THOUGHT AND EMOTIONAL BALANCING: AN INTRIGUING JOURNEY IN A COMPLEX WORLD Most of us desire a peaceful and calm life free of stressful “mind chatter” and negative emotion clutter. But, to many people, this seems to be an impossible goal. Why does calming your mind chatter and emotional clutter seem so difficult? Our brain controls almost everything in our body; cellular health, neurological function, digestion, outlook, response to stress, energy and overall vibrancy. There are a myriad of things that can shape the brain’s function, such as; nutrition, stress, toxins, chronic disease, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, prescription medications, head trauma, autoimmune reactions, lack of oxygen, metabolic syndrome, alcohol abuse, childhood emotional programming and more. For many of us, as we experience our complex and rich life ,it takes a concerted effort to experience peace and calm while enjoying comfortable thoughts and emotions. The key to balanced thoughts and emotions is dealing with the root causes. Below is a list of some approaches that have worked for us and others: 1. Determining what life would look like if we achieved our goal of healthy thoughts and emotional balance or peace and calm. A helpful exercise can be to journal or speak to a mirror or friend and answer questions like: a. If anything were possible, quickly and easily now, what would my life look like? b. Who would be in it? c. What would I be doing? d. Where would I be living? e. What would I feel like? f. What would I look like? Speak like an 11 year old, no holds barred and no judgements allowed. Then imagine one year from today when this is all in place, describe how you feel and celebrate that life. Keep talking for a few minutes and experience the feelings. Now you can see where you want to go and how it would feel. 2. Address your lifestyle and take some time to learn how healthy foods and quality supplements can support mood, energy, cellular repair, decrease joint pain, improve digestion and sleep and more. 3. Realize that exercise not only builds muscle and strength, it creates an anti-aging hormone that creates energy for the brain to stay alert and focused. Yoga, Tai Chi and walking can be helpful. 4. Meditation can increase blood flow to the brain, relieve stress, improve attention and planning, reduce depression and anxiety, and protect the brain from cognitive decline .Meditation is just learning to be aware of your thoughts. 5. Journal; write your thoughts and desires as they flow without judgement. Re-read these in 30-60 days. You may discover that your written desires have materialized. 6. EFT or Emotional Freedom Therapy can get to the root cause of emotional, mental and physical issues without side effects, changing the chemistry or vibrational energy of our cells. 7. Guided Mind Relaxation Therapy or Clinical Hypnotherapy can help the sub-conscious mind achieve feelings of value, worth, and being worthy of love. 8. Books abound with guides for achieving healthy thought patterns and emotional healing. Here is a sampling. “7 Secrets to Wellness” By Dr. Timotjy Gerhart “Change Your Brain and Transform Your Life” by Dr. Timothy Gerhart “Manifest Your Destiny” by Wayne Dyer “Wishes Fullfilled” by Wayne Dyer “Book of Secrets” by Deepak Chopra “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr.Joseph Dispenza 9. Team up with a friend to read and discuss books that focus on the development of healthy thought and life balance. Share experiences based on the readings. 10. Seek friends who think yourare wonderful and value you just as you are. Eliminate those who are negative and pull you down. Seek uplifting activities in nature and enjoy the sun. 11. When experiencing negative feelings or energies, ask yourself what just happened? Did you consume sugary foods or lots of gluten and dairy or alcohol? Did you react to something that could be handled differently next time? If so, chalk it up to a learning experience. 12. Find a doctor or natural health clinic that listens to your goals and helps you achieve them, honoring your wishes and desires without judgement. 13. Choose one thing to change and start there. One change can make a big difference over time. It’s about progress, not perfection. By:Dr. Timothy Gerhart D.C., A.A.B.C.I., Dipl Ac and Caren Marshall MSW, CHC, CLP www.wellnessbydesignpro.com www.brainwellnesspeoria.com Resources: “7 Secrets to Wellness” by Dr. Timothy Gerhart “Change Your Brain, Transform Your Life” by Dr. Timothy Gerhart “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” by Danial G. Amen, M.D. “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup, M.D. “Why Isn’t My Brainworking?” by Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS