Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Dreams are everything. No matter how big or how small. Our dreams create our lives. There is nothing like a good dream. Inspire yourself.
'Mindfulness' Meditation Gaining Medical Acceptance
Challenges are landing fast and furious on Capitol Hill. So Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, feels he has to arrive at the top of his game every day. And Ryan says he has found a way to do that: He meditates for at least 45 minutes before leaving home.
Ryan, 35, sits on a floor cushion, closes his eyes, focuses on his breath and tries to detach from any thoughts, just observing them like clouds moving across the sky — a practice he learned at a retreat. "I find it makes me a better listener, and my concentration is sharper. I get less distracted when I'm reading," he says. "It's like you see through the clutter of life and can penetrate to what's really going on." (More)
Ryan, 35, sits on a floor cushion, closes his eyes, focuses on his breath and tries to detach from any thoughts, just observing them like clouds moving across the sky — a practice he learned at a retreat. "I find it makes me a better listener, and my concentration is sharper. I get less distracted when I'm reading," he says. "It's like you see through the clutter of life and can penetrate to what's really going on." (More)
Source: The Baxter Bulletin
Monday, June 29, 2009
India's Oldest Man Swears by Meditation and Vedas
At 113 years and 14 days, Henry Allingham who lives near Brighton in the UK, is the world's oldest man. The secret of his long
life? Cigarettes, whisky, and wild, wild women.
At 112, Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi of Bangalore is a year younger than Allingham. So, what's the secret of his long life, free of diabetes, blood pressure and arthritis? Rather staid stuff -- loving (doesn't include wild women though), laughing, strict vegetarian diet, vitamin tablets and a passion for the Vedas.
This sprightly centenarian gives lectures, writes articles, is a consultant and walks around comfortably with a walking stick. India's seniormost citizen's zest for life is infectious: "I have more to do in my life." (More)
life? Cigarettes, whisky, and wild, wild women.
At 112, Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi of Bangalore is a year younger than Allingham. So, what's the secret of his long life, free of diabetes, blood pressure and arthritis? Rather staid stuff -- loving (doesn't include wild women though), laughing, strict vegetarian diet, vitamin tablets and a passion for the Vedas.
This sprightly centenarian gives lectures, writes articles, is a consultant and walks around comfortably with a walking stick. India's seniormost citizen's zest for life is infectious: "I have more to do in my life." (More)
Soutce: Times of India
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Daily Inspiration
In our ability to rethink our lives lies our greatest power to change them. What we have called "middle age" need not be seen as a turning point toward death.
On meditation - Passive vs Active
The subject of meditation came up yesterday and I decided to write a diary. Before I begin, I must stress in the strongest possible terms that I am no more an accomplished meditator than I am a doctor. If I could do as well as I can talk, I could do much more with my life than I am doing. I am not a "human complete," rather, I am a "human becoming." (More)
Source: Daily Kos
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Invest less than three minutes to consider the power of you and the impact you can have on the world.
The Zen Of Reading
Multi-tasking, or as the ancients called it: monkey mind, is a disease that has many consequences. One is the impact is has on youngsters. Kids are so inundated with media that their minds jump from metaphorical branch to metaphorical branch without ever resting. One of the consequences is that many children have trouble reading. Experts have coined a term: reading stamina. This is the educational field's version of the one-pointed-mind: the ability to stay with a text for extended periods of time while putting off extraneous thoughts. Reading, then, is a form of mindfulness. As a literacy specialist, I have often recommended that parents teach meditation to children. In fact, I devoted an entire chapter to it in my book READ WELL, THINK WELL. (More)
Source: Proud Parenting
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Magic of Meditation Makes Your Day
Shakuntala is working as a house help. A widow with a boy and a girl to take care of, the money she earns out of her work in two houses is barely enough to maintain her family in the best of times. But people like her go through the worst of times too. It happens when her blood pressure shoots up as she mulls over her property issues and other stressful family happenings, about how she is going to provide for the education of her children and about how her own health fails her and the possibility of not being able to work and earn money. (More)
Source: Express Buzz
Thursday, June 25, 2009
How to Meditate Zazen Style
Much research supports the physical and mental benefits of meditation: physical benefits include pain control and the enhancement of the immunity system; psychological benefits include creating a relaxed mind state, thereby reducing anxiety and depression. Due to this, research verifies that meditators rely less on pharmaceuticals to relieve symptoms of various distressful states such as extreme nervousness, rheumatism, and stomach disorders.
