How to be in constant contact with your mind.

The mind is perhaps the most important tool humans have. The subject of the mind spans multiple disciplines and specialties. For example, what the religious authorities call the soul is thought to be the mind in the scientific circles. Simply put; consciousness, memory, perception, thinking ability and reasoning are believed to pertain to the mind. In today’s highly competitive world, mind power is of extreme importance.

Differences in mind power may help explain why some are homeless and living in the streets for years, while others live in mansions employing chefs, security, chauffeurs and other ancillary staff. In life, there are times when we could act ‘out of our minds’, that is, we have acted without communication with the mind. Driving while intoxicated or physically abusing a spouse are easy examples of ‘out of mind’ action. Although some may frown at this suggestion, but social problems such as rampant divorce may be explained from poor reasoning ability when it comes to partner selection.

Scientists believe that the mind is intimately related to the brain and all the neuronal connections in the central nervous system. Several studies indicate that several areas of the brain such as the amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, etc have connections that intimately affect mind function. Mind-body medicine is an expansion of this line of thought that explores the relationship between the mind and the organs of the body such as the heart, lungs and digestive tract. Some authorities believe that the mind cannot be separated from the body, hence the term ‘mind-body.’

Understanding the link between the mind and the body is extremely important when it comes to mind-body interventions. It is easy to speculate that activities that are good for the body are good for the mind and vice versa.

Here are a few proven ideas to help improve mind function;

• Exercise; this activity increases blood flow into the brain and is well known to improve cognitive function. 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise is the recommendation for most days of the week.
• Good nutrition. It is wise to visit a registered dietitian. Essentially, you want a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, lean meat and healthy proteins such as plant proteins are also recommended. It is wise to limit carbohydrate intake and eliminate refined sugars from the diet.
• Meditation has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. Joining a meditation group is a wise idea.
• Sleep 7-9 hours every day. Children require more sleep.

Having a sound mind is obviously useful in personal, work and community relationships. Personally, I would like to shy away from suggestions as to what constitutes someone with a sound mind. However, I think it’s fair to say that someone who is faithful to their partner, family and community could be adjudged as being of a sound mind. And this entails, removing the barriers that prevent someone from being in sound contact with the mind or ‘higher mind.’

Meditation is helpful.

Use this book to motivate you to meditate more.

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