Can meditation or quiet reflection aid in weight loss? Absolutely.

 You may never have considered meditation. Life is fast. We are moving and thinking fast on the job. We move fast to get the house cleaned, dinner on the table, the shopping done, care of our spouse and children or grand children. When we sit down, we watch TV and fall asleep. Our minds are moving too fast and sitting for a few minutes isn’t enough time to allow the mind to slow down. Did you know, that for a vacation to be effective you need at least 2 weeks? One week is to slow down. The body and mind vacation really start on the second week. How many of us give ourselves two weeks for vacation?

 You don’t think that you can meditate? If you can’t do meditation, consider quiet reflection. The benefits of a quiet reflection practice include calming the body and mind, reducing stress, promotes relaxation, clears the mind, promotes a sense of well being, opens the mind to creative thought, and opens the way for us to connect with God or a Higher Power.

 A practice of quite reflection is best done at the same time every day for about the same length of time. Fifteen to twenty minutes is a great start for this practice. If you can’t sit for 15 to 20 minutes try for 5 minutes and then move up to 10 minutes when you are comfortable.

 You can develop a practice of reflection or meditation. You will find that this personal spiritual ritual will becomes a welcome habit after a short time. It seems that our spirit waits for us. If we show up regularly we will experience relaxation response as we enter our reflection space.

 In everyday life there are thoughts that do not have the opportunity to come forward. Often the heart is never heard over life’s demands and the clanging of the mind. In mediation, our precious spirit can reveal itself to us. The still quiet voice can speak. The heart can be heard. The dreams that need to live can be found. Here you will find the strength you need.

 Pick a quiet place to sit down. Be comfortable, but not to the point of going to sleep. If you need sleep, get your sleep and then come back to you quiet reflection when you are rested.

 You can set the space by lighting a candle, listening to soft ethereal music (with out words), and burning incense or having an aroma therapy diffuser sending calming scents into the air. You can use any scent that pleases you. Lavender, frankincense, or citrus are good choices.

 Next take a series of slow, deep breaths until you begin to feel your body relax. If you are having trouble with your mind, count the breaths 1 to 10. Feel the inhale, the space, the exhale and the space. When you are calm you can reflex on your day, a problem, or a goal you have. Gratitude for what you have is a great point of reflection. It takes you out of negative thinking, lifts your spirits, allows possibilities and so much more. I would invite you to journal on your experiences.

 How does meditation and quiet reflection help with weight loss. As you become unburdened in your life and stress rolls away, you will think and live clearly. You will love yourself and self esteem soars. You can be open to why you choose to eat too much food, unhealthy foods and heal that piece of you. Journaling is a great way to explore these issues. As you heal you will make different food choices. Choosing foods that promote dis-ease and ill health will be no longer an option. You will choose to eat less and eat better.

 As you feel better, exercise will be appealing. You will find that exercise tunes the body and clears the mind. An awake and clear mind, does not need caffeine or sugar.

 Would you like a free report that includes tips for weight loss, some very interesting food facts and more? Click here. It is yours. Here’s to a new healthy you, one healthy choice at a time.

Blessings,

Mary Pat

 Offered by Mary Pat FitzGibbons RN MS, who writes on issue effecting women of the baby boomer generation and beyond.