Friday, July 31, 2009
What is Guided Meditation?
Even the avid meditator may have trouble quieting the mind and focusing their thoughts on a mantra. In meditation it is important to remember there is no ‘wrong way’ to meditate, but when your mind begins to chatter about your day, your fears, future plans, you will need to lead it back to that focus and keep your mind clear in order to find peace and energize yourself. Guided Meditation is one way to meditate easily, especially if your mind is always active. It is an especially helpful tool for beginners.
In Guided Meditation, the facilitator, either in the room or on a CD, will gently lead you on a journey with their voice, giving your mind guidance in your meditation. You may be taken down a path where you will be asked to use your senses in your mind’s eye to feel like you are really there, and you may even gain insight about yourself or a problem you are trying to solve. (More)
In Guided Meditation, the facilitator, either in the room or on a CD, will gently lead you on a journey with their voice, giving your mind guidance in your meditation. You may be taken down a path where you will be asked to use your senses in your mind’s eye to feel like you are really there, and you may even gain insight about yourself or a problem you are trying to solve. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Logic Of Meditation-Part III
Meditation is a contemplative flight. Contemplation is not a mere intellection or a sheer emotional sentimentalism. We can say that contemplative flight is sustained only when we come to spread in full both our head and heart as wings to keep our balance during this inward pilgrimage. It is necessary, therefore, that we must have the confidence in a Protecting Power that guides, wields, and sustains our subtle efforts in this unknown field. Therefore, every seeker is advised first to invoke the blessings of the Lord of his heart.
Your Prophet, your Lord, or your guru can be the deity of your mental worship. It is not at all of importance what form symbolises our concept of the Higher. There is absolute freedom for you to conceive and consider the Supreme through any symbolism. And, symbolism cannot be avoided, as, at this moment of our development, we are still living in the plane of the mind. The mind cannot conceive the formless and the infinite. (More)
Your Prophet, your Lord, or your guru can be the deity of your mental worship. It is not at all of importance what form symbolises our concept of the Higher. There is absolute freedom for you to conceive and consider the Supreme through any symbolism. And, symbolism cannot be avoided, as, at this moment of our development, we are still living in the plane of the mind. The mind cannot conceive the formless and the infinite. (More)
Source: Times of India
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Logic Of Meditation-Part II
The mind is ever busy fluttering from one object to another.
TThe flow of thoughts is ceaseless. Obviously, before the mind can be made to put forth itself and concentrate on anything, it must be cultivated. In meditation the mind is made to withdraw its attention from all the sense-objects. The intellect, asserting its mastery over the mind, orders it to stop all thoughts except the thought of the common denominator. By assiduous practice the mind learns to think of only one thing at a time. Such a mind would indeed be a force to be reckoned with; nay, it would be invincible. Having become conscious of its true nature, such a mind would not be disturbed either by passing sorrows or ephemeral joys of the world.
Prosperity cannot spoil it, nor can adversity degrade it. Just as scientific discovery of indestructibility of matter and energy gives new meaning to objects which are but a combination of both, realisation of the Sat-Chit-Ananda by mind-intellect equipment, through meditation, would give a new edge to life, and all the passing shows of the world appear in their stark nakedness, stripped of their power to delude. All curtains would lift penetrating gaze of a mind thus established in pure consciousness through regular meditation. Shorn of all complexes, it will no more be assailed by doubts and fears. (More)
TThe flow of thoughts is ceaseless. Obviously, before the mind can be made to put forth itself and concentrate on anything, it must be cultivated. In meditation the mind is made to withdraw its attention from all the sense-objects. The intellect, asserting its mastery over the mind, orders it to stop all thoughts except the thought of the common denominator. By assiduous practice the mind learns to think of only one thing at a time. Such a mind would indeed be a force to be reckoned with; nay, it would be invincible. Having become conscious of its true nature, such a mind would not be disturbed either by passing sorrows or ephemeral joys of the world.
Prosperity cannot spoil it, nor can adversity degrade it. Just as scientific discovery of indestructibility of matter and energy gives new meaning to objects which are but a combination of both, realisation of the Sat-Chit-Ananda by mind-intellect equipment, through meditation, would give a new edge to life, and all the passing shows of the world appear in their stark nakedness, stripped of their power to delude. All curtains would lift penetrating gaze of a mind thus established in pure consciousness through regular meditation. Shorn of all complexes, it will no more be assailed by doubts and fears. (More)
Source: Times of India
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Logic Of Meditation
Why Meditation? The question is typical of the modern man.
