Saturday, October 31, 2009
My Recovery Through Meditation
Back in June 2007 I was 29 years old, living a balanced life as a business management consultant, yoga practitioner, artist, and philanthropist in Austin, Texas. I had nothing to complain about; life was good. I could not foresee the ways that my life would change as I was simply waiting to get on the highway. My car was suddenly rear-ended, and it was while I was being treated for a concussion that I learned of my benign brain tumor. (More)
Source: Ode Magazine
Friday, October 30, 2009
UW Study Wonders: Can Exercise or Even Meditation Ward Off the Flu?
George Hagenauer, who has been under a lot of stress, is meditating.
Laura Calandrino, not a fan of regular exercise, is power walking.
The Madison-area residents are among 150 people in a UW-Madison study asking if meditation or exercise can ward off colds and the flu.
The research is especially relevant this fall as swine flu levels have soared before enough vaccine against the H1N1 virus is available, leaving millions of Americans wondering how to stay healthy. The seasonal flu vaccine also is in short supply.
Scientists know meditation reduces stress and exercise can prevent chronic diseases. But they don't know if either activity makes the immune system better able to fight respiratory infections, said Dr. Bruce Barrett, a UW Health family physician heading up the research. (More)
Laura Calandrino, not a fan of regular exercise, is power walking.
The Madison-area residents are among 150 people in a UW-Madison study asking if meditation or exercise can ward off colds and the flu.
The research is especially relevant this fall as swine flu levels have soared before enough vaccine against the H1N1 virus is available, leaving millions of Americans wondering how to stay healthy. The seasonal flu vaccine also is in short supply.
Scientists know meditation reduces stress and exercise can prevent chronic diseases. But they don't know if either activity makes the immune system better able to fight respiratory infections, said Dr. Bruce Barrett, a UW Health family physician heading up the research. (More)
Source: Wisconsin State Journal
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Health and Wellness: The Benefits of Meditation
Many people view meditation as a spiritual practice, but did you know that meditating can improve physical and mental functioning as well?
Over the past 40 years, universities in Canada, the United States, Europe and India have conducted hundreds of studies on the effects of meditation. The results show the practice produces benefits on many levels of life simultaneously – body, emotions, mental functioning, and relationships.
Some of them include improved ability to focus, increased creativity, deeper levels of relaxation, improved memory, decrease in stress hormones, lower blood pressure, reversal of aging process, reduction in cholesterol, increased confidence, decreased cigarette, alcohol, and drug abuse, increased productivity, improved relations at work and improved health and more positive health habits.
Meditation is one of the few things in the self-help arena you can do that produces measurable changes.
In other words, if you were to go into a medical lab and meditate, scientists can actually measure the changes in your breathing, your blood chemistry, your brain waves, and your response to stress. (More)
Over the past 40 years, universities in Canada, the United States, Europe and India have conducted hundreds of studies on the effects of meditation. The results show the practice produces benefits on many levels of life simultaneously – body, emotions, mental functioning, and relationships.
Some of them include improved ability to focus, increased creativity, deeper levels of relaxation, improved memory, decrease in stress hormones, lower blood pressure, reversal of aging process, reduction in cholesterol, increased confidence, decreased cigarette, alcohol, and drug abuse, increased productivity, improved relations at work and improved health and more positive health habits.
Meditation is one of the few things in the self-help arena you can do that produces measurable changes.
In other words, if you were to go into a medical lab and meditate, scientists can actually measure the changes in your breathing, your blood chemistry, your brain waves, and your response to stress. (More)
Source: The Southern Gazette
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Engineer Inner Calm
Inner Engineering sounds a bit like the title of a science-fiction film.
It’s actually a workshop, being taught in Olympia for the first time beginning Monday, that teaches a practice of postures, breathing and meditation.
But Inner Engineering does sound a little bit like science fiction when those who’ve tried it talk about the changes they’ve experienced.
“I was incredibly impressed,” said Cate Montana of Yelm, a volunteer with the Isha Foundation, which puts on the workshop. “I could feel a change in how I was operating mentally. I was much more clear and calm.”
Rocci Mott of Rainier, who took the course last spring, credits the practice with saving her marriage by changing her own outlook. (More)
It’s actually a workshop, being taught in Olympia for the first time beginning Monday, that teaches a practice of postures, breathing and meditation.
But Inner Engineering does sound a little bit like science fiction when those who’ve tried it talk about the changes they’ve experienced.
