In this enlightening video from her YouTube channel, Gabrielle Bernstein, a renowned author and motivational speaker, shares a powerful practice for releasing anxiety and finding inner peace. Bernstein, often regarded as a role model for spiritual seekers, introduces a simple yet effective technique that combines physical movement, breath work, and positive affirmations.
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The Power of Mindful Practice
Bernstein’s approach emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful in the moment. She encourages viewers to embrace this practice as “the beginning of the rest of your life,” highlighting its potential for transformative change. The exercise she demonstrates can be performed anywhere, at any time, making it an accessible tool for managing stress and anxiety in daily life.
Combining Multiple Techniques
One of the strengths of Bernstein’s method is its versatility. She explains that this practice incorporates elements from other techniques, such as the “heart hold” and “belly breath,” which viewers may already be familiar with from her previous teachings. By combining these elements with a mudra (hand gesture) and a mantra, Bernstein creates a holistic approach to calming the mind and body.
The Peace Begins with Me Mantra
The core of this practice revolves around the mantra “Peace begins with me.” Bernstein guides viewers through a series of hand movements, tapping the thumb to each finger in succession while repeating the mantra. This combination of physical action and verbal affirmation helps to focus the mind and create a sense of inner calm.
The repetition of the mantra serves multiple purposes. It acts as a focal point for concentration, helping to quiet racing thoughts. Additionally, the positive message of the mantra reinforces the idea that peace is an internal state that can be cultivated, rather than something that depends on external circumstances.
Progression of the Practice
Bernstein skillfully guides viewers through different stages of the practice:
1. Spoken repetition: Initially, the mantra is spoken aloud with each finger tap.
2. Whispered repetition: The mantra is then whispered, encouraging a more internalized focus.
3. Silent repetition: Finally, the mantra is repeated silently, deepening the meditative aspect of the practice.
This progression allows practitioners to gradually turn their attention inward, fostering a deeper connection with their inner selves.
Mindful Awareness and Celebration
As the practice concludes, Bernstein encourages viewers to notice the shifts in their bodies and minds. This mindful awareness is crucial for recognizing the positive effects of the exercise and reinforcing its benefits. She also emphasizes the importance of celebrating the time taken for self-care, acknowledging that dedicating time to one’s mental and emotional well-being is a significant achievement in itself.
The Broader Context of Bernstein’s Work
This practice is just one example of Bernstein’s approach to spiritual growth and personal development. Her work often focuses on transforming fear into faith and cultivating a positive mindset. For those interested in exploring her teachings further, her book The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein offers additional insights and practices for personal transformation.
The Impact of Simple Practices
What makes Bernstein’s approach particularly effective is its simplicity and accessibility. The “Peace begins with me” practice doesn’t require any special equipment or extensive training. It can be performed discreetly in almost any setting, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and anxiety in real-time situations.
By combining physical, verbal, and mental elements, this practice engages multiple senses and aspects of consciousness. This multi-faceted approach can help to break the cycle of anxious thoughts more effectively than techniques that focus on a single aspect.
In conclusion, Gabrielle Bernstein’s “Peace begins with me” practice offers a powerful yet simple method for cultivating inner peace and releasing anxiety. By incorporating this technique into daily life, individuals can take significant steps towards improving their mental and emotional well-being. The practice serves as a reminder that peace is not just an external condition, but a state that can be nurtured from within.
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