Nikolai Blinow is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and yoga teacher in Cranston, RI. In her TED talk at the TEDxSalveReginaU event, Nikolai explains the similarities between mental health treatment and yoga practices.
Drawing specific instances from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Astanga 8 Limbs, Nikolai explains the ways that these can both be seen as treatment plans, or steps to take towards living a better life.
Though both have their benefits and disadvantages, Nikolai shows us how by bringing together yoga’s focus on self-awareness and insight, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s professional support, guidance, and feedback, we can create truly holistic mental health care and space for healing and growth.
What happens when we let our minds wander and they land on something distressing that doesn’t align with our beliefs or wishes? Intrusive thoughts can be upsetting. Knowing more about intrusive thoughts, however, might put you at ease the next time they happen.
Body scanning is a mindfulness technique that focuses on relieving our physical experiences of stress. When implemented as a regular targeted meditation practice, body scanning can help you improve your sleep, manage your anxiety levels, and reduce physical discomfort.