Buzz up!Even though behind the injunction, 'Meditate', is the age-old experience of the rishi's, the 'why' of it must be explained in a scientific manner, and logic must be harnessed to it in order to carry conviction to the modern hearts.
The well-known phenomenon of split personality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde appears freakish only to a certain degree. As a matter of fact, all of us are suffering from the same malady. The average man, however, through a process of checks and restraints, does not allow anyone aspect of his personality to run loose in so pronounced a manner as in the case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (More)
Buzz up!Even though behind the injunction, 'Meditate', is the age-old experience of the rishi's, the 'why' of it must be explained in a scientific manner, and logic must be harnessed to it in order to carry conviction to the modern hearts.
The well-known phenomenon of split personality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde appears freakish only to a certain degree. As a matter of fact, all of us are suffering from the same malady. The average man, however, through a process of checks and restraints, does not allow anyone aspect of his personality to run loose in so pronounced a manner as in the case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (More)
Source: Times of India
Monday, July 27, 2009
Is Transcendental Meditation a Religion?
My article on Transcendental Meditation in Schools generated more comments than all the others combined. This indicates just how many TMers and TM teachers are out there, probably millions. One of the commentors suggested that the main reason for the drop in initiations between 1975 and 1977 was the exorbitant initiation fee. If I remember right, the initiation fee back then was around $100, much less than the $1500 now. So I don't think that was a deciding factor. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Spiritual Toolbox: Meditation - Walking in the World
Today's blog is Part One of a three-part "Spiritual Toolbox" series on meditation.
When I told a friend that I was preparing this blog, she gave me a copy of The Time Paradox, a recent book by Stanford psychology professor Philip Zimbardo. My conversation with Dr. Zimbardo at the APA convention in 2007 has been very helpful for my dissertation, so I immediately opened the book.
On the page was this statement: "Conscientious People Live Longer" (p. xv).
I laughed out loud -- because these next three blogs are on meditation. Meditation has long been recognized as a path to conscious and conscientious living. Sitting in silence is one form of meditation. There are also many other ways to meditate throughout the day. Today's blog provides suggestions for two ways to walk in the world. (More)
When I told a friend that I was preparing this blog, she gave me a copy of The Time Paradox, a recent book by Stanford psychology professor Philip Zimbardo. My conversation with Dr. Zimbardo at the APA convention in 2007 has been very helpful for my dissertation, so I immediately opened the book.
On the page was this statement: "Conscientious People Live Longer" (p. xv).
I laughed out loud -- because these next three blogs are on meditation. Meditation has long been recognized as a path to conscious and conscientious living. Sitting in silence is one form of meditation. There are also many other ways to meditate throughout the day. Today's blog provides suggestions for two ways to walk in the world. (More)
Source: Huffington Post
Friday, July 24, 2009
Running Horse Meditation
There are many forms of meditation, of quieting the mind and becoming 'present.' There is sitting meditation, walking meditation, meditating upon one's breathing or the recitation of mantras to name but a few.
A guided imagery which you may wish to use as a meditation involves using your imagination to become a wild horse or mustang.
Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and mentally allow yourself to 'become' a gorgeous mustang with a long flowing mane and tail. Visualize yourself clearly. What color or colors are you? What do your hooves feel like as they stand upon the soft, lush grass? See and feel in as much detail as you can. (More)
A guided imagery which you may wish to use as a meditation involves using your imagination to become a wild horse or mustang.
Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and mentally allow yourself to 'become' a gorgeous mustang with a long flowing mane and tail. Visualize yourself clearly. What color or colors are you? What do your hooves feel like as they stand upon the soft, lush grass? See and feel in as much detail as you can. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Meditation Campaign Reaches One Million Minutes
Facing the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall, scores of meditating and praying individuals were earnestly trying to build up “capital” of positive energy to end the 10-year persecution of the spiritual practice of Falun Gong. Held on Sunday, July 19, it was one day before July 20, when 10 years ago, the communist Chinese regime initiated a campaign of imprisonment, defamation, torture and death of adherents of the ancient spiritual practice.
Following the meditation portion of the event was a rally, “Freedom For Falun Gong,” where original songs were sung on the persecution of Faun Gong. Two invited speakers urged the U.S. government to put human rights before trade, and demand that the communist regime bring an end to the killing of innocent people. (More)
Following the meditation portion of the event was a rally, “Freedom For Falun Gong,” where original songs were sung on the persecution of Faun Gong. Two invited speakers urged the U.S. government to put human rights before trade, and demand that the communist regime bring an end to the killing of innocent people. (More)
Source: The Epoch Times
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Meditation Needs Neither Focus Nor Concentration
There are different schools of meditation, different methods and systems. There are systems which say: “Watch the movement of your big toe, watch it, watch it, watch it”.
