Thursday, April 30, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Part 2 of the interview with Dr. Deepak Chopra on the TV show A Balanced Life. Host is Eileen Richardson. Topics covered are the Law of Dharma, Giving back and finding your life purpose.
Meditation Can Improve Short-Term Memory
Meditation can help improve short-term memory, and may even sharpen our mental abilities.
A Buddhist meditation, known as Deity Yoga (DY), seems to have the most beneficial effects on memory, researchers have discovered. DY meditators focus intently on an image of a deity and his followers, and the technique improves visual memory in several different tests.
The mental sharpness of meditators was tested after 20 minutes of meditation in groups who performed either DY meditation, or Open Presence (OP) meditation, where there was general awareness of a room rather than a focus on one specific thing.
The researchers say their findings have implications for therapy, treatment of memory loss and mental training.
A Buddhist meditation, known as Deity Yoga (DY), seems to have the most beneficial effects on memory, researchers have discovered. DY meditators focus intently on an image of a deity and his followers, and the technique improves visual memory in several different tests.
The mental sharpness of meditators was tested after 20 minutes of meditation in groups who performed either DY meditation, or Open Presence (OP) meditation, where there was general awareness of a room rather than a focus on one specific thing.
The researchers say their findings have implications for therapy, treatment of memory loss and mental training.
Source: wddty.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Interview with Dr. Deepak Chopra on the TV show A Balanced Life. Host is Eileen Richardson. Topics covered are the Law of Dharma, Giving back and finding your life purpose.
Buddhist Deity Meditation Temporarily Augments Visuospatial Abilities, Study Suggests
Meditation has been practiced for centuries, as a way to calm the soul and bring about inner peace. According to a new study in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, there is now evidence that a specific method of meditation may temporarily boost our visuospatial abilities (for example, the ability to retain an image in visual memory for a long time).
That is, the meditation allows practitioners to access a heightened state of visual-spatial awareness that lasts for a limited period of time. (More)
That is, the meditation allows practitioners to access a heightened state of visual-spatial awareness that lasts for a limited period of time. (More)
Sourcew: Science Daily
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Part 2 of Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Bruce Lipton have a discussion about "The Biology Of Belief" on the Hay House Radio Stage at the I Can Do It! Las Vegas.
Meditation Eases Minds in Troubled Times
It used to be that Maribeth Riggins-Loy's biggest worries were getting her work done at the office and trying to lose 10 pounds. Now she finds her head churning with fears of "job security, the national and global economy, and what the future will hold for our country."
Riggins-Loy of Brentwood, Tenn., says she's increasingly turning to meditation to try and "quiet her mind." And according to several meditation instructors, she's in good company.
"What I'm seeing is that as the uncertainty of the economy gets worse, there's more interest in meditation to deal with stress," says Lisa Ernst, an instructor with One Dharma Nashville, a local meditation group.
Studies have shown that the ancient practice helps to reduce anxiety, depression, pain, stress and insomnia. (More)
Riggins-Loy of Brentwood, Tenn., says she's increasingly turning to meditation to try and "quiet her mind." And according to several meditation instructors, she's in good company.
"What I'm seeing is that as the uncertainty of the economy gets worse, there's more interest in meditation to deal with stress," says Lisa Ernst, an instructor with One Dharma Nashville, a local meditation group.
Studies have shown that the ancient practice helps to reduce anxiety, depression, pain, stress and insomnia. (More)
Source: Asbury Park Times
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daily Inspiration
This is Part 1 of Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Bruce Lipton having a discussion about "The Biology Of Belief". This is on the Hay House Radio Stage at the I Can Do It! Las Vegas.
Every Monday Matters: Don't Let Busy Life Take Away Your Quiet Time
Pay the mortgage, get the kids to school, pick them up from practice, go to work, pay the utilities, go to the grocery store, make dinner, clean the house, make budgets, pay taxes ... Life can be crazy. Today, people are busier than ever; hypertension and anxiety disorders are at an all-time high; and, there is never enough time. Something needs to change.
"It honestly feels like we only have 20-hour days now," said Christie Day of Athens, Ga. "Did we lose four hours somewhere?"
Christie is not alone. Not only is "I feel like I never have enough time" one of the most common complaints today, but the first thing that often gets cut out is personal quiet time. (More)
"It honestly feels like we only have 20-hour days now," said Christie Day of Athens, Ga. "Did we lose four hours somewhere?"
