Balanced Body & Mind

Balanced Body & Mind

As a young child l remember reading with great enthusiasm and curiosity anything relating to the body’s anatomy and function. I was enthralled by the intricate and often delicate structures within the body but also by its infinite strength and wisdom. As l grew this desire to understand grew with me. Professionally, l pursued my passion training as a nurse which led me to practice in oncology and more recently as a school nurse.

Caring for patients with cancer l quickly saw how each patient had a story which brought them to that point in their life. They often shared stories of loneliness, unresolved conflict, regret, fear, heartache, loss, deep emotional pain, not having reached their potential in life, not being seen, not being heard, etc. Progressing on to school nursing l was astonished and devastated to witness that many of these experiences our children are living today. Children are pleading to understand and to be understood. As an often lonely and frightened child l feel a deep empathy for young people today. Children do not yet have the mental or emotional development to navigate the complexities and demands of today’s world and l feel are screaming for support and guidance.

Our young people are educated in subjects to attain a career, financial income, a home, a car, status, etc but infrequently, if at all, are they taught how to recognise and deal with their thoughts and emotions; how to speak their truth; how to be a good listener; how to communicate when struggling; how to develop true self-esteem/self-confidence; how to go within and connect with their true self; or how to realise their life purpose.

Having personal experience of mental ill health l have a profound understanding of the pain and fear mental ill health can bring. Gaining immeasurable support and comfort from talking therapy l instinctively began my personal healing journey through what l would later learn to be called ‘Mindfulness’. To heal the mind talking therapy is wonderful and has many benefits but, l feel, is missing the component of coming into the body and healing through the deep connection of the body and mind. Mindfulness enables us to understand the mind-body connection. Mindfulness is defined as living in the present moment, non-judgmentally and with compassion. Practicing mindfulness can take many forms. It may be as simple as slowing down and becoming more conscious of the beauty in nature; eating with greater awareness; focusing on the breath at times of stress/anxiety; being kinder to ourselves and others; walking or seated meditation; etc.

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