Inner Power Mindset

Mindfulness

Affirmations to Love and Heal Your Body

Mindfulness, Mindset

Do you know that 50 percent of women and men avoid looking at themselves in the mirror because they’re ashamed or afraid of what they will see? That’s what the latest body awareness studies reveal. It is time to look ourselves in the mirror—see past the wrinkles, turkey neck, or other problems. Let’s take a moment to really embrace our soulful self… who really needs you.

How do you come to appreciate your amazing body?  How do you make peace with yourself, when you may have felt more frazzled and out-of-wack during COVID?

Your True Soul Is Waiting for YOU to Wake Up

Lately, I’ve been feeling the desire to do a “Mirror” practice that I teach my clients.  This “Mirror Work” I learned through America’s #1 Success Coach Jack Canfield at his Breakthrough to Success training, but I’ve seen other variations that also build self-esteem and self-love. 

Here’s how it goes.  This will only take a few minutes each day and it’s worth it.  When ready for bed or first thing in the morning, you look into the soul of your eyes in a mirror and you say your name and then you say “I love you.”  Then you add some acknowledgements, like, “I acknowledge you today for committing to health and fitness, and in making this a big priority in your life.”   You go through three things or more like this.  Maybe end with a high-five in the mirror.  Yes, this may seem really strange at first, but keep it up. Maybe you’ll have trouble getting started. I remember that I did when I first began.  Practice this “Mirror Work” for 30 days straight, which I have shared in an earlier blog article.

Affirmations to Love and Heal Your Body

Here are some affirmations you may use along with the mirror exercise. These will help establish a new loving relationship with yourself and your body. Say a few of these to yourself each day.

I choose to bless my body and my body blesses me.

I show my body gratitude by nourishing it with healthy foods.

I keep promises that I make to myself.

Every choice adds up, so I choose health and vitality!

I move my body every day to be strong and confident.

Releasing weight is a joyful experience.

This is a journey and I will take it one day at a time.

I feel my feelings and learn to release and let go.

I am loved and supported in my health journey.

I move forward with purpose, energy, and joy.

I am powerful and wise. I cherish and accept myself with Divine love and grace.

I hope that this will be helpful doing “Mirror Work” and affirmations.  You got this!  Let’s do this together for the next 30 days.    

Wishing you and your family the best!

Vicki

Vicki Atlas Israel is an Author, Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner, Meditation Mindset Coach.   Atlas is passionate about bringing more peace and healing to children and adults.  She’s helping high-achieving professionals, parents and children with stress relief. Awaken to your best life with love, hope, and healing. Schedule your complimentary Inner Power Breakthrough session.  Email: Vicki@InnerPowerMindset.com.

“ANTS” and Negative Thoughts

Mindfulness, Mindset

How to Release “ANTS” Automatic Negative Thoughts?

Do you want to know where most of our “STRESS” comes from?  According to Psychiatrist and Clinical Neuroscientist Daniel Amen, it’s our AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS (He calls them “ANTs.”) I recently heard Dr. Amen on a podcast in which he spoke about how he came up with his “ANTS” analogy.  Dr. Amen had a really tough day at the office with suicidal patients and couples fighting all day long.  He came home to his kitchen which was swarming with ants. 

Dr. Amen had a lightbulb moment realizing his patients were suffering from an infestation of Automatic Negative Thoughts–ANTS. After he cleaned up the ants at home, he bought an ant killing spray to bring to his office along. His patients had to laugh and appreciated his humor.

When we correct our ANTs, we reduce our stress, and it becomes easier to make better choices and improve our perspective.  Here’s a way to change our mindset of negative thoughts.  This method is based on Byron Katie’s “The Work”, which Amen uses in his practice.  Here are the 4 questions to ask:

  1. Is it true? (Is the negative thought true?)
  2. Can I absolutely know that it is true?
  3. How do I react when I think that thought?
  4. Who would I be without that thought? Or, how would I feel if I didn’t have that thought?  Then, do a Turnaround statement:  How can you Turn it Around? 

Here’s an example that Dr. Amen uses to explain “The Work.”   Brittany was hoping to lose weight before her wedding. After shedding some pounds initially, she gained a pound after the third week.  

Question #1: Is it true that you will not lose weight in time for the wedding? “Yes,” she said.

Question #2: Can you absolutely know that it is true?  “Well, maybe I will. I don’t know.

Question #3: How do you feel when you have the thought, “I will never lose weight in time for my wedding? “I feel frustrated, and I feel like a failure.

Question #4: What would you be without the thought, “I will never lose weight in time for my wedding? She said, “I don’t feel as hopeless.”  “

Turnaround: What is the opposite thought of “I will never lose weight?   “I will lose weight in time for my wedding.” Brittany then felt a renewal of energy to keep watching what she ate rather than giving up on her diet.

You can begin reducing your stress by killing the ANTs and embracing more positive, accurate thoughts that guide you to make better choices and to feel better! I have the four questions and turnaround statement written on a 3×5 index card for easy reference. Hope you find this helpful.

Quick Question?

