Health and Wellbeing

The Mindful Approach: Advice from Fiona Hoban and the NDC

 

Fiona Hoban, counsellor & communications consultant, offers expert guidance on life skills and stress management to ensure that we begin the New Year with a positive outlook. Fiona has been a popular speaker at a number of the nationwide Health & Wellbeing Evenings which are co-hosted by the NDC and member co-ops. For more information on Fiona log onto: www.takeaweightoffyourmind.ie

Snow joke

If you’re anything like me, you may often look to the future for salvation. Next week the snow will clear; next month the mornings will be getting brighter; next year I’ll be used to the recession. Of course what I forget (even though I teach this stuff!) is that when the snow clears, and the mornings are bright, and the recession feels like an old friend, my mind will be off again with another future-based list. In that sense, when the ‘future’ arrives I discount it, because I’m thinking forward into the next ‘future’. Eckhart Tolle says that belief in a future heaven creates a present hell.

But what if the present is like a living hell? Well, yes, I know that feeling! A Mindful approach to life is the practice of accepting what is happening right now – even if it seems a living hell. This may seem counter-intuitive in so far as that if something is nightmarish, then we feel we should do something about it rather than passively accept it. But the Mindful argument goes like this: there is nothing you can do about the fact that at this moment this is what is happening (e.g. heavy snow) and this is how you feel (frustrated). Now, instead of wanting this moment to be different from the way it is, which adds more pain to the pain that is already there, is it possible for you to completely accept that this is what you feel, right now, towards the situation that is happening, right now?
If I’m honest, at least half of my frustration about the snow was due to my inability to accept not only the snow, but the resulting frustration as well. In some way I’m saying NO to something that is already happening both outside of me and inside of me. Which, to be fair, is a bit daft.

The rules of life

Wayne Dyer in ‘The Power of Intention’ explains Life Rule no. 6. It is this: don’t take yourself so seriously. In case you’re wondering what the other 5 rules might be - there aren’t any.
When I can accept that I am feeling frustrated and do not try to get rid of the frustration, something really strange happens. The frustration eases. Try for yourself. Bring your awareness to whatever it is you’re feeling. Don’t judge the feeling, don’t judge yourself for having the feeling; try if you can to fully accept that in this moment and time, that is the feeling. I can guarantee you that the feeling will subside. Acceptance of what ‘is’ changes what ‘is’.
So heading into 2011 remember this: the quality of your Future, depends on the quality of your Now. Because if you are in the habit of saying NO to whatever is now, be in no doubt, when the future arrives chances are you’ll say NO to that also. Why? Because your mind will be busy fixing its attention to some next Future, convincing you that what is happening Now is an obstacle blocking your happiness in that Future.

To help keep things in perspective, refer back to Rule No. 6.

Healthy body, healthy mind

To compliment a positive mindset, it is essential to also apply positive practices to our diet and lifestyle. In doing so, this will equip us with the energy to sustain our positive outlook throughout 2011… and beyond!

A diet rich in a variety of foods which includes all food groups is necessary for our health and wellbeing. Three
portions of dairy per day are recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet and provide us with essential vitamins and minerals. For example, a portion of milk contains calcium, protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, iodine, potassium and phosphorus. A portion of dairy is equal to 1⁄3 pint of milk, 1 carton of yogurt or 28g of hard cheese.

Physical activity benefits long-term health and wellbeing and is central to a healthy body weight. Remember to choose an activity that you enjoy; participation in sport or fitness/dance classes can also be a great way to meet new friends with a common interest.

10 Mindful Practices

1. Ask: How am I feeling; where in my body do I feel it?
2. Ask: Where is my mind taking me – into the future or past?
3. See the beauty; drop the criticism
4. Make a Grateful List
5. Find your passion; do things as an end in itself not as a means to an end
6. Offer random acts of kindness and remain anonymous
7. Remind yourself of what you have, not what you feel you lack
8. Make eye contact with strangers; smile; see others as an extension of yourself
9. Praise yourself and others
10. Practise bringing enjoyment, enthusiasm or acceptance to whatever you do

Did You Know?

Participation in physical activity is known have a positive effect on our mood. So, no excuses - get out there and get active!

Nutri-Myth of the Month

Myth: Treats should not be allowed when following a healthy, balanced diet.
Truth: We all deserve a treat from time to time. It is important, however, to consume them on occasion and to be ‘mindful’ of our portion sizes!

 

If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, Innovation House, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

 

Don't miss our February feature ‘Pancake Perfection’ - available online from Monday 21st February, 2011

 

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