Random MagEzine Interviews Brian Mahan, CEO, about meditation and conscious living...
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"Meditation bridges the mental and physical health gap."
According to Brian Mahan LMT, SEP and CEO of Enlightened Concierge..."It would be simple to say that our level of stress is directly proportionate to the degree to which we are not accepting the present moment. However, it is imperative to look at past traumatic events as well, as they can leave our autonomic nervous systems unregulated with long lasting effects, thus adding to our overall sense of stress. Ultimately, meditation is a tool for self-regulating the way that we feel, much the same way that we use food, sex, drugs and rock and roll as a way to dissociate and disconnect from our current circumstances. Most of us are in a constant state of trying NOT to FEEL, so we look outside of ourselves for anything that will change the way that we feel inside. That being said, if we don't go within then we go without. "
Meditation comes in many forms and disciplines, all of which can seem elusive at best. Most of us have preconceived notions of what meditation is suppose to be: a blissful experience of being without thought. In it's simplest form, meditation is time to be still and quiet. But, if we are in survival mode, trying to overcome whatever it is that we are finding to be threatening, then being still and quiet seems counter-intuitive. however, meditation can use the intellect's problem solving skills in a more healthful way by giving it a new set of problems to solve: what am i currently FEELING. With the mind pre-occupied on non-threatening experiences, the physiology of stress can unwind and release. It is also the perfect way to "get here now" or, in other words: to be fully present in the moment.
How does stress affect the mind and body? What are some warning signs that your brain is in overload?
"That's a good question, because it highlights our greatest stressor - our thoughts. The body responds physiologically to real threats (staring down the barrel of a gun, an animal baring its teeth, or being in a car wreck) the same way that it does to perceived threats (future-based thoughts, losing a job, disharmony in a relationship, or an imbalance in the amount of time that we have and our never-ending laundry lists). The body is the common denominator of all of our experiences perceived and real. So, in truth, we should be more focused on our body's clues that it is overloaded, more so, than our brains being overloaded."
What symptoms are common in those that are over-stressed?
"That's a pretty long list, as stress rears its ugly head in a plethora of ways. Here are a few:
- Base emotions (anger, fear, sadness, despondency)
- High startle response
- Obsessive thoughts (cyclical thinking)
- Muscular tension (wearing our shoulders like earrings, muscle aches)
- Constriction across the chest
- Short, shallow breath
- Trembling hands
How do I begin meditating?
One way to calm the mind is refocus your attention on the external and internal environments. We do this, once again, sensorially. What do I currently see, hear, taste, feel, and smell? Practice consciously orienting to the things in the immediate external environment that provide a sense of resource. When not under current and impending threat, inventory anything that may seem threatening and rationally consider its potential. Basically, what looks, smells, sounds, tastes and/or feels good in the present moment.
A great meditation is to then turn the attention inwards, now that you know that you are in a safe environment. guide your awareness into the internal environment by closing your eyes and asking yourself some of the following questions: what feels good in the body? Can you hear your heart beat, your breath, your stomach gurgling? What can you smell? Can you picture in your mind's-eye the bones, muscles, organs? Do you see colors, shapes, textures? Can you taste the difference between the tip of your tongue, the back, the sides, the top and bottom? Can you feel the air entering the body? How does the body respond? What do you notice about temperature throughout the body? etc. etc. etc. In short, become an explorer of your internal landscape and listen to the sensations like of the body. sensations are the language of the lower brain.
What is detox and cleansing?
"This too comes in many forms and purposes...
The general idea is give the body a break from the near constant onslaught of toxins, chemicals and foods that are not in our bodies best interest, while taking steps to support the body with healthful foods, herbs and supplements.
The most popular cleanses involve dietary restriction (only raw fruits and vegetables ) and herbal supplementation. There are several good cleanses-in-a-box on the market. There are many individuals that offer assistance (food preparation or delivery of juice fasts, raw food meals of cold soups and smoothies), often times providing additional supplements to aid in ridding the body of toxins."
What is poisonous not only for the body, but the environment as well?
"Anything that is bad for the environment is bad for our bodies. Disease is caused by negative thoughts, negative emotions and what we put into and on our bodies."
What small changes can we do to make us and our world better?
"Add more raw fruits and vegetables into your diet. In a perfect world, this would mean shopping and eating only the food that you purchase at a local farmers' market. Unfortunately, this is not a possibility for most americans, who should shop the perimeters (along the four walls) of the highest quality market that they can afford. Avoid the center aisles, as that is where the processed foods are displayed. Read the ingredients and nutrition labels, if you can't pronounce it, don't eat it!"
Some eco-conscious tips to live by:
- Be hyper-conscious of all of the goods and services that you consume
- Buy locally produced items when possible (support your community)
- Curtail consumerism: reduce, re-use, re-purpose, recycle
- Move your body
- Use earth-friendly cleaning supplies
- Rid your body and your home of chemicals
Brian concludes by adding some eco-friendly shopping advice.
"There are so many amazing natural and eco-conscious products on the market. You can even purchase most on-line and they are no longer cost prohibitive."
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 Working with Brian changed my life. I have never experienced a more logical or effective way to heal, and I mean to really heal once and for all. more...
J. Stevenson
"We have been a client of Brian's for the past five years. We have found Brian to be the best. Nothing compares to the service Brian provides."
M. Peloquin
Enlightened Concierge is simply the best! I have been working with Brian for many years now and I can truly say that nobody compares to him. His blending of many techniques combined with his fantastic personal energy always make for a great experience.
B. Johnson
Thank you once again for a truly amazing experience! To think that when we first met, I didn't know what 'blissed out' meant, and now I experience (and am continuing to experience) that state of existence that you call 'blissed out!' I also want to thank you for teaching me what it means to be centered and to be fully present. more...
P. Hannon
Enlightened Concierge is great! I think you are effective and efficient. I know Jamie and Steve are happy with all the people that you send!
B. Ahaghotu, Personal Assistant
You are AWESOME!
You've enlightened me already ... Thank you ... take good care of yourself ... you are gifted!
Peggy
Well......., this one year teaching sabbatical has been very interesting to say the least. I want to personally that you for contributing to it. Meeting Mama Kia and seeing what you are doing for this lovely and courageous woman has been one of the highlights of my year. more...
A. Rossell
I am amazed at what you have achieved ... I see the results of your journey and I am very proud of you. more...
J. Bell
Once again- thank you SO much for being SUCH a gentleman. We can't wait to spread the word to everyone that we know about your professionalism, personal regard and for the caring that you extend both physically and emotionally to your clients.
A. Freedman
You held the space for me to honestly reflect upon my life and held counsel from a place of grounded-ness and clarity. The blend of your energies created a palpable magic to support people in being themselves-and that I would love to experience again!!! more...
A. Zsido
On the whole, the night was a huge success. I could never have done this so beautifully without you and the team that you so carefully put together for us. Thank you Brian. I am grateful.
Funny how life works........from the depths of my heart, I thank you. You have given me so much more than you could ever know. Thank you. Tonight you generously healed a place in my soul that will forever be okay.....in some part because of you. more...
A. Roth
WOW BRIAN!!! I was so relaxed and was able to thoroughly enjoy our family holiday thanks to you...many, many thanks!!! more...
J. Kleinman
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