Stress is ubiquitous and feels like it is growing exponentially. It is so common that there are times we aren’t really aware of the impact it is having on our lives. Stress in small amounts is actually beneficial in that it helps to keep us focused and motivated. Beyond that, it begins to take a toll on our mind and body. Stress can result in out intestinal wall (epithelium) becoming porous, or ‘leaky’. This allows molecules in our intestine to get into our bloodstream that do not belong there. They are seen by our immune system (most of which is in the gut) as foreign. They are attacked by cells that release result in the release of pro0nflammotory compounds (cytokines) and result in excessive and continuous cortisol levels.
This level of inflammation is subclinical (it is asymptomatic) initially, but if unabated it eventually results in a chronic medical condition, such as Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, etc. The problem at the point is that potential tissue and organ damage have started to take hold and become irreversible.
As we all know, unremitting stress takes a significant toll on the function of our brains. It can cause or exacerbate anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders (bipolar I and II) and lead to traumatic related disorders (PTSD). It can impact work, relationships and is a key driver of burnout.
At Cerebral Focus, we provide different tools for stress management, from Heart Rate Variability (HRV), vagus nerve manipulations, meditation, movement practices (yoga, tai chi, exercise). Stress Management is typically provided as part of Integrative Psychiatry as a CAM.
We also provide Meditation and Metta Training courses geared to different populations: Healthcare professionals, people with medical conditions (often referred by their PCP or other medical provider) and the general population. There are many apps that teach meditation. However, few who use these apps end up developing a sustained practice. Meditation offers many medical, psychological and emotional benefits, but research shows these benefits tend to fade with time. Learning meditation from a qualified teacher over a period of time is one of the best paths to a sustained mediation practice.
I have maintained a daily meditation practice for over 8 years now. What people are not often told is that, while anyone can learn to meditate using apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer, they typically fail to launch a practice. They haphazardly practice meditation until the luster wears off and then abandon it as ‘it takes too much time’. I would not have been successful developing an enduring practice had I not started in a structured class setting. I benefited from the structure of a class setting, learning the history of various forms of meditation, being accountable to myself and my classmates for practicing dutifully between class sessions, and having the support and ability to ask questions of my classmates and teacher. These considerations were key to my developing my daily practice, now consisting of a 15-yoga routine (itself a form of meditation) followed by 20-30 minutes of meditation every morning (outdoors when possible).
I obtained my first Teacher Training certification in Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM), essentially a form of Transcendental Meditation and practiced this form for several years. But being in the healthcare field, I was aware of the exponentially growing body of research demonstrating the myriad applications and benefits of Mindfulness Meditation. I was intrigued and wanted to learn specifically about Mindfulness Meditation. This led me down the path to becoming a Mindfulness Meditation trained teacher as a result.
The practice of Mindfulness Meditation (or any form of contemplative practice) offers a wealth of emotional, psychological, and cognitive benefits. Mindfulness Meditation results in strength (resilience), stability (equanimity) and clarity (insight) of mind. Mindfulness helps us to develop emotional regulation, accept ourselves as we truly are (befriend ourselves) and to be more intentional and less reactive in our daily lives.
I currently teach Mindfulness Meditation on an individual and group basis. I encourage you to reach out to me to learn more about how you can develop an enduring practice that not only creates resilience, but a sense of joy and happiness in your life that you can call upon as you need.
