mindfulness Archives - Page 2 of 4

Are You Connected to Your Inner Guide?

Have you reached out to your Inner Guide lately? It’s the part of you who is eternal, unlimited, and knows your potential. Your wiser self is forever patient and enlightened. It understands your life and knows it could help, if you would simply call. It may be especially helpful with the cloak of darkness that many of us feel these days.

The heart is where we connect to our soul and higher self. Remember that your higher self is the part of you, who wants only your highest good. But many of us feel disconnected from our inner power. Due to stress, depression, illness, or just the busyness of life, we feel out of touch.

How Do We Connect to Our Inner Guide?

Remember this. When you are feeling stressed, you are away from spirit. When you are feeling calm and centered, you are more connected to your wiser, higher self.

It’s helpful to remember that we are resilient. Practicing meditation and guided imagery will help you better cope with life on life’s terms with more ease, while being open and connected to something higher. You also will open up to the more compassionate and creative parts of your brain.

My book Inner Power NOW helps us connect to that light source within to feel more empowered. I have included a few chapters for teens, because there’s a huge need to help them with anxiety and stress. As you may know, teens face enormous pressure these days. Especially now, with what they have experienced in the last 30 months, they need tools to quiet their minds and find a safe space within.

Stress Relief for Teens and Adults

Teens and young adults will gain enormous strength from connecting to their Inner Guide that will help them when times are tough. When we go within through meditation or Guided Imagery, we lower the stress hormone cortisol. That’s a physical change and in terms of our mind. Meditation and guided imagery will help teens to become more aware of their thoughts, as well. They can witness a worry thought, without getting caught up in the fear.

If you would like to learn more about connecting to your higher guidance, schedule a complimentary Inner Power Breakthrough session with me. You will come away with knowing the three to five things that may be holding you back and the one thing to move forward.

With gratitude,

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.

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.

Noticing your own feelings when you’re in conflict with your child,
Learning to pause before responding in anger,
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 20% Special Discount for Inner Peace Time. 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 21^st 11:00 PM and and April 22^nd 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

Patti’s Success Story

Mindset, Visualize Guided Imagery

I want to tell you about true bravery and share a coaching success story. A dear client of mine Patti Z. recently had a serious health scare.

Just days after her daughter’s wedding, Patti collapsed from Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection or (SCAD.) Patti survived the trauma but it can be fatal.

Patti said a few miracles saved her life that day, including her husband being home when she fell, instead of being at work.

What is SCAD?

According to the Heart Foundation’s website, SCAD is a rare life-threatening condition which affects a tear in the coronary arteries. SCAD happens suddenly and without warning. The symptoms can resemble a heart attack, so it’s important to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Since the incident, Patti has been recovering and is becoming stronger daily through cardiac rehab and other therapies. She also has experienced some memory loss, but she is hopeful these will return.

How Patti Uses Meditation to Cope

Through all these health challenges, Patti has kept up her mind-body practices almost daily. She either meditates, uses guided imagery, or pauses to breathe to remain calm and centered. Being a coaching client of mine, Patti has learned that overreacting to stress can impact her health.

The Mayo Clinic says extreme physical or emotional stress can be triggers to SCAD. But the large majority of people who have experienced SCAD go on to live healthy lives without further problems.

The good news is that Patti is learning to let go and take a vital PAUSE in her life as needed. Patti’s story is truly AMAZING—a miracle–and I am so proud of her!

Wishing you the best!

Vicki

PS: Please book a complimentary Breakthrough Session if too much stress is affecting your health and happiness.

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.” (R) High-achiever women 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

Inner Peace Time Launches

Children's Meditation, Mindfulness, Visualize Guided Imagery

During this time of turmoil and anxiety for our youth, a breakthrough app comes along to help children, tweens, teens and parents move from chaos to calm.

There has never been a time when it has been more critical to have a pocket-sized solution to the problems of isolation of our youth and our families. InnerPeaceTime.com is a series of guided imagery and mindfulness exercises that is geared towards helping children and families. With Inner Peace Time, children and parents will find a safe place in the world and follow a journey made rich with animal guides and healing waters. The meditations are soothing and calming in just around five minutes.

Reduce Anxiety and Pain

Just think of how helpful this could be to parents who need to calm down a frazzled child, or an anxious teen, or need a bubble of calm for themselves. InnerPeaceTime.com provides this oasis of serenity in an easy-to-use format that will delight both young and old. The app makes it easy for families to meditate together to the same guided imageries and then discuss them together to learn more about one another.

Feeling Bliss in Five Minutes

I personally use the meditations on a daily basis and find that I am completely refreshed after about 5 minutes of meditating. I Am Safe is my favorite as it lulls you into a blissful state where you feel at peace, serene and ready to calmly face the world. As an adult, you will be able to enjoy both the children and adult side of the meditations.

As someone who works with at-risk children, the guided imageries are perfect to use with your clients as well as providing self-care for you in your work with this special population of families. I wholeheartedly endorse InnerPeaceTime.com as the perfect pocket-sized solution to help families thrive.

Wishing you the best!

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