How can mind-body skills help you?
Fundamental self-care consists of four essential areas:
- healthy eating
- exercise, movement, dance
- stress management
- human interaction
We teach simple techniques for people around the world to engage in this wellness journey, and get out of their brains and into their bodies—something all of us need. Below are just a few of our techniques that you can try alone or, even better, with others.
Our research shows measurable results using simple techniques such as meditation, guided imagery, drawing and movement, even with people with severe trauma resulting from wars and natural disasters.
Try Soft-Belly Breathing
Listen to the podcast (7:41)
Guided Imagery
Experience guided imagery with Center Founder & Director, James Gordon, MD. This technique uses the power of our mind to effect our physiology in a simple, direct way.
Listen to the podcast (11:00)
Try 3 breaths before you eat
Kathie Madonna Swift, MS, RD, Curriculum Designer for Food As Medicine and co-author of The Inside Tract: Understanding and Preventing Digestive Disorders makes this simple suggestion: when you sit down to eat a meal, take 3 breaths before eating. Slow down, calm and center yourself. It helps digestion, and makes your meal more nourishing on every level. Bon appétit!
Try Hugging Meditation
The venerable Buddhhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hahn teaches hugging meditation. When you hug your child, spouse or friend, just do that—hug. Don’t worry about what you are having for dinner tonight or your presentation tomorrow. Just be there, 100% in that hug, with all your heart. Don’t rush– hold on—stick with it. Try it, and see if the recipient doesn’t express both joy and a little amazement.