Although meditation improves physical and mental states, most spiritual teachers minimize them, instead, emphasizing the development of spirit. In other words, meditation developed not as a therapeutic agent, but as a spiritual tool to remove the habitual mental chatter, thereby, achieving a calm mind that resembles the surface of a wave-less pond. (More)
Although meditation improves physical and mental states, most spiritual teachers minimize them, instead, emphasizing the development of spirit. In other words, meditation developed not as a therapeutic agent, but as a spiritual tool to remove the habitual mental chatter, thereby, achieving a calm mind that resembles the surface of a wave-less pond. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Daily Inspiration
At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. Can you go that extra degree?
A New Way to Deal With Depression
I had a Psychiatrist explain to me once that extended periods of stress can change the chemistry of the brain and cause depression. Who knows?! There are many ideas on what causes depression. Extended periods of stress or even brief stressful situations appear to contribute to feeling low or depressed. To learn more about some of the possible reasons people have depression, check out Causes of Depression at Web MD or American Psychological Association's article about Depression. Many things we experience in life can make us feel blue, and divorce is certainly one of those things in many cases. There is no one way to treat depression. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Mindful of Better Relationships
A lot of stress comes from relationships that don’t run smoothly, says Gregory Kramer who teaches a meditation that can improve our lives with others
THE GROWTH of interest in meditation as a means to living a fuller yet calmer life was evident recently when more than 800 people turned up to hear American mindfulness meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn speak in Dublin.
Gregory Kramer is another American meditation teacher whose specific interpersonal approach to meditation is gaining more attention internationally.
Working in Ireland for the first time this month, he led a seven-day retreat in Co Clare (fully booked out) and explained the basics of what he calls Insight Dialogue in a public talk in Dublin. (More)
THE GROWTH of interest in meditation as a means to living a fuller yet calmer life was evident recently when more than 800 people turned up to hear American mindfulness meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn speak in Dublin.
Gregory Kramer is another American meditation teacher whose specific interpersonal approach to meditation is gaining more attention internationally.
Working in Ireland for the first time this month, he led a seven-day retreat in Co Clare (fully booked out) and explained the basics of what he calls Insight Dialogue in a public talk in Dublin. (More)
Source: Irish Times
Monday, June 22, 2009
Meditation is Inner Communication
Don't just talk about it, to live your greatest hour you've got to be about it.
Leave the noise. Draw the attention inside. Close the eyes and open your bodymind to All That Is.
Comfortable?
Now, focus the awareness on no thing. Or, focus on three things instead of ten; one instead of three, until finally "woop" the mind gives way to the inner eye of soul-vision, the one eternal observer.
Observe your thoughts and lovinglly acknowlege them. Let them be. Honor the act of just checking in to receive whatever communication is useful in this moment.
The purpose of meditation is to connect us with the part of us that was alive before the body and will live on after it is buried. (More)
Leave the noise. Draw the attention inside. Close the eyes and open your bodymind to All That Is.
Comfortable?
Now, focus the awareness on no thing. Or, focus on three things instead of ten; one instead of three, until finally "woop" the mind gives way to the inner eye of soul-vision, the one eternal observer.
Observe your thoughts and lovinglly acknowlege them. Let them be. Honor the act of just checking in to receive whatever communication is useful in this moment.
The purpose of meditation is to connect us with the part of us that was alive before the body and will live on after it is buried. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Daily Inspiration
What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author Unknown
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author Unknown
Meditation Could be the Answer to Your Health Concerns
Meditating, if even for five minutes a day, can release dis-ease in the body and mind.
Dhyana, the seventh aspect of Patanjali’s Eight-Limb path, is simply defined as meditation. While one can simply define what meditation is, meditation is often most difficult when sought. How can I stop my thoughts? Why does my nose itch when I meditate? How do I know if I’m doing it right? How do I even find the time when my life is already jam-packed?
For all of these questions, the answer is meditation. (More)
Dhyana, the seventh aspect of Patanjali’s Eight-Limb path, is simply defined as meditation. While one can simply define what meditation is, meditation is often most difficult when sought. How can I stop my thoughts? Why does my nose itch when I meditate? How do I know if I’m doing it right? How do I even find the time when my life is already jam-packed?
