Friday, April 30, 2010
Yoga Health: 25 Reasons to Do Yoga
1. You noticed your shoulders creeping up toward your ears ... again. Yoga helps battle the physical, mental, and emotional signs of stress.
2. If you're going to procrastinate anyway, you might as well do it with yoga. Yoga is WAY more fun than ironing your pants, cleaning up the kitchen and other afternoon chores. And it's ever healthier than Facebook!
3. If you ever want to touch your foot to the top of your head, you better start practicing now.
4. No one knows what the week will bring, but whatever it is, you'll be a lot more capable of dealing with it if you do something that leaves you calm and refreshed. Think about how much better your life would be if you did just ONE thing everyday that made you feel that way. (MORE)
2. If you're going to procrastinate anyway, you might as well do it with yoga. Yoga is WAY more fun than ironing your pants, cleaning up the kitchen and other afternoon chores. And it's ever healthier than Facebook!
3. If you ever want to touch your foot to the top of your head, you better start practicing now.
4. No one knows what the week will bring, but whatever it is, you'll be a lot more capable of dealing with it if you do something that leaves you calm and refreshed. Think about how much better your life would be if you did just ONE thing everyday that made you feel that way. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Meditation: Even A Little Helps
A Few Minutes A Day Can Make You Sharper, Smarter, Research Shows
Scientific literature is brimming with research showing that transcendental meditation literally changes the structure of the human brain, at least among persons who practice "mindfulness," as it is sometimes called, for many years.
But new research shows that even 20 minutes a day, four days a week, can produce an impressive increase in critical cognitive skills.
"Simply stated, the profound improvements that we found after just four days of meditation training are really surprising," psychologist Fadel Zeidan said in releasing the study. "It goes to show that the mind is, in fact, easily changeable and highly influenced, especially by meditation."
Zeiden led the study while finishing his doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He is now a researcher at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (Click Here to See Video)
Scientific literature is brimming with research showing that transcendental meditation literally changes the structure of the human brain, at least among persons who practice "mindfulness," as it is sometimes called, for many years.
But new research shows that even 20 minutes a day, four days a week, can produce an impressive increase in critical cognitive skills.
"Simply stated, the profound improvements that we found after just four days of meditation training are really surprising," psychologist Fadel Zeidan said in releasing the study. "It goes to show that the mind is, in fact, easily changeable and highly influenced, especially by meditation."
Zeiden led the study while finishing his doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He is now a researcher at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (Click Here to See Video)
Source: ABC News
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Can Buddha Help Your Short Game?
When Tiger Woods finally emerged from his trip through the wilderness of marital infidelity, he vowed to make some life changes. One of them was to reconnect to Buddhism, the religion of his youth.
It's fair to say Buddhism could make him a better person. But here's a scary notion for the rest of the PGA Tour: There's a reasonable chance it could make him a better golfer, too.
A growing number of golfers and golf coaches all over the world are warming up to the idea that the ancient religion, which teaches followers to let go of their egos, attachments and desires in order to attain enlightenment, could be the faith most suited to making somebody a holy terror on the links.
Thanks to the growing ranks of players from Asia, new Asian tour events and a handful of coaches who have been introducing elements of Eastern philosophy to Western players, golfers from a range of religious backgrounds are tinkering with everything from daily meditation and Buddhist breathing techniques to pilgrimages to Buddhist monasteries in Thailand. (MORE)
It's fair to say Buddhism could make him a better person. But here's a scary notion for the rest of the PGA Tour: There's a reasonable chance it could make him a better golfer, too.
A growing number of golfers and golf coaches all over the world are warming up to the idea that the ancient religion, which teaches followers to let go of their egos, attachments and desires in order to attain enlightenment, could be the faith most suited to making somebody a holy terror on the links.
Thanks to the growing ranks of players from Asia, new Asian tour events and a handful of coaches who have been introducing elements of Eastern philosophy to Western players, golfers from a range of religious backgrounds are tinkering with everything from daily meditation and Buddhist breathing techniques to pilgrimages to Buddhist monasteries in Thailand. (MORE)
Source: Wall Street Journal
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Can Meditation Be Sexy?
From Madonna to Christy Turlington, from Sting to Richard Gere, meditation is what’s happening. We use the term ’sexy’ because meditation is now the IN thing, with more and more people, both young and old, chilling out by doing it. At the same time, cross-legged yogis and monks can be seen in television and magazine ads selling everything from cars to herbal teas.
