Monday, August 31, 2009
Daily Inspiration
This series was brought back by popular demand. Wayne discusses how meditation can help you find what you are looking for.
Focal Points in Meditation
The first step in pacifying the mind is to stop the attention from wandering around.
In seated meditation, the breath is often used as a focal point for this purpose. In the practice of Indian Yoga, sometimes a practitioner will fix the eyes on one hand or another, or on a point on the wall. This technique is also used in hypnosis. By using a focal point for the eyes, the practitioner focuses the mind as well. When I was first learning to meditate, I used to contemplate the nothingness that I could see behind closed eyelids.
Another kind of focal point is a “mudra.” A mudra is a symbolic shape made with the hands or another part of the body. In a certain sense, then, it seems that any yoga posture could itself be a mudra. Furthermore, any cross-legged posture used in meditation could be thought of as a Yoga posture or as a mudra. In all cases, the practitioner’s attention is being placed on a focal point. (More)
In seated meditation, the breath is often used as a focal point for this purpose. In the practice of Indian Yoga, sometimes a practitioner will fix the eyes on one hand or another, or on a point on the wall. This technique is also used in hypnosis. By using a focal point for the eyes, the practitioner focuses the mind as well. When I was first learning to meditate, I used to contemplate the nothingness that I could see behind closed eyelids.
Another kind of focal point is a “mudra.” A mudra is a symbolic shape made with the hands or another part of the body. In a certain sense, then, it seems that any yoga posture could itself be a mudra. Furthermore, any cross-legged posture used in meditation could be thought of as a Yoga posture or as a mudra. In all cases, the practitioner’s attention is being placed on a focal point. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Meditation Makes you a Better Business Leader
Spending quality time with themselves helps business leaders realise their full potential in all walks of life, explains Stephen Manallack, a consultant in leadership and communication and a meditation teacher, in Australia.
Meditation and leadership are two of the oldest human activities - they work well together. With beginnings in India, many western leaders are turning to this approach to improve leadership.
In meditation, we come face to face with who we are and find ways to become a better individual, and in leadership it is exactly the same - by coming face to face with who we are, we can find meaningful ways to lead others. (More)
Meditation and leadership are two of the oldest human activities - they work well together. With beginnings in India, many western leaders are turning to this approach to improve leadership.
In meditation, we come face to face with who we are and find ways to become a better individual, and in leadership it is exactly the same - by coming face to face with who we are, we can find meaningful ways to lead others. (More)
Source: Domain-B
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Mindfulness Meditation With Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditation, as I explained previously, is the way we train our consciousness to be aware of our mindfulness. Mindfulness is a certain quality of awareness that we bring to our consciousness in our moment-to-moment activities. In this video, filmed at Google headquarters, Jon Kabat-Zinn walks Google employees through a mindfulness meditation session. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Friday, August 28, 2009
Awaken Your Spirit
Your body and spirit entwine. Heart disease patients often become depressed. And, people who are depressed often develop heart disease. Some say our obesity epidemic reflects our starving souls.
You'll find this soulful connection acknowledged in wellness spas such as the legendary Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson. Long a Mecca for the rich and thin (and those who want to look like them), the former fat farm has morphed over the years into a citadel for true health. Exercise classes are now active lifestyle lessons and celery with water lunches are delicious spa cuisine feasts. (More)
You'll find this soulful connection acknowledged in wellness spas such as the legendary Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson. Long a Mecca for the rich and thin (and those who want to look like them), the former fat farm has morphed over the years into a citadel for true health. Exercise classes are now active lifestyle lessons and celery with water lunches are delicious spa cuisine feasts. (More)
Source: The Baltimore Sun
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Meditation to Beat Stress!
Twenty-seven-year-old software professional Ashish Bamzai, 27, couldn't enjoy his own wedding because at the back of his mind was the fear of losing his job.
"Everyone around me was happy and smiling. I just couldn't fake a smile as there was tension lingering at the back of my mind. I had this fear of my company giving me the pink slip. Ever since the downturn has hit the markets, all software professionals are uncertain about their jobs and I am one of them," Bamzai said.
