Mental fitness involves training the mind through contemplative practices like meditation to influence physiology and health. Research studies show that experienced meditators have increased activity in areas of the brain linked to positive emotions. Other studies demonstrate how mental imagery and thought can control functions of the body like blood pressure. Regular mental training through relaxation techniques can diminish pain and foster overall psychospiritual well-being and integral health.

1. The Importance Of Mental Fitness Transform From The Ordinary To The Exceptional

2. Our mental and physical life are not predetermined and fixed, and our capacity for health is flexible, dynamic, and expansive to attain . . . Integral Health We know that the mind is trainable and that robust health can result from the systematic training of our mind through planned, systematic inner development. This information will show the benefits of implementing “mental fitness” in our lives.

4. self-reliance

5. personal competence is strengthened,

6. suffering is diminished

8. Results From Research Studies(continue) In the early 1970’s, Dr. Candace Pert, currently a research professor at Georgetown University—discovered a series of natural body proteins called neuropeptides that constantly circulated throughout our body carrying messages back and forth. The brain talks to the immune system, the heart to the kidneys, the glands, to each of our cells and so on. Also, what we think and feel and see, can produce specific neuropeptides that alter our mental state. Which can lead to a physical event. If we could control, dissipate, and transform the negative emotions that occupy our mind, we could simultaneously reverse their deleterious effect on the body. Going even further, we could transform our mind in the direction of health, happiness, and wholeness, our body would also smile.

9. Mental Fitness The most meaningful aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities. We will cultivate wisdom by taming and training our mind, accessing its deeper levels, and exploring the essential nature of mind and experience. We will tame and train the mind, open the heart, expand consciousness, and progress us toward psychospiritual flourishing. This helps us into integral health. We know that pain varies from person to person. This variation is largely due to the mental attitude of the individual. Fear and anxiety exacerbate the intensity of pain while mental training in a variety of relaxation techniques reduces the perception of pain. For example, breathing and relaxation practices help diminish the pain of childbirth and surgery. Also, visualization techniques reduce the pain associated with headaches and muscular tension.

10. Mental Fitness(continue) Let’s take our physical workout we’ve become so accustomed to. We can now include the mind/body workout. Visualize the increase in strength, flexibility, and endurance you are developing through your workout. By using our mind will enhance the results and assist in achieving this goal. Highly trained athletes us the mind/body connection as a routine part of their training. The fitness activities that are repetitive and require little attention, place your attention on your breath. Notice your movements. When your focus drifts, bring it back. When your mind is more still, shift your focus to the stillness. When distractions arise, allow them to naturally dissolve.

11. Summary In the last twenty five years, these efforts to improve physical health have gone far beyond the diagnosis and treatment of disease. That approach requires us to move beyond a singular focus on the physical—beyond anatomy, physiobiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics—to the mental and the spiritual. With an integral approach, we learn how to move with confidence and clarity toward genuine and sustainable health, happiness, and wholeness. Thank You & Danita Taylor HW420 Goodnight!