Harnessing the Mind & Lots of Exciting Events

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 Jill Robinson 0 Comment Beginners, Motivation, News

As always I’m full of busy, but I am making lots of time to get out in the woods with my dogs. That’s my therapy time, but now I learning lots about the plants around us, my walks are taking forever. So, if you see me rooting around in the hedgerows, then there is a reason for it, I’ve not lost my marbles (although some would argue they were lost a long time ago!).

So, I’ve got some things for you this week, firstly I want to talk about a quote I remembered around mindset which I’ve been pondering, then I’ve got some great upcoming events. Then finally, just so you read to the end, I filmed my ‘Morning Mobility’ routine yesterday, which I’ve included at the end.

“The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master’ –

Robin Sharma

I read this book ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ many moons ago when it was first released, and this quote has stuck with me.

When harnessed correctly, our minds can drive us to achieve remarkable things, foster creativity, and cultivate inner peace. However, if allowed to run unchecked, our minds can become a source of anxiety, self-doubt, and perpetual unrest.

Here are five powerful strategies to ensure your mind serves you, rather than enslaves you.

Practice Breathwork

Breathwork is a powerful tool to bring awareness to the present moment. By regularly practicing Breathwork, you can observe your thoughts without judgment and prevent them from spiraling out of control. This practice helps you to remain grounded, reducing the power of negative thoughts and emotions.

How to Get Started:

•Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. •Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. •Notice the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. •When your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath.

Even just 10 minutes a day can create significant positive changes in how you manage your thoughts.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Our minds often generate negative thoughts that can distort our perception of reality. Learning to challenge these thoughts is crucial in mastering your mindset.

Steps to Challenge Negative Thoughts:

•Identify the negative thought (I sometimes give mine a name). •Question the evidence for and against this thought. •Consider alternative viewpoints. •Ask yourself if the thought is helpful and if not, let it go.

For example, if you think, “I always fail at everything,” challenge this by listing your successes and acknowledging that no one fails all the time.

3. Set Intentions and Goals

Direct your mind’s energy by setting clear intentions and goals. This helps to focus your thoughts on what you want to achieve, rather than letting your mind wander aimlessly.

How to Set Effective Goals:

•Clearly define what you want to achieve. •Quantify your goals so you can track progress. •Set realistic and attainable goals. •Align your goals with your core values. •Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency.

By having a roadmap, you can keep your mind engaged in constructive activities, reducing the likelihood of negative thought patterns. (Good old SMART – my statistician roots do reappear every now and then).

4. Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life. By regularly practicing gratitude, you can train your mind to recognise and appreciate the positives, fostering a more positive mindset.

Ways to Practice Gratitude:

•Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. •Tell others what you appreciate about them. •Take time to savour and remember good moment.

This practice can rewire your brain to notice the good more often, reducing the grip of negative thoughts.

5. Engage in Physical Activity

Physical exercise has profound effects on mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and overall cognitive function. Regular physical activity can help keep your mind sharp and focused. Of course, this is my personal favourite!

Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine:

•Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s running, Pilates, or dancing. •Set a regular schedule and stick to it. •Combine physical activity with nature for added benefits.

Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, helping to keep negative thoughts at bay.

Remember, mastering your mind is not an overnight task. It requires consistent effort and dedication. But with persistence, you can transform your mind into a powerful ally, leading you towards becoming the person you’re meant to be!

New Pilates Beginners 6-Week Program

It’s so rare nowadays that I teach absolute beginners programs – but I kept getting asked for one, so here it is! Actually, it’s not just Pilates you’ll be learning, it’s a full holistic program – as I fully believe that to improve the physical body, the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies all play an equal part. Plus we’ll be looking at nutrition, posture, foundation muscles and much more.

It’s starting in September on a Thursday night (apart from one week which will be a Wednesday). All the sessions will be recorded so don’t worry if you miss, and you’ll have lifelong access to them.

Plus, you get a free copy of my book ‘The Embodied Core’, as we’ll be using that as our guide.

So, if you know anyone who really NEEDs Pilates in their lives (and I would say that’s a hefty % of the population judging by what I see whenever I venture out into society), then give them a nudge in this direction.

Here’s the link to book and for further info