Monday, February 28, 2011
You Know You Should Meditate, So Why Don't You?
Not very long ago, the only people who practiced meditation regularly were Hindus and Buddhists, mostly in ashrams and monasteries. Then, Westerners who were influenced by those traditions but did not adopt the religious labels took up meditation forms as spiritual practices. When scientific studies documented the benefits of meditation, it went secular: physicians recommended it to patients, corporations and hospitals created meditation rooms and psychologists prescribed it for anxiety and stress reduction. Then Christians and Jews adapted Eastern procedures -- replacing Sanskrit mantras with words and phrases from their own traditions, for instance -- and unlocked the vaults of their mystical past. Now, if you say you meditate for 20 minutes before breakfast every morning, no one will bat an eye. I assure you that in 1968, when I started meditating, people looked at me as though I was poking needles into a voodoo doll.
You would think that this stamp of approval would make meditating as common as stopping at Starbucks for a caffeine fix. Instead, for a great many people, it's more like cutting down on carbs: they know it would be good for them, but they don't get around to doing it.
Why don't they? There are many reasons, of course, but in my experience two stand out. (MORE)
You would think that this stamp of approval would make meditating as common as stopping at Starbucks for a caffeine fix. Instead, for a great many people, it's more like cutting down on carbs: they know it would be good for them, but they don't get around to doing it.
Why don't they? There are many reasons, of course, but in my experience two stand out. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Overcome Addictions With Meditation
“Fear is the natural reaction to moving closer to the truth.” Pema Chodron
The Buddha taught that we “mistake suffering for happiness.” Humans invariably find a way to ease the pain of lost pleasure, if only temporarily. We get hooked on things or use some form of chemical prop to keep pace with our stress-oriented culture. This temporary ease may come from using substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, prescription or recreational drugs. Other addictive props include television, food, exercise, gambling, dieting, shopping, or work. Done long enough, addictions become the heart of our existence and take courage to give up; but one proven method is with meditation.
The Transcendental Meditation Organization (TM) has done extensive research into the effects of meditation on the mind and body. These studies show that sitting quietly with eyes closed for 15-20 minutes twice a day, can help people reduce their use of alcohol, cigarettes, and nonprescription drugs. The effects are based on fundamental and naturally occurring improvements in the meditating individuals psychophysiological functioning. (MORE)
The Buddha taught that we “mistake suffering for happiness.” Humans invariably find a way to ease the pain of lost pleasure, if only temporarily. We get hooked on things or use some form of chemical prop to keep pace with our stress-oriented culture. This temporary ease may come from using substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, prescription or recreational drugs. Other addictive props include television, food, exercise, gambling, dieting, shopping, or work. Done long enough, addictions become the heart of our existence and take courage to give up; but one proven method is with meditation.
The Transcendental Meditation Organization (TM) has done extensive research into the effects of meditation on the mind and body. These studies show that sitting quietly with eyes closed for 15-20 minutes twice a day, can help people reduce their use of alcohol, cigarettes, and nonprescription drugs. The effects are based on fundamental and naturally occurring improvements in the meditating individuals psychophysiological functioning. (MORE)
Source: Care2.com
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/overcome-addictions-with-meditation.html#ixzz1FA2WbtDp
Saturday, February 26, 2011
..Book Notes: 'Real Happiness,' by Sharon Salzberg.
"Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, A 28-Day Program," with guided meditations on CD included. By Sharon Salzberg. Workman Publishing, New York, 2011. $14.95. 208 pages.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting happiness. There’s nothing wrong with making happiness a priority. Problems start with the definition of happiness. What’s going to do it for you? An iPad? A Big Mac after an especially long and hard day at the office? Beer and Sunday night football? Or would you prefer a deeper sense of calm, improved concentration and more connection with others?
“Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation” should come with a spoiler alert since author Sharon Salzberg, a Massachusetts/New York Buddhist and teacher of meditation for nearly four decades, assures us that daily 20-minute meditation sessions are a quiet and inconspicuous, yet powerful tool, for developing those human qualities we aspire to but don’t often practice with regular confidence.
Her new book is a gift from both her and the publisher, Workman. It’s handsome, small (6x8 inches), handsomely formatted for easy use and it includes a CD with several guided meditations that she describes in the book. And at $14.95, this book and CD are among the best book deals you’ll find, even including the sad liquidation of Borders.
If you download the CD, as I have, you can transfer the meditations to your MP3 player and listen as you meditate. Among those meditations recorded are a walking meditation, which might help you get outdoors for some fresh air as you breath mindfully in and out. (MORE)
There’s nothing wrong with wanting happiness. There’s nothing wrong with making happiness a priority. Problems start with the definition of happiness. What’s going to do it for you? An iPad? A Big Mac after an especially long and hard day at the office? Beer and Sunday night football? Or would you prefer a deeper sense of calm, improved concentration and more connection with others?
“Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation” should come with a spoiler alert since author Sharon Salzberg, a Massachusetts/New York Buddhist and teacher of meditation for nearly four decades, assures us that daily 20-minute meditation sessions are a quiet and inconspicuous, yet powerful tool, for developing those human qualities we aspire to but don’t often practice with regular confidence.
Her new book is a gift from both her and the publisher, Workman. It’s handsome, small (6x8 inches), handsomely formatted for easy use and it includes a CD with several guided meditations that she describes in the book. And at $14.95, this book and CD are among the best book deals you’ll find, even including the sad liquidation of Borders.
If you download the CD, as I have, you can transfer the meditations to your MP3 player and listen as you meditate. Among those meditations recorded are a walking meditation, which might help you get outdoors for some fresh air as you breath mindfully in and out. (MORE)
Source: Wickedlocal.com
Read more: Book Notes: 'Real Happiness,' by Sharon Salzberg - Lincoln, MA - Lincoln Journal http://www.wickedlocal.com/lincoln/archive/x1054071738/Book-Notes-Real-Happiness-by-Sharon-Salzberg#ixzz1F4PLcV4D
Friday, February 25, 2011
Yoga, Meditation Program Helps City Youths Cope With Stress
Once the domain of New Agers and suburban moms, yoga has become firmly planted in Baltimore's inner city, and now researchers believe the ancient practice may help elementary school students cope with the stress of growing up in impoverished, violent neighborhoods.
