Friday, February 22, 2013

We Are What We Think

The importance of a holistic approach is becoming more and more evident by health care providers and consumers alike, as highlighted in a recent article Are You What You Eat? in Counseling Today. We are not only what we eat but the thoughts that we nourish ourselves with, as well.

It is the nature of the mind to think, to wander, and to worry- but this doesn't mean that we have to take all of our fears at face value. We can begin to notice when we've become derailed by negative or fear-based thinking and bring a little kindness to ourselves instead of remaining wrapped up in our stresses and struggles. By noticing when we are consumed in our worries and then responding gently and easily- perhaps by taking a calming deep breath- we can restore our peace of mind...

Counseling is a great place to explore our whole experience, including the workings of the mind. What we think, what we eat, and how we relate to ourselves and others is all connected. Luckily for us we have a say in how we choose to respond to our experience. Change is hard but it is possible. In fact, it's the only constant. Just as it is the nature of the mind to think, we can plant new seeds of thought, new avenues for our minds to wander, and explore they will... if we can allow it.

There are many great local wellness-oriented professionals we can visit, such as nutritionist Jennie Wolfe and naturopathic doctor Wyler Hecht, to enhance our counseling work. At The Banyan Tree Center, we cultivate good relationships with other health care providers in town so that we can share these connections with you. There are also a good many great books we can read. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer tops my list because- for most of us, anyway- learning how to tame our inner critic is quite the process! But, it can transform our lives.

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