You do not have to be a hippie or on a spiritual quest to meditate. We have taught housewives, athletes, musicians, and therapists, in yoga centers and town halls, high school gymnasiums, on ski slopes, and on television. We were invited to teach meditation in Thailand to corporate CEO’s, as more businesses are incorporating stress-release and meditation techniques. (MORE)
You do not have to be a hippie or on a spiritual quest to meditate. We have taught housewives, athletes, musicians, and therapists, in yoga centers and town halls, high school gymnasiums, on ski slopes, and on television. We were invited to teach meditation in Thailand to corporate CEO’s, as more businesses are incorporating stress-release and meditation techniques. (MORE)
Source: Care2.com
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why Meditation Has a Place in Business
Mindfulness is being championed by a growing number of high-powered firms, including Google.
Chances are that you’ll be interrupted before you finish reading this story, especially if you’re at work. It might be a phone call or a text message, a tweet or an e-mail. It might even be a real, live co-worker tugging at your sleeve. (Has it happened already? It’s OK. I’ll wait.) Studies suggest the average worker is interrupted once every 11 minutes; it takes on average about 25 minutes for that worker to get back on task. It’s just one of the everyday strains on the modern worker, and just one reason why some companies are incorporating meditation practices into the workplace, in a bid to preserve their employees’ productivity, never mind their mental health.
Increasingly applied in western psychology, the practice of mindfulness comes out of the Buddhist tradition of meditation, and is championed by a growing number of celebrities, athletes and executives. A report funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research defines mindfulness as “a kind of nonelabrative, nonjudgmental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation that arises in the attentional field is acknowledged and accepted as it is.” (MORE)
Chances are that you’ll be interrupted before you finish reading this story, especially if you’re at work. It might be a phone call or a text message, a tweet or an e-mail. It might even be a real, live co-worker tugging at your sleeve. (Has it happened already? It’s OK. I’ll wait.) Studies suggest the average worker is interrupted once every 11 minutes; it takes on average about 25 minutes for that worker to get back on task. It’s just one of the everyday strains on the modern worker, and just one reason why some companies are incorporating meditation practices into the workplace, in a bid to preserve their employees’ productivity, never mind their mental health.
Increasingly applied in western psychology, the practice of mindfulness comes out of the Buddhist tradition of meditation, and is championed by a growing number of celebrities, athletes and executives. A report funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research defines mindfulness as “a kind of nonelabrative, nonjudgmental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation that arises in the attentional field is acknowledged and accepted as it is.” (MORE)
Source: Canadian Business
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Indian Teacher Advocates Stress-Busting Meditation
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual teacher whose Hindu-rooted approach to meditation has earned him millions of followers, will speak Monday at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood.
One of the best-known spiritual figures in India, Shankar is known for Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing exercise he developed to reduce stress. He founded the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 to spread his message of a stress-free, nonviolent society.
``He has this electricity. He makes you think,'' says Kanchana Krishnan, 48, who first studied Shankar's teachings six years ago while visiting India.
``It is a series of exercises that use the deepest portion of your lungs and its varying rhythms,'' says Krishnan, of Coral Springs, who adds that the 40-minute daily practice has improved her blood pressure and cholesterol and helped her feel more at peace. (MORE)
One of the best-known spiritual figures in India, Shankar is known for Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing exercise he developed to reduce stress. He founded the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 to spread his message of a stress-free, nonviolent society.
``He has this electricity. He makes you think,'' says Kanchana Krishnan, 48, who first studied Shankar's teachings six years ago while visiting India.
``It is a series of exercises that use the deepest portion of your lungs and its varying rhythms,'' says Krishnan, of Coral Springs, who adds that the 40-minute daily practice has improved her blood pressure and cholesterol and helped her feel more at peace. (MORE)
Source:iami Hearld
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Meditation Heals Bodies and Souls
Quiet practice seen as a powerful path to God
About 16 years ago, Elisabeth Fayt had no interest in meditation.
One day, she ended up at a weekend workshop that happened to discuss the ancient spiritual practice.
Fayt absolutely loved the experience.
"I realized that meditation was more than sitting in silence. Meditation is a way of life. It changed my life. Everything in my life changed. Everything I thought had meaning had no meaning the way it used to. I became happier," she says.