“I was incredibly impressed,” said Cate Montana of Yelm, a volunteer with the Isha Foundation, which puts on the workshop. “I could feel a change in how I was operating mentally. I was much more clear and calm.”
Rocci Mott of Rainier, who took the course last spring, credits the practice with saving her marriage by changing her own outlook. (More)
Source: The Olympian
“Every human being should give themselves the opportunity to explore something deeper than what they know right now,” said Namath Geriege, who’ll teach the seven-day workshop, which begins with a free introductory talk. “Inner Engineering is a powerful step in that direction. It will give people a powerful tool to explore within themselves.”
People who do commit to the practice report having more energy, needing less sleep and finding better health, but Geriege referred to all of those things as simply “side benefits.”
Monday, October 26, 2009
How Would You Cope on a Silent Retreat?
If Harry Potter had walked in and yelled “Expelliarmus!”, the effect could not have been more dramatic. At the ting of a tiny gong, 30 chattering strangers – a doctor, bank manager, farmer, builder, solicitor, nurse – became mute, and remained like that for an entire weekend. They shut up as part of a three-day retreat to get away from the ever noisier world.
“A silent retreat?” shrieked friends when I told them where I was going. I grinned sheepishly knowing that it would be a bit like trying to muzzle me. I didn’t care; I could do with some peace and quiet. For townies, at least, this is the noisiest time of the year, with Diwali firecrackers and Bonfire Night fireworks providing a nightly chorus that lasts for weeks. (More)
“A silent retreat?” shrieked friends when I told them where I was going. I grinned sheepishly knowing that it would be a bit like trying to muzzle me. I didn’t care; I could do with some peace and quiet. For townies, at least, this is the noisiest time of the year, with Diwali firecrackers and Bonfire Night fireworks providing a nightly chorus that lasts for weeks. (More)
Source: The Telegraph
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Swine Flu: Is Meditation the Best Medication?
The mainstream media are now reporting the onset of a swine flu “emergency.” Yet controversy is raging over the safety and efficacy of the government-approved vaccine.
The strain known as H1N1 supposedly hits children and young people the hardest. The elderly are said to be similarly at risk. Deaths are being reported, as are shortages of vaccine at some locations.
Government officials are making the TV rounds, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, who says the vaccine is “safe and secure” and “right on target with an immune response.”
Yet Americans are deeply skeptical. According to a poll by AOL news, 61 percent say they do not plan to get the vaccine. Only 21 percent are “very worried” about the flu outbreak.
In fact the alliance between the federal government and the big pharmaceutical companies to push the H1N1 vaccine has ignited a populist revolt. The debate that is raging on Capitol Hill over national health care insurance had already exposed the health care industry as being far more concerned with profits than they are with people. H1N1 came along just in time to carry the revolt a step further. (More)
The strain known as H1N1 supposedly hits children and young people the hardest. The elderly are said to be similarly at risk. Deaths are being reported, as are shortages of vaccine at some locations.
Government officials are making the TV rounds, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, who says the vaccine is “safe and secure” and “right on target with an immune response.”
Yet Americans are deeply skeptical. According to a poll by AOL news, 61 percent say they do not plan to get the vaccine. Only 21 percent are “very worried” about the flu outbreak.
In fact the alliance between the federal government and the big pharmaceutical companies to push the H1N1 vaccine has ignited a populist revolt. The debate that is raging on Capitol Hill over national health care insurance had already exposed the health care industry as being far more concerned with profits than they are with people. H1N1 came along just in time to carry the revolt a step further. (More)
Source: Global Research
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Combining Love of Art and Meditation
A NORTH Suffolk artist who has been painting all his life has developed a programme combining his love of art and meditation.
Bury St Edmunds-born Michael Vincent established the AshTat Centre for Creative Living, in Glastonbury, after his wife Kaisa died in 2001.
But after returning to Suffolk in 2008, Mr Vincent - who specialises in gouache and oil painting, has exhibited internationally and runs workshops on creativity and meditation - has now moved his programme to Kessingland.
“After my wife's death in 2001, I focused increasingly on facilitating workshops in drawing and painting which would employ creativity to process effectively the complex and potentially life-threatening issues which arise in grieving,” he said.
“Alongside this, my long-held interest in meditation and healing therapies developed rapidly. Within a short time the interest shown by others in this approach to health and wellbeing moved me to establish the AshTat Centre, in Glastonbury, where this teaching would become available to all.” (More)
Bury St Edmunds-born Michael Vincent established the AshTat Centre for Creative Living, in Glastonbury, after his wife Kaisa died in 2001.