For all of these questions, the answer is meditation. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Meditating on the chakras or chakra meditation will release your internal energy and aid you in your spiritual journey. There are many chakras in the body, these are points in the body that correspond to a specific area where multiple nerves crisscross.
Zen in Their Bedside Manner
Reporting from New York -- It was 8 a.m., and the subject was death.
A 55-year-old man was wasting away from lungcancer and cirrhosis. His weight was plummeting and his brain was swelling. But he was in denial, refusing to discuss hospice care or consider a "do not resuscitate" order.
"This has been really sad," said the Rev. Robert Chodo Campbell, a large man with thick brows who was wearing what appeared to be a cross between a judo outfit and hospital scrubs. He told the group that when faced with a similar case in the past, he had decided to disclose his personal battle with alcoholism to the patient -- also an alcoholic -- in hopes of spurring a conversation that might help ease the man's mental anguish and prepare him for whatever lay ahead. (More)
A 55-year-old man was wasting away from lungcancer and cirrhosis. His weight was plummeting and his brain was swelling. But he was in denial, refusing to discuss hospice care or consider a "do not resuscitate" order.
"This has been really sad," said the Rev. Robert Chodo Campbell, a large man with thick brows who was wearing what appeared to be a cross between a judo outfit and hospital scrubs. He told the group that when faced with a similar case in the past, he had decided to disclose his personal battle with alcoholism to the patient -- also an alcoholic -- in hopes of spurring a conversation that might help ease the man's mental anguish and prepare him for whatever lay ahead. (More)
Source: L A Times
Friday, June 19, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Working with Aums will resonate into all objects around you, effectively re-writing all undesirable environmental energy programming.
Let's Overcome Stress As Children Of Bliss
The mind is compared to a monkey drunk with the wine of desire, stung by the scorpion of jealousy and possessed with the demon of pride. Lust,
greed, jealousy, anger, ego, tensions, reactions, grudges, depression, stress and strain are the symptoms and not the disease.
When we are afflicted with a disease like malaria, we don't treat each symptom like fever, pain and shivering, one by one. We just treat the disease and the symptoms automatically vanish. So deal directly with the mind and the symptoms of stress and strain will disappear. Vishvas meditation is mind management. There is no attempt, however, to control the mind; the idea is to go beyond it. (More)
greed, jealousy, anger, ego, tensions, reactions, grudges, depression, stress and strain are the symptoms and not the disease.
When we are afflicted with a disease like malaria, we don't treat each symptom like fever, pain and shivering, one by one. We just treat the disease and the symptoms automatically vanish. So deal directly with the mind and the symptoms of stress and strain will disappear. Vishvas meditation is mind management. There is no attempt, however, to control the mind; the idea is to go beyond it. (More)
Source: The Times of India
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Daily Inspiration
A way to define and understand unconditional love. In this excerpt, Harold W. Becker shares his unique and simple definition of unconditional love as an unlimited way of being.
Medication vs. Meditation
Last Saturday was the worst day. I'd been OCD about everything, vacuumed 4 times, ironed an entire wardrobe for no good reason, yelled at the kids for being kids, my patience was so short.... what in the world?
Once I was able to regroup later that evening, I sat down to meditate, searching for peace in the midst of my apparent chaos - wondering where I'd gone wrong. Then it dawned on me - I had not taken my anxiety medication that day.
It was a relief at first, discovering my issue, but then I started to wonder - am I ever going to be able to function without this stuff? The thought made me begin to question the entire theory behind taking medication. Was it truly a help, or a hindrance? (More)
Once I was able to regroup later that evening, I sat down to meditate, searching for peace in the midst of my apparent chaos - wondering where I'd gone wrong. Then it dawned on me - I had not taken my anxiety medication that day.
It was a relief at first, discovering my issue, but then I started to wonder - am I ever going to be able to function without this stuff? The thought made me begin to question the entire theory behind taking medication. Was it truly a help, or a hindrance? (More)
Source: The Examiner
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Depression, Therapy, and Meditation, Revisited: Who Helps Us See the Truth?