That experience sent her on a spiritual journey where she studied the teachings of Yogananda. Today, meditation is a way of life for the Calgary wife, mother, businesswoman, author and international inspirational speaker.
"When I start the day with meditation, even if brief, my entire day goes more smoothly. I make better decisions and everything in my world is, well let's say, a little more calm. (MORE)
About 16 years ago, Elisabeth Fayt had no interest in meditation.
One day, she ended up at a weekend workshop that happened to discuss the ancient spiritual practice.
Fayt absolutely loved the experience.
"I realized that meditation was more than sitting in silence. Meditation is a way of life. It changed my life. Everything in my life changed. Everything I thought had meaning had no meaning the way it used to. I became happier," she says.
That experience sent her on a spiritual journey where she studied the teachings of Yogananda. Today, meditation is a way of life for the Calgary wife, mother, businesswoman, author and international inspirational speaker.
"When I start the day with meditation, even if brief, my entire day goes more smoothly. I make better decisions and everything in my world is, well let's say, a little more calm. (MORE)
Source: Calgary Herald
Friday, April 23, 2010
Correct Form is Crucial For Yoga Poses
Yoga is more than just striking a pose. But how you strike that pose is nonetheless critical.
Maintaining correct form is essential not only for building a solid yoga practice but also because improperly doing the same yoga poses repeatedly — even the most basic ones — can lead to strains, sprains and chronic aches.
Yet it's easy to go awry. Many popular classes are overcrowded, making it difficult for teachers to correct every swayed back and hunched shoulder. Even in smaller groups, a misaligned leg can easily go unnoticed. And then there's the fact that less experienced students sometimes try to emulate more practiced ones, over-stretching muscles or getting joints out of alignment in the process. (MORE)
Maintaining correct form is essential not only for building a solid yoga practice but also because improperly doing the same yoga poses repeatedly — even the most basic ones — can lead to strains, sprains and chronic aches.
Yet it's easy to go awry. Many popular classes are overcrowded, making it difficult for teachers to correct every swayed back and hunched shoulder. Even in smaller groups, a misaligned leg can easily go unnoticed. And then there's the fact that less experienced students sometimes try to emulate more practiced ones, over-stretching muscles or getting joints out of alignment in the process. (MORE)
Source: LA Times
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Rocker Hopes to Cure Cancer with Meditation
An innovative way to treat cancer is being practiced by Adam Yauch, member of the Beastie Boys band. He maintains that meditation can help kill cancer and has also invited fans to join him in his efforts. He was diagnosed with cancer in salivary glands last July.
Adam underwent surgery and radically altered his lifestyle after the illness. He not only switched to a vegetarian diet but also travelled to India to attend a spiritual seminar by the Dalai Lama, the famous spiritual leader of Buddhists.
Many celebrities have joined him in his efforts and Yoko Ono is one of them. Adam told in an e-mail to his friends that he is meditating along with friends two times a day for about one and a half hour every day. (MORE)
Adam underwent surgery and radically altered his lifestyle after the illness. He not only switched to a vegetarian diet but also travelled to India to attend a spiritual seminar by the Dalai Lama, the famous spiritual leader of Buddhists.
Many celebrities have joined him in his efforts and Yoko Ono is one of them. Adam told in an e-mail to his friends that he is meditating along with friends two times a day for about one and a half hour every day. (MORE)
Source: Top News
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How to 'Make' a Winning Brain
Moderate physical exercise or just a game of Whac-a-Mole can actually help grow your brain, according to experts.
According to the authors of a new book, 'The Winner's Brain', the brains of highly successful people function differently from those of the average Joe.
Assistant neuroscience professor Mark Fenske of the University of Guelph and cognitive behavioural psychologist Jeff Brown of Harvard Medical School have said that one can actually rewire his/her brain, even physically change it, reports The Globe and Mail.
They sought input from other brain experts and a variety of individuals they deemed "winners" - from blues guitarist B.B. King to Aaron Fechter, the inventor of popular carnival game Whac-a-Mole-and identified eight "win factors," including self-awareness, motivation, focus, emotional balance, memory, resilience, adaptability and brain care.
And Fenske has said that, with practice, it's possible to boost these win factors and train your brain for success. (MORE)
According to the authors of a new book, 'The Winner's Brain', the brains of highly successful people function differently from those of the average Joe.
