Tag: #meditate

Have you heard of Binaural beats?

emyminzel

I was introduced to binaural beats, several years ago from my friend Bobby, who is a spiritual teacher. It was a wonderfully relaxing experience, but for some reason, I never kept it as a spiritual tool in my toolbox until lately. One-night last week, I noticed my headphones dangling from their spot before bed and I thought to myself. “I am going to listen to a guided meditation before sleep.” I joked to myself “This must be how tired and busy people cram in self-care. They do it while sleeping!”

From what I knew, binaural music was safe, and I really was not concerned about side effects. (I did read one caution. It said do not use binaural beats if you are prone to seizures.) That does not pertain to me, so I felt safe. What is the worst that could happen?! I mean, who doesn’t want to have a spiritual experience when sleeping or is that just me? Truthfully, I was not expecting to have an awakening during slumber, I was just hoping for a good night’s rest while letting the peaceful sounds relax my mind.

When you pull up YouTube, they have literally thousands of beat choices to choose from and it took me a bit to settle on one that sounded right to my ears. I experimented with a few and let my intuition tell me which one I needed that night. There are several ranges that are said to help you sleep, reduce anxiety, help with depression and negativity as well as increase creativity.

According to Medical News Today some research findings have even proven a 70-80% decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone that keeps us from losing weight, when using the correct range. The recommended frequency for weight loss is 295.8Hz. I tried it, and while it wasn’t my favorite tone, I listened anyway as I drifted to sleep. I will try it for a week and see if it has any effect on my weight or my thoughts about my diet.

I’ve also tried other tones that are quite pleasing to my ear. While listening to this music, it seemed to have the same effect on the body as meditation, and all you must do is lay there. I have also been wearing my headphones and listening while I write, work or sleep, letting my brain do the rest. I like the flexibility of not having to pay complete attention yet knowing that at a cellular level I am encouraging self-healing.

This experiment has led to some good sleep, and at first, some crazy dreams. One night I used one tone at 741Hz to clear toxins and release negativity, a spiritual detox of sorts. Maybe it pulled those innermost negative thoughts to the surface of my dream world for me to be aware of? But wow! I believe our dreams are full of messages from our higher-self, doing its best to communicate with the waking our version that does not like to pay attention to our inner world. But our dream world is another conversation for another blog!

This has been a fascinating experiment that genuinely does seem to be relaxing my mind. That is why I wanted to share my findings with you. If you feel called to try, make sure you wear headphones because it works better sending slightly different tones to each ear. I am including some links below but feel free to experiment with the sounds that your intuition pulls you too!

I’d love to hear about your experiments and experiences. Wishing you love, light, and healing!

Love and blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

YouTube links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEhZ9vv35k4 – Music for weight loss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZenGWoURv6s – Detox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94tp6DIFy4s – Inspiration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifxmvbUf7ls – positive energy and creativity

6 Alternative ways to Meditate

emyminzel

Many of my friends are curious about meditation and its benefits. Who doesn’t need a little mental health break occasionally?! Yet, many are intimidated by the thought of trying not to think. This is nearly impossible for most of us to do but I am about to tell you a secret; you do not have too! There are many ways to mediate and you don’t even have to do it cross-legged on the floor while listening to ocean waves and pan flutes.

For those of us who have a hard time ‘sitting still’ or quieting our mind for an extended amount of time. Here are some alternative ways to get the same relaxing benefits of traditional meditation by just using intentional mindfulness. The best tip I can offer, for keeping your mind in the here and now, is to focus on your breathing. Make sure you are taking in deep belly breaths, then notice and relax any and all areas in your body that feel tense.

Walking Meditation: Getting out into nature and fresh air helps to clear our minds. It is also almost automatic that we become more alert and in the here and now, when outdoors. The whole point of meditation is to be here, right now. Most walks are pleasant, if you aren’t thinking of something that happened in the past or will in the future. Try to only focus on where your next footstep will fall and how beautiful that sunset is, your mind will be at peace.

Shower/Tub Meditation: Water is a very healing element. When you step into the shower or tub, do your best to keep your mind in there with you. Don’t think about what you are going to have for breakfast later or all you have to do today. Just enjoy the blessing of indoor plumbing and hot water; while thinking thoughts of gratitude. This is one of my favorite ways to start the day and to ‘fit’ meditation into my schedule.

Guided Meditations / Yoga Nidra: To be honest, I sometimes prefer guided meditation over regular meditation, when I am trying to clear my energy. It takes the pressure off when trying to keep my thoughts in check, because it keeps your mind busy listening to instructions. Stacy recommended to try Yoga Nidra last year on a very particular hard day I was having and I have been hooked ever since. It helps me get into a deep sense of relaxation by suggesting you focus your energy on different areas of the body.

Cleaning: Believe it or not, cleaning is an excellent mediation. Doing dishes, vacuuming and dusting; demands our focus. When doing an activity, that is not too challenging, we tend to pay attention to our task at hand and this allows us to stay in the present. Plus you get instant gratification results, which is always nice!