So last month The New York Times published a controversial article on Zen by Chip Brown about a long-time practitioner of Zen meditation who came to the conclusion that his meditation practice was insufficient for working with his depression, and therefore he sought out therapy. Denise Abatemarco initiated a great discussion about the article here on the One City Blog.
I have some thoughts on how therapy can augment one's meditation practice and study of Buddhist psychology (FYI, The Interdependence Project is hosting what is sure to be a wonderful Buddhism and Psychology series this summer, which you can listen along to wherever you are). Everyone gets depressed, whether clinically or just more occasionally, and to say that meditation practice is not suited to work with depression is pretty off, in my humble opinion. If our meditation practice is making you feel more and more alienated from your self, and causing you to supress anything at all in the name of peace of mind, then I think we need to reassess our understanding of what meditation is and how it is helpful. (More)
I have some thoughts on how therapy can augment one's meditation practice and study of Buddhist psychology (FYI, The Interdependence Project is hosting what is sure to be a wonderful Buddhism and Psychology series this summer, which you can listen along to wherever you are). Everyone gets depressed, whether clinically or just more occasionally, and to say that meditation practice is not suited to work with depression is pretty off, in my humble opinion. If our meditation practice is making you feel more and more alienated from your self, and causing you to supress anything at all in the name of peace of mind, then I think we need to reassess our understanding of what meditation is and how it is helpful. (More)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Daily Inspiration
In this message, Harold W. Becker shares that in this present now moment there is a simple question each of us can quietly ask ourselves and by embracing its affirmative answer, we open a whole new reality of potential before us.
Meditation Calming Art in Overstimulated Society
Meditation, with its power to relax the soul and relive stress, has become a popular concept. In mainstream America, things considered spiritual have become fashionable images, making them as much cosmopolitan as they are healing. Store windows display Buddhas with candles while advertisements use images of models sitting cross-legged in yoga bliss to sell products.
But what is meditation really all about?
At the most basic level, mediation is the art of being with yourself. Meditation is an invitation to take time out from our busy lives and spend some real time, some quiet time, with ourselves on a deeper level. It is time to find out what's really going on in us.
In Western society, meditation offers an antidote to our incredibly busy, overstimulated, Blackberry addicted, iPod-plugged-in life, which can lead to heightened stress, anxiety and a sense of losing touch with our core values. (More)
But what is meditation really all about?
At the most basic level, mediation is the art of being with yourself. Meditation is an invitation to take time out from our busy lives and spend some real time, some quiet time, with ourselves on a deeper level. It is time to find out what's really going on in us.
In Western society, meditation offers an antidote to our incredibly busy, overstimulated, Blackberry addicted, iPod-plugged-in life, which can lead to heightened stress, anxiety and a sense of losing touch with our core values. (More)
Source: Ft Meyers News Press
Monday, June 15, 2009
Daily Inspiration
One of the world's top herbal authorities advises us on how to get the most out of natural remedies ranging from aloe vera and ginger to slippery elm and elderberry.
'Mindfulness' Meditation Gaining Medical Acceptance
Ryan, 35, sits on a floor cushion, closes his eyes, focuses on his breath and tries to detach from any thoughts, just observing them like clouds moving across the sky — a practice he learned at a retreat. "I find it makes me a better listener, and my concentration is sharper. I get less distracted when I'm reading," he says. "It's like you see through the clutter of life and can penetrate to what's really going on."
Once thought of as an esoteric, mystical pursuit, meditation is going mainstream. A government survey in 2007 found about 1 out of 11 Americans, more than 20 million, meditated in the past year. And a growing number of medical centers are teaching meditation to patients for relief of pain and stress. (More)
Once thought of as an esoteric, mystical pursuit, meditation is going mainstream. A government survey in 2007 found about 1 out of 11 Americans, more than 20 million, meditated in the past year. And a growing number of medical centers are teaching meditation to patients for relief of pain and stress. (More)
Source: Shreveport Times
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Daily Inspiration
We turn to Deepak Chopra, one of the genuine sages or our age, for insights into the mind-body-spirit interplay. In this segment, Deepak describes the effect of a deep spiritual experience.
Meditation and Metabolism
“We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see”
Taoist proverb.
