By: Nancy Gentle Boudrie

Train the mind, and you can train the body. That advice comes from the group Project Meditation, a source of online mindfulness information including athletic meditation.  Anyone looking to start, maintain or improve an exercise routine can benefit from the power of meditation.

Admittedly, the soothing style associated with meditation seems to be in direct conflict with the heart pumping, music blasting needs of the cardio freak or gym rat. However, meditation helps athletes improve performance and endurance, according to Project-Meditation.org and George Mumford, a sports psychologist and consultant who used meditation to help the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers.

Sports require both skill and endurance.  Meditation improves an athlete’s ability to focus on the game and block out distractions. Since it promotes relaxation by releasing tension, meditation also improves an athlete’s ability to concentrate on the game and visualize success.  Research conducted by Project Meditation shows that when energy flows easily through the nervous system, athletic performance is improved. Golfers, who are forever in search of improving their game, could benefit by doing some meditation or deep breathing exercises before teeing off.

Increased endurance is another benefit of meditation. In fact, the Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado offers a retreat titled “Running with the Mind of Meditation and Yoga” to help runners learn to control their breathing and connect with exercise beyond a calorie burn or a daily chore. By meditating, runners also gain the mental energy to push boundaries and break plateaus.

Daily exercise is great, but individuals must continue to challenge the body in order to keep losing weight and building muscle. Gym goers can use the increased endurance made possible by meditation to add time on to the stair master or bike or to engage in positive self-talk or visualization.

Awaken With Light, in Downingtown, Pa., offers meditation classes and instruction for beginners and “mindfulness veterans.” Contact Nancy to learn how to harness the power of your own mind to create a healthy, active body.

Nancy Gentle Boudrie is a Reiki master and teacher as well as a certified meditation instructor and practitioner. She is committed to enhancing the quality of life in others by illuminating the path to self-discovery, wellness and positive living.  As a business owner, mother of two, and former insurance agency president, Nancy understands the demands and stresses created by today’s hurried world. Her expertise, confidence and soothing, melodic voice can help anyone calm their mind from the day-to-day stress and breathe into a level of mindfulness.  Nancy is also the creator of Welcome Inner Balance, a visually guided meditation CD. She also serves the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, Pa. by providing Reiki and meditation services. Contact her to begin to awaken your light.

Testimonial:
“As a passionate entrepreneur and business owner of Awaken with Light, Nancy is the ‘light’ within her business. She effortlessly radiates love in abundance as she so generously gives to others with a loving, caring, and compassionate heart.  She exudes patience, kindness, understanding, authority, and direction. Nancy demonstrates friendship, both professionally and personally. You will feel ‘energized’ in her presence!”
~Cynthia Goch, author of MaMa Mia Cucina ~ A Flavor of Good Food and Good Family, Cooking Instructor, Writer, and Speaker “Cook with Cynthia” at “Tastes and Time.”

Nancy Gentle Boudrie
Awaken With Light, Inc.
15 Green Street, Downingtown, PA 19335
484-252-1150
email: awakenwithlight@gmail.com
www.AwakenWithLight.com