The best cure for the body is a quiet mind. – Napolean Bonaparte
How do we quiet the mind when all we feel is pain, frustration, anger and hopelessness with our healing? As a Physical Therapist, we are trained to systematically evaluate the body’s limits, strength, weakness, range of motion, neurological deficits, neurovascular problems, balance and mechanical issues. Often, however, it is the patient’s state of mind that limits his or her progress. Limits include:
“I have this back pain because it runs in my family.”
“I don’t have time to stretch.”
“I am never going to be better.”
“My boss doesn’t care about me, so I don’t even have to try to get back to work.”
“I’ve never been able to touch my toes.”
“I only did my exercises once.”
The list can go on. The connecting factor in all the above statements is the mind. How do we overcome the beliefs of our mind to fully heal and participate in life?
My dear meditation teacher once told me “Just sit and what happens after that is none of your business.” Quieting the mind takes time, energy and remembering that the mind thinks. So if you JUST SIT, know that the mind will chatter, make things up, and elaborate events in your life. Just SIT shows you do have compassion for yourself. Just SIT and try something new may open your mind into a whole new way of being. Just SIT might help you to recognize where you are misleading yourself in the healing process. Just SIT could create relaxation and acceptance of what is. Just SIT could help you to listen more closely to the balance of your mind, spirit, and body. Just SIT could be an amazing adventure…
Just SIT helpful hints to start:
- Follow your breathing.
- Put a timer on and relax.
- Count as you inhale, hold and count as your exhale. Please repeat.
- Say one word that resonates with you…examples: Peace, Love, Beauty.
- Smile as you close your eyes.
- If thoughts do come in just watch them and let them go.
Just SIT