The diagnosis of diabetes comes as a shock, even if the warning bells have been going off for several years. With that shock comes a flood of emotions; fear, anger, bewilderment. Some fall into resignation and let the disease take its cruel course. Others experience a new emotion; resolution. Monitor that glucose. Exercise. Take that Glynase. Look up that fat free recipe. Life becomes full with a running determination that is hard to maintain. If you step back and look at this new life you see that it has changed but you might also see that these changes actually could fit together into a new whole. Meditation can help you get to this place. (More)
Taoist proverb.
The diagnosis of diabetes comes as a shock, even if the warning bells have been going off for several years. With that shock comes a flood of emotions; fear, anger, bewilderment. Some fall into resignation and let the disease take its cruel course. Others experience a new emotion; resolution. Monitor that glucose. Exercise. Take that Glynase. Look up that fat free recipe. Life becomes full with a running determination that is hard to maintain. If you step back and look at this new life you see that it has changed but you might also see that these changes actually could fit together into a new whole. Meditation can help you get to this place. (More)
Source: Examiner
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Meditation Equals Prayer
Meditation is prayer without words. When someone is deep in prayer it is similar to the effects of meditation. Long before organized religions came to be man still had the ability to go into a meditative state. Meditation is a very effective way of developing and deepening a self awareness. Meditation is a general practice that anyone can partake, but it is a practice that one needs a teacher to help get through the internal blocks that are present within us all. Meditation is a tool we have all been given and it is simple to use, but hard to master. It is not easy to navigate the internal waters that make us up and that are why I believe that most of us don’t follow the spiritual path. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Friday, June 12, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Two whales in new Zealand appeared doomed as they kept on beaching themselves. But rescuers got a little helping hand from a friendly dolphin.
Meditation May Help Put Primary Insomnia to Bed
Deep relaxation techniques could be key to a restful night, study finds
If you're tossing and turning and having trouble getting a good night's sleep, you may want to consider meditation, researchers suggest.
People with primary insomnia reported that they slept better after trying meditation, according to a new study to be presented June 9 at SLEEP, the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, in Seattle.
Primary insomnia is described as difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep over a time period of at least one month, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. (More)
If you're tossing and turning and having trouble getting a good night's sleep, you may want to consider meditation, researchers suggest.
People with primary insomnia reported that they slept better after trying meditation, according to a new study to be presented June 9 at SLEEP, the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, in Seattle.
Primary insomnia is described as difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep over a time period of at least one month, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. (More)
Source: Forbes
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Daily Inspiration
WITH MUSIC FROM LUKA VAN DEN DRIESSCHEN AND SO MANY WONDERFUL FLOWERS IN GROWTH AND TIME LAPSE
Don't Just do Something,Sit There: Keys to Meditation
The hardest part of meditation isn't quieting the mind or tolerating sore knees or explaining to your family what the heck you're doing.
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why "Commit to Sit" is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit-chat. Its contributors are many of the best - and best-known - meditation teachers in the West. (More)
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why "Commit to Sit" is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit-chat. Its contributors are many of the best - and best-known - meditation teachers in the West. (More)
Source: etaiwannews.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Daily Inspiration
A movie about awakening humanity and hence the collective consciousness to a blissful state of simply Being LOVE.
Want a Bigger, Stronger Brain? Start Meditating.
“In meditation, effort must be applied in a direction opposite to what we are used to. Our ‘effort’ must be to relax ever more deeply. We must ultimately release the tension from both our muscles and our thoughts. When we relax so deeply that we are able to internalize the energy of the senses, the mind becomes focused and a tremendous flow of energy is awakened. Meditation is a continuous process, and can be said to have three stages: relaxation, interiorization, and expansion.” - John Novak, Lessons in Meditation. (More)
Source: Psychcentral.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Transport to Japan to experience some beautiful Japanese meditation melody acompanied by traditional Japanese scenery. The music is acompanied by inspirational quotes.
Meditation Helps Treat Insomnia
Meditation could prove to be the ideal behavioural intervention to treat insomnia, according to a study.
The new findings suggest that while practicing meditation, patients experienced improvements in subjective sleep quality and sleep diary parameters.
Meditation even improved sleep latency, total sleep time, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, and depression in patients.