But after returning to Suffolk in 2008, Mr Vincent - who specialises in gouache and oil painting, has exhibited internationally and runs workshops on creativity and meditation - has now moved his programme to Kessingland.
“After my wife's death in 2001, I focused increasingly on facilitating workshops in drawing and painting which would employ creativity to process effectively the complex and potentially life-threatening issues which arise in grieving,” he said.
“Alongside this, my long-held interest in meditation and healing therapies developed rapidly. Within a short time the interest shown by others in this approach to health and wellbeing moved me to establish the AshTat Centre, in Glastonbury, where this teaching would become available to all.” (More)
Source: Lowestoft Journal
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Yoga Awakens An Inner Awareness
Yoga is an ancient science that, according to records, dates back to around 1800 B.C.
Yoga means "to yoke." We are "yoking" our mind with our body with our soul. We are already a complete person, though sometimes we try to think our way through life, ignore our true feelings, or "whip" our bodies into shape.
The goal of yoga is to awaken our awareness to the thoughts, emotions and physical discomforts so that we can heal them. We can transform and heal our limitations and penetrate our psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks so that we may live in health, happiness and peace. The goal is to move energy stuck in the body as tension, and allow for the letting go of suppressed emotions.
Yoga therapy sessions combine breathing, movement, postures, deep relaxation and meditations for mental clarity and control. Especially important is learning how to channel energy (direct it), rather than suppressing it or expressing it in harmful directions, which may lead to a host of medical and psychiatric illnesses such as depression, fatigue, addictions, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and more. (More)
Yoga means "to yoke." We are "yoking" our mind with our body with our soul. We are already a complete person, though sometimes we try to think our way through life, ignore our true feelings, or "whip" our bodies into shape.
The goal of yoga is to awaken our awareness to the thoughts, emotions and physical discomforts so that we can heal them. We can transform and heal our limitations and penetrate our psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks so that we may live in health, happiness and peace. The goal is to move energy stuck in the body as tension, and allow for the letting go of suppressed emotions.
Yoga therapy sessions combine breathing, movement, postures, deep relaxation and meditations for mental clarity and control. Especially important is learning how to channel energy (direct it), rather than suppressing it or expressing it in harmful directions, which may lead to a host of medical and psychiatric illnesses such as depression, fatigue, addictions, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and more. (More)
Source: Explorer News
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Americans are Increasingly Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture, biofeedback, herbs, meditation, yoga, massage therapy and other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are not routinely used by conventional Western medicine. In fact, they are often dismissed as worthless and unproven or attacked as downright quackery. But an increasing number of Americans apparently disagree.
Here's proof: a just released report from the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) concludes people in the U.S. are using natural, non-medical healing methods more frequently than ever. (More)
Here's proof: a just released report from the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) concludes people in the U.S. are using natural, non-medical healing methods more frequently than ever. (More)
Source: Natural News
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Nurture Your Intelligence With Meditation
When you meditate, your intelligence grows. You start getting clarity on all issues. You no more need to ask people for alternatives. You simply know, that’s all. You know because you are so much in tune with your inner intelligence. You know that it cannot be wrong.
Buzz up!You will know from your Being that you are on the right track. There may be moments when the going gets tough, because you are against the majority, but you will know that the outcome is going to be beautiful and liberating! All you need to do is persevere and have deep faith in your own intelligence.
When you nurture yourself with meditation, your capacity will expand and you will be able to do so many things in the outer world. There will be no limit to what you can do and express. You will find yourself growing in different dimensions. (More)
Buzz up!You will know from your Being that you are on the right track. There may be moments when the going gets tough, because you are against the majority, but you will know that the outcome is going to be beautiful and liberating! All you need to do is persevere and have deep faith in your own intelligence.
When you nurture yourself with meditation, your capacity will expand and you will be able to do so many things in the outer world. There will be no limit to what you can do and express. You will find yourself growing in different dimensions. (More)
Source One India
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hard Lessons in Meditation
Suppose you had the opportunity to free yourself from all worldly responsibilities for 10 days. You’d have a room in a quiet, secluded retreat, free from all disturbances. All your basic needs would be met at no cost to you.
The only rules you’d need to follow would be a vow of silence and spending the vast majority of your waking hours with your eyes closed. Would you accept?
Depending on your take on the world, it might sound like a blissful escape from the chaos of life or some kind of prison sentence. Neither could be further from the truth.