Researchers and lay people alike think yoga may help adults reduce stress. The popularity of the practice has surged, and it's used as therapy for cancer patients and battered women, and as a treatment for back pain and depression.
But even as schools get in on the trend, the effect of the practice on children has not been subject to rigorous study, say researchers at the Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Even less understood is whether yoga can help youths struggling with the stress of urban life.
"Living in an inner-city environment with high crime and high violence, there are just so many kids here who have chronic stress," said Tamar Mendelson, an assistant professor in the department of mental health at Bloomberg and the study's lead researcher. "We wanted to really study this and see if this can be helpful for kids exposed to chronic stress and if we can give them some tools for coping."
They found a 12-week yoga program targeting 97 fourth- and fifth-graders in two Baltimore elementary schools made a difference in students' overall behavior and their ability to concentrate. They found students who did yoga were less likely to ruminate, the kind of brooding thoughts associated with depression and anxiety that can be a reaction to stress. The findings, which focused on a pilot program that took place in 2008, were published recently in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. One program is still active, and researchers are now applying for federal funding to expand the effort into schools across the city. (MORE)
Researchers and lay people alike think yoga may help adults reduce stress. The popularity of the practice has surged, and it's used as therapy for cancer patients and battered women, and as a treatment for back pain and depression.
But even as schools get in on the trend, the effect of the practice on children has not been subject to rigorous study, say researchers at the Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Even less understood is whether yoga can help youths struggling with the stress of urban life.
"Living in an inner-city environment with high crime and high violence, there are just so many kids here who have chronic stress," said Tamar Mendelson, an assistant professor in the department of mental health at Bloomberg and the study's lead researcher. "We wanted to really study this and see if this can be helpful for kids exposed to chronic stress and if we can give them some tools for coping."
They found a 12-week yoga program targeting 97 fourth- and fifth-graders in two Baltimore elementary schools made a difference in students' overall behavior and their ability to concentrate. They found students who did yoga were less likely to ruminate, the kind of brooding thoughts associated with depression and anxiety that can be a reaction to stress. The findings, which focused on a pilot program that took place in 2008, were published recently in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. One program is still active, and researchers are now applying for federal funding to expand the effort into schools across the city. (MORE)
Source: LA Times
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Meditation Beats Dance For Harmonizing Body And Mind
The body is a dancer’s instrument, but is it attuned to the mind? A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that professional ballet and modern dancers are not as emotionally in sync with their bodies as are people who regularly practice meditation.
UC Berkeley researchers tracked how closely the emotions of seasoned meditators and professional dancers followed bodily changes such as breathing and heart rates.
They found that dancers who devote enormous time and effort to developing awareness of and precise control over their muscles – a theme coincidentally raised in the new ballet movie “Black Swan” – do not have a stronger mind-body connection than do most other people.
By contrast, veteran practitioners of Vipassana or mindfulness meditation – a technique focused on observing breathing, heartbeat, thoughts and feelings without judgment – showed the closest mind-body bond, according to the study recently published in the journal Emotion.
“We all talk about our emotions as if they are intimately connected to our bodies – such as the ‘heartache of sadness’ and ‘bursting a blood vessel’ in anger,” said Robert Levenson, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and senior author of the study. “We sought to precisely measure how close that connection was, and found it was stronger for meditators.” (MORE)
UC Berkeley researchers tracked how closely the emotions of seasoned meditators and professional dancers followed bodily changes such as breathing and heart rates.
They found that dancers who devote enormous time and effort to developing awareness of and precise control over their muscles – a theme coincidentally raised in the new ballet movie “Black Swan” – do not have a stronger mind-body connection than do most other people.
By contrast, veteran practitioners of Vipassana or mindfulness meditation – a technique focused on observing breathing, heartbeat, thoughts and feelings without judgment – showed the closest mind-body bond, according to the study recently published in the journal Emotion.
“We all talk about our emotions as if they are intimately connected to our bodies – such as the ‘heartache of sadness’ and ‘bursting a blood vessel’ in anger,” said Robert Levenson, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and senior author of the study. “We sought to precisely measure how close that connection was, and found it was stronger for meditators.” (MORE)
Sorce: UC Berkeley News Center
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Want a Better Brain? Meditate For 8 Weeks
One more step towards the meeting of science and spirituality, a new study shows that if we meditate, we will can look forward to being smarter, feel calmer, and get an improved sense of self, empathy, and memory. Even better, we can get all these and more, in just eight weeks, according to Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness, a paper by 13 scholars.
The spiritualists have been telling us about this in their own quaint ways over time.
It helps the brain. “Every time you meditate deeply on God, beneficial changes take place in the patterns of your brain,” said Paramahansa Yogananda. “Suppose you are a financial failure or a moral failure or a spiritual failure. Through deep meditation, affirming, ‘I and my Father are one,’ you will know that you are the child of God. Hold on to that ideal. Meditate until you feel a great joy. When joy strikes your heart, God has answered your broadcast to Him; He is responding to your prayers and positive thinking.” (MORE)
The spiritualists have been telling us about this in their own quaint ways over time.
It helps the brain. “Every time you meditate deeply on God, beneficial changes take place in the patterns of your brain,” said Paramahansa Yogananda. “Suppose you are a financial failure or a moral failure or a spiritual failure. Through deep meditation, affirming, ‘I and my Father are one,’ you will know that you are the child of God. Hold on to that ideal. Meditate until you feel a great joy. When joy strikes your heart, God has answered your broadcast to Him; He is responding to your prayers and positive thinking.” (MORE)
Source: Hindustan Times
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Prison Yoga Can Shorten Inmates' Sentences
Yoga, among classes offered at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, N.M., may soon be a thing of the past.
Programs such as Tae Bo, t'ai chi, yoga and art therapy are offered to prisoners at the detention center and paid for with tax dollars. AOL News reported that deputy county manager of public safety Tom Swisstack has said cuts are coming, though he hasn't said which programs.