Massage/Acupuncture: Any practice that leaves me feeling like I am in an alternative universe for an hour or two is much like meditation. Some people fall a sleep on the massage table (sleeping is not meditation) but most people slip into a state of Zen; if they feel like they don’t have to fill the silence. Some people like to talk and that’s okay, but the ones that do not seem to get more than physical relief, they get mental relaxation. Feeling warm, safe and completely relaxed is a form of mediation that leaves us feeling blissful. 

Coffee and Car rides: Believe it or not, even a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or a car ride can feel like a short meditation, if you can stop yourself from mentally running through your list of daily chores, just for a bit. Try instead to give thanks for the day you are about to embark on. You will be amazed at the peace it can bring. Turn off the noise and just breathe.

These are just a few tips and tricks I have learned on my journey to heal. I realize that we cannot be healthy without the body, mind and spirit connection flowing together as they should. So, to all of us who have a hard time with traditional ways of meditation, please do not give up! There are many ways to go within and give yourself time to destress!

I hope some of these suggestions will help you see meditation in a less intimidating way! Wishing you a blissful state of mind and a relaxing state of being in the here and now. Namaste!

With love,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

Week 3 of 90 day meditation challenge

emyminzel

Week 3 – Turns out I am not excellent at making time to meditate. I see how people get frustrated with guru’s who tell you how easy it is. Of course, it is easy to do. What is not easy is finding the time to truly do it!

I did take some time yesterday over my lunch break to meditate for about 15 whole minutes. I tried my friend Stacy’s mantra of “I easily release what no longer serves me.” I felt lighter and I felt emotions move as tears rolled out the side of my eyes.

Yesterday was a very emotional day. I felt defeated after a long day of work that is not valued. I know that this is a feeling many people experience at one time or another in their lives. I know a lot of women who call that everyday Mom Life. I can usually take those days in stride. I don’t need an applause for my work, and most the time I don’t even need to be appreciated although it is always nice when it is.

Yesterday I found out people who haven’t stood in my shoes were making judgements out loud, discounting my efforts which I found to be a slap in the face and very disheartening. I began to wonder why I even tried or if I should continue to keep trying?

Knowing in my heart that I am doing 100% more than the nobody else who wanted to step up and try. All my effort, time, and energy were feeling futile and unappreciated and by someone who is supposed to be on my side. Which made me feel crummy, sad and frustrated.

I needed to meditate so I could clear this negative energy and melancholy. I ended up shedding tears and letting the feeling pass.

It was just a reaction to my feelings, I know it was not my truth, so I released this bad feeling of betrayal with meditation. I know that I am working hard, and I am doing my best. I won’t give up because I know what it is I am working so hard for. I know that people say thoughtless things all the time with only one side of the story to express opinions about. I have done it, it’s a human thing to do.

Anywhoooo… I did not meditate every day this week. What I did do was use meditation as the tool that I needed to help me move those big emotions on a really bad day. This was one of the crappiest days I have had in quite a while and meditation helped me move through those emotions in a real and healthy way.

All in all, I like that when I needed to reset I have a tool within me that I can utilize for my greater good. I did not have to go anywhere, it did not cost me one cent and I can use meditation as a holistic remedy at any time.

Although the challenge was to meditate every day, somedays I just do not remember, or I only had time for a very short attempt that just does not do what it is intended to do. It did give me practice for when I truly needed to let that shit go.

Does anyone else use meditation to help bring you back to basics of life, to remind you what is real and what is your truth? It was a very healing meditation even if it was the only one I accomplished this week.

I hope for you the best today and every day.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

www.savetheboundarywaters.org

 

Week three / 90-day meditation check-in

emyminzel

This week has been just about as hectic as the previous, this is becoming a normal state of being lately. For this reason alone, I see the need to mediate even more. I have been doing my best to sneak quite time and some deep breathing. This is not the same as meditating and I can tell the difference. Yet I feel that I am consciously still working on managing my stress in small ways.

I was at the doctor this morning and did have some weight loss. I lost almost 4lbs! Although, I cannot say for certain it was because I am meditating and reducing stress hormones. I am more likely to think that I am just extra active in the summer months then in the winter. Spring weight loss is kind of normal for me. That and thanks to the very warm and humid temperatures all week I am sure I could have also lost a lot of water weight due to perspiration.

I find I can relax much easier when I have had a good day of checking things off my to do lists. Seemingly each day this to-do list gets longer and longer because of additional campaign duties. I don’t mind the extra work, I do have some moments that I find overwhelming. This is when I must do better at being kind to myself and recognize the need for a break.

I have a feeling that the life lessons I will be learning this summer will be teaching me how to rest instead of quit. Trust me there are times I want to quit. There are times I wish for my peaceful, serene and sometimes boring life back! Yet I know this is not what I truly want. I have no desire to live a hum-drum life that looks the same every day! Been there, done that.

That’s why I am working so hard. I wish to change my life in magnificent ways. I wish to surround myself with wonderful friends and family time. I just miss the extra time to myself that I used to have to take care of my own needs. Who would not miss such important time? I know this feeling is normal and I let is pass as quickly as it comes.

