I once read that "health is not a condition of matter, but of mind." The quality of our thoughts and our focus are what matters.

The phrase “mind over matter” is when an individual is able to control their problem or physical condition by simply using their mind.

It is a 'super-power' we all posses.

With time and focus, we can learn to direct our thoughts in order to rise above adversity, no matter how tough it might appear to be.

I write this as I am personally suffering through a horrible head cold. It has been nearly seven days and has kept me from many of my normal routine and activities.

However, I have been contemplating the power of prayer and meditation in relationship to a sick body through this time. When I focus on positive thoughts and scripture, while I am still sick in my physical body, my mind and heart are at ease. When I focus on the feelings in my body (i.e. stuffed nose or dizziness), I feel panic and anxiety arising.

In a virtual workshop this past Sunday (with tissue box near by), I shared with our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainees the importance and a top priority of 'mind care' as top priority for self care. It goes without saying that you can be in your best physical shape and do all the 'right' things for self care and eat all the 'right' foods, but if you have 'wrong' thinking it can cause great despair.

Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera said "The mind consists of the combination of sensations, perceptions, volitional activities and consciousness. Matter consists of the combination of the four elements of solidity, fluidity, motion and heat."

He went on to explain that LIFE IS THE CO-EXISTENCE OF MIND AND MATTER. So decay or dis-ease is the lack of coordination of mind and matter.

So we focus on techniques to elevate our M.O.M. (mind over matter) abilities. In Tulku Thondup's book "The Healing Power of Mind, Simple Meditation Exercises for Health, Well Being, and Enlightenment," he explains that in order to pursue mental health and healing power, we must first re-evaluate our lives.

When we assess our life and how much time we spend on self-care, meditation and those things that give us peace and joy we may find that a major adjustment needs to take place.

The chart at the top of this article is a good exercise to help you evaluate how you are spending your time and minding your mind.

Consider doing this exercise with a journal during a quite meditation and reflection time.

Write the following categories and rate your average amount of quality time spent on each.

Rate it from 1 to 5.
5 being an adequate amount of time and 1 being close to no time or rarely.

1. focus time (work, productivity)
2. sleep time (rest, sleep)
3. physical time (activity, exercise)
4. down time (reading a book, art, fishing)
5. connecting time (time spent with others)
6. time inward (meditation, prayer, contemplation)
7. play (laughing, skipping, singing)

Once you have rated each category, circle the ones that were rated 3 or less.

Now take one to focus on.

Sit back and close your eyes and imagine yourself having more time with this particular thing.

• What does it look like to do more of this? Allow your self to picture this in a positive light.

• What is holding you back? Do not blame anyone or anything for this not happening. Instead look inside at your own choices and consider what you might be able to adjust to start to make room for this in your life.

This exercise should be done in the spirit of grace and love for your inner self. Tension comes from when we hold on to anything too tightly, so relax the hold on the self, and allow for spaciousness and peaceful evolution with your mind journey.

Even when we suffer, the right attitude will help us carry our emotions more lightly, so let your creativity bloom and imagination flourish. See yourself healing, blooming and coming into fullness.

Daily meditation and prayer focused on peace, love, forgiveness and expansiveness will (over time) help you retrain your brain.

Then we will truly KNOW that we can CHOOSE a life that is focused on joy and peace despite anything happening around us. That is truly a super power!

Liz "EliSheva"