Christie is not alone. Not only is "I feel like I never have enough time" one of the most common complaints today, but the first thing that often gets cut out is personal quiet time. (More)
Source: The Modesto Bee
Sunday, April 26, 2009
A Life in the Day: The Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on prayer power, surgery, and his tireless fight for his people
My day starts at 3.30am.
I recite an inspirational stanza in praise of Buddha Shakyamuni.
It reads: “Enthused by great compassion/You taught the immaculate teaching./To dispel all perverted views/To you, the Buddha, I bow.” I recite that with prayers in prostration. After that, analytical meditation. What is Buddha? What is self? I reflect on emptiness — the ultimate reality — and altruism. All human beings are the same: we all want happiness and we do not want suffering. Then the treadmill, jogging for 40 minutes. If you hold the rail firmly you can recite a prayer and meditate too. But you must take care or you might fall off!
Breakfast is at 5.30, a porridge called tsampa, made from roasted barley. Delicious and good protein — quite heavy, but necessary, because empty stomach since lunch the previous day. Then heavy work in the bathroom or toilet. Before my gall-bladder surgery in October, this not so certain: sometimes you have to force your way through! But now seems more regular. (More)
My day starts at 3.30am.
I recite an inspirational stanza in praise of Buddha Shakyamuni.
It reads: “Enthused by great compassion/You taught the immaculate teaching./To dispel all perverted views/To you, the Buddha, I bow.” I recite that with prayers in prostration. After that, analytical meditation. What is Buddha? What is self? I reflect on emptiness — the ultimate reality — and altruism. All human beings are the same: we all want happiness and we do not want suffering. Then the treadmill, jogging for 40 minutes. If you hold the rail firmly you can recite a prayer and meditate too. But you must take care or you might fall off!
Breakfast is at 5.30, a porridge called tsampa, made from roasted barley. Delicious and good protein — quite heavy, but necessary, because empty stomach since lunch the previous day. Then heavy work in the bathroom or toilet. Before my gall-bladder surgery in October, this not so certain: sometimes you have to force your way through! But now seems more regular. (More)
Source: The Times
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Holistic Approaches to Stress Management (part 2): Meditation
In my last article I discussed many of the negative impacts of stress on our health and wellness. I also promised to share techniques that will help alleviate stress and counteract its negative impact on one’s health. One such strategy, which is also one of my favorites, is meditation.
Meditation is the self-directed practice for calming and relaxing the body and mind. According to author and Health Psychologist Brian Luke Seaward, “the following physiological changes have been known to occur with regular meditation practice: (More)
Meditation is the self-directed practice for calming and relaxing the body and mind. According to author and Health Psychologist Brian Luke Seaward, “the following physiological changes have been known to occur with regular meditation practice: (More)
Source: examiner.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
Take the Slow Road to Success
Curt RosengrenYou have big dreams, and you're committed to success. You have a million things you want to do before yesterday at noon and you're running at mach speed. You're moving so fast you can scarcely breathe.
Want to know a way to get more out of all that effort you're making? It may seem counterintuitive, but here it is: Sloooooowww dowwnnnn.
When you live your life in a frantic whirlwind, your effectiveness begins to diminish and your vision gets clouded. You start putting more energy into getting less result. (More)
Want to know a way to get more out of all that effort you're making? It may seem counterintuitive, but here it is: Sloooooowww dowwnnnn.
When you live your life in a frantic whirlwind, your effectiveness begins to diminish and your vision gets clouded. You start putting more energy into getting less result. (More)
Source: US News.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Calmness and the Creator
No one needs to tell you that life is busy today. We rush around, go to work, meet deadlines, take care of children and/or animals, balance work and family obligations and then spend the weekend trying to catch up on the chores at home.
There’s little time during the day when we aren’t bombarded by messages, advertisements, the news — nearly always dreadful — and we are constantly on our cellphones, checking e-mails, working our Blackberries and listening to our iPods. There’s no doubt life is frantic and being this busy has become an obsession for many of us. We don’t get enough sleep, don’t spend enough time with friends and family and we never have enough time, it seems, to do anything. (More)
There’s little time during the day when we aren’t bombarded by messages, advertisements, the news — nearly always dreadful — and we are constantly on our cellphones, checking e-mails, working our Blackberries and listening to our iPods. There’s no doubt life is frantic and being this busy has become an obsession for many of us. We don’t get enough sleep, don’t spend enough time with friends and family and we never have enough time, it seems, to do anything. (More)
Source: St Helena Star
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Meditation Key to Treat Depression
People with severe and recurrent depression could benefit from a new form of therapy that combines ancient forms of meditation with modern
cognitive behaviour therapy, early-stage research by Oxford University psychologists suggests.
