Meditation and Making a Difference, by Becky Henry

Yesterday in my weekly online group support call the subject was Meditation, the seventh topic from Dr. Ralph Carson’s presentation with Shannon Kopp in Omaha, NE in September.

Dr. Carson spoke about integrating the Positive Psychology work of Dr. Martin Seligman with that of meditation to produce greater; positivity, compassion, as well as diminished stress and negativity.

When we practice seeing that we often cannot change a situation but we can change our thoughts about it, that is the Positive Psychology piece. Having the mindfulness meditation piece added can also help with focus, emotion regulation, engagement and increased capacity to tolerate stressful situations.

There are as many ways to integrate mindfulness meditation as there are people! Find what works for you; walking meditation, gratitude journaling, prayer, swimming, reminding ourselves of our strengths and positive traits, self-compassion, sitting, laying down, painting, and reframing negativity with positivity. It doesn’t require any money to begin, simply a motivation to start and turn the activities into habits that serve rather than detract from our wellbeing.

Here is what the National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health has to say about meditation,

“Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior.

There are many types of meditation, but most have four elements in common: a quiet location with as few distractions as possible; a specific, comfortable posture (sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions); a focus of attention (a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath); and an open attitude (letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them).”

I’d like to invite you today to meditate on what matters to you. I’m asking if you’ll ponder what you want to help change, and ask if you’d consider using some of your resources to create change in the world of eating disorders.

Often it feels like we can do nothing. Today, “Give to the Max Day” you can have your donation to WithAll doubled up to $15,000.

Please visit our website at www.withall.org. Donate to prevent eating disorders and support recovery here.

Take care,

Eating Disorders Caregiver Resilience

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