Meditation can be viewed from a scientific perspective in terms of its effects on the mind and the body. During meditation, a marked increase in blood flow slows the heart rate and blood pressure drops, though remaining within normal ranges. (More)
The only rules you’d need to follow would be a vow of silence and spending the vast majority of your waking hours with your eyes closed. Would you accept?
Depending on your take on the world, it might sound like a blissful escape from the chaos of life or some kind of prison sentence. Neither could be further from the truth.
Meditation can be viewed from a scientific perspective in terms of its effects on the mind and the body. During meditation, a marked increase in blood flow slows the heart rate and blood pressure drops, though remaining within normal ranges. (More)
Source: The National
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Ray of Light Shines in Sea of Darkness
Feel-good experts offer their advice on being happy in a difficult world
I promised this week to make you happy -- or, more specifically, to give you some tips about how to be happy.
It's part of a short series on happiness I'm writing because, as I hinted last week, the rest of the darn newspaper will depress the heck out of you, so this is my small gift to rectify the imbalance.
The best advice on instant happiness I saw this summer was while I was in England and picked up a copy of The Guardian.
The newspaper's magazine had asked experts for their ultimate happiness tips.
There were seven.
1) Be positive. Take a moment to find the good in any situation. Look for that silver lining.
2) Be brave. Studies show how people regret not having done things much more than they regret things they did.
3) Meditate. Meditation helps us manage our reactions to stress and recover more quickly from disturbing events. (More)
I promised this week to make you happy -- or, more specifically, to give you some tips about how to be happy.
It's part of a short series on happiness I'm writing because, as I hinted last week, the rest of the darn newspaper will depress the heck out of you, so this is my small gift to rectify the imbalance.
The best advice on instant happiness I saw this summer was while I was in England and picked up a copy of The Guardian.
The newspaper's magazine had asked experts for their ultimate happiness tips.
There were seven.
1) Be positive. Take a moment to find the good in any situation. Look for that silver lining.
2) Be brave. Studies show how people regret not having done things much more than they regret things they did.
3) Meditate. Meditation helps us manage our reactions to stress and recover more quickly from disturbing events. (More)
Source: Times Colonist
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meditation Spaces In The Garden
As Autumn is now in full swing, I find this time of year to be a more meditative and nostalgic time for me. Creating a special place in your garden specifically for your inner well-being and health seems to be a very popular desire for most people today.
As all of our landscape needs and finances greatly vary, I like to approach the visualization of a zendo, meditation/yoga/tea house pavilion first - practically and then of course esthetically.
Knowing if there is to be specific structure hosting the area. Or a special area allotted to the concept gets the wheels in motion.
There are modular beautiful structures that can be shipped to your location and then assembled, and, of course, if you have the know how, you can build one yourself,
Presently, I am working on a wonderful project where we are about to build what I call a "Meditation Pavilion." The size is 14' x 14' and the design is Asian in flavor. There will also be a waterfall that will lead to a koi pond. (More)
As all of our landscape needs and finances greatly vary, I like to approach the visualization of a zendo, meditation/yoga/tea house pavilion first - practically and then of course esthetically.
Knowing if there is to be specific structure hosting the area. Or a special area allotted to the concept gets the wheels in motion.
There are modular beautiful structures that can be shipped to your location and then assembled, and, of course, if you have the know how, you can build one yourself,
Presently, I am working on a wonderful project where we are about to build what I call a "Meditation Pavilion." The size is 14' x 14' and the design is Asian in flavor. There will also be a waterfall that will lead to a koi pond. (More)
Source: Hamptons.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
3 Mini Meditations To Help You Through Your Day (Or Night)
What stops you from sleeping through the night? Is it when things are not going your way or they look topsy-turvy and you just want to scream; when your life appears chaotic and you are not sure if you are coming or going; or when it feels like everything is piled on your shoulders?
Life should be an exciting and outrageous adventure. Isn’t it a wonder how a spider weaves a web or a bee makes a hive? Did you ever notice the small, everyday miracles, like the fact that you can breathe in and out? But how many of us get to experience this miracle? Sometimes life just feels too awful. We want to feel good, we want to be happy, in fact happiness is our brthright. But so often there are just too many difficulties to deal with. And although we may know that meditation chills us out, if we are feeling stressed or irritable then it just doesn't seem so appealing. (More)
Life should be an exciting and outrageous adventure. Isn’t it a wonder how a spider weaves a web or a bee makes a hive? Did you ever notice the small, everyday miracles, like the fact that you can breathe in and out? But how many of us get to experience this miracle? Sometimes life just feels too awful. We want to feel good, we want to be happy, in fact happiness is our brthright. But so often there are just too many difficulties to deal with. And although we may know that meditation chills us out, if we are feeling stressed or irritable then it just doesn't seem so appealing. (More)
Source: Huffington Post
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Transcendental Meditation Helps Breast Cancer Patients
The Transcendental Meditation technique can help reduces stress and improves mental health and emotional well-being among women with breast cancer, says a new study.