The results of a small-scale randomised trial of the approach, called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), in currently depressed patients are published in the journal Behaviour Research and Therapy.
In an experiment, 28 people currently suffering from depression, having also had previous episodes of depression and thoughts of suicide, were randomly assigned into two groups.
One group received MBCT in addition to treatment as usual, while the other just received treatment as usual. The result indicated that the number of patients with major depression reduced in the group which received treatment with MBCT while it remained the same in the other group. (More)
cognitive behaviour therapy, early-stage research by Oxford University psychologists suggests.
The results of a small-scale randomised trial of the approach, called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), in currently depressed patients are published in the journal Behaviour Research and Therapy.
In an experiment, 28 people currently suffering from depression, having also had previous episodes of depression and thoughts of suicide, were randomly assigned into two groups.
One group received MBCT in addition to treatment as usual, while the other just received treatment as usual. The result indicated that the number of patients with major depression reduced in the group which received treatment with MBCT while it remained the same in the other group. (More)
Source: Times of India
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Stress Exacerbates Child Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Preventing the abuse and neglect of a child is the responsibility of everyone, every month.
With the downturn of the economy, more and more families are experiencing increased stress. Stress, when combined with other risk factors such as unemployment, poverty, poor parent-child relationships, social isolation and lack of social support, has an impact on children and families. It is important to note that child abuse knows no economic boundary. Poor and wealthy families alike abuse their children.
Stress can have a great impact on the vulnerability of a family. As we all cope with the economic downturn, take a moment to reach out to your neighbors and families who may need help with their children. Offer your support. You can make a difference in the life of a child.
With the downturn of the economy, more and more families are experiencing increased stress. Stress, when combined with other risk factors such as unemployment, poverty, poor parent-child relationships, social isolation and lack of social support, has an impact on children and families. It is important to note that child abuse knows no economic boundary. Poor and wealthy families alike abuse their children.
Stress can have a great impact on the vulnerability of a family. As we all cope with the economic downturn, take a moment to reach out to your neighbors and families who may need help with their children. Offer your support. You can make a difference in the life of a child.
Source: Kansascity.com
One of the best ways to handle stress is meditation. To begin a practice see my Meditation 101 posts.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Meditation Has Its Advantages
Studies show it can reduce stress, cut disease risks
When my instructor told me to sit perfectly still, keep my back straight, close my eyes, and not listen to anything but the sound of my own breathing, all for 10 minutes, I didn't think I would be able to survive. Who did he think I was? A Buddhist monk?
But I followed the directions, and by the end of the 10 minutes I had such an antsy urge to move, talk, do something, that I felt like I was going to just pop. (More)
When my instructor told me to sit perfectly still, keep my back straight, close my eyes, and not listen to anything but the sound of my own breathing, all for 10 minutes, I didn't think I would be able to survive. Who did he think I was? A Buddhist monk?
But I followed the directions, and by the end of the 10 minutes I had such an antsy urge to move, talk, do something, that I felt like I was going to just pop. (More)
Source: The Huntsville Times
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Meditation and the Brain
Approximately 160 people attended the NAMI Ventura County General Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, to hear Mark Robert Waldman speak about Meditation and the Brain, Recovery from Mental Illness.
Waldman thrilled the audience with his discussion of how to train the brain to think positively, which, is not its normal process. He pointed out that through meditation, the brain can overcome such negative feelings and experiences as anxiety, anger, fear and depression. These points were illustrated with slides of actual MRIs (state-of-the-art brain scans) of the brain. (More)
Waldman thrilled the audience with his discussion of how to train the brain to think positively, which, is not its normal process. He pointed out that through meditation, the brain can overcome such negative feelings and experiences as anxiety, anger, fear and depression. These points were illustrated with slides of actual MRIs (state-of-the-art brain scans) of the brain. (More)
Source: LA Mental Health Examiner
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Stress Management For The CEO
Most chief executive officers have truly CEO-level anxieties. Here's what some of them do about it.
How Nine CEOs Handle Stress Ryan Wuerch runs Motricity, a company that delivers much of the mobile data you may rely on daily, such as applications, news feeds and ring tones. Like many other CEOs, he has a lot riding on him. Stress is always part of his job.
He runs marathons, which he says not only keep him physically fit but provide major stress relief. What really sets his mind at ease, though, is a bowl of chips and some good salsa and guacamole with friends. (More)
How Nine CEOs Handle Stress Ryan Wuerch runs Motricity, a company that delivers much of the mobile data you may rely on daily, such as applications, news feeds and ring tones. Like many other CEOs, he has a lot riding on him. Stress is always part of his job.