There are others which advocate sitting in a certain posture, breathing regularly or practising awareness. All this is utterly mechanical.
Another method gives you a certain word and tells you that if you go on repeating it, you will have some extraordinary transcendental experience. It is a form of self-hypnosis. By repeating ‘Amen’, ‘Om’ or ‘Coca-Cola’ indefinitely, you will obviously have a certain experience because by repetition the mind becomes quiet. It is a well-known phenomenon which has been practised for thousands of years in India; it’s called mantra yoga. By repetition you can induce the mind to be gentle and soft, but it is still a petty, shoddy, little mind.
Meditation is not following any system; it is not constant repetition and imitation. Meditation is not concentration. It is one of the favourite gambits of some teachers of meditation to insist on their pupils learning concentration — that is, fixing the mind on one thought and driving out all other thoughts, which any schoolboy can do because he is forced to. (More)
There are others which advocate sitting in a certain posture, breathing regularly or practising awareness. All this is utterly mechanical.
Another method gives you a certain word and tells you that if you go on repeating it, you will have some extraordinary transcendental experience. It is a form of self-hypnosis. By repeating ‘Amen’, ‘Om’ or ‘Coca-Cola’ indefinitely, you will obviously have a certain experience because by repetition the mind becomes quiet. It is a well-known phenomenon which has been practised for thousands of years in India; it’s called mantra yoga. By repetition you can induce the mind to be gentle and soft, but it is still a petty, shoddy, little mind.
Meditation is not following any system; it is not constant repetition and imitation. Meditation is not concentration. It is one of the favourite gambits of some teachers of meditation to insist on their pupils learning concentration — that is, fixing the mind on one thought and driving out all other thoughts, which any schoolboy can do because he is forced to. (More)
Source: Times of India
Monday, July 20, 2009
Meditation Slows AIDS Progression
Meditation may slow the worsening of AIDS in just a few weeks, perhaps by affecting the immune system, US researchers reported.
If the findings are borne out in larger studies, it could offer a cheap and pleasant way to help people battle the incurable and often fatal condition, the team at the University of California Los Angeles said on Thursday.
They tested a stress-lowering program called mindfulness meditation, defined as practicing an open and receptive awareness of the present moment, avoiding thinking of the past or worrying about the future. The more often the volunteers meditated, the higher their CD4 T-cell counts - a standard measure of how well the immune system is fighting the AIDS virus. The CD4 counts were measured before and after the two-month programme.
"This study provides the first indication that mindfulness meditation stress-management training can have a direct impact on slowing HIV disease progression," said David Creswell, who led the study.
His team tested 67 HIV-positive adults from the Los Angeles area, 48 of whom did some or all of the meditation. Most were likely to have highly stressful lives, Creswell said. (More)
If the findings are borne out in larger studies, it could offer a cheap and pleasant way to help people battle the incurable and often fatal condition, the team at the University of California Los Angeles said on Thursday.
They tested a stress-lowering program called mindfulness meditation, defined as practicing an open and receptive awareness of the present moment, avoiding thinking of the past or worrying about the future. The more often the volunteers meditated, the higher their CD4 T-cell counts - a standard measure of how well the immune system is fighting the AIDS virus. The CD4 counts were measured before and after the two-month programme.
"This study provides the first indication that mindfulness meditation stress-management training can have a direct impact on slowing HIV disease progression," said David Creswell, who led the study.
His team tested 67 HIV-positive adults from the Los Angeles area, 48 of whom did some or all of the meditation. Most were likely to have highly stressful lives, Creswell said. (More)
Source: Times of India
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Meditation Cuts ADHD Symptoms in Kids
Just 10 minutes of transcendental meditation can help reduce attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in kids, according to a study by the George Washington University.
During the study, the researchers followed a group of middle school students with ADHD who were meditating twice a day in school for 10 minutes.
After three months, they found over 50 percent reduction in stress and anxiety and improvements in ADHD symptoms in the students.
"The effect was much greater than we expected," said Sarina J. Grosswald, Ed.D., a George Washington University-trained cognitive learning specialist and lead researcher on the study.
"The children also showed improvements in attention, working memory, organization, and behaviour regulation," she added.
Grosswald said that after the in-school meditation routine began, "teachers reported they were able to teach more, and students were able to learn more because they were less stressed and anxious." (More)
During the study, the researchers followed a group of middle school students with ADHD who were meditating twice a day in school for 10 minutes.
