Health&Wellness Magazine February 2016 | Page 13

& February 2016 13 Mindfulness is an increasingly popular and effective psychological tool for maintaining physical and emotional health and managing stress-related chronic conditions. Lose the s LoseLove thethestress savings. describes the “freshness in the center of the chest” as an inner intelligence we all have, an innate human capacity for connection to our deepest, genuine selves and to other people. Mindfulness can include practices that actively cultivate attributes of the heart. Some of those attributes include forgiveness, lovingkindness, compassion and gratitude. Modern medical and psychological research increasingly suggests cultivation of these attributes of the heart is associated with positive health outcomes. Forgiveness research suggests choosing to let go of resentment and revenge can actually add years to your life. Research also suggests regularly practicing lovingkindness toward yourself and others can result in increased purpose in life, so