He runs marathons, which he says not only keep him physically fit but provide major stress relief. What really sets his mind at ease, though, is a bowl of chips and some good salsa and guacamole with friends. (More)
Source: Forbes.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
How Religious Thought Lights up Your Brain
A new book will be provocative for believers and nonbelievers alike.
Religion has often unintentionally enabled scientific skepticism. The faithful will issue a challenge to science: Ha, you can't explain the development of life, or the moral sense, or the nearly universal persistence of religion. To which the materialist responds: Can too. It is all biology and chemistry, thus disproving your God hypothesis.
To this musty debate, Andrew Newberg, perhaps America's leading expert on the neurological basis of religion, brings a fresh perspective. His new book, "How God Changes Your Brain," coauthored with Mark Robert Waldman, summarizes several years of groundbreaking research on the biological basis of religious experience. And it offers plenty to challenge skeptics and believers alike. (More)
Religion has often unintentionally enabled scientific skepticism. The faithful will issue a challenge to science: Ha, you can't explain the development of life, or the moral sense, or the nearly universal persistence of religion. To which the materialist responds: Can too. It is all biology and chemistry, thus disproving your God hypothesis.
To this musty debate, Andrew Newberg, perhaps America's leading expert on the neurological basis of religion, brings a fresh perspective. His new book, "How God Changes Your Brain," coauthored with Mark Robert Waldman, summarizes several years of groundbreaking research on the biological basis of religious experience. And it offers plenty to challenge skeptics and believers alike. (More)
Source: startribune.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Brief description of the sacred mantra Om with Original Music from Isabella Rajotte
Meditation Helps Kids With Anxiety
Breathing exercises help children deal with sleep problems
Shaun Atamanchuk usually has trouble sleeping.
He wakes up sometimes five times a night, starts to think about the worries in his life, and can't fall back asleep. In the morning, he's so tired, he has fallen asleep in class.
The nine-year-old has been sleeping better, however, since he learned how to banish his worries to the centre of the Earth.
He does this by closing his eyes, breathing slowly and deeply, and imagining a thick cord attached to the base of his spine. He visualizes the other end of the cord dropping into the ground until it reaches the centre of the Earth. He then thinks of the thoughts that are troubling him and sends them away via the cord.
"It calms me down a lot," he says. "If I'm having a bad dream, I still wake up, but I use the grounding cord and I fall back asleep."
Stress, anxiety, frustration, and worry can affect kids' lives as much as they do adults', says Wendy Demer, a child meditation facilitator who taught Atamanchuk how to ground his worries. (More)
Shaun Atamanchuk usually has trouble sleeping.
He wakes up sometimes five times a night, starts to think about the worries in his life, and can't fall back asleep. In the morning, he's so tired, he has fallen asleep in class.
The nine-year-old has been sleeping better, however, since he learned how to banish his worries to the centre of the Earth.
He does this by closing his eyes, breathing slowly and deeply, and imagining a thick cord attached to the base of his spine. He visualizes the other end of the cord dropping into the ground until it reaches the centre of the Earth. He then thinks of the thoughts that are troubling him and sends them away via the cord.
"It calms me down a lot," he says. "If I'm having a bad dream, I still wake up, but I use the grounding cord and I fall back asleep."
Stress, anxiety, frustration, and worry can affect kids' lives as much as they do adults', says Wendy Demer, a child meditation facilitator who taught Atamanchuk how to ground his worries. (More)
Source: canada.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Meditation a Unique Stress Breaker
From meditation arises wisdom and without meditation wisdom wanes. This is the universal truth, said A. M. Karunarathne, principal of Royal International School, Kurunegala.
He made these observations introducing a meditation program to the students of the school.
He said that meditation helps to have an exceptional control over the thoughts and facilitate to reduce dysfunctional patterns of thought and perceptions that generate anxiety. In addition, it gives a greater ability to manage negative emotions and helps to gain a greater sense of stability. Concentration of the mind is essential for those who are engaged in studies.
Karunaratne said that meditation enhances cognitive functions strengthening attention span. It helps to achieve an optimal growth towards a state of total brain functioning. Meditation augments psycho-physiological functioning of the body and helps to achieve full mental potential.
Meditation is a unique stress breaker. It is a systematic tuning of mental chatter. Meditation helps place worries, fears and disappointments in a more rational perspective way giving a true picture. It helps the depressed person to analyze his negative thinking pattern more logically” he added.