To get rid of this constant fear, Bamzai participated in a workshop at the Chennai-based Oneness University that deals in promoting holistic living to counter stress and it worked wonders for him. Now he has learnt to stay calm and composed even in adverse conditions. (More)
"Everyone around me was happy and smiling. I just couldn't fake a smile as there was tension lingering at the back of my mind. I had this fear of my company giving me the pink slip. Ever since the downturn has hit the markets, all software professionals are uncertain about their jobs and I am one of them," Bamzai said.
To get rid of this constant fear, Bamzai participated in a workshop at the Chennai-based Oneness University that deals in promoting holistic living to counter stress and it worked wonders for him. Now he has learnt to stay calm and composed even in adverse conditions. (More)
Source: Times of India
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Before You Attempt Chakra Meditation
Works of serious Chakra meditators who have describe their personal experiences about the awakening of the kundalini are unique meaning their descriptions of the stirring and rising of their kundalini are individualized with little consistency in what really happened in this unique experience. But invariably the effects and the follow on are quite similar. I will speak about certain common features in the awakening of the kundalini some other time. The reason is that those seriously interested in these spiritual mystical practices first understand the role of the sheaths that surround the atman or the soul. (More)
Source: The Sop
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Meditation - Nutrition for the Mind
Meditation frees the mind and spirit.When we investigate ways to nourish our bodies, too often our mental stamina and maintenance gets shoved aside. Yet, without proper attention, we put ourselves at risk of being nutrient-deficient in managing mental nutrition. Appropriate supplementation can address some issues, but meditation is critical to maintaining good energy flow.
Meditation is an art of breathing practiced widely in the Far East, and is now actively used in the United States. Common for many religious practices, this practice centers and provides the mind space to explore, listen and intuit with the higher stratosphere. It is a practical medium that enables one to garner focus, insight and contemplation to both, clear and ready the mind for its next journey. Appreciation of the life process is perhaps meditation's critical goal, achieved simply by providing space and time to readdress one's place in their life currently. Though typical to Buddhism, this is not a religious activity but a mental one, oriented at creating space to attain unity within oneself and one's world. (More)
Meditation is an art of breathing practiced widely in the Far East, and is now actively used in the United States. Common for many religious practices, this practice centers and provides the mind space to explore, listen and intuit with the higher stratosphere. It is a practical medium that enables one to garner focus, insight and contemplation to both, clear and ready the mind for its next journey. Appreciation of the life process is perhaps meditation's critical goal, achieved simply by providing space and time to readdress one's place in their life currently. Though typical to Buddhism, this is not a religious activity but a mental one, oriented at creating space to attain unity within oneself and one's world. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, August 24, 2009
Prayer vs. Meditation: Is There Teally a Difference?
During a recent conversation, my friend commented that there is a distinct difference between prayer and meditation.
In group settings, for instance, when there is a desire for a few words of intention to set the tone, some folks might be uncomfortable with “prayer,” she says. Adding that prayer is talking to God, and meditation is listening to God.
I’m perplexed when friends make a distinction between prayer and meditation because through prayer I learned to meditate. Prayer takes me to God. (More)
In group settings, for instance, when there is a desire for a few words of intention to set the tone, some folks might be uncomfortable with “prayer,” she says. Adding that prayer is talking to God, and meditation is listening to God.
I’m perplexed when friends make a distinction between prayer and meditation because through prayer I learned to meditate. Prayer takes me to God. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Alternative Medicine 101: Meditation Opportunities in Phoenix
With the stresses of modern life often seeming to press on relentlessly, many people are becoming overly fatigued, depressed, frustrated, impatient, and angry. The practice of meditation can help individuals deal with the stress, put their lives into perspective, and clear their minds. And it doesn’t have to cost anything.
Meditation primer
Meditation is a term that refers to various practices or techniques that allow people to focus or concentrate their attention. These techniques have their origins in many different religious and spiritual practices, although one does not need to be religious or even spiritual to practice meditation.