Who do you know? Please let me know if YOUR organization or someone you know may want to PARTNER with us to help enhance the wellbeing of Youth and Families. As you may know, this pandemic has impacted children, as suicide rates are up and rates of depression and anxiety have also doubled. We want to help.

Our Inner Peace Time App has been carefully-crafted with LOVE to STRENGTHEN families with mindful and mindset tools to help FAMILIES to stress less and feel better. Be part of the SOLUTION.

Just reply back to this email. We need more partners to help spread to child professionals, counselors and therapists, and those organizations whose mission is to raise up children and families. I appreciate your kindness!!

Love and big hugs,

Vicki

PS: WE MAKE IT EASY WITH INNER PEACE TIME.  USE THIS SPECIAL OFFER!

Vicki Atlas Israel is an Author, Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner, Meditation Mindset Coach.   Atlas is passionate about bringing more peace and healing to children and adults.  She’s helping high-achieving professionals, parents and children with stress relief. Awaken to your best life with love, hope, and healing. Schedule your Inner Power Breakthrough session.  Email: Vicki@InnerPowerMindset.com.

How to Raise UP Our Kids?

Children's Meditation, Mindfulness

The US Surgeon General has called our youth’s mental health a crisis and wake up call. Last December with the pandemic, Vivek Murthy, M.D. called on this nation “to take better care of our youth with the messages they are bombarded with on social media” The US Surgeon General Murphy also points out the need for better support for children and families in schools, at home, and in our communities.

During this turbulent time, a mindful practice may be essential.  You may have heard how mindful techniques can benefit you personally.  Earlier research shows children with mindful parents, tend to become more resilient.  The youth who are taught mindfulness are less likely to do drugs or become depressed and anxious.  

One study out of the University of Vermont surveyed over 600 parents who participated in a mindfulness program for parents.  Their children ranged in ages from 3-17.   In an article out of Mindful Magazine suggests “encouraging more mindful, responsive parenting—and less harsh punishments or yelling—may indirectly help kids to avoid some of the at risk behavior of adolescence—like anxiety, depression, acting out, and drug use.” 

What are some takeaways?

It’s not just about being more positive.  It’s more important for a parent to be emotionally attuned to their child than to be either positive or negative in their interactions The research suggests the following three key factors to keep in mind about mindful parents.

  1. Noticing your own feelings when you’re in conflict with your child,
  2. Learning to pause before responding in anger,
  3. Listening carefully to a child’s viewpoint even when disagreeing with it.

Sounds like good advice for all of us to remember when in conflict. Children and teens can also learn these same skills.  

Why Mindful Parenting?

Being more in tune with our feelings or reactions — pausing before overreacting — will make a difference in our health and happiness.  Justin Parent, lead author of the study says, “To bring mindful attention and awareness into your interactions with your child really seems to set the stage for you to be a good parent.”  The research also shows more mindful parenting engaged in more positive and less negative parenting behavior which then linked to more positive behavior in their kids.  This tended to result in their children showing less anxiety, depression, and acting out.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

In honor of Mental Health Month in May, we are offering a . A number of mindful breathing techniques and guided visualizations are geared for children and teens to do with parents on one side. Parents and Adults can enjoy their own 5 to 10 minutes of bliss on the other side of the app.

Wishing you the best!

Vicki

Vicki Atlas Israel is a Mindset and Meditation Coach, and the Amazon bestselling author of “Inner Power NOW.”  The Foreword is written by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, co-creator of  “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”  High-achievers hire Vicki to improve their wellbeing to live their best life.  Vicki is also passionate about bringing more inner peace to parents, children, and those who work with children.

Stress Awareness Month

Mindfulness, Mindset

April is National Stress Awareness Month. As you may know, a small amount of stress may be helpful. It can make you feel alive and excited. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body or cause relationship issues.

We know what it is like to feel stressed and feeling under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse, especially due to the pandemic.

Be Proactive

Do you know that nearly 90-percent of doctor visits are related to stress? Be proactive. Become aware. Research shows Chronic stress can lead to physical issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, anxiety, and depression. Learn ways to destress. Here’s one way to calm stress.

What is interesting about awareness is that once you bring awareness to stress, the stress begins to dissolve.  This takes you out of your stressful worry thoughts and brings you to the present moment.

Use this “Universal” breath the next time you’re feeling stressed out.  STOP, take a breath by taking a minute-break.  Breathe in deeply for a few moments, deep belly breath…feeling you are breathing through every cell of your skin.  Become aware of the present moment by being aware of each and every cell, while breathing deeply into your belly.  That’s right. That’s right. Then letting go releasing a grey mist of excess energy. Then repeat, “Universal” breath in…

Dr. Bernie Siegel Radio Show

The famous pioneer of holistic medicine Dr. Bernie Siegel will be interviewing me about my book “Inner Power NOW”, and the NEW Inner Peace Time app on his internet radio show “Mind Health Matters.”  I’m so excited!   Dr. Siegel wrote the International Bestseller, “Love, Medicine, and Miracles,” along with a dozen other best selling books. The Bernie Siegel radio show is part of Dreamvisions7radio.com and the Omega Institute programs,

Broadcast dates: April 21st 11:00 PM and and April 22nd at 11:00 AM CT.  Click on this link to hear the live show with Vicki.

