By Gary Goldman
Over the last 30 years, I have been sick with various illnesses that have caused me to be out of my office, sometimes for significant amounts of time. Although these were not deadly illnesses, they did greatly affect my life and my family. They included migraine headaches, chronic back pain and ulcerative colitis.
After many drugs, hospitalizations and only days away from spinal fusion surgery, I was able to heal myself with the help of some very special MD’s using mind-body medicine.
At The Center for Mind Body Medicine I learned techniques of self-care, self awareness, and mindfulness. The focus is on the interactions between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can directly affect health. Using these techniques, I was able to heal myself. I now have a regular yoga and meditation practice and live a life without being in constant pain.
Now that I have healed myself I want to pay it forward. Below is an easy technique you can practice at home to help ease your pain and discomfort:
Place: Pick a place in your home that is quiet and where you will be undisturbed. By doing a practice in the same place each time, you begin to build an energy in that place that will support your practice.
Time of Day: Most people find either the beginning of the day or the end of the day easier for their schedules, but anytime that is you can maintain a consistency of the practice will work.
Length of Time: 10 Minutes is a good starting point, working up to longer periods of time.
Regular and Consistent: These are the keys to making progress with your practice. This is YOUR time. You deserve it.
No Judgment: The best meditation is the one you do! Keep watching, noting, being aware without attaching good or bad thoughts to the practice.
The Practice: Settle in. Close eyes. Breathe in and out slowly. Feel the breath. Observe the breath. If any thoughts come in, let them in and let them out.
As you breathe in, say the word “soft” to yourself. As you breathe out, say the word “belly”. Continue feeling the body calm and relaxed.
My training has enabled me to lead and teach others in these effective mind-body techniques. My passion is to help others live a pain free life, to be of service, and share my experiences with others who have chronic pain and just cannot find a way out.
Join me at Blum Center for Health this month for a 4-week Mindfulness for Pain Relief Series. Click here for more information and to sign up!