He made these observations introducing a meditation program to the students of the school.
He said that meditation helps to have an exceptional control over the thoughts and facilitate to reduce dysfunctional patterns of thought and perceptions that generate anxiety. In addition, it gives a greater ability to manage negative emotions and helps to gain a greater sense of stability. Concentration of the mind is essential for those who are engaged in studies.
Karunaratne said that meditation enhances cognitive functions strengthening attention span. It helps to achieve an optimal growth towards a state of total brain functioning. Meditation augments psycho-physiological functioning of the body and helps to achieve full mental potential.
Meditation is a unique stress breaker. It is a systematic tuning of mental chatter. Meditation helps place worries, fears and disappointments in a more rational perspective way giving a true picture. It helps the depressed person to analyze his negative thinking pattern more logically” he added.
Source: Sri Lanka Daily News
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Depression: Medicate, Meditate, or Both?
"If Your Depression Is Triggered By Stress, Should It Be Treated With Medication?":
Surely if a depression is caused by stress, the first step should be to look at the stresses in a person's life? That's just common sense. To say that medication is just as likely needed as not just seems ridiculous to me and pandering to a drug industry in whose interest it is to medicalise all human problems. I have a real problem with that.
I agree with you to some extent, Ellen. I do think the starting point is to look at the stresses in a person's life, and you're right sometimes medication is doled out prematurely. (More)
Surely if a depression is caused by stress, the first step should be to look at the stresses in a person's life? That's just common sense. To say that medication is just as likely needed as not just seems ridiculous to me and pandering to a drug industry in whose interest it is to medicalise all human problems. I have a real problem with that.
I agree with you to some extent, Ellen. I do think the starting point is to look at the stresses in a person's life, and you're right sometimes medication is doled out prematurely. (More)
Source: Beliefnet.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Meditation a Unique Stress Breaker
From meditation arises wisdom and without meditation wisdom wanes. This is the universal truth, said A. M. Karunarathne, principal of Royal International School, Kurunegala.
He made these observations introducing a meditation program to the students of the school.
He said that meditation helps to have an exceptional control over the thoughts and facilitate to reduce dysfunctional patterns of thought and perceptions that generate anxiety. In addition, it gives a greater ability to manage negative emotions and helps to gain a greater sense of stability. Concentration of the mind is essential for those who are engaged in studies. (More)
He made these observations introducing a meditation program to the students of the school.
He said that meditation helps to have an exceptional control over the thoughts and facilitate to reduce dysfunctional patterns of thought and perceptions that generate anxiety. In addition, it gives a greater ability to manage negative emotions and helps to gain a greater sense of stability. Concentration of the mind is essential for those who are engaged in studies. (More)
Source: Sri Lnaka Daily News
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Daily Inspiration
A prayer for contemplation - meditation - on the timeless message of Easter.
Lord, You have arisen forever
In my heart!
May the sunrise
Remind me to shine in Your light.
May the caress of a gentle breeze
Remind me of Your compassion.
May the fragrance of a flower
Remind me to blossom in Your love.
May the singing of birds
Bring a song of joy to my lips.
And in the closing of each day
May I remember to quietly pray.
Wherever I am, whatever I do
May my thoughts in joy return to You!
Susan Helene Kramer
Lord, You have arisen forever
In my heart!
May the sunrise
Remind me to shine in Your light.
May the caress of a gentle breeze
Remind me of Your compassion.
May the fragrance of a flower
Remind me to blossom in Your love.
May the singing of birds
Bring a song of joy to my lips.
And in the closing of each day
May I remember to quietly pray.
Wherever I am, whatever I do
May my thoughts in joy return to You!
Susan Helene Kramer
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Meditation for Managing Stress During Unemployment
Suffering a job loss and being unemployed can be very stressful, physically and emotionally. So, it is very important during this time to pay special attention to your health and well-being. If you can remain calm and balanced, it will be easier for you to stay focused, positive and receptive to manifesting that perfect new job.
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and achieve a sense of calm and balance is to meditate daily. In fact, meditation is now scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage stress and improve your health and well-being. When you're looking for a job you need to be at your best, so practice this simple meditation daily. (More)
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and achieve a sense of calm and balance is to meditate daily. In fact, meditation is now scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage stress and improve your health and well-being. When you're looking for a job you need to be at your best, so practice this simple meditation daily. (More)
Source: beliefnet.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
About Meditation-Part II
What is meant by giving 'power of attorney' to God?
