Interesting article of something small we all can, and should do daily to benefit mentally, physically and emotionally...
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| It’s relatively easy to recognize when you’re not getting enough exercise, nutrition or sleep. In the case of exercise and sleep, deficiency symptoms are usually subjective – fatigue, mood changes, shortness of breath, etc. A lack of nutrients sometimes presents itself physically, but can also be detected and/or verified with the assistance of diagnostic tests. On the other hand, social connectedness, an equally important aspect of wellness, is often overlooked. And, ironically, it may be one of the most common deficiency states affecting mankind in the 21st century. A form of meditation known as LKM or Loving Kindness Meditation, aims to address feelings of anger, emotional distance and separateness that permeate modern society. But, beyond that, this simple practice fosters greater acceptance and compassion for oneself (and others) while simultaneously improving the ratio of postive-to-negative emotions (affective regulation). If this sounds like nothing more than a feel good, self indulgent exercise, note that over a dozen studies have established that the regular practice of LKM literally changes the body and mind in decidedly constructive ways. A few of the many examples reveal that LKM assists those living with everything from chronic back pain to post traumatic stress disorder and even schizophrenia. What’s more, long-term loving kindness meditation increases gray matter in key segments of the brain and likely slows the aging process by protecting telomeres from accelerated shrinkage. Perhaps that’s why one researcher recently stated that using LKM to extend compassion, “is not only good care; it may also be good medicine”. Full article with informative links here...http://www.healthyfellow.com/1611/lo...ss-meditation/ |