You know that stress creates more tension and pain in your neck and back. And you've heard that meditation can help.

But how do you start a meditation practice?

In this video I share 5 practical tips for you to be successful. Keep watching (to the 7 minute mark) because I also GUIDE you through an awareness practice using the breath to create relaxation.

Want to work with me?

I'm offering an Online Workshop January 31, 202 from 1-3 pm EST:

The Yoga Physical Therapy Approach to Ease Neck and Shoulder Tension

Sign Up:

https://stephaniecarterkelley.com/online-workshop-neck-shoulders

As promised in the video, here is access to a variety of positions to create comfort in meditation (along with a gentle movement practice):

https://stephanie-kelley-1ef2.mykajabi.com/pl/117092

Want to know if Stress Affects your Pain? Take the Quiz:

https://stephanie-kelley-1ef2.mykajabi.com/pl/116416

Here are several other Mindfulness and Meditation Resources:

I HAVE USED ALL OF THESE RESOURCES IN MY JOURNEY TO REDUCE MY PAIN AND TRANSFORM MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER! I HOPE YOU ALSO FIND THEM USEFUL.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is the “father of mindfulness” and led the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at Massachusetts General Hospital for many years.  You can find him in just about any media format describing the benefits of this practice.

• Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday has both video clips of the interview with him in 2015 and a Super Soul Conversations podcast.  Here’s one video clip:

  • http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/how-mindfulness-can-restore-balance-to-your-life-video

  • Super Soul Podcast from September 23, 2018: Mindfulness 101

• Podcasts:  He has been interviewed for several podcasts:  10% Happier, Street Smart Wisdom, Becoming Wise, etc.  Just search for him on iTunes!

• He also has several books which I read and became convinced that this practice was worth my time.

From Kabat-Zinn’s program, many more academic centers have opened and provide resources.  University of California, San Diego’s Center for Mindfulness has a list of guided meditations on the website.  If you are new to meditation, I suggest the shorter clips and progress to the longer ones.  There is a DOSE-RESPONSE relationship to mindfulness and meditation.  That is, the more you meditate, the greater the benefit.

The Insight Times is (in my opinion) THE BEST, meditation app.  And it is FREE!  You can pay for features, but you don’t need to.  It has great a great search function for SLEEP and other types of meditation like the BODY SCAN.  A few of my favorite teachers are:

• davidji (just LOVE his voice!)

• Tara Brach (master meditation teacher!)

• Andy Hobson (voice of the Headspace app)

• Sonic Yogi (for music)

• Kristen Neff (when you need self-compassion!)

• Vidymala Burch (with specific focus on pain who also has a book with an audio CD)

Please tell me about your practice of Mindfulness and the benefits of your practice!

Namaste,

Stephanie