Giving power of attorney to an Incarnation of God (or God) may appear easy but is actually very difficult. It means complete surrender to Him. This can be done only after all the humanly possible efforts have been made. When a person feels that nothing more remains within his/her power to be done in respect of realizing God, then only power of attorney could be given meaningfully; otherwise it amounts to self-deception. Remember, how in spite of having a glass of water before him, Sri Girish Chandra Ghosh could not drink it, even though his throat was parching, because Sri Ramakrishna had not permitted him to do so! This is giving power of attorney. But there is a condition for taking the power of attorney. (More)
Giving power of attorney to an Incarnation of God (or God) may appear easy but is actually very difficult. It means complete surrender to Him. This can be done only after all the humanly possible efforts have been made. When a person feels that nothing more remains within his/her power to be done in respect of realizing God, then only power of attorney could be given meaningfully; otherwise it amounts to self-deception. Remember, how in spite of having a glass of water before him, Sri Girish Chandra Ghosh could not drink it, even though his throat was parching, because Sri Ramakrishna had not permitted him to do so! This is giving power of attorney. But there is a condition for taking the power of attorney. (More)
Source: oneindia.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Kentucky to See Funding for Meditation Education
A recent benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation will help 1,000 at-risk children in Central Kentucky learn to meditate.
A benefit concert on Saturday brought together musical stars such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Ben Harper, Sheryl Crow and Kentucky native Jim James of My Morning Jacket to support the David Lynch Foundation’s global initiative to teach one million at-risk kids how to meditate. A crowd of 6,000 attended the “Change Begins Within” benefit at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Part of the initiative includes funding from the David Lynch Foundation for 1,000 kids in the Central Kentucky area. The organization is named for the movie director and supports efforts to teach children around the world how to use Transcendental Meditation, or TM.TM is a simple technique to allow a person’s mind to settle down naturally, according to the Web site, (www.tm.org). More than five million people worldwide have learned the TM technique, which is not specific to any religion or age group. (More)
A benefit concert on Saturday brought together musical stars such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Ben Harper, Sheryl Crow and Kentucky native Jim James of My Morning Jacket to support the David Lynch Foundation’s global initiative to teach one million at-risk kids how to meditate. A crowd of 6,000 attended the “Change Begins Within” benefit at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Part of the initiative includes funding from the David Lynch Foundation for 1,000 kids in the Central Kentucky area. The organization is named for the movie director and supports efforts to teach children around the world how to use Transcendental Meditation, or TM.TM is a simple technique to allow a person’s mind to settle down naturally, according to the Web site, (www.tm.org). More than five million people worldwide have learned the TM technique, which is not specific to any religion or age group. (More)
Source: Kentucky Kernel
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Prayer is the Asking, Meditation is the Answering
I am re-reading a wonderful book that I haven't picked up in 14 years, and I'll share more of it with you when I'm done-but this little jewel of any idea came from it. You certainly don't have to belong to an organized religion to pray. For me, that's what Ritual is, my way of sending my wishes, desires, dreams and hopes to the Universe-asking for what I want.
Some of my recent reading material has repeatedly mentioned meditation, which is something I've been working hard on improving my skill for. I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one who has a difficult time with it! But, I hadn't thought of it in quite this way before-apparently I've made some big strides in my Spiritual Development since the first time I read this book. This idea didn't stick with me 14 years ago, but it hit home in a big way when I read it this time! (More)
Some of my recent reading material has repeatedly mentioned meditation, which is something I've been working hard on improving my skill for. I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one who has a difficult time with it! But, I hadn't thought of it in quite this way before-apparently I've made some big strides in my Spiritual Development since the first time I read this book. This idea didn't stick with me 14 years ago, but it hit home in a big way when I read it this time! (More)
Source: examiner.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Concert Stresses Music in Meditation
Iconic performance artist Laurie Anderson and her husband, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lou Reed, will perform today in Chandler as part of a program focusing on the links between music and meditation.
Anderson and Reed practice meditation, and Reed released a 2007 album, "Hudson River Wind Meditations," as what he called "an adjunct to meditation."
The couple's appearance at the Mind Meets Music event will benefit the Yongey Peace Prevails Center, operated in Phoenix by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. (More)
Anderson and Reed practice meditation, and Reed released a 2007 album, "Hudson River Wind Meditations," as what he called "an adjunct to meditation."