I felt the urge to share this picture of my African Violet. It was a gift from a wonderful neighbor recieved just last month. Taking this picture felt like an intuitive compulsion so, it got me wondering the meaning behind the beautiful and finicky flower? I like to listen to my intuition for reasons just like this. I believe Spirit talks to us in many ways, it’s up to us to disypher its messege.

I did some research and found the Violet is a symbol of loyalty, strength, courage, devotion, deep love and commitment. African Violets teach us less is more, strength is in the spirit, and helps us to understand balance. It is said to nurture the violet will teach balance in health, love, commitment and longevity. Doing so will fill your home with joy, love and solidarity. How fitting!

I needed to hear this today. Even though I have much to do, to do, to do! I must keep making time for my spiritual and mental health and happiness. I just wanted to update you on the progress of the Adventure Sisters 90-day Meditation challenge. Have you been trying to meditate more? How do you fit time into your schedule for yourself? I would love to hear your ideas!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

Week 2 meditation update

emyminzel

First of all… Really?! This is only week two? It feels like it’s been a month. So, clearly. I am failing forkin’ miserably at this meditation stuff. No meditation for me! I ain’t got time to bleed, my friends! I know you feel me. I could really use several more volunteers for the Emy for House Campaign. I could use an extra helper or family nanny too!

Is it too much to ask someone to take care of things around the house including me, while truly loving my dogs and sing to my birds while I’m gone?! P.s. I miss time with my husband and daughter. This is a lifestyle change I did not expect. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying the people I meet and all I learn immensely. This change is exciting!

Yet, I spent many years constructing my beautiful life of simplicity on purpose. I love working at home, I get to bring my dogs to work with me every day. I like eating lunch on the deck between clients and sneaking in loads of laundry. I also have filled my home with lots of plants and things that take my attention. And what else…. oh yeah, my family, working and writing! These things all need my attention every day.

These ‘things and duties’ are my life that I love! I worked hard to build this simple rural life, and I will not sacrifice the life I love. I am working on fitting the responsibilities of campaigning into my life, as opposed to fitting my life into the campaign. I refuse to let it consume all my time. I know what matters most in this world and it is not a job title.

I want this opportunity to represent my community fiercely because I want to fight for my beliefs. I want a thriving community, I want a clean environment, I want affordable healthcare and so much more for everyone! Yet, I do not feel it would be fair to ask me to sacrifice my health, love and family for the opportunity. I know others agree, but there are a few who seem to expect I put my life on hold to get this position.

This political position does hold immense responsibility. I know this, but if I don’t have family to fight for, if I don’t hold on to the intention to protect what I love; that’s when corruption, self-interest, and debauchery take hold. It is why I consider the love of my family and simple life style so valuable and important.  I hold on to my intention to fight for what I love.

I suppose they don’t tell you this part on purpose. People in congress encourage you to run alongside them. Most of them are wonderful people who have embraced me and try to help me succeed, because the more people you have on your team the easier it is to ‘win.’ Although, I don’t view it as winning. I believe we are all on the same team even if others don’t know it. I do feel like I am being guided to my purpose. I love every opportunity in this life that I have been blessed with!

At the end of the day, I try not to complain. I am a good kind of tired.

A good tired means I worked hard and was purposeful today. It means I feel like I accomplished something, and I believe in everything I did. It means I can sleep peacefully and soundly because even though this exciting time in my life is kinda kicking my butt… Life is darn good!

I am thankful for this good tired, I am also thankful that my days are full of things I love. I will figure this work/life balance thing out like we all must.

Realizing this internal struggle, I see I must make some sort of spiritual practice mandatory in my day, I know it is important. I can tell, and I miss it when I slack. I agree with my Adventure Sister Stacy, that when I try to meditate while laying down before bed, I seem to sleep better. Although then I miss the sudden insights of wisdom that seem to download during some meditations. Divine guidance is so much easier to hear when you are tranquil and awake!

Stacy and I took 2 minutes out of our busy day yesterday to speak to each other and do different sort of meditation. It was short, thoughtful, specific and powerful. We sent our meditative energy towards a specific purpose of love, community, harmony and abundance for everyone. It was almost like praying together but slightly different with the same intention.

This short meditative timeout purposely raised our vibes to love and peace. It was almost like hitting the reset button on my mind. When we were finished we felt lighter, less stress and connected to each other and the Universe. This feeling of peacefulness is how I know and why I know, I must make time for meditation and other spiritually lifting practices in my daily life.

Meditation does help me feel better it keeps my intentions pure and my mind focused.

I will check-in again with week three, I know I can do this! I can find time for everything that is important to me! Mind, body, spirit balance here I come!

Have you been following the Adventure Sisters 90-day meditation challenge? How are you doing with it? I’d love to hear from you!

Remember please check out Adventure Sister Stacy’s blog at www.StacyCrep.com! She has plenty of help and advice to get you started and keeping you on track! Please follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook with the link below!

Sending you love, luck, and most of all JOY!

Wishing you an abundance of love and blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com