After three months, they found over 50 percent reduction in stress and anxiety and improvements in ADHD symptoms in the students.
"The effect was much greater than we expected," said Sarina J. Grosswald, Ed.D., a George Washington University-trained cognitive learning specialist and lead researcher on the study.
"The children also showed improvements in attention, working memory, organization, and behaviour regulation," she added.
Grosswald said that after the in-school meditation routine began, "teachers reported they were able to teach more, and students were able to learn more because they were less stressed and anxious." (More)
Source: Times of India
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Past Lives 101: How to Meditate For Your Past Life Journey
Past lives are your memories, either in this lifetime or another lifetime. To access your past life memories, first you must meditate before you can freely go on your past life journey.
Meditation simply means allowing the suspension of logical thought so the body and the mind can both enter deeper states of relaxation, altering states of awareness. Rather than being focused on the stillness of the physical body alone, meditation allows for the emotional and mental bodies to be quiet and calm. This calls for a focused concentration on an object such as gazing at the tip of candlelight, the bubbling sound of a water fountain, or the fluidity of non-rhythmic music.
Spiritual ways to meditate may be using prayer beads such as the Roman Catholic rosary, Muslim mishbaha or tespih, Hindu and Buddhist japa mala, and Buddhist juzu, shu ju or badi. A natural way to relax and meditate is to sit quietly in nature, breathing deeply, slowly being aware of the sounds from the surroundings, until the faintest sound can be heard. Non-spiritual ways to calm the mind would be to systematically employ autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback. (More)
Meditation simply means allowing the suspension of logical thought so the body and the mind can both enter deeper states of relaxation, altering states of awareness. Rather than being focused on the stillness of the physical body alone, meditation allows for the emotional and mental bodies to be quiet and calm. This calls for a focused concentration on an object such as gazing at the tip of candlelight, the bubbling sound of a water fountain, or the fluidity of non-rhythmic music.
Spiritual ways to meditate may be using prayer beads such as the Roman Catholic rosary, Muslim mishbaha or tespih, Hindu and Buddhist japa mala, and Buddhist juzu, shu ju or badi. A natural way to relax and meditate is to sit quietly in nature, breathing deeply, slowly being aware of the sounds from the surroundings, until the faintest sound can be heard. Non-spiritual ways to calm the mind would be to systematically employ autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Friday, July 17, 2009
How Meditation Helps Beat Stress
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding how relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and prayer improve health.
Research collaborators from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center say that such relaxation techniques work by changing patterns of gene activity that affect how the body responds to stress.
“It’s not all in your head. What we’ve found is that when you evoke the relaxation response, the very genes that are turned on or off by stress are turned the other way. The mind can actively turn on and turn off genes,” says Dr Herbert Benson of the institute.
During the study, Benson and his colleagues compared gene-expression patterns in 19 long-term practitioners,19 healthy controls, and 20 newcomers who underwent eight weeks of relaxation-response training. (More)
Source: Times of India
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Students Who Meditate Are Better Off
Students who meditate are better off when it comes to dealing with stress in college, according to a new research at American University.
The study pointed out that such students also remain less fatigued and have more "integrated" brains.
According to the researchers, transcendental Meditation may be an effective non-medicinal tool for students to buffer themselves against the intense stresses of college life.
Titled ‘Effects of Transcendental Meditation practice on brain functioning and stress reactivity in college students’, the research is the first random assignment study of the effects of meditation practice on brain and physiological functioning in college students.
For the study, the researchers roped in 50 students from American University and other Washington, D.C., area universities.
They then probed the effects of 10-weeks of Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice on "Brain Integration Scale" scores (broadband frontal coherence, power ratios, and preparatory brain responses), electrodermal habituation to a stressful stimulus, and sleepiness in the participants. (More)
The study pointed out that such students also remain less fatigued and have more "integrated" brains.
According to the researchers, transcendental Meditation may be an effective non-medicinal tool for students to buffer themselves against the intense stresses of college life.
Titled ‘Effects of Transcendental Meditation practice on brain functioning and stress reactivity in college students’, the research is the first random assignment study of the effects of meditation practice on brain and physiological functioning in college students.
For the study, the researchers roped in 50 students from American University and other Washington, D.C., area universities.
They then probed the effects of 10-weeks of Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice on "Brain Integration Scale" scores (broadband frontal coherence, power ratios, and preparatory brain responses), electrodermal habituation to a stressful stimulus, and sleepiness in the participants. (More)
Source: Times of India
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What Inspired A Scientist To Open A Meditation Center At UCLA?
