What is Mindfulness to You?

Understanding 3 Aspects of Mindfulness

• Intention – what you want to get from practicing mindfulness.

• Attention – focus on your internal and external world.

• Attitude – curious, reflective and accepting.

Quiet gentle approach to retrain the mind…

It’s natural for the mind to be constantly working; organizing, solving and restructuring information about people, places and things.

Without some “self-parenting” the mind and its thoughts can spin and spin until it hits a wall… and is forced to stop.

Being mindful - is a quiet gentle approach to retrain the mind to settle into the here and now moment.  

Why do we continue to OVEREAT?

If you consider the body needs essential nutrients; and you are consuming lots of empty calories… your body is still starving for those nutrients.

There is also the opportunity for leptin resistance. If your finger touches a hot stove, you want your fingertip and brain to recognize that it is hot, immediately causing you to pull your finger away.  With Leptin Resistance, it is like your fingertip is stuck on that stove and burning the skin off; you just keep overeating because your body is resistant to Leptin, the hormone that tells you to stop eating because you are full.

Gherlin is the hormone released to tell our bodies we are hungry and need fuel/nutrients.  When you start to eat, your fat cells release Leptin, which then tells your brain our nutrient levels have been met; and we should stop eating.  

What is leptin resistance?

Re-Steady Your Balance

Being healthy is about Balance.   Somedays are easier than others. Its about making small adjustments to "re-steady" our Balance. The more practiced you are at re-steadying yourself -the more habitual it will be.  

Small adjustments help us re-steady and find balance.

Here, now, within your space -Mindfulness

A routine morning walk, and a new perspective emerges.

The power of being in the moment and focusing on the here and now. 

I had quite the reality check with this recently. To provide you a little bit of background -a few months ago I started walking regularly in the morning in these chilly temperatures. I take the time to bundle up warmly and venture out to take a 20-minute walk on the icy road.

The walk itself has been therapeutic and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it with the exception of the cold temperature. 

Recently on a much warmer day I started out for my regular walk and glanced up at the end of the road - suddenly I stopped. It looked like such a far distance to walk -it was overwhelming, and I paused for a moment and contemplated turning around and going back home. 

However, I chose to stay and be curious. I thought I’ve been taking this walk for months now it’s simply 20 minutes 10 minutes down the road and 10 minutes back.   Why was this morning so different?

I realized that because of the chilly temperatures and iciness; I was previously focusing on where my feet were and huddling up inside my layers of clothing. as a result I was focusing just on 20 to 30 feet in front of me. I was simply enjoying nature and being lost in my thoughts- and then before I knew it the walk was over and I was back home.

This morning the weather was so much nicer my footing was more grounded I looked at the end of the road and it was daunting.

Lesson learned – there is so much value when we focus on the here and now and enjoy what we’re going through.. and stop stressing over what is ahead.

We can appreciate what we can focus on, touch and change. Taking those mindful small steps will get us exactly where we need to go. We will surely set ourselves up for repeated cycles of failure if we look too far down the road for too long – as it simply seems too overwhelming.

Autumn is known as the season of change - What does that mean to you?

One the most beautiful things about this time of year is the magnificent colors of the leaves on the various trees. The resulting falling of those leaves is just as beautiful.

Did you know that leaves falling is not about loss- it is about growth. When a tree sheds its leaves, the nutrients of the tree are withdrawing into the branches, the trunk and the roots. All in preparation for sustaining the Winter months and producing new growth in the Spring.

Does that provide you a different perspective on change?

Don’t fear change; change is growth -fear not changing.

What is your opinon of change?

Can you sense it?

Into the garden / woods / nature we go… To break loose from our minds and find our SOULS.

When was the last time you tapped into the healing power of nature? Its free for the taking. In one form or another it is available everywhere. Trees, clouds, birds, water, rabbits, squirrels, flowers, shrubs… the list is endless. Take a look (sniff) for yourself!

Nature can be the simplest path to peace while recharging one’s energy .

• A study showed that when participants were exposed to nature scenes; their brains linked with empathy and love.

• Researchers suggested that a nature view helps individuals tolerate pain.

Want more time in the day?

Are you caught up in the endless cycle of simply existing and mindlessly rolling through the urgent events in life?

Longing for an opportunity to experience and enjoy the important things?

You can have that. Its a thought process- that leads to an awareness and an opportunity for change. Taking the time to observe what you are busy with and charting out the cost and benefit.

Health Coaching is an opportunity to work this this with guidance.

Are you ready to take charge and focus on what is Important vs what is URGENT?