In fact, much of the attention given to meditation today is in association with mind-body medicine and how it can improve health and wellness. To that end, there are dozens of research project underway that are studying the effects and uses of meditation. (More)
Meditation primer
Meditation is a term that refers to various practices or techniques that allow people to focus or concentrate their attention. These techniques have their origins in many different religious and spiritual practices, although one does not need to be religious or even spiritual to practice meditation.
In fact, much of the attention given to meditation today is in association with mind-body medicine and how it can improve health and wellness. To that end, there are dozens of research project underway that are studying the effects and uses of meditation. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Saturday, August 22, 2009
What is Mindfulness and Why Meditation?
Mindfulness from Wikimedia CommonsIn studying mindfulness, I've found out it is somewhat important to make distinctions between what mindfulness is and what meditation is. The finding out comes from the comments I've received when I talk about meditation; comments like, "you're just detaching yourself from reality" and something about escaping from experiencing reality. But really, that is the farthest thing from the truth with my experience in meditation and mindfulness. I consider meditation as a practice to attain mindfulness so that in other parts of my life, I can more thoroughly embrace reality. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Friday, August 21, 2009
Relax - It's Good For You
Meditation has long been lauded. Now science has shown that deep relaxation changes our bodies on a genetic level - for the better. Anastasia Stephens reports.
It's a piece of advice yogis have given for thousands of years: take a deep breath and relax. Watch the tension melt from your muscles and all your niggling worries vanish. Somehow we all know that relaxation is good for us.
Now the hard science has caught up: a comprehensive scientific study showing that deep relaxation changes our bodies on a genetic level has just been published.
What researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered is that, in long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation, far more ''disease-fighting genes'' were active, compared to those who practised no form of relaxation. (More)
It's a piece of advice yogis have given for thousands of years: take a deep breath and relax. Watch the tension melt from your muscles and all your niggling worries vanish. Somehow we all know that relaxation is good for us.
Now the hard science has caught up: a comprehensive scientific study showing that deep relaxation changes our bodies on a genetic level has just been published.
What researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered is that, in long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation, far more ''disease-fighting genes'' were active, compared to those who practised no form of relaxation. (More)
Source: WA Today
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tai Chi Master Hoping His 'Moving Medication' Cuts Health-Care Costs
Regular practice of the Chinese martial art can be used to treat and even prevent a wide range of illnesses
Bill Douglas has two words for a country desperate to cut its skyrocketing health care costs.
Tai chi.
He's not kidding.
"If you look at a Kaiser Permanente study that says that 70 percent of illnesses are caused by stress, you're talking about a potential savings of trillions of U.S. dollars, year after year if we teach our citizens effective stress-management techniques on a massive scale."
For decades Douglas has believed that the regular practice of the Chinese martial art, meant to unblock the flow of energy though the body, can be used to treat and even prevent a wide range of illnesses.
The medical world is beginning to agree with him.
In a few weeks, Douglas will give a presentation to the National Institutes of Health focusing on tai chi as a modern health solution, the first ever. And thanks to what he calls a "groundbreaking tectonic shift in health care," he's taking some persuasive ammunition with him: a stamp of approval from Harvard Medical School. (More)
Bill Douglas has two words for a country desperate to cut its skyrocketing health care costs.
Tai chi.
He's not kidding.
"If you look at a Kaiser Permanente study that says that 70 percent of illnesses are caused by stress, you're talking about a potential savings of trillions of U.S. dollars, year after year if we teach our citizens effective stress-management techniques on a massive scale."
For decades Douglas has believed that the regular practice of the Chinese martial art, meant to unblock the flow of energy though the body, can be used to treat and even prevent a wide range of illnesses.
The medical world is beginning to agree with him.