Assistant neuroscience professor Mark Fenske of the University of Guelph and cognitive behavioural psychologist Jeff Brown of Harvard Medical School have said that one can actually rewire his/her brain, even physically change it, reports The Globe and Mail.
They sought input from other brain experts and a variety of individuals they deemed "winners" - from blues guitarist B.B. King to Aaron Fechter, the inventor of popular carnival game Whac-a-Mole-and identified eight "win factors," including self-awareness, motivation, focus, emotional balance, memory, resilience, adaptability and brain care.
And Fenske has said that, with practice, it's possible to boost these win factors and train your brain for success. (MORE)
Source: OneIndia
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Researchers See Promise in Treating Addictive Behaviors With Mindfulness Meditation
When the stresses of life become too much for him, Ken Volante takes a figurative step back and tries out being SOBER. That "nice little trick," as he describes it, is the backbone of mindfulness meditation and it helps him remain sober.
It's a series of steps that allows him to cope with the cravings that would lead him to drink. So important is this practice that he carries with him a laminated card listing those steps.
When he practices being SOBER, he Stops, Observes what's going on, focuses on his Breathing (divorces himself from what's going on around him), Expands (focus what's happening to one's body) and Responds (but constructively).
A binge drinker for two or three years, Volante, of Madison, recently completed an outpatient program at New Start and became part of a pilot study to see whether mindfulness meditation could help alcoholics remain sober and cope with their addiction. The research project is led by Aleksandra Zgierska, a physician at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (MORE)
It's a series of steps that allows him to cope with the cravings that would lead him to drink. So important is this practice that he carries with him a laminated card listing those steps.
When he practices being SOBER, he Stops, Observes what's going on, focuses on his Breathing (divorces himself from what's going on around him), Expands (focus what's happening to one's body) and Responds (but constructively).
A binge drinker for two or three years, Volante, of Madison, recently completed an outpatient program at New Start and became part of a pilot study to see whether mindfulness meditation could help alcoholics remain sober and cope with their addiction. The research project is led by Aleksandra Zgierska, a physician at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (MORE)
Source: Milwaukee Jpurnal-Sentinel
Monday, April 19, 2010
Zen in the Pen: LA County Jail Allows Mind Escape
A popular meditation class at the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles is allowing cooler heads prevail in the cooler.
For three years, dozens of inmates have sought to deal with the anger and solitude of the bleak locale through the guidance of a Buddhist chaplain.
Inmate Joshua Silva who is serving time for robbery told the Los Angeles Times for a Sunday story that the guided meditations offer him "a way to go beyond these bars."
Members of a local Zen center suggested the course and serve as volunteer teachers.
Buddhist chaplain Gary Janka says there was resistance from other religious leaders at the jail, saying he heard that empty minds meant "the devil will rush in." But Janka says he assuaged fears by inviting in a specialist in Christian meditation, and the course has been embraced.
For three years, dozens of inmates have sought to deal with the anger and solitude of the bleak locale through the guidance of a Buddhist chaplain.
Inmate Joshua Silva who is serving time for robbery told the Los Angeles Times for a Sunday story that the guided meditations offer him "a way to go beyond these bars."
Members of a local Zen center suggested the course and serve as volunteer teachers.
Buddhist chaplain Gary Janka says there was resistance from other religious leaders at the jail, saying he heard that empty minds meant "the devil will rush in." But Janka says he assuaged fears by inviting in a specialist in Christian meditation, and the course has been embraced.
Source: Mercury News
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Jail's Meditation Course is Not a Hard Cell
Participants in the popular weekly course at L.A. County's Men's Central facility say the techniques they learn for relaxation and self-control couldn't be more useful in their environs.
"Eyes closed, heads down. Focus on your breathing."
The men in the sanctuary obediently followed their Buddhist chaplain's command, bowing their cleanly shaven heads and beginning their meditation exercises. A bell chime hung in the air before melting into silence.
Most of the men were new to the relaxation technique, seeking to add a little Zen to their lives. But the venue for this course was not a posh studio in Silver Lake or Santa Monica.
These men were trying to get in touch with their chi at Men's Central Jail.
The downtown L.A. correctional facility, which civil rights advocates have labeled medieval enough to drive men mad, might not be the most intuitive choice for a meditation center in the city. But inmates who frequent the popular weekly course, now in its third year, say the techniques for relaxation and self-control couldn't be more useful in their environs. (MORE)
"Eyes closed, heads down. Focus on your breathing."