The couple's appearance at the Mind Meets Music event will benefit the Yongey Peace Prevails Center, operated in Phoenix by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. (More)
Source: The Arizona Republic
Monday, April 6, 2009
Los Angeles Career Fair Speaker Promotes Meditation to Enhance Healing
When Susan Taylor, PhD, was younger, healthcare professionals wanted to treat her ailments with medications. But her experiences with mind/body modalities had shown her there were other alternatives.
Today, as the founder of the Center for Meditation Science, Inc., she teaches both healthcare professionals and laypeople about the link between psychology and physical health. Taylor, who has more than 25 years of experience in meditation practice, also serves as the center’s director of educational programs, which combine Eastern and Western traditions. (More)
Today, as the founder of the Center for Meditation Science, Inc., she teaches both healthcare professionals and laypeople about the link between psychology and physical health. Taylor, who has more than 25 years of experience in meditation practice, also serves as the center’s director of educational programs, which combine Eastern and Western traditions. (More)
Source: Nurse.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Some people, not knowing the essential
emptiness of good and evil,
think practical cultivation of mind means
to sit rigidly immobile, subduing mind and body,
like a rock placed on top of grass.
This is ludicrous. That is why it is said that
followers cut off confusion in every state of mind,
yet the mind that does the cutting off is a brigand.
Master Chinul (1158-1210)
emptiness of good and evil,
think practical cultivation of mind means
to sit rigidly immobile, subduing mind and body,
like a rock placed on top of grass.
This is ludicrous. That is why it is said that
followers cut off confusion in every state of mind,
yet the mind that does the cutting off is a brigand.
Master Chinul (1158-1210)
Relaxation Meditation Music
Feeling Stressed? Just sit back, close your eyes and listen to the music. This should help.
Eliminate Stress with Meditation
I'd love to know if you meditate or practice silence every day. Please post a comment below, and tell me and our readers about how you're solving stress through silence and meditation.
If you are an emotional overeater, or if you eat to change moods such as feeling upset, stressed, or a bit down - try giving yourself some peace and comfort by meditating. What is meditation? There are many forms, some are as simple as just closing your eyes and stilling the thoughts in your mind. Others involve prayers or chants. Whichever variation you choose, the point is to focus your mind, quiet your emotions, and calm your feelings. (More)
If you are an emotional overeater, or if you eat to change moods such as feeling upset, stressed, or a bit down - try giving yourself some peace and comfort by meditating. What is meditation? There are many forms, some are as simple as just closing your eyes and stilling the thoughts in your mind. Others involve prayers or chants. Whichever variation you choose, the point is to focus your mind, quiet your emotions, and calm your feelings. (More)
Source: Belifnet.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Express Gratitude
Be thankful for the wonderful gift of being able
to serve humanity, your planet, and your God.
Be grateful for the opportunity to live your life
purposefully in tune with the will of the Source of All.
That’s a lot to be grateful for.
Dr Wayne Dyer
Be thankful for the wonderful gift of being able
to serve humanity, your planet, and your God.
Be grateful for the opportunity to live your life
purposefully in tune with the will of the Source of All.
That’s a lot to be grateful for.
Dr Wayne Dyer
McCartney Says Meditation Helped Stabilize Beatles
The surviving members of the Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, will perform at a concert on Saturday to raise funds to help children learn a meditation technique McCartney said helped stabilize the band at the height of its fame.
McCartney and Starr will perform separate sets at the "Change Begins Within" concert for the David Lynch Foundation, which helps people learn Transcendental Meditation.
The Beatles helped popularize Transcendental Meditation -- described as a simple mental technique that combats stress -- in 1967 when they sought spiritual guidance from an Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (More)
McCartney and Starr will perform separate sets at the "Change Begins Within" concert for the David Lynch Foundation, which helps people learn Transcendental Meditation.
The Beatles helped popularize Transcendental Meditation -- described as a simple mental technique that combats stress -- in 1967 when they sought spiritual guidance from an Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (More)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Daily Inspiration
I let mind and body go
And gained a life of freedom
My old age is taking place
Among ten thousand peaks
I don't let white clouds
Leave the valley lightly
I escort the moon as far
As my closed gate.
Han-shan Te-ch'ing (1546-1623)
And gained a life of freedom
My old age is taking place
Among ten thousand peaks
I don't let white clouds
Leave the valley lightly
I escort the moon as far
As my closed gate.
Han-shan Te-ch'ing (1546-1623)
Tibetan Meditation Takes Patients ‘Home’
A type of meditation that originated in Tibet may help alleviate the pain and discomfort of cancer and cancer treatment, allowing some patients to decrease their medication.
Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor in the Integrative Medicine Program at M. D. Anderson, teaches Tibetan meditation at M. D. Anderson’s Place … of wellness.
“Medication and meditation aren’t an odd couple,” he says. “Actually, they go very well together. Often, the more you meditate, the less medication you might need.”
Make a connection
The main objective of Tibetan meditation is to connect to the “heart mind,” using breathing and vocalization of simple sounds, Chaoul says.
The heart mind is not the restless mind that jumps from thought to thought. It is the calm, centered mind, also called “home.” (More)
Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor in the Integrative Medicine Program at M. D. Anderson, teaches Tibetan meditation at M. D. Anderson’s Place … of wellness.
“Medication and meditation aren’t an odd couple,” he says. “Actually, they go very well together. Often, the more you meditate, the less medication you might need.”
Make a connection
The main objective of Tibetan meditation is to connect to the “heart mind,” using breathing and vocalization of simple sounds, Chaoul says.
The heart mind is not the restless mind that jumps from thought to thought. It is the calm, centered mind, also called “home.” (More)
Source: Cancer Wise
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come
to you without coming away better and happier.
Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come
to you without coming away better and happier.
Be the living expression of God's kindness.
Mother Teresa
to you without coming away better and happier.
Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come
to you without coming away better and happier.
Be the living expression of God's kindness.
Mother Teresa
Sit Down, Relax and Say 'Om'
'TM' could attract more fans in the valley
David Lynch's last pitch for Transcendental Meditation in public schools was at a 2007 Donovan concert shot for PBS by the Palm Springs-based Ravena Productions.
On Saturday, the filmmaker will present a benefit concert with Donovan, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eddie Vedder, Moby, Sheryl Crow and others at Radio City Music Hall in New York to launch a global initiative to teach a million at-risk youths to meditate.
They hope to teach 1,000 kids in the Inland Empire.
But, if most desert residents want to learn Transcendental Meditation, they may have to go to Orange County.
The closest certified TM teacher, says the Transcendental Meditation nonprofit organization, is Barry Katz of Orange County. He says he'll come to the Coachella Valley if a group of five or six people invites him to their homes. (More)
David Lynch's last pitch for Transcendental Meditation in public schools was at a 2007 Donovan concert shot for PBS by the Palm Springs-based Ravena Productions.
On Saturday, the filmmaker will present a benefit concert with Donovan, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eddie Vedder, Moby, Sheryl Crow and others at Radio City Music Hall in New York to launch a global initiative to teach a million at-risk youths to meditate.
They hope to teach 1,000 kids in the Inland Empire.
But, if most desert residents want to learn Transcendental Meditation, they may have to go to Orange County.
The closest certified TM teacher, says the Transcendental Meditation nonprofit organization, is Barry Katz of Orange County. He says he'll come to the Coachella Valley if a group of five or six people invites him to their homes. (More)
Source: The Desert Sun
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Time has been transformed, and we have changed;
it has advanced and set us in motion;
it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with
bewilderment and exhilaration.
Kahlil Gibran
it has advanced and set us in motion;
it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with
bewilderment and exhilaration.
Kahlil Gibran
An Introduction to Meditation
The yoga we practice today can focus too much on the physical side, and there is nothing wrong with that. After all, yoga gives you so many physical benefits.
In its authentic teaching, however, the yoga asana (physical poses) is only a step to prepare you for a deeper spiritual practice that requires stillness in the body as well as the mind: The meditation.
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, a foundational text dating back to 500 BCE that has influenced the philosophy and practice of today's yoga, expounds this clearly in its 196 aphorisms.
In the second verse of the book's first of four chapters, Patanjali sums up yoga succinctly as the ability to still the mind, or direct its focus toward an object and sustain that direction without any distraction (yogasgcittavrittinirodhah).
We will someday discuss this inspiring text at greater length, but for now let us focus on the idea of meditating. (More)
In its authentic teaching, however, the yoga asana (physical poses) is only a step to prepare you for a deeper spiritual practice that requires stillness in the body as well as the mind: The meditation.
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, a foundational text dating back to 500 BCE that has influenced the philosophy and practice of today's yoga, expounds this clearly in its 196 aphorisms.
In the second verse of the book's first of four chapters, Patanjali sums up yoga succinctly as the ability to still the mind, or direct its focus toward an object and sustain that direction without any distraction (yogasgcittavrittinirodhah).
We will someday discuss this inspiring text at greater length, but for now let us focus on the idea of meditating. (More)
Source: Jakarta Post
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