In a few weeks, Douglas will give a presentation to the National Institutes of Health focusing on tai chi as a modern health solution, the first ever. And thanks to what he calls a "groundbreaking tectonic shift in health care," he's taking some persuasive ammunition with him: a stamp of approval from Harvard Medical School. (More)
Source: Taiwan News
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
How God (or More Precisely, Meditation) Changes Your Brain
Some book titles are too good to pass up. “How God Changes Your Brain” is neuroscientist Andrew Newberg’s fourth book on “neurotheology,” the study of the relationship between faith and the brain. All are pitched at a popular audience, with snappy titles like “Born to Believe” or “Why God Won’t Go Away.” Anyone reading the latest one, though, might wonder if the title shouldn’t be “How God Meditation Changes Your Brain.” As he explains in an interview with Reuters here, the benefits that Buddhist monks and contemplative Catholic nuns derive from meditation and intense prayer are also available to atheists and agnostics. The key lies in the method these high performing believers use, not in the belief itself. But that would have made for a more awkward title. (More)
Source: Reuters
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Meditation Benefits Both Mind and Body
Practicing some form of meditation for at least 10-30 minutes a day has been proven to dramatically heal both the mind and body in many different ways, from reducing stress, managing pain, and reducing heart disease, etc. In fact, Transcendental Meditation, which requires the use of a mantra (a specifically repeated word or phrase) to focus the mind has been credited with improving blood pressure, as well as "reducing thickening of the arteries and thus, helping to reduce the risk of heart attack," according to a 2000 study by the American Heart Association. In addition, a 2006 study published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine found that Transcendental Meditation techniques successfully reduced insulin resistance and "improved automatic nervous system tone." (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, August 17, 2009
Meditation Keys to Manifestation
Do you imagine living a different life? A more abundant life? Perhaps a new career, where you wake up every morning loving your work? Do you dream of having plenty of money and doing the things you love to do every day?
Standing in Your Own Way
What we want may seem clear sometimes, but the way to get there is not always so easy to see. We all have the power to manifest everything we dream of, but there may be blocks in your way, like your own feelings!
You may say, “I want lots of money.” But deep down, your heart says, “My family fought about money and having lots of it just breaks people apart.” The feeling and the desire cancel each other out. This may be the reason you are not getting anywhere. (More)
Standing in Your Own Way
What we want may seem clear sometimes, but the way to get there is not always so easy to see. We all have the power to manifest everything we dream of, but there may be blocks in your way, like your own feelings!
You may say, “I want lots of money.” But deep down, your heart says, “My family fought about money and having lots of it just breaks people apart.” The feeling and the desire cancel each other out. This may be the reason you are not getting anywhere. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Aging in America: Meditation
The lights go off and the meditation begins.
This is a first for these employees of a local lending group.
The hope is to reduce stress and increase relaxation, for a line of work that can be hectic.
Leading the group is Dr. Om Prakash, who is 85, and still works 50-hour weeks.
Prakash is a clinical psychologist and mentor coach, helping people gain balance in their lives.
His inspiration comes from Gandhi, a man he says he met as a child.
"I was just a young kid but... I saw his aura," he said.
A calm aura, one he teaches to clients like Michael Pierson, through meditation. (More)
This is a first for these employees of a local lending group.
The hope is to reduce stress and increase relaxation, for a line of work that can be hectic.
Leading the group is Dr. Om Prakash, who is 85, and still works 50-hour weeks.
Prakash is a clinical psychologist and mentor coach, helping people gain balance in their lives.
His inspiration comes from Gandhi, a man he says he met as a child.
"I was just a young kid but... I saw his aura," he said.
A calm aura, one he teaches to clients like Michael Pierson, through meditation. (More)
Source: wfaa.com
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Stress Resiliancy - Moving Meditation as a Way to Control Stress
Stress is a response to actual or perceived danger. It is a series of hormonal and chemical responses intended to get us moving and create memories that will help us make quick decisions about dangerous situations in the future. When the danger is real, this response is protective. When the danger is perceived, especially for long periods as in an economic recession threatening your job, the response is not beneficial. It is the response to perceived danger that we want to control or at least significantly lessen.
Meditation is usually thought of as something we do in the quiet of our home or in a special secluded place. It is mainly perceived to be an altered state of consciousness that takes years of practice to become proficient. This may in part be true but because of resistance to trying meditation few people from Western countries take advantage of the principles of meditation. (More)
Meditation is usually thought of as something we do in the quiet of our home or in a special secluded place. It is mainly perceived to be an altered state of consciousness that takes years of practice to become proficient. This may in part be true but because of resistance to trying meditation few people from Western countries take advantage of the principles of meditation. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Friday, August 14, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Once He dwells within our soul, we shall begin to live a life enlightened with eternal happiness.
