10 Day Meditation Challenge

10 Day Meditation Challenge MK Roots Wellness by Megan Kelly Blog

10 Day Meditation Challenge

I decided I wanted to start a 10 day meditation challenge for myself simply because it needed to happen!  I have started and stopped multiple times in the past with no success.  So this I sought out for some accountability.  I shared my challenge on Instagram and I recruited friends and family to join in if they were around.  I took videos or pictures of each day and posted to IG for my very own check in.  I am happy to say as of today, April 22, 2018 I have completed my total of 10 days. 

I can’t say that I am completely enlightened at the end of my 10-day challenge lol but I will say that I learned a bit about myself across these 10 days.  I learned I have a really hard time getting out of my head and concentrating on being in the moment.  I also learned that when I had other people around meditating with me I was so focused on their enjoyment that I forgot about my own self at times.  I also learned that I like to meditate in the morning because it sets me up for success the rest of the day, similar to how I feel when I get my workouts done in the early morning. 

The App I used for most of the meditations was Insight Timer.  I really enjoyed this one and will continue to use for my continued meditation journey.  I mainly stuck to guided breath meditations that ranged from 8-13 minutes.  The nice thing about this app is that you can search specific topics and multiple meditations will pop up pertaining to that topic.  Examples included self-esteem guided meditations, letting go of fear, confidence builders, positive mantras, morning meditations, relaxation and more.  I am eager to try a sleep meditation, which ranges from 25-35 minutes.   

So my journey continues and I am happy to be on it.  I am super grateful for my husband Blake who supported me the whole 10 days.  His presence is always a positive one and I can’t thank him enough for that.   If you got to see some of my time-lapse videos you also saw Grizz the Big Bear meditating too.  He is super enlightened :) 

Functional Mobilization 1

Functional  Mobilization 1 MK Roots Wellness by Megan Kelly Blog

Last week I traveled to San Francisco for the Functional Mobilization 1 (FM1) course presented by The Institute of Physical Art.  The course was 3 presented across three days with some prior course work that needed to be completed prior to arrival.   After 3 long days and very tired hands from long lab hours I can say it was all worth it and I learned a great deal. 

FMI is an integrated approach to patient care with emphasis on Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) integrated with PNF, joint mobilizations, and exercise training.  Through out this course we learned the Functional Manual Therapy model of the management of mechanics, neuromuscular, and motor control dysfunctions.  We also learned a systematic approach to the assessment of posture and movement, as well as the evaluation of soft tissue.  All of this information was so detailed and great for treating in the clinic because it was functional and highly effective. 

The IPA has some amazing instructors who are highly trained and more than anything really love their job.  They had sparks in their eyes the entire 10 day hour days trying to teach every bit of detail that they could to us learning physical therapists.  The information they taught was so valuable and taught with a passion. 

This was my first course with the IPA and I can easily say it was well worth it.  I received my continuing education credits but more than that I received another path in treatment of musculoskeletal impairments.  I will definitely be taking more courses with the IPA and am excited that in 2018 they are introducing a new class for the Pelvic Floor!  If you are a physical therapist and wanting to learn more about different treatment methods for patient care you should definitely consider taking a course through the IPA.   It is well worth it! 

Mat Pilates workout that will be sure to make you Burn!

Mat Pilates workout that will be sure to make you Burn! MK Roots Wellness by Megan Kelly Blog

Since tearing my MCL a few weeks ago I have been on the bench with running and other extreme workouts.  One of my yoga teachers suggested some mat Pilate’s workouts to work on my core or as they say in Pilates my “power house” and some leg work.  These exercise routines got me sweating and burning!  No joke, try them out and let me know what you think.  Get ready for the burn!