I recently attended a gathering of supporters of the Mindful Awareness Research
Center (MARC) at the University of California, Los Angeles. During this event, I
heard MARC founder (and Huffington Post blogger) Susan Smalley, Ph.D., speak. Dr.
Smalley, a research scientist for 25 years, shared her fascinating journey of how she was
inspired to create a center for mindfulness research. Her audience was completely captivated. I was so moved by Dr. Smalley's story, I wanted to share it with
the HuffPost audience. I was fortunate enough to track her down for an interview.
Before I share the interview, I'd like to clarify what mindful awareness is. According to the MARC website: (More)
Center (MARC) at the University of California, Los Angeles. During this event, I
heard MARC founder (and Huffington Post blogger) Susan Smalley, Ph.D., speak. Dr.
Smalley, a research scientist for 25 years, shared her fascinating journey of how she was
inspired to create a center for mindfulness research. Her audience was completely captivated. I was so moved by Dr. Smalley's story, I wanted to share it with
the HuffPost audience. I was fortunate enough to track her down for an interview.
Before I share the interview, I'd like to clarify what mindful awareness is. According to the MARC website: (More)
Source: Huffington Post
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Breath Meditation Technique for Beginners: Calm the Mind & Increase Wellbeing
One of the simplest ways to begin learning meditation is to watch your breath. This meditation technique is perfect for beginners because it is natural, easy, and can be done anywhere and anytime. Begin by paying attention to the breath as it leaves and enters your lungs.
Take notice of any bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings. At first, start with five inhalations and five exhalations, counting slowly and take deep regular breaths. Make sure that you are paying full attention and giving all of your focus to the breath. If you find yourself getting distracted, do not worry or get agitated, this is a natural part of the practice. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to the breath and begin again. Once you are able to maintain a steady focus and count five breaths without becoming distracted, you can increase the number of inhalations and exhalations. (More)
Take notice of any bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings. At first, start with five inhalations and five exhalations, counting slowly and take deep regular breaths. Make sure that you are paying full attention and giving all of your focus to the breath. If you find yourself getting distracted, do not worry or get agitated, this is a natural part of the practice. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to the breath and begin again. Once you are able to maintain a steady focus and count five breaths without becoming distracted, you can increase the number of inhalations and exhalations. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, July 13, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Esther Hicks in one of the most inspirational scenes depicting the law of attraction. Video includes Esther Hicks and Micheal Beckwith and many deleted scenes from Rhonda Byrne's film.
Doing Meditation the Reiki Way
Regular practice of the simple two-way technique of Reiki meditation can not only help you improve your focus and awaken you spiritually, but also can amplify your innate healing abilities to help you achieve holistic health
Maintaining a high level of life force energy, prana, is a pre-requisite for holistic health, achieved through practice of various techniques that can generate balance between body and mind, such as yoga, Tai Chi, Quantum Touch, or Reiki, to name just a few. All of them employ one or the other form of meditation as an important component for treatment at the physical, mental, and emotional levels.
The two-in-one Reiki meditation technique deftly combines the healing powers of both meditation and Reiki. The benefits accruing from them increase manifold as a consequence of synergy generated by blending them together. What keeps Reiki meditation apart from other meditation forms is its unique ability to strengthen the innate healing capability of the practitioner. (More)
Maintaining a high level of life force energy, prana, is a pre-requisite for holistic health, achieved through practice of various techniques that can generate balance between body and mind, such as yoga, Tai Chi, Quantum Touch, or Reiki, to name just a few. All of them employ one or the other form of meditation as an important component for treatment at the physical, mental, and emotional levels.
The two-in-one Reiki meditation technique deftly combines the healing powers of both meditation and Reiki. The benefits accruing from them increase manifold as a consequence of synergy generated by blending them together. What keeps Reiki meditation apart from other meditation forms is its unique ability to strengthen the innate healing capability of the practitioner. (More)
Source: Times of India
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Abraham, speaking through Esther Hicks explains why appreciation is so powerful in transforming our experience, as well as how we can cultivate appreciation, how we can use it.
Stop the Mind Chatter – Tips for Stress Management and Happiness
There are many schools of thought on the proper way to meditate. There is no right or wrong way to approach meditation. For those that lead hectic lives, multi-tasking at work and keeping up with the demands of raising a family, stress will inevitably pile up. Stress management is just as important as breathing and everyone knows you can't go very long without oxygen. Stress affects your health and happiness in many ways.