Music: Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet, performed by Vanessa Mae.
The Science of Prayer and Meditation
A lot has been said about the power of prayer, meditation, and thought, but not a lot about the science behind it. To the Creationists, that power is simply God’s answer to our thoughts directed to Him. Meditation is internalized prayer, or thoughts directed to the god within us. Either way, when we concentrate our thoughts, we generate thought waves that influence and affect our actions.
Scientists studying wave theory explain it in terms of actual waves of energy moving very quickly through space from a point of origin, affecting other waves in their path. Wave energy is power, and the degree of that power and its influence has to do with the force it exerts. When you have a church full of people all focused on the same thought, there is indeed a lot of power – with many thought waves moving in the same phase and direction. In physics, waves traveling in phase merge together, creating a larger, combined waveform – that can be like a tidal wave. The Law of Attraction is based on wave theory, making it possible for one’s thought waves to attract their destiny. (More)
Scientists studying wave theory explain it in terms of actual waves of energy moving very quickly through space from a point of origin, affecting other waves in their path. Wave energy is power, and the degree of that power and its influence has to do with the force it exerts. When you have a church full of people all focused on the same thought, there is indeed a lot of power – with many thought waves moving in the same phase and direction. In physics, waves traveling in phase merge together, creating a larger, combined waveform – that can be like a tidal wave. The Law of Attraction is based on wave theory, making it possible for one’s thought waves to attract their destiny. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Do Christians Meditate?
Q: "As a class requirement for one of my courses, I was asked to attend a session at a meditation hall [right here in Baltimore]. Would doing so conflict with my Christian faith?"
A: Thank you for your question, NAB. I am quite interested because it gives me a chance to clear up a very common misconception. The word "meditation" often conjures up images of short, bald men in loincloths chanting by candlelight. Another thought may be of a dark-skinned woman spinning a metal bowl with a wooden stem and harmonizing with the hum of the bowl. Yet another idea of meditation may be a group of suburban stay-at-home moms in a yoga class sitting on large blue balls with one foot behind their heads. While these visions are not inaccurate, they are only a few examples of meditation practices and don't represent the broad concept of meditation.(More)
A: Thank you for your question, NAB. I am quite interested because it gives me a chance to clear up a very common misconception. The word "meditation" often conjures up images of short, bald men in loincloths chanting by candlelight. Another thought may be of a dark-skinned woman spinning a metal bowl with a wooden stem and harmonizing with the hum of the bowl. Yet another idea of meditation may be a group of suburban stay-at-home moms in a yoga class sitting on large blue balls with one foot behind their heads. While these visions are not inaccurate, they are only a few examples of meditation practices and don't represent the broad concept of meditation.(More)
Source: The Examiner
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
When in Limbo, Hit the Cushion
I find that during periods of major change in my life, the notion of a daily meditation practice is met with a mental aversion so strong that even looking at my meditation cushion ready and waiting for me in the corner makes me groan. This weekend I had this conversation with my meditation cushion a couple of times:
Cushion: Hey there, loser.
Emily: Ugh. What do you want?
Cushion: C'mere. Time to sit.
Emily: Not now. Later.
Cushion: Now. What are you doing that's so important?
Emily: Um, a million things, obviously.
Cushion: Liar. You're not busy.
Emily: Sure I am.
Cushion: Yeah, okay, whatever.
Emily: You know what, Zafu? You're a jerk.
Cushion: You know what's worse? You're afraid. (More)
Cushion: Hey there, loser.
Emily: Ugh. What do you want?
Cushion: C'mere. Time to sit.
Emily: Not now. Later.
Cushion: Now. What are you doing that's so important?
Emily: Um, a million things, obviously.
Cushion: Liar. You're not busy.
Emily: Sure I am.
Cushion: Yeah, okay, whatever.