The study, "A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Transcendental Meditation on Quality of Life in Older Breast Cancer Patients", has been published in the current issue of the peer-reviewed Integrative Cancer Therapies.
"It is wonderful that physicians now have a range of interventions to use, including Transcendental Meditation, to benefit their patients with cancer," said Rhoda Pomerantz, M.D., study co-author and chief of gerontology, Saint Joseph Hospital.
"I believe this approach should be appreciated and utilized more widely,” the expert added.
One hundred thirty women with breast cancer, 55 years and older, participated in the two-year study at Saint Joseph Hospital. The women were randomly assigned to either the Transcendental Meditation technique or to a usual care control group. Patients were administered quality of life measures, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), every six months for two years. The average intervention period was 18 months. (More)
The study, "A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Transcendental Meditation on Quality of Life in Older Breast Cancer Patients", has been published in the current issue of the peer-reviewed Integrative Cancer Therapies.
"It is wonderful that physicians now have a range of interventions to use, including Transcendental Meditation, to benefit their patients with cancer," said Rhoda Pomerantz, M.D., study co-author and chief of gerontology, Saint Joseph Hospital.
"I believe this approach should be appreciated and utilized more widely,” the expert added.
One hundred thirty women with breast cancer, 55 years and older, participated in the two-year study at Saint Joseph Hospital. The women were randomly assigned to either the Transcendental Meditation technique or to a usual care control group. Patients were administered quality of life measures, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), every six months for two years. The average intervention period was 18 months. (More)
Source: Times of India
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Music has been subliminally encoded to generate a relaxed focus and healing energy transmission. You can trance out and watch as you think about the kind of love relationship you wish to attract.
HEALTH: Five-Minute Yoga Meditation
Turn negatives to positives
Over the next couple of weeks I will be exploring different kinds of yoga breathing techniques (called Pranayama) and some methods of meditation.
Pranayama is mostly understood as the development of ‘life energy’. ‘Prana’ is variously defined as breath, respiration, wind, life force, energy, strength and the invisible or hidden energy in the atmospheric air. The starting point for any physical yoga practice is always the breath. This focus on breathing is what separates yoga from other forms of exercise.
For now, I’ll take you through a short meditation that can be practised for five minutes or more every day and is suitable for all, but especially anyone experiencing negative emotions. Even if you’re not a great believer in the possibility of energy being sent out to others and to the environment, this meditation’s ability to benefit your own psyche and wellbeing has been well documented. (More)
Over the next couple of weeks I will be exploring different kinds of yoga breathing techniques (called Pranayama) and some methods of meditation.
Pranayama is mostly understood as the development of ‘life energy’. ‘Prana’ is variously defined as breath, respiration, wind, life force, energy, strength and the invisible or hidden energy in the atmospheric air. The starting point for any physical yoga practice is always the breath. This focus on breathing is what separates yoga from other forms of exercise.
For now, I’ll take you through a short meditation that can be practised for five minutes or more every day and is suitable for all, but especially anyone experiencing negative emotions. Even if you’re not a great believer in the possibility of energy being sent out to others and to the environment, this meditation’s ability to benefit your own psyche and wellbeing has been well documented. (More)
Source: Tha Mayo News
Monday, October 12, 2009
Meditation as a Complementary Therapy
Whatever your preferred method, it can help you relax, control pain.
Meditation can help teach us how to calm our minds and can lead to powerful reductions in stress, anxiety and depression, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. It also can help a cancer patient reconnect with inner strengths.
Practitioners also claim meditation increases mental efficiency and alertness and raises self-awareness, all of which contribute to relaxation.
It is practiced in many forms, says the American Cancer Society, including:
Transcendental meditation: Repeating a word or phrase, called a mantra, either silently or aloud.
Mindfulness meditation: A person observes sensations, perceptions, and thoughts without judgment as they arise.
Meditation in motion: Tai chi, qigong, and the Japanese martial art aikido use poses, stretches and controlled breathing.