Tomorrow Thursday 4/14 at 11:30 CT, I will be part of “Inspiring Author Conversations” with Cathy Davis, Davis Creatives. Our topic: Meditation and Journaling in your Writing. Click here to sign up:

If you know of podcast shows or “Lunch and Learns” that feature guests like me, please respond back to this email with contact name and email.  I appreciate your help and thanks again for being part of our Inner Peace community.

Sending love and light!!

Vicki

Vicki Atlas Israel is a Mindset and Meditation Coach, and the Amazon bestselling author of “Inner Power NOW.”  The Foreword is written by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, co-creator of  “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”  High-achievers hire Vicki to improve their wellbeing to live their best life.  Vicki is also passionate about bringing more inner peace to parents, children, and those who work with children.

Opening Your Heart

Children's Meditation, Mindfulness, Mindset

At my workshops and training, I often have participants focus on opening their heart. There is wisdom in your heart, so tune in to your heart when you have an important decision to make. When you focus on your heart,  answers seem to come from a more loving place. 

“A pure heart open to the light, will be filled with the very essence of truth” –-Rumi

This contrasts with opinions from your mind or ego, that can often be critical.  When you have flashes of insight from your heart, that’s your intuition. This can be helpful when you need guidance from your higher self.

Many spiritual teachers believe that the heart holds the seat of the soul.  Scientists now seem to back this up.   They have found neurotransmitters both in the brain and the heart, meaning that the brain and heart are always communicating. 

Expanding Your Awareness

Approaching life with an open heart means that you open the door to a greater consciousness.  When stressed, try shifting your attention to your heart. Take a breath, get quiet and ask, ”What does my heart say?”  Eventually you will be able do this any time, any place, but at first it may help to try it in a quiet place. Sit with your eyes closed and draw your breath into your heart. Keep breathing in and out from your heart.  You may feel tenderness or sadness in your heart, and welcome all feelings. You may also be a little tearful as you feel relief. Send that feeling your love and compassion.

Any emotions that arise can be witnessed and healed through the meditation process. This benefits both your physical and energetic heart. The more you practice, the more you will find your heart opening to all that is. Often during my guided meditations, I have participants focus on their heart and expand with light and love. 

Be Careful with Your Words

Speaking nicely to yourself through your heart may be one of the more loving ways to be during this February month of love.  I have many heart meditations available on the New Inner Peace Time app. Or download my free Gratitude Meditation below.

Wishing you Peace!

Vicki

Vicki Atlas Israel is a Mindset and Meditation Coach, and the Amazon bestselling author of “Inner Power NOW.”  The Foreword is written by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, co-creator of  “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”  High-achievers hire Vicki to improve their wellbeing to live their best life.  Vicki is also passionate about bringing more inner peace to parents, children, and those who work with children.

Healthy Mind-Healthy Heart

Children's Meditation, Mindfulness, Mindset, Visualize Guided Imagery

Thanks to the NEW founding members of Inner Peace Time. It’s a breakthrough app for you and your family to build healthy minds and bodies. You still have time to join. Click play to watch the highlights reel from this month’s launch.

Look how others are loving Inner Peace Time

“I would highly recommend this app to other parents and children. It’s like hitting a reset button to feel calm and centered. My child also loves Lucy Llama character.”

–Jasmine, Mom of a Special Needs Child

“I would recommend this app to a parent because it is for them. They don’t have to go searching through hundreds of meditations to find the right one. It’s so colorful and includes the skills and techniques I teach about mindfulness and guided imagery.”

–Casey Limmer, MSW, Owner, Gateway Wellness Associates

“Children may let go of their worries or challenges with the app. Inner Peace Time carries the message of positive coping strategies, such as “Balloon Breath,” and self-regulation. With a healthy practice of Inner Peace Time, children can enhance their positive outlook, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, independence, and focus.’

— Michele Magner Former Early Childhood Behavior Facilitator, 

Special School District, St. Louis County

“The Inner Peacetime App contains beautiful, warm meditations that make you feel hugged.  Vicki Atlas Israel has created an app for families with separate meditations for kids, teens, parents and adults. Having listened to all of the meditations, I can confidently say these meditations are among my favorites. Vicki has a beautiful, peaceful voice which lends to calming your heart and mind.” 

—Pam Wilson, MSW, Social Worker, Facilitator Group Support and Mentoring

Hurry! Founders Launch Ends Monday, January 31st

Despite all of the challenges and the pandemic, are you ready to find more calm in the chaos? This is an opportunity to empower you and your family to live a more fulfilling life. Stress less and add more joy.

With Inner Peace Time, be part of the solution. Calm breathing and doing guided healing journeys. It’s like a vacation for your mind and body. Feel deep relaxation so you can perform at your best.

Wishing you and your family the best!

App Founder Vicki Atlas Israel is a Mindset and Meditation Coach, and the Amazon bestselling author of “Inner Power NOW.”  The Foreword is written by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, co-creator of  “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”  High-achievers hire Vicki to improve their wellbeing to live their best life.  Vicki is also passionate about bringing more inner peace to parents, children, and those who work with children.