Principal investigator Dr. Ramadevi Gourineni, director of the insomnia program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Evanston, Ill., said that insomnia is believed to be a 24-hour problem of hyperarousal, and elevated measures of arousals are seen throughout the day. (More)
The new findings suggest that while practicing meditation, patients experienced improvements in subjective sleep quality and sleep diary parameters.
Meditation even improved sleep latency, total sleep time, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, and depression in patients.
Principal investigator Dr. Ramadevi Gourineni, director of the insomnia program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Evanston, Ill., said that insomnia is believed to be a 24-hour problem of hyperarousal, and elevated measures of arousals are seen throughout the day. (More)
Source: Times of India
Monday, June 8, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion
to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein
to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein
'Mindfulness' Meditation Being Used in Hospitals and Schools
Challenges are landing fast and furious on Capitol Hill. So Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, feels he has to arrive at the top of his game every day. And Ryan says he has found a way to do that: He meditates for at least 45 minutes before leaving home.
Ryan, 35, sits on a floor cushion, closes his eyes, focuses on his breath and tries to detach from any thoughts, just observing them like clouds moving across the sky — a practice he learned at a retreat. "I find it makes me a better listener, and my concentration is sharper. I get less distracted when I'm reading," he says. "It's like you see through the clutter of life and can penetrate to what's really going on." (More)
Ryan, 35, sits on a floor cushion, closes his eyes, focuses on his breath and tries to detach from any thoughts, just observing them like clouds moving across the sky — a practice he learned at a retreat. "I find it makes me a better listener, and my concentration is sharper. I get less distracted when I'm reading," he says. "It's like you see through the clutter of life and can penetrate to what's really going on." (More)
Source: USA Today
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Self Improvement Advice: Meditation
There are particular moments in life that when you wish you could depend on anybody’s self improvement advice. But even if they gave it to you with the best intentions, in case anything goes wrong, you are always going to blame those persons.
That is why specialists strongly advise you, every time you find yourself at a crossroads, to always take the decisions by yourself.
The question arising is: how can we know how to take it and which is the best solution?
No matter how young or old you are, you must have gotten to a point in your life when you have to take a big decision, which will probably affect your entire existence. (More)
That is why specialists strongly advise you, every time you find yourself at a crossroads, to always take the decisions by yourself.
The question arising is: how can we know how to take it and which is the best solution?
No matter how young or old you are, you must have gotten to a point in your life when you have to take a big decision, which will probably affect your entire existence. (More)
Source: My Fox Austin
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Don't Just do Something, Sit There
Despite what you may think, the keys to meditation are beginning it and being in the moment.
The hardest part of meditation isn't quieting the mind or tolerating sore knees or explaining to your family what the heck you're doing.
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down on a chair or cushion and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why “Commit to Sit” is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit-chat. Its contributors are many of the best – and best-known – meditation teachers in the West. (More)
The hardest part of meditation isn't quieting the mind or tolerating sore knees or explaining to your family what the heck you're doing.
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down on a chair or cushion and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why “Commit to Sit” is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit-chat. Its contributors are many of the best – and best-known – meditation teachers in the West. (More)
Source: The Charlotte Observer
Friday, June 5, 2009
Daily Inspiration
This video is about reminding you to love yourself and boost your self confidence and esteem. It's just a little reminder that every person counts.
Buddhist Teacher Offers Meditation Way for Business
Michael Carroll, the speaker at a recent Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network forum, talks with BEN members Wendy Jill Krom and Bethany Perron.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — How can the seeming opposites of Buddhism, a spiritual practice that emphasizes meditation and the observance of moral precepts, and the striving of business mix in today's world?
By slowing down and reflecting, you can function better, says Michael Carroll, author of "Awake at Work" and "The Mindful Leader."
Carroll was the speaker a Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network forum at the Unitarian Church last month on "How Mindful Mediation Can Help Us Build Successful, Healthy Careers" and how to bring Buddhism into business as a "Mindful Leader." (More)
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — How can the seeming opposites of Buddhism, a spiritual practice that emphasizes meditation and the observance of moral precepts, and the striving of business mix in today's world?
By slowing down and reflecting, you can function better, says Michael Carroll, author of "Awake at Work" and "The Mindful Leader."