Focusing on What Really Matters - Vision Board Results

This Vision Board Workshop group included 4 seasoned Grandmas, 1 new Grandma, 1 new Mom, a Mom who also created a board with her a 2 year old daughter the morning after! So much FUN and what a simple yet powerful experience in focusing on what really matters in life!

While having an opportunity to take the time to make some connections to what was and is truly important; several strangers in the group made connections - supporting the value of community and how none of us are alone on this journey.

If you look closely… there is a Self-care theme on all of the boards. Stay tuned for future workshop offerings to move to… Making Healthy a Habit, One Choice at a Time!

“I was motivated by your holding this group workshop - it gave me an opportunity to give a lot of thought as to where I want to go in the next couple of years…you provided form and venue to my thoughts and made it happen for me; Thank You. Your enthusiasm is inspiring. I am grateful to have been apart of tonight’s group and to have been your client these past years. ”

— Robin

Health is a relationship you have with yourself

Self-Care

Healthy-Self

Heal -Thy -Self

The approach you take when caring for others should be the same approach when caring for yourself. When we are taking care of others- generally it is a result of a relationship we have with them as a friend, a spouse, a parent or a child.

Are you being as supportive of your health’s needs as you could be? Are you protecting your health from harm? Are you nourishing your health? Are you showing your health love and kindness? Are you listening to your health? Are you treating your health with respect?

Does your Health deserve better?

Do you take care of others?

-when it is convenient?

-or when they need it?

Is the same true - for when you take care of you?

What is Mindful Movement Really?

As a licensed massage therapist specializing in chronic pain for almost 20 years I felt there was a need to bring a form of yoga to many of my clients. Massage therapy is beneficial for many, especially those dealing with chronic pain.  However, what I’m able to offer as a massage therapist in a session, is short term.

… retain / regain movement function typically lost with aging and chronic pain.

I’ve been suggesting yoga to my clients who are typically between the ages of 40 and 75, equally male and female.  Most of them are dealing with some form of chronic pain including frozen shoulder, scoliosis, neuropathy, disc herniations, migraines and joint replacements to name a few. 

The response from my clients when I’ve suggested trying yoga has been… “there’s no way I can do yoga, I’m not flexible, my body doesn’t move like that”.

 I decided to focus on developing a type of “Mindful Movement” program that was inspired by some basic yoga poses.  The intent is to assist my clients on improving the quality of their lives by sharing ways to move daily to manage some of their chronic pain when they’re not in a massage session with me.

• Participants are diverse in age, gender and abilities.  Use of the chairs has been an important aspect for some, especially as we have been focusing on balance and stability. 

• Each session begins slowly with mindful breath work. 

• We then moved into a series of movements to warm up joints and various muscle groups to increase movement and flexibility. 

• A flow of a standing yoga poses, with chair modifications for those in need is where we pull our movements together. 

• Sessions end with additional breath work and a short meditation.   The overall focus is on being mindful of posture, movements and intention of activity, emphasizing how beneficial even gentle movement can be daily.

What people are saying:

-my shoulder pain is 75% better immediately after class and continuing on.  

-thank you for the session this morning, it lifted me physically and my spirits.

-this is exactly the movement I was looking for, not too little, not too intense.

-as you know I have always been resistant to going to yoga classes for many reasons. however, you have made your class such a safe place to practice yoga regardless of ability.

Pace yourself

When we move too quickly or jump from one step to the next, we risk stumbling, falling and becoming stuck. We then have the natural tendency to become frustrated, overwhelmed and may stop moving forward all together.

In the same manner if we move too quickly through making healthy choices, there is little opportunity for those choices to become healthy habits.

A series of small steps will take you where you want to go; each of them provide the balance and support to take the next step.

Healthy Self - Heal Thy Self

When you start taking care of yourself, you start getting healthier, you start feeling better, you start seeing yourself better, you start attracting better.

What are you drawn to?

Opioid Alternative - Chronic Pain Management Update for NYS

As a wellness professional for almost 20 years, I have specialized in supporting my clients in managing chronic pain through Therapeutic Massage, Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Yoga inspired Mindful Movement sessions.

What are your food triggers?

Some are harmless. Some are mild annoyances. Some are a bit overwhelming. Many are habitual. Some are food based. Some are based on certain places or people. Some are rooted in certain activities or situations. Some can be addressed by changing a current choice for a healthier one.

We all have them. Can you identify yours?

Wine with Pasta

Pizza with Wings

Dessert with Coffee

Beer with Pretzels

Chips with Dip

Our attitudes reflect in our health and well-being

We all need reminders, nudges or words of motivation to focus on what we have, what we have gained and what is truly important.

A serving of empathy and humility will guide each of us through process… and improve the health and wellness of our mind, body and spirt.