The men in the sanctuary obediently followed their Buddhist chaplain's command, bowing their cleanly shaven heads and beginning their meditation exercises. A bell chime hung in the air before melting into silence.
Most of the men were new to the relaxation technique, seeking to add a little Zen to their lives. But the venue for this course was not a posh studio in Silver Lake or Santa Monica.
These men were trying to get in touch with their chi at Men's Central Jail.
The downtown L.A. correctional facility, which civil rights advocates have labeled medieval enough to drive men mad, might not be the most intuitive choice for a meditation center in the city. But inmates who frequent the popular weekly course, now in its third year, say the techniques for relaxation and self-control couldn't be more useful in their environs. (MORE)
Source: LA Times
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Get in Touch With Your Stress Today!
Perhaps it was the big check you wrote out yesterday. Or the scramble to get to the post office to get said check postmarked in time. Perhaps it's the endless demands of jobs and family. Maybe it's just become a way of life.
If you're stressed, then you've got a reason to have a celebratory cocktail today: April 16 is National Stress Awareness Day.
Oh, wait. National Stress Awareness Day was established in 1982 and has been sponsored yearly by the Health Resource Network, a nonprofit health organization, to encourage healthy ways of dealing with stress.
All right, forget the cocktail. Perhaps a nice walk in the mountains -- or around the parking lot -- instead? Perhaps you should slip into a meditation class between those endless meetings or errands? Or maybe just meditate briefly about the future prospect of learning to meditate. (MORE)
If you're stressed, then you've got a reason to have a celebratory cocktail today: April 16 is National Stress Awareness Day.
Oh, wait. National Stress Awareness Day was established in 1982 and has been sponsored yearly by the Health Resource Network, a nonprofit health organization, to encourage healthy ways of dealing with stress.
All right, forget the cocktail. Perhaps a nice walk in the mountains -- or around the parking lot -- instead? Perhaps you should slip into a meditation class between those endless meetings or errands? Or maybe just meditate briefly about the future prospect of learning to meditate. (MORE)
Source: LA Times
Friday, April 16, 2010
Meditation: Transform Stress in a Minute a Day
"In just a moment, ordinary life can crack open to reveal another reality--inconceivable just a moment before." --Martin Boroson
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Hmmmm...if the number of clients that come to me complaining of stress is any indication -- we're in sore need of stress awareness and reduction. Starting tomorrow Oprah is celebrating Stress Awareness Month by offering a free 30-day course called Transform Stress in 30 Days with One-Moment Meditation. The course is inspired by Martin Boroson's book One Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go.
I sheepishly admit that I've had a rocky relationship with meditation. I swing from attending a 10-day meditation retreat that ignites a daily meditation practice for a month or so only to have my meditation practice succumb to one that's sporadic at best. Just recently I got back into a daily meditation practice and I must say that I'm confused as to why I was ever irregular with my practice. I feel so wonderful when I meditate. (MORE)
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Hmmmm...if the number of clients that come to me complaining of stress is any indication -- we're in sore need of stress awareness and reduction. Starting tomorrow Oprah is celebrating Stress Awareness Month by offering a free 30-day course called Transform Stress in 30 Days with One-Moment Meditation. The course is inspired by Martin Boroson's book One Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go.
I sheepishly admit that I've had a rocky relationship with meditation. I swing from attending a 10-day meditation retreat that ignites a daily meditation practice for a month or so only to have my meditation practice succumb to one that's sporadic at best. Just recently I got back into a daily meditation practice and I must say that I'm confused as to why I was ever irregular with my practice. I feel so wonderful when I meditate. (MORE)
Source: Opposing Views
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Brief Meditative Exercise Helps Cognition
A brief bit of meditation can make us cognitively sharper, suggests a new study.
While past research using neuroimaging technology has shown that meditation techniques can promote significant changes in brain areas associated with concentration, it has always been assumed that extensive training was required to achieve this effect. Though many people would like to boost their cognitive abilities, the monk-like discipline required seems like a daunting time commitment and financial cost for this benefit. (MORE)
While past research using neuroimaging technology has shown that meditation techniques can promote significant changes in brain areas associated with concentration, it has always been assumed that extensive training was required to achieve this effect. Though many people would like to boost their cognitive abilities, the monk-like discipline required seems like a daunting time commitment and financial cost for this benefit. (MORE)
Source: Times of India
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Meditation: The Ultimate Self Help Program
Meditation has many benefits. These benefits are not just conjecture or subjective experiences - important though these are – they are scientifically proven facts that are verified by robust research.