The goal of meditation is to isolate oneself mentally from the outside world by suspending the usual stream of consciousness. It can be guided by health professionals, yoga masters or masters of different schools of meditation, the ACS says. (More)
Meditation can help teach us how to calm our minds and can lead to powerful reductions in stress, anxiety and depression, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. It also can help a cancer patient reconnect with inner strengths.
Practitioners also claim meditation increases mental efficiency and alertness and raises self-awareness, all of which contribute to relaxation.
It is practiced in many forms, says the American Cancer Society, including:
Transcendental meditation: Repeating a word or phrase, called a mantra, either silently or aloud.
Mindfulness meditation: A person observes sensations, perceptions, and thoughts without judgment as they arise.
Meditation in motion: Tai chi, qigong, and the Japanese martial art aikido use poses, stretches and controlled breathing.
The goal of meditation is to isolate oneself mentally from the outside world by suspending the usual stream of consciousness. It can be guided by health professionals, yoga masters or masters of different schools of meditation, the ACS says. (More)
Source: Chicago Tribune
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Prison Inmates Go Zen To Deal With Life Behind Bars
In his darkest moment, Kenneth Brown lost it all. His wife and kids, the housebroken dog, the vacation home on Cape Cod all vanished when he was sent to prison for an arson in 1996.
Trapped in his gloomy cell and serving a 20-year sentence that felt like an eternity, Brown, then 49, found himself stretched out on the floor. He was silent. His eyes were shut. His body did not move.
Brown, a man raised as a Baptist and taught to praise the Lord and fear the devil, was meditating.
"I try to focus on the space between two thoughts, because it prevents me from getting lost," said Brown, who discovered meditation, yoga and Buddhist teachings three months into his sentence.
"This helped me stay on track and get me through prison," he said.
Eastern religions encompassing meditation techniques have captivated hippies, 20-somethings and celebrities like actor Richard Gere. But since the 1960s, the art of meditation also has found a growing number of unlikely followers behind prison bars.
The inmates say meditation -- an ancient practice that develops mental awareness and fosters relaxation -- is teaching them how to cope in prison. (More)
Trapped in his gloomy cell and serving a 20-year sentence that felt like an eternity, Brown, then 49, found himself stretched out on the floor. He was silent. His eyes were shut. His body did not move.
Brown, a man raised as a Baptist and taught to praise the Lord and fear the devil, was meditating.
"I try to focus on the space between two thoughts, because it prevents me from getting lost," said Brown, who discovered meditation, yoga and Buddhist teachings three months into his sentence.
"This helped me stay on track and get me through prison," he said.
Eastern religions encompassing meditation techniques have captivated hippies, 20-somethings and celebrities like actor Richard Gere. But since the 1960s, the art of meditation also has found a growing number of unlikely followers behind prison bars.
The inmates say meditation -- an ancient practice that develops mental awareness and fosters relaxation -- is teaching them how to cope in prison. (More)
Source: CNN
Friday, October 9, 2009
Meditation Grows In Popularity For Both Health And Spiritual Reasons
Quakers, Buddhists, agnostics, Hindus - they’re all doing it. Over the last few decades, meditation has evolved from a fringe practice to a mainstream stress-reduction technique that might be recommended by your family doctor.
In Washtenaw County, you have your choice of a wide variety of meditation classes and settings, ranging from the Zen Buddhist Temple in Ann Arbor, to a Quaker center in Chelsea to the Washtenaw Community College Health and Fitness Center.
Nationally, meditation is among top three alternative health methods used by Americans. According to a 2007 survey sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (a division of the National Institutes of Health), more than 9 percent of Americans say they meditate. Only herbal supplements and deep-breathing exercises are more popular. (More)
In Washtenaw County, you have your choice of a wide variety of meditation classes and settings, ranging from the Zen Buddhist Temple in Ann Arbor, to a Quaker center in Chelsea to the Washtenaw Community College Health and Fitness Center.
Nationally, meditation is among top three alternative health methods used by Americans. According to a 2007 survey sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (a division of the National Institutes of Health), more than 9 percent of Americans say they meditate. Only herbal supplements and deep-breathing exercises are more popular. (More)
Source: annarbor.com
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Meditation Influences Brain Function
Richard Davidson, one of the world's top brain scientists, believes mental exercise, specifically meditation, can literally change our minds.
"Our data shows mental practice can induce long-lasting changes in the brain," said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, love, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. Back then, meditation was seen as a somewhat faddish eastern import.
"The culture at the time was not so receptive," Davidson said, "nor were the scientific methods so well-developed." (More)
"Our data shows mental practice can induce long-lasting changes in the brain," said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, love, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. Back then, meditation was seen as a somewhat faddish eastern import.