Research study shows meditators are calmer and happier. The benefits of meditation may help with the following conditions: high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, asthma, anxiety and fatigue. Meditation may also help reduce negative emotions, focus on the present, increase self-awareness and build skills to manage stress.
How many times have you heard someone say, "I can't get the mind chatter to stop. I can't meditate." A simple approach has helped many people find their way to peace of mind. (More)
Research study shows meditators are calmer and happier. The benefits of meditation may help with the following conditions: high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, asthma, anxiety and fatigue. Meditation may also help reduce negative emotions, focus on the present, increase self-awareness and build skills to manage stress.
How many times have you heard someone say, "I can't get the mind chatter to stop. I can't meditate." A simple approach has helped many people find their way to peace of mind. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Open Your Eyes to Meditation
There is some good news for those who have tried meditation, in vain, to get rid of life's worries.
Based on 3D technology, OEM does not require a person to close his/her eyes, nor is it time-consuming. "You need to look at a chart printed using 3-D techniques. After a few seconds, a hidden religious symbol will appear on the chart. Your meditation is complete and you will be relieved by just seeing the symbol for five minutes a day,'' says Ramesh Kamath, a consultant of open-eye meditation for the last eight years.
Aura meter technology is used to assess the intensity and kind of problems a person faces, he added. The medium can be used to deal with anxiety, stress-related problems and depression.
Based on 3D technology, OEM does not require a person to close his/her eyes, nor is it time-consuming. "You need to look at a chart printed using 3-D techniques. After a few seconds, a hidden religious symbol will appear on the chart. Your meditation is complete and you will be relieved by just seeing the symbol for five minutes a day,'' says Ramesh Kamath, a consultant of open-eye meditation for the last eight years.
Aura meter technology is used to assess the intensity and kind of problems a person faces, he added. The medium can be used to deal with anxiety, stress-related problems and depression.
Source: Times of India
Friday, July 10, 2009
Daily Inspiration
In this message, Harold W. Becker shares that we are extraordinary beings of immense and profound potential. The fact that we breathe and have life is the most amazing miracle in itself.
Meditate: Free Your Mind, Ignite Your Heart, Awaken Your Life
Meditation is the ancient practice of relaxing and centering oneself in a more expanded, loving state of consciousness. It allows individuals to free their minds of scattered thoughts and bring awareness to their deeper inner being. David Harshada Wagner, through simple teaching techniques, helps individuals in the modern world reap the benefits of this ancient practice.
Many people experience an excessive amount of stress, which prevents them from enjoying life 100%. People are under pressure from work, from school, with money and in relationships. Mediation is a simple and easy way for people to steady their minds and unwind the stress in their body. It is an easy, do-it-yourself way to let go of stress and experience lasting inner peace. (More)
Many people experience an excessive amount of stress, which prevents them from enjoying life 100%. People are under pressure from work, from school, with money and in relationships. Mediation is a simple and easy way for people to steady their minds and unwind the stress in their body. It is an easy, do-it-yourself way to let go of stress and experience lasting inner peace. (More)
Source: HealthNewsDigest.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Listen to this music when ever you feel stressed out This is the second part of the video.
Getting High: On Drugs, Medication Or Meditation?
We all seek that rush or high, the feel-good factor that turns us on and makes us feel that we can succeed and even conquer the world. Getting high is one of the great pleasures of life and that is why so many people find different ways to do it, whether through alcohol, the use of recreational drugs, such as marijuana, or prescription drugs, such as pain killers, all of which aim at altering our consciousness enough that our present reality becomes workable and even enjoyable.
In 2007 66% of high school seniors regularly drank alcohol, 31% smoked dope, while 10% used other opiates. Among adults, according to data from the 2006 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 112 million Americans (45% of the population) reported illicit drug use at least once, 15% reported use of a drug within the past year, and 8% reported use of a drug within the past month. Vicadin is one of the most widely prescribed painkillers and it is used and abused by teenagers and adults alike. (More)
In 2007 66% of high school seniors regularly drank alcohol, 31% smoked dope, while 10% used other opiates. Among adults, according to data from the 2006 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 112 million Americans (45% of the population) reported illicit drug use at least once, 15% reported use of a drug within the past year, and 8% reported use of a drug within the past month. Vicadin is one of the most widely prescribed painkillers and it is used and abused by teenagers and adults alike. (More)
Source: The Huffington Post
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Listen to this music when ever you feel stressed out. The music starts after 30 seconds. While you are waiting for the music to start I want you to breathe in through your nose for a count of 4...Hold the breath for a count of 7...and release the breath through your mouth for a count of 8. repeat the process. I hope you enjoy.