Here are but a few examples:
Meditation has shown a 48% reduction in symptoms of depression.
People who meditate have 47% fewer heart attacks.
75% of long-term insomniacs who have been trained in meditation can fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.
People who meditate show an 8% to 15% decrease in the risk of stroke.
Sufferers of anxiety who meditate show a 60% improvement in anxiety levels after only 8 weeks of practice.
Meditation can slow aging. A study found that people who had been meditating for more than five years were physiologically 12 to 15 years younger than non-meditators.
The chance of getting cancer has been shown in studies to reduce by 55% in those who meditate regularly.
Regular meditators experience a 10-20 point drop in blood pressure compared to the general population. (MORE)
Here are but a few examples:
Meditation has shown a 48% reduction in symptoms of depression.
People who meditate have 47% fewer heart attacks.
75% of long-term insomniacs who have been trained in meditation can fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.
People who meditate show an 8% to 15% decrease in the risk of stroke.
Sufferers of anxiety who meditate show a 60% improvement in anxiety levels after only 8 weeks of practice.
Meditation can slow aging. A study found that people who had been meditating for more than five years were physiologically 12 to 15 years younger than non-meditators.
The chance of getting cancer has been shown in studies to reduce by 55% in those who meditate regularly.
Regular meditators experience a 10-20 point drop in blood pressure compared to the general population. (MORE)
Source: Technorati
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Is Meditation Your Friend or Foe?
Did you ever wonder why we resist something that connects us to peace of mind and inner happiness? Isn't it ironic how often the best things for us can be what we avoid the most? Something like meditation, for instance, that can bring us such joy can appear as unimportant, boring, and we have little time for it. Yet this is like being addicted to poison while resenting the anecdote!
Some years ago, we were in Thailand, attending a ten-day silent-meditation retreat. Each day a cheerful Buddhist monk would come to teach, and he would always ask us: "Are you happier today than you were yesterday?" As he said this, a wide smile would fill his face because he knew that we were confronting numerous obstacles to happiness, and not just the ones in our own minds. As beautiful as the coconut grove was, we were living with mosquitoes, centipedes, and snakes, sleeping on wooden planks, and did not eat after midday. How were we expected to find happiness amidst such extremes? (MORE)
Some years ago, we were in Thailand, attending a ten-day silent-meditation retreat. Each day a cheerful Buddhist monk would come to teach, and he would always ask us: "Are you happier today than you were yesterday?" As he said this, a wide smile would fill his face because he knew that we were confronting numerous obstacles to happiness, and not just the ones in our own minds. As beautiful as the coconut grove was, we were living with mosquitoes, centipedes, and snakes, sleeping on wooden planks, and did not eat after midday. How were we expected to find happiness amidst such extremes? (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Monday, April 12, 2010
Meditation Chairs – the Benefits of Having One
Now, with meditation chairs, you can easily enhance the experience of exploration. This unique chair gives you an opportunity to sit in a relaxed and comfortable position when you are engaged in a relaxation session.
A meditation chair will help you a lot in enhancing your knowledge related to meditation and also meditating in the right form. People with problems inflexibility or restricted flexibility, this chair provide a comfortable alternative to sitting on the floor.
People who have just begun with their meditation practice will definitely find this chair, a great way of increasing concentration level.
You can easily get different types of meditation chairs available on the market. You would find an amazing variety of meditation benches, inflatable cushiness and even ergonomically designed filt chairs. (MORE)
A meditation chair will help you a lot in enhancing your knowledge related to meditation and also meditating in the right form. People with problems inflexibility or restricted flexibility, this chair provide a comfortable alternative to sitting on the floor.
People who have just begun with their meditation practice will definitely find this chair, a great way of increasing concentration level.
You can easily get different types of meditation chairs available on the market. You would find an amazing variety of meditation benches, inflatable cushiness and even ergonomically designed filt chairs. (MORE)
Source: LA News Today
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Depression Can Be Treated By Transcendental Meditation of Old Indian Traditions
Researchers found that meditation helps in reducing stress as well as depressive symptoms, if the therapy is constantly used for 12 months.