Emily: You know what, Zafu? You're a jerk.
Cushion: You know what's worse? You're afraid. (More)
Source: Beliefnet
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sounds of Silence-Meditation
In a world devoted to constant communication and noise, how often do you take the opportunity to still the mind and just listen? Prayer, meditation, and mindfulness can be a great way to cultivate internal spaciousness for the mind and spirit. Regular meditation has scientifically proven benefits, including increased concentration, decreased stress, enhanced immunity, and oodles of other great results.
In addition to the benefits listed above, taking time to be still also has one great benefit: it give you an opportunity to connect with that still, small voice within and to tap into your own inner self. This can be an invaluable connection, making you much more immune to the ebb and flow of external circumstances. Finding inner peace, even for a few moments, helps connect you to a part of yourself that is independent of external success or challenges. (More)
In addition to the benefits listed above, taking time to be still also has one great benefit: it give you an opportunity to connect with that still, small voice within and to tap into your own inner self. This can be an invaluable connection, making you much more immune to the ebb and flow of external circumstances. Finding inner peace, even for a few moments, helps connect you to a part of yourself that is independent of external success or challenges. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, August 10, 2009
Prayer, Meditation is a Pathway to Healing
Prayer and meditation are a part of our recovery. There have been many studies about how it helps those who are diagnosed with illness. There are many methods of prayer and meditation. You can pray by saying specific prayers, by making up your own and by reading sacred scripture or just a thought for the day or scripture for the day.
One can offer some activity as a prayer for another person. I remember praying for someone who was making a retreat. One day I decided to clean the children's room as a prayer for her. When she and I spoke, she told me she specifically felt my prayers during the time I was cleaning. I was not a great housekeeper, and that action was much needed by my family and was especially helpful to her. I had no idea until she told me that some people can actually feel prayer. (More)
One can offer some activity as a prayer for another person. I remember praying for someone who was making a retreat. One day I decided to clean the children's room as a prayer for her. When she and I spoke, she told me she specifically felt my prayers during the time I was cleaning. I was not a great housekeeper, and that action was much needed by my family and was especially helpful to her. I had no idea until she told me that some people can actually feel prayer. (More)
Source: The Daily Advertiser
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Workplace Intervention To Lower Stress
Guided meditation and yoga can lower feelings of stress and improve sleep quality in sedentary office employees, suggests a pilot study.
Ohio State University researchers offered participants a modified version of what is known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program established in 1979 to help hospital patients in Massachusetts assist in their own healing that is now in wide use around the world.
In this context, mindfulness refers in part to one’s heightened awareness of an external stressor as the first step toward relaxing in a way that can minimize the effects of that stress on the body. (More)
Ohio State University researchers offered participants a modified version of what is known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program established in 1979 to help hospital patients in Massachusetts assist in their own healing that is now in wide use around the world.
In this context, mindfulness refers in part to one’s heightened awareness of an external stressor as the first step toward relaxing in a way that can minimize the effects of that stress on the body. (More)
Source: Psych Central
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Meditation in the Workplace May Help Reduce Nurse Stress
Providing nurses and other staff with yoga and meditation in the workplace could reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, suggest US researchers.
They piloted a six-week stress reduction programme, which was designed for office workers to fit into break times so as not to impose on either work or home time.
The study involved 48 subjects, half of whom attended one-hour weekly yoga and discussion sessions during their lunch break, as well as meditating for 20 minutes per day at their desks. The remainder acted as controls. (More)
They piloted a six-week stress reduction programme, which was designed for office workers to fit into break times so as not to impose on either work or home time.