“I imagine in the next 60 days, you're not going to see all of these programs necessarily in place,” he told KOAT ABC 7 .
He said he isn't ready yet to cut the meditative classes.
“Those are the kinds of things that sound like they're touchy feely, but those are also the kinds of things that have helped in some cases, quite honestly in many cases, break the barriers that treatment could actually then start,” he said.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener told KOAT he's concerned about how much programs are costing but expressed faith that Swisstack would make the right decision.
The Albuquerque detention center isn't the only rehabilitation center that has incorporated yoga into its programs. San Quentin State Prison, famous for hosting a live Johnny Cash concert in 1969, offers a program taught by volunteer James Fox, who the San Francisco Chronicle said believes yoga can less the rage and addiction common in many inmates' lives. (MORE)
Programs such as Tae Bo, t'ai chi, yoga and art therapy are offered to prisoners at the detention center and paid for with tax dollars. AOL News reported that deputy county manager of public safety Tom Swisstack has said cuts are coming, though he hasn't said which programs.
“I imagine in the next 60 days, you're not going to see all of these programs necessarily in place,” he told KOAT ABC 7 .
He said he isn't ready yet to cut the meditative classes.
“Those are the kinds of things that sound like they're touchy feely, but those are also the kinds of things that have helped in some cases, quite honestly in many cases, break the barriers that treatment could actually then start,” he said.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener told KOAT he's concerned about how much programs are costing but expressed faith that Swisstack would make the right decision.
The Albuquerque detention center isn't the only rehabilitation center that has incorporated yoga into its programs. San Quentin State Prison, famous for hosting a live Johnny Cash concert in 1969, offers a program taught by volunteer James Fox, who the San Francisco Chronicle said believes yoga can less the rage and addiction common in many inmates' lives. (MORE)
Source: My FOX Boston
Monday, February 21, 2011
Meditation: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
The benefits of meditation can't be called new. For decades the practice has been endorsed, even by mainstream medicine, as a proven means to reduce stress and produce relaxation. In fact, if it were not for "the relaxation response," a sanitized version of Eastern meditation that was popularized thirty years ago, it is doubtful that a secular society could be persuaded that meditation is real. Until recently, code words like "peacefulness" and "serenity" went about as far as anyone could go without seeming to bring religion in through the back door.
Now a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has made headlines by showing that as little as eight weeks of meditation produces changes in various areas of the brain associated, not simply with feeling calmer, but with improved sense of self, empathy, and memory. Again this isn't exactly new. Since the Seventies a change in brain waves, particularly alpha waves, was associated with the regular practice of meditation. Today, with far more sophisticated brain imaging, researchers can pinpoint where these changes are taking place with remarkable precision. (MORE)
Now a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has made headlines by showing that as little as eight weeks of meditation produces changes in various areas of the brain associated, not simply with feeling calmer, but with improved sense of self, empathy, and memory. Again this isn't exactly new. Since the Seventies a change in brain waves, particularly alpha waves, was associated with the regular practice of meditation. Today, with far more sophisticated brain imaging, researchers can pinpoint where these changes are taking place with remarkable precision. (MORE)
Source: sfgate.com
Sunday, February 20, 2011
How Transcendental Meditation May Alleviate PTSD
What does the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a native of India, have in common with Florida resident Val Shanaberger?
Maharishi, as his devotees call him, introduced America to the ancient technique of transcendental meditation. T.M. is a stress-relieving technique that has practical applications in business and most other walks of life.
Shanaberger, in turn, is an experienced yoga instructor for Lifestyle Family Fitness and teaches her students how the practice can relieve stress and help them to focus on their goals. "It helps the practitioner understand themselves," she says. The result is that they can get in touch with "what is going on inside, and how to let go of what needn't be held."
Letting go of the horrors of war is not an easy task for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or P.T.S.D. Yet, it is necessary before they can adjust to civilian life and return to the workforce.
John Zisman is a transcendental meditation teacher in Florida and used the technique in his real estate business. "I was in real estate sales and investment for over 20 years," he says. "T.M. helped me to stay focused, feel refreshed and gave me that edge to succeed through clearer thinking and feeling less stress and pressure." Zisman is participating in a national outreach to help soldiers with P.T.S.D. "The TM program, in concert with Operation Warrior Wellness, is making available a personal improvement program called "Transcendental Meditation" to 10,000 vets who suffer from acute P.T.S.D.," he says. (MORE)
Maharishi, as his devotees call him, introduced America to the ancient technique of transcendental meditation. T.M. is a stress-relieving technique that has practical applications in business and most other walks of life.
Shanaberger, in turn, is an experienced yoga instructor for Lifestyle Family Fitness and teaches her students how the practice can relieve stress and help them to focus on their goals. "It helps the practitioner understand themselves," she says. The result is that they can get in touch with "what is going on inside, and how to let go of what needn't be held."
Letting go of the horrors of war is not an easy task for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or P.T.S.D. Yet, it is necessary before they can adjust to civilian life and return to the workforce.
John Zisman is a transcendental meditation teacher in Florida and used the technique in his real estate business. "I was in real estate sales and investment for over 20 years," he says. "T.M. helped me to stay focused, feel refreshed and gave me that edge to succeed through clearer thinking and feeling less stress and pressure." Zisman is participating in a national outreach to help soldiers with P.T.S.D. "The TM program, in concert with Operation Warrior Wellness, is making available a personal improvement program called "Transcendental Meditation" to 10,000 vets who suffer from acute P.T.S.D.," he says. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Through Meditation, She Makes Happiness An Inside Job
Sharon Salzberg, 58, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, has spent more than three decades helping Westerners access a daily spiritual practice that originated in Buddhism but is not confined to that faith.
When Sharon Salzberg returned to New York from her first trips to India in the 1970s, a crinkled cotton blouse was still exotic and people would politely sidle away from her at parties after she told them she taught meditation for a living.
Now even Starbucks sells chai (a milky Indian spice tea), and a landmark Massachusetts General Hospital study released last month has documented that the brain shows positive physical changes — in density of gray matter — after just eight weeks of meditation.
