1. Mental Fitness
and Integral Health
Methods of Evolving Our Consciousness
Christine M. Campanella Dixon
HW420-02
Unit 5
2. What is Mental Fitness?
Development of our Inner Life and Consciousness
A higher sense of Calm, Balance, & Inner Peace
Training the Mind to influence our Physiology
Evolution of our Psychospiritual life
3. Benefits Of Mental Fitness
Transformation of ordinary health into precious health
Develop the mind’s healing capabilities
Activation of Left Prefrontal Cortex
Heightened state of Pure Awareness
Enhanced Resistance to Mental Distress and Physical Disease
4. Messinger Clinic
1970’s – Conducted by Elmer and Alyce Green
Discovered that Mental Imagery can affect Physiological function of
the body
Used Biofeedback, to help train individuals to use their minds to
control a variety of body processes
Blood Pressure
Muscle Tension
Pulse
Skin Temperature
Bowel Motility
5. Pert Study
1970’s- Candace Pert
Furthered Study conducted at Messinger Clinic
Discovered series of Proteins-Neuropeptides that act as messengers between
Mind & Body
Thoughts, Images, and Feelings can produce specific neuropeptides, therefore
altering our physiology
6. University of Wisconsin
Dr. Richard Davidson
Studied brain activity, variations in blood flow, & metabolic
activity in relation to negative or positive emotions
Identified areas of the brain activated by negative/positive
emotion
Right Prefrontal Cortex- Negative emotion
Left Prefrontal Cortex- Positive Emotion
7. University of Wisconsin
contd.
Suggested that we are Inherently more Left or Right brained
Stated that we can shift sides depending on experience
Determined the shift is temporary- subjects return to baseline shortly
after positive experience
8. How to Improve Mental Fitness
Contemplative Practice
Physical Exercise
Positive Association
Practice Compassion
Practice Gratefulness
Use Stress Reduction
Techniques
Meditative Exercise
Loving-Kindness
The Subtle Mind
9. Loving-Kindness
Process
Initially 5-15 min sessions
Schedule this time for yourself
Find a comfortable spot where you will not be interrupted
Slow your breath
10. Loving-Kindness
process cont.
Bring to mind an individual
close to you- experience your
feelings for them
Turn these feelings inward- give
them your care and attention
Turn attention to your inner
mind- give it your Loving-
Kindness
Visualize a loved one who is
suffering-with inhalation take
in their pain, let it melt away
in your heart and with
exhalation “breathe out”
health & happiness to them
Expand your focus to a circle of
strangers who may be suffering-
repeat procedure from above
Lastly, embrace all living
beings, continuing to take in
suffering and offering up your
Loving-Kindness
11. Stress Reduction
Practices
Quiet the mind
Yoga- engage in both physical and mental/spiritual aspect
Tai Chi- Helps to recenter, allows time for deeper consciousness to
surface, enhances physical/mental/spiritual balance
Gentle Exercise such as walking- getting out in nature to
experience a connection to all that we are part of
Prayer- Connection to a higher power or consciousness
Journaling- Allowing stream of consciousness writing to reveal the
individual’s deeper self
12. Mental Fitness
Through “brain games” and contemplative practices we can transform
our lives.
By training our mind to cease senseless “chatter” we can evolve to a
higher state of consciousness which will allow us to exhibit and use our
natural and powerful healing capabilities.
These practices lead to enhanced quality of living and well-being.
Several studies have been conducted in this area.
13. References
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., and Micozzi, M.S. (2005). Consciousness & Healing:
Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine (pp. 225-279). St. Louis, MO:
Elsevier Churchill Livingston Publications.
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. (pp.7-
32). Laguna Beach. CA: Basic Health Publications.