Sharpening Your Memory With Meditation
Meditation may help hone your visual memory, suggests a new study. For their research, scientists zeroed in on two types of Buddhist meditation: Deity Yoga (in which participants focus on an image of a deity) and Open Presence (in which participants avoid concentrating on any specific image and attempt to evenly distribute their attention while meditating).
In a series of experiments, both types of meditation practitioners (along with a group of nonmeditators) engaged in tasks that tested their visual memory (e.g., the ability to hold an image in memory and then identify it among other similar images later on). After finishing up their first round of tasks, the meditation practitioners meditated for 20 minutes while the nonmeditators rested. Both groups then completed a second round of tasks.
The study's results showed that all the participants performed similarly on the first round of tests. However, in the second round, practitioners of Deity Yoga had a remarkable improvement in performance. According to the study's authors, these findings hint that meditation may show promise in treatment of memory loss.
In a series of experiments, both types of meditation practitioners (along with a group of nonmeditators) engaged in tasks that tested their visual memory (e.g., the ability to hold an image in memory and then identify it among other similar images later on). After finishing up their first round of tasks, the meditation practitioners meditated for 20 minutes while the nonmeditators rested. Both groups then completed a second round of tasks.
The study's results showed that all the participants performed similarly on the first round of tests. However, in the second round, practitioners of Deity Yoga had a remarkable improvement in performance. According to the study's authors, these findings hint that meditation may show promise in treatment of memory loss.
Source: About.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
We Are Never Alone
In our darkest moments, in our deepest depression, in the heart of most human misery is the feeling that we are utterly, entirely alone. This horrible, consuming feeling is probably the worst pain that we can feel as human beings. We feel unseen, unheard, misunderstood, without anchor, without any kind of connection at all, and it is devastating. We lose hope. It is in such moments that people contemplate suicide.
The interesting thing about loneliness is that we can experience it even when we're completely surrounded by people. We may even be surrounded by people whom we love and who love us. And yet, sometimes we feel disconnected, unreachable. We see our loved ones. We hear them. But it's as if they are very far away, and we can't return to them. We're trapped in our own heads, with our own miserable thoughts and feelings. Of course, what I'm describing is depression, but this feeling of alone-ness happens to us all at some point in our lives, and it is worth examining.
What is loneliness? Why do we experience it? And what can we do about it? (More)
The interesting thing about loneliness is that we can experience it even when we're completely surrounded by people. We may even be surrounded by people whom we love and who love us. And yet, sometimes we feel disconnected, unreachable. We see our loved ones. We hear them. But it's as if they are very far away, and we can't return to them. We're trapped in our own heads, with our own miserable thoughts and feelings. Of course, what I'm describing is depression, but this feeling of alone-ness happens to us all at some point in our lives, and it is worth examining.
What is loneliness? Why do we experience it? And what can we do about it? (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, July 6, 2009
Stress Reduction Techniques - Deep Breathing
Meditation is a wonderful way to reduce stress. Deep breathing slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and boosts your immune system. A good exercise to try is to breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4,and exhale for a count of 4 When you breathe be sure to inhale deeply so that your belly rises, not just your chest.
Meditation helps your mind to banish repetitive thoughts and bring your mind and body to a state of peace and rest. There are many ways to meditate from guided sessions to walking meditations. Check out some of my earlier posts tagged Meditation 101.
Meditation helps your mind to banish repetitive thoughts and bring your mind and body to a state of peace and rest. There are many ways to meditate from guided sessions to walking meditations. Check out some of my earlier posts tagged Meditation 101.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Loving Kindness Meditation
May you be happy, peaceful, and free of suffering.
May no harm come to you.
May no difficulties come to you.
May no problems come to you.
May you also have patience, courage, understanding, and determination, to meet and overcome, the inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.
I'm saying it for you first - slowly, peacefully....Now you can say it. First, for yourself. Then for me or anyone else. You can say it again and again, moving from the most personal (family members, friends) to those you do not know, to those toward whom you feel neutral, even for enemies or those with whom you are in conflict, and finally for all beings.
May no harm come to you.
May no difficulties come to you.
May no problems come to you.
May you also have patience, courage, understanding, and determination, to meet and overcome, the inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.
I'm saying it for you first - slowly, peacefully....Now you can say it. First, for yourself. Then for me or anyone else. You can say it again and again, moving from the most personal (family members, friends) to those you do not know, to those toward whom you feel neutral, even for enemies or those with whom you are in conflict, and finally for all beings.