Salzberg, 58, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., has spent more than three decades helping Westerners access a daily spiritual practice that originated in Buddhism but is not confined to that faith.
Her latest book, "Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation," offers a 28-day guide to generating what she calls "sustainable and durable" happiness from within oneself, rather than relying on external events. (MORE)
When Sharon Salzberg returned to New York from her first trips to India in the 1970s, a crinkled cotton blouse was still exotic and people would politely sidle away from her at parties after she told them she taught meditation for a living.
Now even Starbucks sells chai (a milky Indian spice tea), and a landmark Massachusetts General Hospital study released last month has documented that the brain shows positive physical changes — in density of gray matter — after just eight weeks of meditation.
Salzberg, 58, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., has spent more than three decades helping Westerners access a daily spiritual practice that originated in Buddhism but is not confined to that faith.
Her latest book, "Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation," offers a 28-day guide to generating what she calls "sustainable and durable" happiness from within oneself, rather than relying on external events. (MORE)
Source: LA Times
Friday, February 18, 2011
Please Meditate: Check Your Heart Chakra
In yogic meditation practices the heart chakra is called, "anahata." Anahata is translated from the ancient Sanksrit to mean unstruck, or in other words, unhurt or unbeaten. It is a very simple translation, and yet at the same time, complex and rich in meaning.
The symbolism of the heart chakra is very beautiful and worth contemplation. In the center of the anahata lotus are two symbolic deities. One is called Isha, who is shining white, wearing tiger skins, representing the masculine energy in all humans, and ever ready to dispel fears. The other is Kakini, who is a shining rose color, seated on a red lotus, representing the female energy in all humans, and always generating love. But to reach these two, one must pass through the vermillion green petals protecting vortex. The petals are obstacles to being unstruck: lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination and defiance. One must move through these states to open the petals and enter the center, where one experiences unending, fearless love.
Most find the petals a bit confusing, but understand that they are from a tradition that goes back thousands of years, kept intact in Sanskrit, a formal language of symbols. The interpretation of the the translation is fairly subjective. Symbols are meant to guide, not dictate, spiritual exploration.
Can you imagine how you might feel if you had never been struck with negativity? How you might feel if you didn't have a single sad story in the chapters that make up your idea of yourself? What if you'd never heard a mean word spoken, never criticized yourself, never compared yourself to others unfavorably, never been insulted, never been hurt, never lost, never been abandoned? Are you able to stretch your mind far enough to imagine how that might feel? (MORE)
The symbolism of the heart chakra is very beautiful and worth contemplation. In the center of the anahata lotus are two symbolic deities. One is called Isha, who is shining white, wearing tiger skins, representing the masculine energy in all humans, and ever ready to dispel fears. The other is Kakini, who is a shining rose color, seated on a red lotus, representing the female energy in all humans, and always generating love. But to reach these two, one must pass through the vermillion green petals protecting vortex. The petals are obstacles to being unstruck: lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination and defiance. One must move through these states to open the petals and enter the center, where one experiences unending, fearless love.
Most find the petals a bit confusing, but understand that they are from a tradition that goes back thousands of years, kept intact in Sanskrit, a formal language of symbols. The interpretation of the the translation is fairly subjective. Symbols are meant to guide, not dictate, spiritual exploration.
Can you imagine how you might feel if you had never been struck with negativity? How you might feel if you didn't have a single sad story in the chapters that make up your idea of yourself? What if you'd never heard a mean word spoken, never criticized yourself, never compared yourself to others unfavorably, never been insulted, never been hurt, never lost, never been abandoned? Are you able to stretch your mind far enough to imagine how that might feel? (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Laughter Yoga: Cure for the Apocalypse
We are a long wink of an eye from the kickoff of the Apocalypse, and so far, I must say, "It's not so bad." Sure, the headlines are unnerving. Civil is not resting well. Circulation problems are stifling every system. Elections rancor. But on the whole, there is much less fire and lava than I thought there'd be.
I intend to laugh my way through the Apocalypse. Reading a recent article in The New Yorker about Laughter Yoga, I was marveled by the brilliant logic of it. This low impact, chakra-smart exercise may be a true DIY miracle breakthrough. The process seems too good to be true. It's nirvana for lazy people who like to have a good time and laugh a lot -- just like me.
On a paint-chipped wall in the sour cafeteria of my dour workplace, there is a mural by a street artist that reads, "Laughter Oxygenates Your Soul." I am already on the same page.
I want to become an advocate for Laughter Yoga. It can change the world. The physical action of laughing affects one's Life on many levels: body, heart and soul. Laughter is a stress-reliever. (MORE)
I intend to laugh my way through the Apocalypse. Reading a recent article in The New Yorker about Laughter Yoga, I was marveled by the brilliant logic of it. This low impact, chakra-smart exercise may be a true DIY miracle breakthrough. The process seems too good to be true. It's nirvana for lazy people who like to have a good time and laugh a lot -- just like me.
On a paint-chipped wall in the sour cafeteria of my dour workplace, there is a mural by a street artist that reads, "Laughter Oxygenates Your Soul." I am already on the same page.
I want to become an advocate for Laughter Yoga. It can change the world. The physical action of laughing affects one's Life on many levels: body, heart and soul. Laughter is a stress-reliever. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
‘World’s Happiest Man’ Advocates Meditation
Dubbed the “world’s happiest man,” best-selling author and master Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche was in Korea for the first time last weekend, offering his take on how to be happy.
The Tibetan monk participated in a groundbreaking study of brain activity in 2002, where scientists found that advanced meditation increases mental happiness.
What is happiness to him?
“My idea of happiness is an experience of calm, peace and joy which is non-dependent on outside circumstances,” Rinpoche told The Korea Herald over a vegetarian lunch in Insa-dong, Seoul.
For 35-year-old Rinpoche ― who is to go on a three-year retreat in May ― solitary reflection develops inner happiness, unaffected by the stresses, temptations and complications of modern life.