The study involved 48 subjects, half of whom attended one-hour weekly yoga and discussion sessions during their lunch break, as well as meditating for 20 minutes per day at their desks. The remainder acted as controls. (More)
Source: Nursing Times
Friday, August 7, 2009
Writing 101: Meditation
Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what it is one is saying. -John Updike
It can be said that the key to clarity in prose is clarity in thought; the more well versed you are in the art of thinking, the easier it is to take up the mantle that is writing. To clear the murky water that fills the mental cistern, one must make significant effort to leave the every-day behind. For this purpose, many writers turn to meditation. (More)
It can be said that the key to clarity in prose is clarity in thought; the more well versed you are in the art of thinking, the easier it is to take up the mantle that is writing. To clear the murky water that fills the mental cistern, one must make significant effort to leave the every-day behind. For this purpose, many writers turn to meditation. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Workplace Yoga And Meditation Can Lower Feelings Of Stress
Twenty minutes per day of guided workplace meditation and yoga combined with six weekly group sessions can lower feelings of stress by more than 10 percent and improve sleep quality in sedentary office employees, a pilot study suggests.
The study offered participants a modified version of what is known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program established in 1979 to help hospital patients in Massachusetts assist in their own healing that is now in wide use around the world. (More)
The study offered participants a modified version of what is known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program established in 1979 to help hospital patients in Massachusetts assist in their own healing that is now in wide use around the world. (More)
Source: Science Daily
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Meditation Basics
Meditation is the key to a healthy, peaceful lifestyle. It can be used for stress and anxiety relief, personal insight, relaxation, energy, a more restful sleep and a bridge to manifesting and channeling all that you desire in your life.
Sacred Space
Make a special space for your meditation. It can be a corner of a room with a pillow on the floor, or even an entire room geared for meditation. Some prefer a garden setting. Whatever works for you! Be sure it is a place that you can be alone and not be disturbed for the duration of your meditation. You may also burn oils or incense to create a more relaxing ambience in your sacred space. (More)
Sacred Space
Make a special space for your meditation. It can be a corner of a room with a pillow on the floor, or even an entire room geared for meditation. Some prefer a garden setting. Whatever works for you! Be sure it is a place that you can be alone and not be disturbed for the duration of your meditation. You may also burn oils or incense to create a more relaxing ambience in your sacred space. (More)
Source: The Examiner
Monday, August 3, 2009
Top Ten Reasons To Start Meditating Today
"Meditate Daily" has been hovering on my to-do, someday, or maybe lists for more than ten years, since the late 1990's. Two years ago the universe conspired to deliver me to the doorstep of the Interdependence Project, where the clarity of instruction and friendliness of the community led nearly immediately to my committing to a daily meditation practice. Though I miss a day here and there, the positive effects of the practice are so profound that when I don't make it to the cushion I feel it in my bones.
Sometimes people ask me why I meditate, or have specific questions or misunderstandings about meditation, and my answer seems to vary depending on what I've experienced that day or how that morning's session went. But I have noticed that I offer some of the same answers over and over, and so here are my top ten reasons anyone should start a meditation practice today. (More)
Sometimes people ask me why I meditate, or have specific questions or misunderstandings about meditation, and my answer seems to vary depending on what I've experienced that day or how that morning's session went. But I have noticed that I offer some of the same answers over and over, and so here are my top ten reasons anyone should start a meditation practice today. (More)
Source: Beliefnet
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Health Benefits of 'Laughter Yoga'
Sometimes, you just have to laugh -- but those who practice Laughter Yoga don't need an excuse to break into a guffaw.
The idea of getting together with a few companions and doing a "baboon laugh" or a "lion laugh" might sound a bit silly at first.
Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyd, who teach Laughter Yoga, wouldn't disagree with you.
The freedom to be silly is one of the empowering aspects of the art, they say. But there's serious purpose behind the giggles.
"Laughter Yoga is a series of exercises intended to bring more oxygen into your lungs -- to give your internal organs a massage," explains Boyd. "Scientific research suggests it lowers blood pressure and dumps depression." (More)
The idea of getting together with a few companions and doing a "baboon laugh" or a "lion laugh" might sound a bit silly at first.
Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyd, who teach Laughter Yoga, wouldn't disagree with you.
The freedom to be silly is one of the empowering aspects of the art, they say. But there's serious purpose behind the giggles.
"Laughter Yoga is a series of exercises intended to bring more oxygen into your lungs -- to give your internal organs a massage," explains Boyd. "Scientific research suggests it lowers blood pressure and dumps depression." (More)
Source: Vancouver Sun
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