The practice of yoga and meditation has increased significantly over the last two decades, and as a result the research surrounding these two practices and overall health and wellness has also increased. Countless studies have proven that consistent practice in yoga and/or meditation has significant benefits in treating stress, physical issues, and mental health challenges. Specifically, yoga and meditation work to reduce blood pressure, decrease stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), and treat generalized anxiety disorder, clinical depression, adjustment disorder and other diagnosed mental health disorders.
While yoga and meditation are highly beneficial in treating mental health challenges, they are not accessible practices to those who struggle with mental health diagnoses. The ability for the average person to commit and follow-through with a consistent yoga or meditation practice of 20-30minutes several times a week is very low, and much less for someone who has mental health issues. The discipline and focus required to commit to a full 20-30 minutes of practice simply isn't present for someone dealing with anxiety symptoms.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression in my early 20s struggled with panic attacks and anxiety symptoms through much of my life. I discovered yoga and meditation early in life, as a young child, and still, committing to a consistent practice was challenging for me because my anxiety symptoms got in the way. When I did start yoga, I left many classes early due to anxiety symptoms. It took me well over a year of trying classes before I managed to finish one. It then took me another year before I could actually commit to a regular practice. And, I recognize that my internal nature is one of discipline and focus. When I started teaching yoga, I knew that a large population of people who need it were not walking into my classes for the same reasons it took me years to start a regular practice.
My Master's Degree in Teaching means that I have studied the science of how the human brain learns and grows, and how to work with students through a step-by-step process toward a learning goal. I have taught tens of thousands of students in over 200 different venues and organizations. As a yoga teacher, I quickly recognized that most yoga teachers are not teachers, but rather instructors. They do not have the skills or training to develop curriculum and deliver lesson plans in a way the reaches educational outcomes and produces optimal student growth.
I developed The MOZI Method for Mindfulness as an educational curriculum to bridge the gap between the benefits of yoga and meditation and those who need it the most, but cannot commit to a 20-30minute practice several times a week. I invented The MOZI Method by integrating the neuro-scientific principles of yoga and meditation into simple 10-second exercises that are accessible to anyone. MOZI students stick with the practice because they know that the exercises that produce instant results. The more they practice the exercises, the more results and benefits they experience.
In the last fifteen years, Mind-Body-Spirit has become a household term signifying health and wellness. While yoga and meditation combined do offer a Mind-Body-Spirit approach to wellness, The MOZI Method integrates Mind-Body-Spirit in a way that is accessible and understandable for anyone and everyone. Each MOZI exercise is a simple body posture or action, linked to a specific mindful intention or affirmation, and activated by a deep focused breath that is scientifically proven to improve both physical and mental function.
I have taught over 200,000 students in over 20 states nationwide, and presented The MOZI Method to a variety of audiences, including but not limited to: at-risk high school students, stressed dental office workers, stodgy finance managers, chiropractic patients, mental health professionals, special education teachers, and more. Over the last ten years, I have coached thousands of clients through The MOZI Method for Mindfulness curriculum process. 100% of my clients report a significant improvement in their ability to manage their mental health symptoms, particularly those connected with anxiety, depression, stress, and adjustment challenges. Students who learned The MOZI Method in one-time workshops over five years ago report that they still use the exercises they learned on a daily basis.
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