Carroll was the speaker a Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network forum at the Unitarian Church last month on "How Mindful Mediation Can Help Us Build Successful, Healthy Careers" and how to bring Buddhism into business as a "Mindful Leader." (More)
Source: iberkshires.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Daily Inspiration
We are going to look at some beautiful nature scenes in the wild, in the sky, and hidden paradises. The video is garnished with fun and inspirational quotes.
Take Mystery Out of Meditation
“We are all broken and wounded in this world.† Some choose to grow strong at the broken places.”† ~ Harold J. Duarte-Bernhart
Choosing to grow at the broken places is a simple, yet conscious decision that starts the journey of healing.†Many times, the healing can be a challenging process, but our decision to heal initiates actions that begin to break through the stagnant mindset, emotions and physical body.
Healing is a process that takes place in small steps.†The most effective way to bring out a change is to repeat these small steps regularly and frequently enough so the change becomes integrated into our lives. It is important to remind ourselves of our choice to grow, especially when we come across challenges. Negativity in the mind, second-guessing, coming in our own way are some of the obstacles that we may begin to notice. Let these obstacles be a gentle reminder of our purpose.
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Choosing to grow at the broken places is a simple, yet conscious decision that starts the journey of healing.†Many times, the healing can be a challenging process, but our decision to heal initiates actions that begin to break through the stagnant mindset, emotions and physical body.
Healing is a process that takes place in small steps.†The most effective way to bring out a change is to repeat these small steps regularly and frequently enough so the change becomes integrated into our lives. It is important to remind ourselves of our choice to grow, especially when we come across challenges. Negativity in the mind, second-guessing, coming in our own way are some of the obstacles that we may begin to notice. Let these obstacles be a gentle reminder of our purpose.
(More)
Source: hometownlife.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Mindfulness and Meditation For Beginners
Cultivating mindfulness in your life can be a life-changing experience. Mindfulness is a state of heightened awareness—to be mindful is to be truly conscious of all your sensory experiences. Instead of allowing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and other energetic forces to compel you, mindfulness enables you to take control. Being mindful means being free to embrace the positive, accept the challenge, and negate the dysfunction. (More)
Source: LA Emotional Health Examiner
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daily Inspiration
The Heart Lotus Meditation Dream Video is a wonderful way to clear the mind and open the heart to the higher energies that have been transmitted by the saints and sages throughout time.
Is Meditation an Answer to School Problems?
A meditation educator is travelling the province to encourage teachers, parents and principals to buy into a program that uses transcendental meditation to reduce behaviour issues and academic problems in schools.
Ashley Deans, a physicist and educator with the Canadian Association for Stress-Free Schools, said 30 minutes of meditation a day can make a big difference in a student's academic success.
"The transcendental meditation technique is the single most effective technique available for eliminating stress, promoting health and increasing creativity and intelligence," Deans said. "It's not that unconventional since meditation has become more mainstream. Think of it in the context of providing a quiet-time program in schools." (More)
Ashley Deans, a physicist and educator with the Canadian Association for Stress-Free Schools, said 30 minutes of meditation a day can make a big difference in a student's academic success.
"The transcendental meditation technique is the single most effective technique available for eliminating stress, promoting health and increasing creativity and intelligence," Deans said. "It's not that unconventional since meditation has become more mainstream. Think of it in the context of providing a quiet-time program in schools." (More)
Source: The Daily Gleaner
Monday, June 1, 2009
Latchmere Pupils Take a Load off With Meditation
Spending time dreaming away with your eyes closed at school used to be an offence deemed worthy of corporal punishment, but for pupils at Latchmere School, time spent meditating on life is positively encouraged.
Each of the 600 children spend an hour a week in the school’s chill-out blue room learning how to relax, with visualisation techniques and massage all part of the process.
Despite the hectic atmosphere of the busy school, the pupils have no trouble dropping into a calm, focused state, according to deputy headteacher Kevin Hogston, who set up the scheme to encourage creativity and good learning. (More)
Each of the 600 children spend an hour a week in the school’s chill-out blue room learning how to relax, with visualisation techniques and massage all part of the process.
Despite the hectic atmosphere of the busy school, the pupils have no trouble dropping into a calm, focused state, according to deputy headteacher Kevin Hogston, who set up the scheme to encourage creativity and good learning. (More)
Source: The Kingston Guardian
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