from each other. What we think about affects our physiology. What we ignore in our bodies can affect our minds. We can use the signals and communication of our bodies to help us achieve and sustain a sense of well-being. Yoga helps us learn to listen to our bodies. We can also develop awareness of the thoughts that keep us in heightened states of stress that may negatively impact our nervous system. Mindfulness helps us become aware of repetitive thought patterns that keep us in states of stress and/or rest.

​​According to Dr. Elissa Epel, (The Stress Prescription: 7 Days to More Joy and Ease, 2022), there are four states of mind that impact our nervous system and whole physiology.

​Acute Stress can be considered beneficial in short-lived circumstances.

​Cognitive Load is a typical state of arousal when dealing with life, such as work, traffic, media, etc. This can lead to chronic states of stress arousal, which can be detrimental to our system.

​Rest is when we are in a state of focus and flow.

​Deep Rest is where we actually restore and repair for well-being.​

By developing awareness of the states of mind we hold, we can begin to choose to increase desired states of rest and deep rest to heal and repair for optimal wellness. Yoga and mindfulness are two pathways to rest and deep rest, as are other types of meditation. There are many practices that support a well-balanced nervous system for optimal well-being and healthy aging that everyone can access. As individuals, each of us has preferences and entry points for accessing our own unique well-being. As an important note here: Please work with your physician to address specific health concerns you have in addition to incorporating these practices.

According to research by Dr. Epel, Deep Rest is scientifically proven to generate neurological and physiological activity that increases telomere length for anti-aging and well-being. Alternatively, when our states of mind hold onto chronic acute stress and long-term stress from heightened cognitive load, the aging process negatively affects both body and mind. Either way. the state of mind is key to repair or injury. This is not the same thing as saying. "it's all in your mind". It IS saying that your mind and your body work together to keep you whole, the way food and water work together to keep you nourished and functioning.

In a statement shared by Dr. Zach Bush, (The Journey of Intrinsic Health), "If we can ensure the rate of repair" (such as with deep rest) "is greater than the rate of injury" (like chronic stress or cognitive load) "we can generate wellness from within". His research has concluded that the body has a built-in mechanism for healing which we can all learn to access.

This is the goal of yoga at Wellness Begins Within; to increase states of Deep Rest that allow repair opportunities for health and well-being. Yoga gives us access to listen, respect and honor our bodies and breath. We never skimp on Savasana, full relaxation, and an aspect of mindfulness as we go through our practice. Together, mind and body, are allies for our well-being throughout our whole life.

PS: Again, please always work with your medical team to improve specific issues in your body and your mind.