Jane Kerrison

Over the past year, I’ve made a number of small changes that have started to improve my quality of life. I have decided to use this summer to make some bigger health changes.

1. Operation Meditation: I decided to start meditating recently because I was told that it would have dramatic positive effects on my yoga practice and my life. As someone who struggles constantly with stress and anxiety, I feel that it is an important technique for me to master.

I started on my own, and after a brief success, my busy mind seemed to catch on and put up a fight. I was a little frustrated, but when I used a yoga dvd that incorporated meditation, I realized that I just needed some guidance and inspiration to keep me going.

Yesterday I sifted through a shelf of books at Chapters, and purchased one called Laughter, Tears, Silence: Expressive Meditations to Calm Your Mind and Open Your Heart by Pragito Dove. This book appealed to me because it works to incorporate meditation into your daily life by embracing emotion and teaching you to harness it. I also like it because a number of the meditations are short and simple (great for a beginner like me!) Also, rather than sticking to one philosophy, she explores the methods of a number of different teachers.

2. Kundalini Yoga: Somewhat by chance, I happened to pick up two dvd’s at my library that featured Kundalini Yoga. As I was looking for a yoga dvd to use, I checked them out. What I experienced was a form of yoga unlike any that I had tried before.

Kundalini yoga uses a combination of physical exercises and meditations to work on releasing inner potential, awareness and consciousness. It has been known to improve mental and physical health, as well as acting as a catalyst for personal growth and happiness. There has been a great deal of success with people suffering from pain and stress related illnesses.

I’ve only been practicing for a few days, but I’m already feeling the benefits.

3. Healthy Food Challenge: Over the past year, I made some simple changes to my eating habits to incorporate more healthy food. However, I’ve decided to step up even more, and make some more significant positive changes. Ever since I was diagnosed, I’ve been hearing about the success people have had improving their health with changes in food habits. Honestly though, I had too many other things to worry about, and didn’t have the time or energy to focus on my food. Now, I’m making the time.

I purchased two books by Dr. Gillian McKeith, who is a renowned doctor and nutritionist. She has a tv show called You Are What You Eat, as well as her many books and lectures on the subject. She is known for her ability to transform people’s lives by changing their diet.

I bought two books that were recommended to me, You Are What You Eat: The Plan That Will Change Your Life, and Dr. Gillian McKeith’s Ultimate Health Plan. I’ve only read a quarter of one book, but have already learned a lot. It may be hard to cut out some of my favourite foods, but I think it will be well worth it.

By the end of the summer I hope to be happier, healthier and much more peaceful! Feel free to join and/or follow me on this journey!!