“I think two things are important (for happiness): wisdom and experience. For wisdom, accept and appreciate what you have. One of our problems is that we are not satisfied and cannot rejoice at what we have,” he said.
And experience? He said that is all down to the practice of meditation. “Anybody can meditate: religious, non-religious, it doesn’t matter,” he said, emphasizing the value of being able to create inner calm ― any time, anywhere. (MORE)
The Tibetan monk participated in a groundbreaking study of brain activity in 2002, where scientists found that advanced meditation increases mental happiness.
What is happiness to him?
“My idea of happiness is an experience of calm, peace and joy which is non-dependent on outside circumstances,” Rinpoche told The Korea Herald over a vegetarian lunch in Insa-dong, Seoul.
For 35-year-old Rinpoche ― who is to go on a three-year retreat in May ― solitary reflection develops inner happiness, unaffected by the stresses, temptations and complications of modern life.
“I think two things are important (for happiness): wisdom and experience. For wisdom, accept and appreciate what you have. One of our problems is that we are not satisfied and cannot rejoice at what we have,” he said.
And experience? He said that is all down to the practice of meditation. “Anybody can meditate: religious, non-religious, it doesn’t matter,” he said, emphasizing the value of being able to create inner calm ― any time, anywhere. (MORE)
Source: Korea Hearld
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Meditation and Inspiration named one of the Top 100 Awesome Self improvemet Blogs
Meditation and Inspiration was mentioned in The Spiritual Growth Section #3...
100 Awesome Self Improvement Blogs: Improve Your Physical and Mental Health, Achieve Your Goals
When you think about self improvement, do you think about becoming more fit? Or, do you think about expanding your universe with education or spiritual tools or through creative endeavors? Are you working through a disability or illness, and do you seek support from others? All these topics and more are covered below, in our list of 100 blogs that appeal to the individual’s desire for self improvement.
The blogs, although numbered and listed in alphabetical order under each heading, are not listed by preference or by value.
100 Awesome Self Improvement Blogs: Improve Your Physical and Mental Health, Achieve Your Goals
When you think about self improvement, do you think about becoming more fit? Or, do you think about expanding your universe with education or spiritual tools or through creative endeavors? Are you working through a disability or illness, and do you seek support from others? All these topics and more are covered below, in our list of 100 blogs that appeal to the individual’s desire for self improvement.
The blogs, although numbered and listed in alphabetical order under each heading, are not listed by preference or by value.
Meditate, For Better Health And Focus
I’d like nothing more than to include a meditative exercise in this column, but I can’t: My readers are too busy to meditate — or so they believe. They have no idea what they’re missing.
For everyone who thinks meditation is nothing more than sitting cross-legged and humming, let’s go over the facts.
Research has shown that meditating habitually can lower blood pressure, improve one’s immune system and may decrease the risk of heart attack.
Meditation also helps you focus. In a recent study, subjects trained for three months in meditation developed enhanced “attentional stability,” i.e. focused thought free from mental wandering.
For these reasons, meditation must be taken seriously. But what exactly defines the act?
Rob Nairn, author of “What is Meditation?” calls it “a highly alert and skillful state of mind because it requires one to remain psychologically present and ‘with’ whatever happens in and around one without adding to or subtracting from it in any way.” (MORE)
For everyone who thinks meditation is nothing more than sitting cross-legged and humming, let’s go over the facts.
Research has shown that meditating habitually can lower blood pressure, improve one’s immune system and may decrease the risk of heart attack.
Meditation also helps you focus. In a recent study, subjects trained for three months in meditation developed enhanced “attentional stability,” i.e. focused thought free from mental wandering.
For these reasons, meditation must be taken seriously. But what exactly defines the act?
Rob Nairn, author of “What is Meditation?” calls it “a highly alert and skillful state of mind because it requires one to remain psychologically present and ‘with’ whatever happens in and around one without adding to or subtracting from it in any way.” (MORE)
Source: The Daily Tar Heel
Monday, February 14, 2011
Yoga, Meditation Yet To Catch Up With India Inc, Says Survey
In an interesting finding, a survey has said that yoga , Art of Living techniques and meditation - the most popular preventive forms of healthcare - are yet to attract corporate India for blending them in their comprehensive employee healthcare benefit strategies.
This lack of attraction is especially so among the top 500 blue-chip companies in India, the survey by Towers Watson, 'Group Healthcare: Healthcare Trends 2010', said.
"This is in stark contradiction to the fact that all the three forms of wellness have not only originated in India, but are also much talked-about therapies figuring in their respective annual reports as a part of employee welfare strategies," it said.
The survey, conducted from July to September 2010 across various industries, found that reimbursement for yoga, Art of Living and meditation is provided only by firms whose revenue lies in the range of Rs 300-Rs 400 crore.
However, a majority of the top 500 companies do provide, as a part of employee well-being and wellness programmes, other benefits like reimbursement for vaccination cost, gym membership and annual medical check-up.
The Towers Watson survey, interestingly, observed a slow but gradual shift from protective to preventive health measures with many employers now offering wellness-based health programmes to their employees. (MORE)
This lack of attraction is especially so among the top 500 blue-chip companies in India, the survey by Towers Watson, 'Group Healthcare: Healthcare Trends 2010', said.
"This is in stark contradiction to the fact that all the three forms of wellness have not only originated in India, but are also much talked-about therapies figuring in their respective annual reports as a part of employee welfare strategies," it said.
The survey, conducted from July to September 2010 across various industries, found that reimbursement for yoga, Art of Living and meditation is provided only by firms whose revenue lies in the range of Rs 300-Rs 400 crore.
However, a majority of the top 500 companies do provide, as a part of employee well-being and wellness programmes, other benefits like reimbursement for vaccination cost, gym membership and annual medical check-up.
The Towers Watson survey, interestingly, observed a slow but gradual shift from protective to preventive health measures with many employers now offering wellness-based health programmes to their employees. (MORE)
Source: India Times
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Relaxing Apace, A Relaxed Mind
Practising yoga at home doesn't require much: a quiet room, soft colours, and a commitment to calm concentration
Yoga, the ancient practice of breathing, movement and meditation, is thriving in Montreal. In fact, there are so many types of yoga now on offer that you can choose a practice entirely based on your sensibilities, such as bikram if you like it hot, ashtanga if you like it more physical, kundalini if you're interested in breathing alignment, or kripalu, which adds meditation.