"The culture at the time was not so receptive," Davidson said, "nor were the scientific methods so well-developed." (More)
Source: Calgary Hearld
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Former Soldier Meditates With Inmates
As they walk into the stark gray room at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, K.C. Walpole greets each inmate with the grace of a mentor and the sternness of a soldier. Dressed in all black, his head shaved smooth and his broad shoulders fit into perfect posture.
"Are you full of fire and brimstone?" he asks a woman as a smile dimples his aging face.
She nods at him.
"Is there anything we can do to fix that today?"
She points to her head, grabs an imaginary object from it then tosses it away.
"Yeah, let's get rid of those thoughts," Walpole agrees.
Walpole, 66, visits the female inmates at Lowell every Friday at 9 a.m. He teaches them to sit for 15 minutes or more without moving, talking or thinking — the Buddhist practice of meditation. (More)
"Are you full of fire and brimstone?" he asks a woman as a smile dimples his aging face.
She nods at him.
"Is there anything we can do to fix that today?"
She points to her head, grabs an imaginary object from it then tosses it away.
"Yeah, let's get rid of those thoughts," Walpole agrees.
Walpole, 66, visits the female inmates at Lowell every Friday at 9 a.m. He teaches them to sit for 15 minutes or more without moving, talking or thinking — the Buddhist practice of meditation. (More)
Source: The Independent Florida Aligator
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Bounce: 6 Steps To Become More Resilient
Resilience.
That's what I'm after.
To be able to find my balance after hitting a pot hole. To wake up with hope after enduring a series of frustrations. To look beyond the circumstances of my life in order to enjoy the moment.
Yes. I want to become more resilient. So it was with great interest that I read Robert Wick's book, "Bounce: Living the Resilient Life." Here are six of the suggestions he presents in his book. A professor of psychology at Loyola University, Maryland, Dr. Wicks is author of numerous books, including "Prayerfulness" that I featured earlier this year.
Step One: Become Aware of Acute Stress and Toxic Situations
In his first chapter, Dr. Wicks talks about how to recognize chronic and acute stress, and what causes burnout. As a specialist in the field of secondary stress--the kind of exhaustion common in caregiving professions like physicians, nurses, psychotherapists, educators, social workers, ministers, and relief workers--Wicks emphasizes the need to take a break in order to assess our work situations. He writes: (More)
That's what I'm after.
To be able to find my balance after hitting a pot hole. To wake up with hope after enduring a series of frustrations. To look beyond the circumstances of my life in order to enjoy the moment.
Yes. I want to become more resilient. So it was with great interest that I read Robert Wick's book, "Bounce: Living the Resilient Life." Here are six of the suggestions he presents in his book. A professor of psychology at Loyola University, Maryland, Dr. Wicks is author of numerous books, including "Prayerfulness" that I featured earlier this year.
Step One: Become Aware of Acute Stress and Toxic Situations
In his first chapter, Dr. Wicks talks about how to recognize chronic and acute stress, and what causes burnout. As a specialist in the field of secondary stress--the kind of exhaustion common in caregiving professions like physicians, nurses, psychotherapists, educators, social workers, ministers, and relief workers--Wicks emphasizes the need to take a break in order to assess our work situations. He writes: (More)
Source: Huffington Post
Monday, October 5, 2009
Mindful Eating Meditation Inspired by Rg Veda
Two birds with fair wings, inseparable companions,
have found a refuge in the same sheltering tree.
One incessantly eats from the peepal tree;
the other, not eating, just looks on.
This verse is from Rg Veda (or Rigveda), an ancient Indian text of sacred hymns. What is this enigmatic passage about? Who is this "other" bird that is not eating and just looking on? While mindful eating is a wonderful vehicle for weight maintenance, it is also an invaluable platform for daily meditation. Eating is inevitable, but mindfulness isn't. When we use eating as an opportunity to awaken ourselves from our zombie-living, we stand to glimpse that elusive, essential sense of self - that silent bird of consciousness - that witnesses our day-to-day behavioral frenzy. Mindful eating - to borrow another metaphor from Indian (Buddhist) philosophy - is an opportunity to glimpse your Original Face, to come in contact with that immutable, changeless, indescribable sense of presence that is the backdrop to everything else we think, feel or do. (More)
have found a refuge in the same sheltering tree.
One incessantly eats from the peepal tree;
the other, not eating, just looks on.
