For many, the stress of daily life quickly reaches breaking point and, before they know it, the year is over and they are resolving to make the same changes 12 months later.
However, Marisa Garau’s book From Stress to Strength gives readers plenty of practical tips to break out of the endless maze they continuously run around in.
Garau draws an analogy between a mouse in a box, which never discovers life beyond its walls, and human beings living within the same restricted environment.
She encourages readers to jump out of the box and expand their world view. For example, endlessly worrying about what has been or what might be achieves nothing other than worry.
By using a stress-reducing technique called mindfulness, endless brain chatter is calmed and people have the strength to engage in a more satisfying lifestyle.
It may sound like new-age gobbledygook, but Garau uses Buddhist meditation and yoga principles, which mankind has practised for many centuries.
She says that regular practice and dedication is needed to make lasting changes.
She writes: “Mindfulness can’t change or take away your problems, but it does change your attitude to these problems.” When in a calm state it is easier to find new solutions to old troubles.
Breathing techniques are built on throughout the text and the book closes with a training programme suggesting simple routines, and exercises to minimise stress.
From Stress to Strength is an easy read and can be dipped into slowly, allowing readers to test a technique and return to reading when they are ready. People open to a new direction will find the recommendations achievable and rewarding.
Visit www.mindfulness.co.nz for more information.
