Another View Magazine Barrie Summer 2014 | Page 5

Orillia Another View ­Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with Judge nothing, you will be happy. your feet. - Thich Nhat Hanh By Dr. Jody Snider, ND Forgive in the moment, also you mindfulness, is a state everything, called will be happier. Living of intentional attention to the present moment, living in and enjoying the now... and I suck at it! I come by this weakness honestly, from a long line of be happiest. Love everything, you willdwellers-on-pastmistakes/regrets, and worry-about-the-future-even-ifyou-can’t-control-it type of folk. Chinmoy - Sri All that being said, I set an intention everyday to do my best, and I am getting better (and if I can do it, you can, too!). I am by no means suggesting that living a more mindful existence is an easy task, the truth is, it’s work. It’s a skill that must be learned (over and over again). The good news is, its worth it! Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and chronic pain relief, just to name a few benefits. It is also thought to lead to improved quality of life, more joy, and better self esteem. So, how do we go about retraining our brain to stop thinking? I often tell my patients to simply focus on the breath. Breathe, without forcing the breath, letting it flow naturally, noticing how it feels. Your mind will wander, especially if this is a new practice for you, but simply bring it back (and back again and again). You’ll get better with practice. As you read the words, or admire the photos contained within this issue of Another View, acknowledge the emotions that come up for you, and where you feel them physically. Forget self judgment, forget the ever growing to-do list, forget yourself. Let go, just breathe... and enjoy! ■ Dr. Jody Snider, BAH, ND. Orillia Magazine Coordinator Restoration Healthcare 129 Front St. S, Orillia (Synergy Healthcare) Alternate Location: 3 Huronwoods Dr. Sugarbush, ON www.restorationhealthcare.com [email protected] 705-730-4988 5