As more people, young and old, take up yoga for good health, suppleness and sometimes for enlightenment, they often discover that they want more than a yoga class a few times a week.
They look for a favourite spot at home where they can complete the daily yoga ritual, a place they dedicate to their practice. Some use a separate room, while others simply carve out a quiet space in a corner of the living room. Whatever they choose, the key is to create an atmosphere that is so calming that even the family dog, with a deep sigh, is able to relax. What makes the space? Start with soft colours, music, candles and statuary. (MORE)
Yoga, the ancient practice of breathing, movement and meditation, is thriving in Montreal. In fact, there are so many types of yoga now on offer that you can choose a practice entirely based on your sensibilities, such as bikram if you like it hot, ashtanga if you like it more physical, kundalini if you're interested in breathing alignment, or kripalu, which adds meditation.
As more people, young and old, take up yoga for good health, suppleness and sometimes for enlightenment, they often discover that they want more than a yoga class a few times a week.
They look for a favourite spot at home where they can complete the daily yoga ritual, a place they dedicate to their practice. Some use a separate room, while others simply carve out a quiet space in a corner of the living room. Whatever they choose, the key is to create an atmosphere that is so calming that even the family dog, with a deep sigh, is able to relax. What makes the space? Start with soft colours, music, candles and statuary. (MORE)
Source: Montreal Gazette
Saturday, February 12, 2011
From Time-Out To Quiet Time: Meditation Comes To SF Schools
Innovative ideas are often born in California. This is the home of Silicon Valley, after all. But, that spirit of innovation isn’t limited to finding more ways to plug in to the world of high tech. Innovation also means finding ways to disconnect from it all. This kind of innovation is taking place in three San Francisco public schools that have started school-wide meditation programs. The hope is that a little quiet time and mindfulness will help facilitate learning.
It's all paid for with private money, and one school says it's seeing results. Natalie Jones reports on how it works.
* * *
NATALIE JONES: Middle schools do not tend to be quiet places. For many people, middle school is hard enough in the best of circumstances. For students growing up in rough neighborhoods or dealing with difficult family issues, it can be especially stressful.
That’s why four years ago, James Dierke, principal of Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco, decided to implement a meditation program for the entire school to see if it would help students and teachers deal with stress and focus on schoolwork. (MORE)
It's all paid for with private money, and one school says it's seeing results. Natalie Jones reports on how it works.
* * *
NATALIE JONES: Middle schools do not tend to be quiet places. For many people, middle school is hard enough in the best of circumstances. For students growing up in rough neighborhoods or dealing with difficult family issues, it can be especially stressful.
That’s why four years ago, James Dierke, principal of Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco, decided to implement a meditation program for the entire school to see if it would help students and teachers deal with stress and focus on schoolwork. (MORE)
Source: KALW News
Friday, February 11, 2011
"Happiness is Within Yourself"
Happiness is something everyone yearns for throughout their lifetime. People search near and far, high and low for contentment, but nobody seems to know what it takes to achieve the ultimate state of true happiness.
Perhaps Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, dubbed “the happiest man in the world,” can let us in on the secret as a rising star among the modern generation of Tibetan Buddhist masters.
Rinpoche, also the author of bestselling books, is visiting Korea to give lectures and hopefully let Koreans pick his brain about his expertise: happiness and the soulful and scientific aspect of meditation.
“When I was young, I experienced panic attacks but overcame them through meditation.
I am here to share that experience with Koreans and help those who are in need of peace of mind,” Rinpoche said during an interview after a press event in Insa-dong, Wednesday.
Born in a small Himalayan village in 1975, Rinpoche was raised by his father, meditation master Tulku Urhyen Rinpoche, who helped him learn and appreciate the meaning of meditation from a young age.
The panic attacks lingered for a long time, but he knew he had to overcome them by himself. And he succeeded through meditation.
“I learned a lot from my panic attacks: it was my best teacher and friend,” he said.
He entered the traditional three-year retreat at the age of 13, and for the past 10 years he has aimed to share his experience and lessons with the world. (MORE)
Perhaps Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, dubbed “the happiest man in the world,” can let us in on the secret as a rising star among the modern generation of Tibetan Buddhist masters.
Rinpoche, also the author of bestselling books, is visiting Korea to give lectures and hopefully let Koreans pick his brain about his expertise: happiness and the soulful and scientific aspect of meditation.
“When I was young, I experienced panic attacks but overcame them through meditation.
I am here to share that experience with Koreans and help those who are in need of peace of mind,” Rinpoche said during an interview after a press event in Insa-dong, Wednesday.
Born in a small Himalayan village in 1975, Rinpoche was raised by his father, meditation master Tulku Urhyen Rinpoche, who helped him learn and appreciate the meaning of meditation from a young age.
The panic attacks lingered for a long time, but he knew he had to overcome them by himself. And he succeeded through meditation.
“I learned a lot from my panic attacks: it was my best teacher and friend,” he said.
He entered the traditional three-year retreat at the age of 13, and for the past 10 years he has aimed to share his experience and lessons with the world. (MORE)
Source: Korea Times
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Yoga Meditation: Don't Just Do Something - Sit There!
Almost since I began doing this blog, I've been talking about how I don't need to get off my ass, I need to sit down on it. Namely, I need to meditate. Lately, I've been feeling like my yoga practice accords me about as much peace and equanimity as any workout with a good focus on the breath would. This isn't a denigration; it's no small feat to coordinate breath with movement. It's, however, beginning to plateau. Where I'm at right now, I feel like my yoga practice cannot develop unless I make a dedicated commitment to meditate.
And so I did.