This verse is from Rg Veda (or Rigveda), an ancient Indian text of sacred hymns. What is this enigmatic passage about? Who is this "other" bird that is not eating and just looking on? While mindful eating is a wonderful vehicle for weight maintenance, it is also an invaluable platform for daily meditation. Eating is inevitable, but mindfulness isn't. When we use eating as an opportunity to awaken ourselves from our zombie-living, we stand to glimpse that elusive, essential sense of self - that silent bird of consciousness - that witnesses our day-to-day behavioral frenzy. Mindful eating - to borrow another metaphor from Indian (Buddhist) philosophy - is an opportunity to glimpse your Original Face, to come in contact with that immutable, changeless, indescribable sense of presence that is the backdrop to everything else we think, feel or do. (More)
Source: Huffington Post
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Adventures of the Spirit: Jewish Meditation
Introducing a new opportunity in Denver!
Presented by Rabbi Stephen Booth-Nadav and Aytz Chayim/Tree of Life: Deepening Roots, Growing Branches, and Adventure Rabbi
Adventures of the spirit: Jewish meditation
"Making the Old New, and the New Holy."
In order to pray, the rabbis would meditate for an hour before prayer.
Mediation has been a spiritual practice used by Jews and others for centuries to "wake up." Meditation practice not only helps us to have sharper attention and focus in our daily lives, it helps us to awaken to the higher reality behind our surface awareness, that adonai echad.... God is the ultimate unity... and ein od milvado... there is nothing but God. From such a higher awareness or experience, prayer is no longer a challenging attempt to lift words off the page. From this connected place, prayer flows of its own accord from our hearts (tefillat she b'lev). Compassion naturally arises. Joy increases. (More)
Presented by Rabbi Stephen Booth-Nadav and Aytz Chayim/Tree of Life: Deepening Roots, Growing Branches, and Adventure Rabbi
Adventures of the spirit: Jewish meditation
"Making the Old New, and the New Holy."
In order to pray, the rabbis would meditate for an hour before prayer.
Mediation has been a spiritual practice used by Jews and others for centuries to "wake up." Meditation practice not only helps us to have sharper attention and focus in our daily lives, it helps us to awaken to the higher reality behind our surface awareness, that adonai echad.... God is the ultimate unity... and ein od milvado... there is nothing but God. From such a higher awareness or experience, prayer is no longer a challenging attempt to lift words off the page. From this connected place, prayer flows of its own accord from our hearts (tefillat she b'lev). Compassion naturally arises. Joy increases. (More)
Source: Your Hub Denver
Friday, October 2, 2009
Meditation Can Change Minds
Richard Davidson, one of the world's top brain scientists, believes mental exercise, specifically meditation, can literally change our minds.
"Our data shows mental practice can induce long-lasting changes in the brain," said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, loving, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. He became excited about the possibility of applying rigorous scientific study to the practice of meditation.
Davidson began an ongoing study of the brains of Buddhist monks, the so-called "Olympians" of meditation, each of whom had accomplished at least 10,000 hours of meditation. (More)
"Our data shows mental practice can induce long-lasting changes in the brain," said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, loving, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. He became excited about the possibility of applying rigorous scientific study to the practice of meditation.
Davidson began an ongoing study of the brains of Buddhist monks, the so-called "Olympians" of meditation, each of whom had accomplished at least 10,000 hours of meditation. (More)
Source: canada.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Daily Inspiration
An excerpt from a rare public lecture by Eckhart Tolle and introductory and follow-up interviews with Dr. Betty Sue Flowers.
Meditation - Take a Breath and Begin
Meditation is truly a medicinal act for the mind and body. More and more people are aware of it since the practice of yoga has become more wide spread. Although many think of the cross legged position when doing mediation there are several poses one can use in order to achieve a meditative state. One way to think if meditation is as a conscious relaxation . A chosen preparation to relax the mind and allow for the process to begin.
Some beginner keys to focus your efforts on are:
1. Deep breathing
2. Relaxation
3. Committing a minimum amount of time to doing it everyday.
Benefits:
1. Relieves Stress
2. Helps Constipation
3. Speed Healing
4. Can Help Cure Insomnia
5. Helps to Calm, Lessen Anxiety (More)
Some beginner keys to focus your efforts on are:
1. Deep breathing
2. Relaxation
3. Committing a minimum amount of time to doing it everyday.
Benefits:
1. Relieves Stress
2. Helps Constipation
3. Speed Healing
4. Can Help Cure Insomnia
5. Helps to Calm, Lessen Anxiety (More)
Source: Chicago Now
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