Source: TPM Cafe
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Jharkhand Prisoners Start Meditation Course
Around 65 prisoners of Birsa Munda Central Jail here have been doing meditation and keeping silent for the past five days to get enlightenment, jail authorities said on Saturday.
The prisoners, including 35 women, began doing Vipasana Aasan June 30 and will continue to do so till July 10. According to Buddhists, the Buddha did Vipasana Aasan to get enlightenment.
The prisoners who were performing meditation face serious charges, including murder and rape.
"Six people trained in Vipasana Aasan are providing them tips. Of the six, three have arrived from Bodh Gaya and the rest from Ijjatnagar," Superintendent of Birsa Munda Central Jail Deepak Kumar Vidyarthi told IANS.
"We are providing meditation to bring changes in heart and minds of the prisoners," he said.
Mr. Vidyarthi said the prisoners are shown CDs of different forms of Vipasana Aasan by the yoga teachers. (More)
The prisoners, including 35 women, began doing Vipasana Aasan June 30 and will continue to do so till July 10. According to Buddhists, the Buddha did Vipasana Aasan to get enlightenment.
The prisoners who were performing meditation face serious charges, including murder and rape.
"Six people trained in Vipasana Aasan are providing them tips. Of the six, three have arrived from Bodh Gaya and the rest from Ijjatnagar," Superintendent of Birsa Munda Central Jail Deepak Kumar Vidyarthi told IANS.
"We are providing meditation to bring changes in heart and minds of the prisoners," he said.
Mr. Vidyarthi said the prisoners are shown CDs of different forms of Vipasana Aasan by the yoga teachers. (More)
Source: The Hindu
Friday, July 3, 2009
Meditative Walking is a Powerful Technique to Connect With God
Meditative walking is a powerful technique to slow down, to be in the moment and feel the presence of the One Life, God. By slowing down, and being in the moment you recognize the One Life which flows through all life, including your life.
In earlier articles I discussed Meditation, Mindfulness and Visualization as methods to quiet your mind and facilitate a more intimate connection with Spirit. The fourth slow down to speed up tip is to explore meditative walking or hiking as a means to be in the moment and connect with Spirit. (More)
In earlier articles I discussed Meditation, Mindfulness and Visualization as methods to quiet your mind and facilitate a more intimate connection with Spirit. The fourth slow down to speed up tip is to explore meditative walking or hiking as a means to be in the moment and connect with Spirit. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Daily Inspiration
In this overview from the book by Harold W. Becker, Internal Power, Seven Doorways to Self Discovery, we find ourselves in a Grand Hallway with seven doorways representing our potential.
Meditation: Do it Now
Imagine, if you will, that you are at a semi-fast-food style restaurant that provides complimentary internet, on a Wednesday afternoon, just around lunch time. In real life, a place like this is full of people rushing through their lunches, staff members running back and forth refilling napkin dispensers, ice for the soda machines, etc., and many other people operating at various levels of fast moving energy. Looking around, your eyes stop at a table full of papers, books, a computer, phone, and the ubiquitous cup of coffee or maybe tea. And sitting at the table is a woman, brows furrowed, typing furiously, with a very serious look on her head. A few minutes go by and when you look in her direction again you find her sitting with her eyes closed. As you watch her doing nothing for a few minutes, you wonder why she is just sitting there doing nothing when according to all the stuff on her table, she obviously has so much work to do. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Daily Inspiration
For a very long time we have been under the influence of a masculine dominated energy. As a result, this highly focused willpower has built and created out of balance by ignoring the inherent feminine energy.
Moving Through Life’s Challenges: Using Meditation and Other Techniques to Face Your Fears
The current state of the world has brought many of us into fear over a variety of life’s challenges, fear of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, losing our jobs, etc. Everyone has a story and has had a variety of challenges throughout their lives. These are a part of life. Without life’s polarities we would not continue to learn, grow and develop. How can we move beyond fear and into acceptance of life’s polarities?
There are many techniques to assist us in looking at the positive in life instead of focusing on what appears to be negative and accepting these “negatives” for what they really are. Meditation has been around for thousands of years as a spiritual practice to assist in clearing the mind and connecting with the divine. (More)
There are many techniques to assist us in looking at the positive in life instead of focusing on what appears to be negative and accepting these “negatives” for what they really are. Meditation has been around for thousands of years as a spiritual practice to assist in clearing the mind and connecting with the divine. (More)
Source: Creative Loafing
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