This calendar is taped up beside my bed, next to photos of family. It's that important. It might not be super-visible with my cheap-o camera, but days where I meditated I am putting a smiley face. The first days of the month were before my dedication to myself began... they got the slash line. If I didn't meditate, I will be reminded right before I go to sleep. The idea being that I will not get into bed, but sit myself on the floor and meditate. Meditate, meditate, meditate.
The yoga asana practice will continue. My body needs that, too. But my mind isn't being elevated by that alone, and I'm working on that.
Quick sequence for the kids at home (Thanks to Jenny for basic recipe, to which I added sprinkles): (MORE)
And so I did.
This calendar is taped up beside my bed, next to photos of family. It's that important. It might not be super-visible with my cheap-o camera, but days where I meditated I am putting a smiley face. The first days of the month were before my dedication to myself began... they got the slash line. If I didn't meditate, I will be reminded right before I go to sleep. The idea being that I will not get into bed, but sit myself on the floor and meditate. Meditate, meditate, meditate.
The yoga asana practice will continue. My body needs that, too. But my mind isn't being elevated by that alone, and I'm working on that.
Quick sequence for the kids at home (Thanks to Jenny for basic recipe, to which I added sprinkles): (MORE)
Source: Opposing Views
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
7 Ways Meditation Can Save Your Life
Why do more people drink alcohol than people who meditate? Why do more people eat fast food than get exercise? Smoking is a leading cause of death in the U.S., as are poor diet and alcohol use, so why do we love everything that is bad for us and keep away from things that do us good?
Presumably it's because we really don't like ourselves too much. Once the cycle of self-dislike gets started, then it takes a huge amount of determination and effort to make changes. And the mind is a perfect servant, as it will do whatever it's told, but it's a terrible master as it fails to help us help ourselves.
Which can be even harder when our mind is like a deranged monkey, leaping from one thought or drama to the next, never allowing us time to be quiet, peaceful and still.
But meditation can save our life! This may sound farfetched but meditation is a direct way to cut through the chaotic monkey mind constantly making excuses and supporting our neurosis. It's that fundamental. Yet so many people pay it so little attention. Drinking alcohol can kill and meditation can save, yet there are far more people who drink.
Seven Ways Meditation Can Save Your Life (MORE)
Presumably it's because we really don't like ourselves too much. Once the cycle of self-dislike gets started, then it takes a huge amount of determination and effort to make changes. And the mind is a perfect servant, as it will do whatever it's told, but it's a terrible master as it fails to help us help ourselves.
Which can be even harder when our mind is like a deranged monkey, leaping from one thought or drama to the next, never allowing us time to be quiet, peaceful and still.
But meditation can save our life! This may sound farfetched but meditation is a direct way to cut through the chaotic monkey mind constantly making excuses and supporting our neurosis. It's that fundamental. Yet so many people pay it so little attention. Drinking alcohol can kill and meditation can save, yet there are far more people who drink.
Seven Ways Meditation Can Save Your Life (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Meditation Can Improve Quality Of Students’ Lives
When you hear the word meditation, you might picture a monk living in some sunless mountain cave, secluded from the world.
But meditation can be a great form of relaxation for a student who is stressed out about papers and midterms.
Most students have a clear picture of meditation in their minds. “[It’s] just closing your eyes and clearing your mind,” said Omar Merchant, a senior majoring in biology.
Meditation deals with your mind and its processes.
Adam Burke, a research psychologist and assistant professor at San Francisco State University says that “Meditation is the study of attention. Attention is a cognitive phenomenon. Meditation is the capacity of the brain to attend to something over a period of time.”
Some might think meditation is a form of worship or is linked to religion. (MORE)
But meditation can be a great form of relaxation for a student who is stressed out about papers and midterms.
Most students have a clear picture of meditation in their minds. “[It’s] just closing your eyes and clearing your mind,” said Omar Merchant, a senior majoring in biology.
Meditation deals with your mind and its processes.
Adam Burke, a research psychologist and assistant professor at San Francisco State University says that “Meditation is the study of attention. Attention is a cognitive phenomenon. Meditation is the capacity of the brain to attend to something over a period of time.”
Some might think meditation is a form of worship or is linked to religion. (MORE)
Source: Daily Trojan
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Retreat to Truly Rejuvenate your Body and Soul
The best way to remain mentally fit and to stay happy is possibly by subjecting yourself to various activities like massages, meditation and yoga. Among the numerous people providing such healthy recreational activities is Kris McIntyre, who is a renowned instructor in yoga.
Talking about the need to laugh among people, she informs that laughter happens to be one of the healthiest activities. She says, partaking in Yoga without any fun will be a little too dull. McIntyre happens to be a Ryoho yoga therapist, writer and also the host of Yoga TV.
There are two health retreats that have been designed by McIntyre, the first one basically revolves around providing people with high-end facilities and services, in comparison, the other one provides boot camps, which help in improving endurance levels as well. She informs that the two separate plans have been developed to improve accessibility for people regarding their physical ability and financial terms. (MORE)
Talking about the need to laugh among people, she informs that laughter happens to be one of the healthiest activities. She says, partaking in Yoga without any fun will be a little too dull. McIntyre happens to be a Ryoho yoga therapist, writer and also the host of Yoga TV.
There are two health retreats that have been designed by McIntyre, the first one basically revolves around providing people with high-end facilities and services, in comparison, the other one provides boot camps, which help in improving endurance levels as well. She informs that the two separate plans have been developed to improve accessibility for people regarding their physical ability and financial terms. (MORE)
Source: Top News
Sunday, February 6, 2011
How Meditation Helps Beat Stress
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding how relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and prayer improve health.
Research collaborators from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center say that such relaxation techniques work by changing patterns of gene activity that affect how the body responds to stress.
"It's not all in your head. What we've found is that when you evoke the relaxation response, the very genes that are turned on or off by stress are turned the other way. The mind can actively turn on and turn off genes," says Dr Herbert Benson of the institute.
During the study, Benson and his colleagues compared gene-expression patterns in 19 long-term practitioners,19 healthy controls, and 20 newcomers who underwent eight weeks of relaxation-response training.