Transcendental Meditation became popular in the West in the late 1960s, which was based on thousand years old Indian traditions. This kind of mediation was taken up by the Fab Four and other celebrities, including Mia Farrow and Donovan.
According to this kind of meditation, followers had to sit quietly and concentrate, silently repeating a mantra to themselves in solitude. This kind of meditation has made tens of thousands of followers across the world happier and healthier. Research explained that this also helped in reducing depression. (MORE)
Transcendental Meditation became popular in the West in the late 1960s, which was based on thousand years old Indian traditions. This kind of mediation was taken up by the Fab Four and other celebrities, including Mia Farrow and Donovan.
According to this kind of meditation, followers had to sit quietly and concentrate, silently repeating a mantra to themselves in solitude. This kind of meditation has made tens of thousands of followers across the world happier and healthier. Research explained that this also helped in reducing depression. (MORE)
Source: Top News
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Transcendental Meditation Club Draws Student
Every couple of weeks, Principal Abel Morado gets an invitation from a teacher or student to join the Transcendental Meditation movement at his high school. They tell him that it has brought calm and balance to their frenetic lives.
Morado's memories of Transcendental Meditation, or TM, go back to his undergraduate years at Arizona State University
, when the practice was big. But the small-town kid from Tolleson found it suspect.
"It wasn't for me," he said.
Decades later, he was forced to learn more after faculty members wanted to introduce TM to students. Convinced it was not a religion, a cult or a form of mind control, Morado let a TM club set up last year. (MORE)
Morado's memories of Transcendental Meditation, or TM, go back to his undergraduate years at Arizona State University
, when the practice was big. But the small-town kid from Tolleson found it suspect.
"It wasn't for me," he said.
Decades later, he was forced to learn more after faculty members wanted to introduce TM to students. Convinced it was not a religion, a cult or a form of mind control, Morado let a TM club set up last year. (MORE)
Source: Arizona Republic
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tiger Woods Now Meditationg Religiously
Tiger Woods updated the world on his spiritual development at yesterday's press conference in Augusta, Ga., stating that he now "meditates religiously again."
Woods claims to be going back to his roots in Buddhism, a practice that he believes will keep him "more centered, more balanced" on and off the golf course. "I need to do these things the way I used to do them," he said. "Unfortunately I got away from that." (MORE)
Woods claims to be going back to his roots in Buddhism, a practice that he believes will keep him "more centered, more balanced" on and off the golf course. "I need to do these things the way I used to do them," he said. "Unfortunately I got away from that." (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Room for Improvement
Room for Improvement is a weekly column written by freelance writer Sara Groves about her yearlong quest to improve her physical, mental and financial health.
Are you depressed? Anxious? Do you have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time? Do you have trouble sleeping?
Would you believe there’s a simple cost-free way to alleviate all of those problems and more?
Meditation — the act of sitting silently, focusing your attention, and letting go of thoughts that clutter your mind — has been proven to positively affect a range of health issues, from reducing anxiety to managing high blood pressure.
I first learned about meditation a few years ago from Buddhist priest Gyokujun Layla Smith at Open Circle Sangha, a group of Zen Buddhists here in Helena. (MORE)
Are you depressed? Anxious? Do you have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time? Do you have trouble sleeping?
Would you believe there’s a simple cost-free way to alleviate all of those problems and more?
Meditation — the act of sitting silently, focusing your attention, and letting go of thoughts that clutter your mind — has been proven to positively affect a range of health issues, from reducing anxiety to managing high blood pressure.
I first learned about meditation a few years ago from Buddhist priest Gyokujun Layla Smith at Open Circle Sangha, a group of Zen Buddhists here in Helena. (MORE)
Source: helenair.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
Say Yes to Yoga for Weight Loss
According to research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, people who practice yoga were more likely to report mindful eating habits such as hunger-awareness or acknowledging when they are eating in response to emotion.
The researchers say this may be part of the reason that the yoga practitioners had a lower BMI than other study participants, even though more than half of them got regular exercise.
The researchers say this may be part of the reason that the yoga practitioners had a lower BMI than other study participants, even though more than half of them got regular exercise.
Source: About.com
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Daily Inspiration
Easter Prayer
God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today raise us up
and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us.
God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today raise us up
and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us.