• Healthy - take sometime to think about it

• Healthier -take sometime to write it down

• Amazingly Healthy for you and another - take the time to demonstrate to another

Studies have shown that shifting our focus toward gratitude can have long lasting health benefits as we age.

How do YOU demonstrate GRATITUDE ?

Definition: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

How do YOU demonstrate EMPATHY ?

Definition : the ability to understand and share the feelings of another; to be with and understand others' emotions. To hold space for another unconditionally.

How do YOU demonstrate HUMILITY ?

Definition : the ability to be confident in your decisions, and not need or desire others to pay attention to them. To do what needs to be done without explanation or fear of judgement.

Re-steady your Balance

Being healthy is about Balance.   The most practiced yoga teacher cannot hold a tree balance pose constantly. Somedays are easier than others. Its about making small adjustments to "re-steady" our Balance. The more practiced you are at re-steadying yourself -the more habitual it will be.  

Small adjustments help us re-steady and find balance.

Mindful Movement -Anxiety and Mild Depression

Anxiety and mild depression tend to interrupt the ability to focus…

The delivery of Mindful Movement provides an opportunity to gently realign the thought process and promote awareness of quieting the mind, simply listening, and moving.

Mindful Movement facilitated by Rebecca Albert, LMT INHC RYT200 of Body Be Well Solutions is a yoga-inspired program designed for those interested in a physical experience to maximize movement and increase body awareness. We work through various movements and focus on mindful breath to improve balance, focus, strength, and mobility.

Does aging always equate to having pain? Your Choices & Mindfulness

Why is it that we ignore the small discomforts in our bodies and don't respond until we're in full blown pain or have lost the function or ability to do something?

As we age, many shrug off small messages coming from our bodies as simply aging. However, what if we started paying attention to those subtleties?

A mindful part of aging would be to respond and be in the moment with curiosity about the discomfort that we're experiencing.

Consider an example if we are experiencing chronic shoulder pain and it turns out that pain is our dominant hand that we all hold our cell phone or our mobile device with. That particular position is chronically causing repetitive strain on those muscles.

Potential solution -put the mobile device in another hand when the discomfort or the tiredness in the arm is experienced; take a stretch or even put the device down for awhile to allow for rest.

Respond instead of delaying and waiting for full blown pain and loss of function and the need to react!

Hello! I'm Rebecca.

What support can I offer you?

I am a Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach- I have studied 100s of different dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods. I recognize and appreciate, one size does not fit all when it comes to making healthy choices. I practice a “whole person” approach to healthy habits by embracing your current preferences and guiding you through change for alternatives.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist - I am familiar with the aging body and the chronic pain associated with it, I understand the limitations this causes in physical activity.

I am a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher -I don’t teach headstands or other intense yoga poses, I teach moving mindfully and create mobility where stiff achiness generally resides.

I am a Wellness Consultant -I am aware of the impact that too much or not enough of certain things cause imbalance in our bodies and ultimately our health.

I have been a successful participant with losing and managing weight-loss -I have personally experienced the Mind over Matter struggles with changing habits.

I am familiar with depression, anxiety and their associated mood and health effects -I understand that everyone is unique and requires a different type of support.

I am familiar with Diabetes, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Eldercare -I am intimately aware of the challenges life brings at times, and am able to provide approaches to managing self care.

I am a wife, mom, stepmom, gramme, daughter, caregiver, friend, introvert, excellent listener with the ability to ask thoughtful questions and provide empathy, feedback and make connections between choices, habits and identifying the impacts on one’s health.

I am on this journey as are each of you…life with it twists, turns and …. well all the things.

A Shift in Perspective

Not sure how long ago I came across this, or even where I did. But it seems whenever I need to make a slight adjustment on where I’m going or what I’m focusing on… I stumble across this.

Strange how what we need, is generally right there when we need it… everything happens for a reason.

One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desk for the test to begin. The professor handed out the question paper, with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked his students to turn the page over and begin. To everyone surprised there were no questions… Just a black dot in the center of the page.

The professor seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following; I want you to write what you see there. The students confused, got started on the inexplicable task. At the end of the class, the professor took all of the answered papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of the students. All of them with no exceptions, describe the black dot and its position in the middle of the sheet. After all, had been read, the classroom silent, the professor begins to explain -

I am not going to grade you on this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot, and the same happens in our lives. We have a white paper to see and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots.

Life is a gift, with love and with care and we always have reasons to celebrate..  nature renewing itself every day, our friends around us, the job that supplies our livelihood and the miracles we see every day. However, we tend to insist on focusing only on the dark spots, health issues that bother us, the lack of money, a complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend etc.

The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds. Take your eyes away from the dark spots in your life.