Mom vs. Harvard

While I don’t hold to the saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” I do think that sometimes we search for answers that we already have – we just don’t like what they tell us.

The other day I was perusing the Harvard Health Letter, Feb 2011 and stopped at the article on page 3, “Mindful eating”.  (Okay, okay, I work at the Borough Library and I was discharging items and the headline caught my eye . . . )  The article made me realize that although science continues to discover new things about nutrition, to be truly healthy and happy with our bodies we only need the tools our moms taught us.

The Harvard Health Letter says, “A small yet growing body of research suggests that a slower, more thoughtful way of eating could help with weight problems”.  Mom says, “Slow down; you’re supposed to chew that first!”  Harvard:  “There’s also reason to believe that eating while we’re distracted by activities like driving or typing may slow down or stop digestion in a manner similar to how the “fight or flight” response does.”  Mom:  Please sit down at the table and eat like a civilized person.  And turn off that TV!”  Harvard:  “…mindfulness helps people recognize the difference between emotional and physical hunger and satiety and introduces a “moment of choice” between the urge and eating.”  Mom:  “You’re not hungry, you’re just bored.  Go outside and ride your bike.”

Thanks, Mom.

Breathe Away Annoyance

Think of those trivial events that pester you during a normal day, the things that cause you to give a little huff of annoyance.  Like the lady in front of you at the store who is sure she has a penny somewhere in the bottom of her purse.   Or the child who insists on zipping his own jacket when you’re in a hurry.  Even the toaster that takes too long to pop out your breakfast.  I’ve discovered something about these things:  They are often resolved in the space of one or two long, deep breaths.

Try it.  Use your ujjayi if you have it*. Maybe the two-year-old and his zipper need three breaths, and make ‘em long and deep.  Result:  You’ve taken a nourishing lungful of fresh oxygen and energizing prana, you’ve avoided sending bad vibes through your system, and you have saved yourself a moment of unnecessary stress! Mindful breathing will relax your body and mind, and not only will you feel better at the end of the day, but so will everyone else around you – I can practically see those waves of calm emanating from you already!

Om shanti. Peace.

*See yogajournal.com for a description of the ujjayi breath; better yet, come to one of my classes and I’ll teach it to you!