Meditating Lawyer Group Going Strong One Year Later
The Colorado Contemplative Lawyers Society is marking one year of defying lawyer stereotypes. The group was founded last April on the idea that meditation and “contemplative practices” can benefit lawyers in many ways, including helping them become better lawyers. The two dozen lawyers in the group come from firms big and small, as well as government agencies.
“The year has been one of maturing,” said group founder Stephanie West Allen. “We have, over the months, made some changes in format, and now have one that fits the attendees.”
The meetings, which have been held in the offices of Denver law firms Holme Roberts & Owen and Davis Graham & Stubbs as well as in the Colorado Attorney General’s office, involve conversations on topics dealing with the practice of law and meditation, followed by a 15-minute guided group meditation. (MORE)
“The year has been one of maturing,” said group founder Stephanie West Allen. “We have, over the months, made some changes in format, and now have one that fits the attendees.”
The meetings, which have been held in the offices of Denver law firms Holme Roberts & Owen and Davis Graham & Stubbs as well as in the Colorado Attorney General’s office, involve conversations on topics dealing with the practice of law and meditation, followed by a 15-minute guided group meditation. (MORE)
Source: Law Week
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Path to Super Consciousness
I began meditating 52 years ago. Since then I haven’t, to the best of my recollection, missed a single day of practice. No stern-minded self discipline was needed to keep me regularly at it. Meditation is simply the most meaningful activity in my life. I wonder how people live without it.
Meditation gives meaning to everything one does. The Bhagavad Gita says, “To the peace-less person, how is happiness possible?” Inner peace is like lubricating oil: It enables the machinery of our lives to function smoothly. Without mental peace, our emotions and the various demands placed upon us in our lives grind together and create inner stress, leading eventually to a physical or nervous breakdown. (MORE)
Meditation gives meaning to everything one does. The Bhagavad Gita says, “To the peace-less person, how is happiness possible?” Inner peace is like lubricating oil: It enables the machinery of our lives to function smoothly. Without mental peace, our emotions and the various demands placed upon us in our lives grind together and create inner stress, leading eventually to a physical or nervous breakdown. (MORE)
Source: Times of India
Friday, April 2, 2010
Mindfulness Meditation -- Achieving 'Unentangled Participation'
No doubt we all time travel. Our minds constantly wander to the future or cruise to the past. I started studying mindfulness meditation when I discovered how often I wasn't really 'present' in my day to day activities.
For example, I might eat a meal while thinking about a project, my kid's homework, or something I failed to do, and not even notice my food disappearing. I might be in a conversation with a friend and actually thinking about my own troubles instead of listening to them. Worse, I might be on holiday and thinking about a past one or fantasizing about a future one while missing the one I was on.
Once I realized how often my mind wasn't present, I began to alter it. I did so with many exercises like meditation, yoga, walking in nature, and art. I've found it easier to 'be present' with any experience -- good or bad -- through these practices.
(MORE)
For example, I might eat a meal while thinking about a project, my kid's homework, or something I failed to do, and not even notice my food disappearing. I might be in a conversation with a friend and actually thinking about my own troubles instead of listening to them. Worse, I might be on holiday and thinking about a past one or fantasizing about a future one while missing the one I was on.
Once I realized how often my mind wasn't present, I began to alter it. I did so with many exercises like meditation, yoga, walking in nature, and art. I've found it easier to 'be present' with any experience -- good or bad -- through these practices.
(MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Humanists Embracing Secular Meditation
Rick Heller at the Humanist Contemplative Group at Harvard, has just made a ten minute video on secular meditation. By secular meditation, he means meditation without any supernatural concepts. Indeed, the types of meditation he describes are precisely what is practiced by many Buddhists already, but Heller may feel the added term is necessary to distinguish it from other kinds of meditation that naturalists or those of other religions may not find relevant.
The Harvard Humanist Contemplative group was inspired by my own Humanist Contemplative group here in Houston, and I was honored and pleased when that group started. My hope is that more Humanist Contemplatives begin appearing in other areas because these are elements I think could only improve the Humanist movement. So, I applaud Rick Heller for his recent overview of basic meditation! (MORE)
The Harvard Humanist Contemplative group was inspired by my own Humanist Contemplative group here in Houston, and I was honored and pleased when that group started. My hope is that more Humanist Contemplatives begin appearing in other areas because these are elements I think could only improve the Humanist movement. So, I applaud Rick Heller for his recent overview of basic meditation! (MORE)
Source: The Examiner
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