Welcome to the world of Mello Mitchell, where you can mellow your mind, warm your heart, and cultivate inner peace. Mello Mitchell believes in the power of looking at life through a different lens, embracing a perspective that promotes stress-free, healthier, and happier living. MysticMag finds out more.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Mello Mind and a little about your own personal journey?
Some years ago, my daughter expressed an interest in taking karate lessons. I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with her, so I decided to join her. What piqued my curiosity was how the term ‘spirit’ was a commonly used term. Having been raised in the Christian tradition, I began contemplating what the difference or similarity was between the spirit in martial arts and the spirit in the Christian tradition. I delved into extensive reading about healing, martial arts, religious traditions and more in an attempt to solve this mystery. Over time, this mystery was solved and it also opened me up to new possibilities for living.
During this exploration I had the privilege of meeting with a Kung Fu master who possessed very unique capabilities. He shared invaluable insights with me and explained that self-defense could occur at physical, mental, or spiritual levels, with spiritual defense being the highest form of defense.
Captivated by this notion, I trained with him and found that under his guidance, I was able to accomplish things that had previously eluded me. As he imparted his wisdom, he suggested a few practices: reading a daily warrior prayer, performing a selfless act, making a vow of surrender during a short and meditation. and reading passages from a prayer book he provided.
Intrigued by the potential for growth in my martial arts journey, I was open to anything that could help me improve. Thus, these practices became my new morning routine, a mere 10-minute commitment. It was during this time that I encountered an injury in one of my classes. My wrist was immobilized with, and the pain from a jammed finger was excruciating. When I returned home, I decided to useexperiment with the a simple formula before showering. Standing in the shower, I prayed, asking God to heal me. Miraculously, my wrist spontaneously healed, but what was even more profound was the overwhelming surge of energy or presence that coursed through me. It brought me to my knees, and I found myself overcome with tears.
In that transformative moment, I received a clear message: we are all actors on this divine stage, united in our purpose, working our way through our individual journeys.. Naturally, I was compelled to make sense of this extraordinary experience. Seeking answers, I engaged with various individuals for advice..
Eventually, I came across Dr. Hawkins’ book, “Power vs. Force,” which introduced the concept of enlightenment. It resonated with me, and I began to believe that my experience could be described as a form of awakening. Eager to deepen my understanding, I embarked on a retreat I discovered online, and my journey continued to unfold. I devoted myself more and more to meditation, and the more experiences I had, the stronger my desire to explore the depths of this practice became.
Along the way, I encountered a Yogi and Vedic master from India who had spent many years in the Himalayas. His presence and teachings have been a guiding force in my life for a significant period of time. Over the course of two decades, this path of exploration and growth has allowed me to evolve and experience a newfound ease and balances in life. Many obstacles have cleared, and I find myself in a constant state of evolution as I continue to practice.
Meditation is a key component of Mello Mind’s offerings. Could you explain the benefits of meditation and how it can contribute to reducing stress and improving overall well-being?
There are tremendous benefits to exploring our inner selves, as it is within that we find answers and healing on emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels. I have come to understand that true healing occurs internally, not in the external world. Emotionally, we must confront and dissolve the deep-seated emotions we carry from our past experiences as well as , conditioning, and cultural influences. It takes time and self-reflection to recognize these emotions and conditionings, but when we do, we can release them, allowing for profound healing in various aspects of our lives.
For example, I jogged regularly to help build and maintain endurance and fitness for advancement in martial arts. As I delved deeper into meditation, I began to release stored emotions at a deeper level that were related to work and family. Surprisingly, these emotional releases brought about positive shifts. I discovered that by clearing deeper emotions, the body naturally relaxed, allowing me to jog less while maintaining endurance.
This experience taught me that exercise can help clear surface-level stress emotions, but more profound healing occurs when we address the deep-seated emotions within.
Meditation plays a significant role in changing the way the brain functions. Typically, when someone experiences a situation there is an immediate conditioned reaction which could be positive or negative. Over time, meditation causes there to be a slight lag such that there is time to pause the knee-jerk reaction and respond in a more mindful, understanding, kind and compassionate manner.
This shift in the brain brought about profound changes in my interactions with others. Instead of getting defensive or angry when faced with what may have previously been considered an offensive comment, I could recognize it as a reflection of the other person’s journey, allowing me to respond more appropriately.
Mentally, as the inner turmoil subsides, you gain additional clarity of thought, increased productivity, and a more positive outlook on life. The incessant chatter slows and the mind quiets allowing for greater peace and patience. As emotions calm and the mind finds stillness, the body naturally relaxes. Sleep improves and the aging process slows.
As the emotional and mental body calms, so does the physical.
Chronic conditions can begin to subside. In my case, rosacea, sinus issues, tension in my shoulders, stomach discomfort, and pressure in my chest—all related to stress—disappeared. As I honed my ability to listen to my body’s messages, I realized that physical discomfort was an indication that I needed to work on something internally. It also reduced my need for medical intervention.
It is interesting to note that around 80% of doctor visits are stress-related. By resolving stress related internal struggles, we can begin to alleviate and prevent chronic conditions and enjoy improved well-being.
On a spiritual level, the journey can lead to a deeper sense of purpose, a raising of consciousness and a connection to an inner wisdom. Intuition grows, and overall happiness expands as does compassion, kindness and love for self and others. You begin to understand and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings and live more in harmony with the environment.
All of us have a birth-right to the benefits of meditation. It only takes sincerity, discipline, right intentions and commitment to practice. Becoming an explorer of your internal self is vital to living healthy and balanced.
Mello Mind offers various meditation classes, programs, and private energy sessions. What can participants expect from these sessions, and how do they contribute to personal growth and development?
In our weekly online meditation sessions, we explore various topics and techniques to enhance the meditation experience and explore the deeper self. We often begin with a brief talk that sets the intention for the session, then transitioning into meditation.
Depending on the session, we may focus on relaxation techniques, breathwork, or maybe a forgiveness meditation, all meant to foster a deeper connection to something greater than ourselves. In these sessions, we not only work with the mind but also explore techniques to navigate and release emotions, empowering individuals with practical tools that can be integrated into their daily lives.
There are a variety of programs that have been offered in the studio or online such as an introduction to meditation or meditations for self-healing.
One notable offering is a six-week course that takes participants on a journey, covering numerous topics including ancient India and the Vedas, chakras, energy, levels of consciousness, karma and the purpose of life. All classes and These programs are posted on www.mello-mind.com when they become available.
Could you elaborate on the importance of looking at life through a different lens and how it can positively impact one’s mindset and emotional well-being?
In our meditation classes, we encourage a shift in perspective, inviting participants to explore life through a different lens. From the moment we are born, we are conditioned to think and perceive in certain ways, often limited to a materialistic view of the world. Our conditioning becomes deeply ingrained, shaping our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors.
However, through meditation, we embark on a journey of transformation, challenging these conditioned patterns and expanding our understanding of life’s possibilities. We delve into the exploration of our infinite nature, questioning the boundaries of our existence and using practices that enable us to connect with our true selves.
By transcending our current reality and embracing a broader perspective, we begin to open ourselves to the profound wisdom and truth that lies within us where we can move beyond the realm of suffering. Meditation invites us to contemplate deeply, to look within and understand the root causes of our reactions to external triggers. As we gain insight into our inner workings, the triggers themselves begin to shift, leading to healing and transformation not only within ourselves but also in our relationships with others. It is through this process of looking at life differently that we embark on a transformative journey, moving towards enlightenment, liberation, and a profound connection with the ultimate Truth.
If you would like to find out more about Mello Mitchell, visit https://www.mello-mind.com/