The Mind-Body Connection
Friday, November 30, 2012
Principles of Anthropology
ANTH200 LF
Instructor: Adrienne Kitchin
Overview
The mind – body connection can be seen as a point of balance between one’s mind and their body; it is the point at which the mind and the body are at equilibrium. "There should be a comprehensive approach for both mind and body. This reciprocal relationship maximizes health benefits, and has exponentially positive consequences beyond the individual." ("Mind-body connection attained," 2012) When one can achieve this connection, they can then attain true happiness far greater than others; there are disciplines that one can train in in order to achieve this connection.
Yoga is a form of exercise that utilizes both the mind and the body and therefore can be seen as a good way to achieve the mind-body connection. Cardiovascular training aligned with meditation and focused breathing is a great start on your journey towards true happiness; exercise increases the blood flow throughout the body as well as the brain ("Mind-body connection attained," 2012). Flexibility is crucial to achieving this connection; training in yoga can increase a person’s flexibility substantially. Stretching feels good and is seen as mainly a benefit from yoga; stretching reminds yoga students to be not only flexible with the body but with the mind as well ("Mind-body connection attained," 2012). Overall, the mind-body connection can be seen as the point at which the body and mind are working together simultaneously. The mind is dependent on the body for resting and stretching as well as the consumption of food; without these physical aspects of life, our mind would not function properly. The mind’s dependence on the body is reciprocal, meaning that the body is just as dependant on the mind as the mind is on the body. If a person is stressed out it can have negative impacts on the body; the impacts of
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