September 21, 2017
It’s International Day of Peace and couldn’t we use a ton more peace in the world right now?
I thought I’d share 5 ways to cultivate more peace within, in order to create a more peaceful world around us.
1. Meditation
There is so much going on in ours lives every day that we can reallybenefit from some quiet time in our own heads and bodies. It’s one of the most important things I do for my own health and well-being.
Don’t freak out and think you have to suddenly dedicate an hour every morning to sitting in a weird position with absolutely no thoughts going through your mind at all. It’s simpler than that. And, it is a practice, a new skill, which can take time to develop. There is never a “perfect” meditation experience. It just is what it is. Whether you’re restless the whole time or you have long stretches of quiet, it’s all good. The benefits come with consistency, like most things we know are good for us, right?
You can start with just a few minutes in the morning, before you get too pulled out of yourself into a hectic day:
- Close your eyes and take 3 deep, slow breaths
- Feel your feet on the floor; feel your connection with the earth
- With gratitude, set your intentions for the day (example: Thank you for a safe commute to work and for kind interactions with everyone I encounter today)
- Continue for a few more breaths. That’s it. Feel better?
Repeat as necessary throughout the day. (Mini bathroom breaks are a great time for a reset). With consistency and practice, you can extend your morning meditation time, focusing on your breath, or a mantra like “Peace”, noticing when you get caught up in a thought and then gently returning to the breath or mantra. You can do this, you really can.
Consider apps like Headspace or Calm and even YouTube for guided meditations.
2. Spend time in nature – Don’t you always feel better and calmer after being outside? Research shows that it can relax our nervous systems and improve our moods. So more people in nature = more peace in the world.
3. Use essential oils to feel more calm and peaceful. Some good options are lavender, jasmine, ylang ylang, spikenard, and vetiver. Apply a drop to your wrist and inhale frequently. Exhale peace.
4. “Peace In A Bottle” – No, not that kind of bottle. A bottle of hemp oil – my new favorite plant. As a practicing herbalist for 18+ years, I’ve never seen a plant with so many varied effects. I’m so impressed by the benefits seen, in myself and others, from hemp oil and CBD, especially to relax overwrought nervous systems (and promote peace in the body!).
I’ve been using it for the past few months and have been experiencing a deeper sense of well-being, calm, and even more open-heartedness. I also feel stronger (it improves immune system functioning) and have more energy.
Others have noticed less pain, reduced inflammation, less nausea and other side effects from cancer treatment, better sleep, more focus and improved mood. It’s even used for pets and can be found at the pet store. CBD/Hemp’s main function is to promote homeostasis in the body – basically it goes where you need it, which is why the benefits are so wide-ranging.
There are a lot of CBD brands/options out there to choose from, and many different ways to use it (topical, pills, tinctures, oils, patches, food, vapor). It can be pricey, so it’s important to choose a brand that is highly absorbable, so that you get your money’s worth, and so that you can feel it working. Below is the one I’m using myself and with my patients.
For more information, and to purchase, visit: http://colleenburke.primemybody.com/home/
5. See your local acupuncturist for a relaxing, stress-relieving treatment. Then go share the extra peace you’ve gained with those around you.
Thanks for helping to spread more peace in the world. Hit reply and share your experiences – I’d love to hear from you.
Keep up the good work,
Colleen
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