The researchers observed that over 2,200 genes were activated differently in the long-time practitioners relative to the controls, and 1,561 genes in the short-timers compared to the long-time practitioners. The researchers also saw changes in cellular metabolism, response to oxidative stress and other processes in both short and long-term practitioners.
Research collaborators from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center say that such relaxation techniques work by changing patterns of gene activity that affect how the body responds to stress.
"It's not all in your head. What we've found is that when you evoke the relaxation response, the very genes that are turned on or off by stress are turned the other way. The mind can actively turn on and turn off genes," says Dr Herbert Benson of the institute.
During the study, Benson and his colleagues compared gene-expression patterns in 19 long-term practitioners,19 healthy controls, and 20 newcomers who underwent eight weeks of relaxation-response training.
The researchers observed that over 2,200 genes were activated differently in the long-time practitioners relative to the controls, and 1,561 genes in the short-timers compared to the long-time practitioners. The researchers also saw changes in cellular metabolism, response to oxidative stress and other processes in both short and long-term practitioners.
Source: Times of India
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Yoga’s Stress Relief: An Aid for Infertility?
KIMBERLY SORANNO, a 39-year-old Brooklynite undergoing an in vitro fertilization cycle as part of her quest to become pregnant, had gone to her share of yoga classes, but never one like that held on a recent Tuesday night in a reception area of the New York University Fertility Center. There were no deep twists or headstands; just easy “restorative” poses as the teacher, Tracy Toon Spencer, guided the participants — most of them women struggling to conceive — to let go of their worries.
“Verbally, she brings you to a relaxation place in your mind,” Mrs. Soranno said, adding, “It’s great to do the poses, get energy out and feel strong. But the most important part for me was the connection to the other women.”
Besides taxing the mind, body and wallet, infertility can be lonely. Support groups have long existed for infertile couples, but in recent years, so-called “yoga for fertility” classes have become increasingly popular. They are the latest in a succession of holistic approaches to fertility treatment that have included acupuncture and mind-body programs (whose effectiveness for infertility patients is backed by research); massage (which doesn’t have specific data to support it); and Chinese herbs (which some say may be detrimental). (MORE)
“Verbally, she brings you to a relaxation place in your mind,” Mrs. Soranno said, adding, “It’s great to do the poses, get energy out and feel strong. But the most important part for me was the connection to the other women.”
Besides taxing the mind, body and wallet, infertility can be lonely. Support groups have long existed for infertile couples, but in recent years, so-called “yoga for fertility” classes have become increasingly popular. They are the latest in a succession of holistic approaches to fertility treatment that have included acupuncture and mind-body programs (whose effectiveness for infertility patients is backed by research); massage (which doesn’t have specific data to support it); and Chinese herbs (which some say may be detrimental). (MORE)
Source: N Y Times
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tips on Finding the Right Yoga Class for You
Before you decide to skip this post or say "Well what more can she add to this post that we have not already read or heard or been told!" Just read on.......
I am constantly asked the question " How do I find the right yoga class for me?" A very important question as there are a variety of classes, styles and teachers. So I decided to blog about it.
Yoga as we all is a practice to create harmony between the body, mind and spirit. There are 8 steps to achieve this harmony according to ancient scriptures.
1. Yama: Universal Morality
2. Niyama: Personal Moralities
3. Asanas: Postures
4. Pranayama: Breathing Techniques
5. Pratyhara: Control of the senses
6. Dharana: Creating inner awareness
7. Dhyana: Meditation
8. Samadhi: Connection with the Divine
I have just touched the surface of YOGA. There is no exact order to follow (my opinion). It depends on an individual's state of being or path.
A lot of focus is spent on the Asanas or in simple terms body exercises. There are many approaches to the practice of yoga and different styles or methods of this practice. No matter the type of yoga they all lead to same benefits or path. (MORE)
I am constantly asked the question " How do I find the right yoga class for me?" A very important question as there are a variety of classes, styles and teachers. So I decided to blog about it.
Yoga as we all is a practice to create harmony between the body, mind and spirit. There are 8 steps to achieve this harmony according to ancient scriptures.
1. Yama: Universal Morality
2. Niyama: Personal Moralities
3. Asanas: Postures
4. Pranayama: Breathing Techniques
5. Pratyhara: Control of the senses
6. Dharana: Creating inner awareness
7. Dhyana: Meditation
8. Samadhi: Connection with the Divine
I have just touched the surface of YOGA. There is no exact order to follow (my opinion). It depends on an individual's state of being or path.
A lot of focus is spent on the Asanas or in simple terms body exercises. There are many approaches to the practice of yoga and different styles or methods of this practice. No matter the type of yoga they all lead to same benefits or path. (MORE)
Source: Opposing Views
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Meditation Class Helps Lower Violence At AL Prison
Deep inside an overcrowded prison with a reputation for mayhem, convicted killers, robbers and rapists gather in a small room. Eyes closed, they sit silently with their thoughts and consciences.
Their everyday life is just outside in the hall - a cacophony of clanging steel doors, yelling and feet shuffling along cold concrete floors. The noise never really ends; peace is at a premium in Alabama's toughest lockup.
Despite a history of violence at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, which is named for a slain corrections officer, the prison outside Birmingham has become the model for a meditation program that officials say helps inmates learn the self control and social skills they never got in the outside world.
Warden Gary Hetzel doesn't fully understand how the program called Vipassana (which is pronounced vuh-'POSH-uh-nuh) can transform violent inmates into calm men using contemplative Buddhist practices. (MORE)
Their everyday life is just outside in the hall - a cacophony of clanging steel doors, yelling and feet shuffling along cold concrete floors. The noise never really ends; peace is at a premium in Alabama's toughest lockup.
Despite a history of violence at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, which is named for a slain corrections officer, the prison outside Birmingham has become the model for a meditation program that officials say helps inmates learn the self control and social skills they never got in the outside world.
Warden Gary Hetzel doesn't fully understand how the program called Vipassana (which is pronounced vuh-'POSH-uh-nuh) can transform violent inmates into calm men using contemplative Buddhist practices. (MORE)
Source: Washington Post
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The 28-Day Meditation Challenge: Can Focusing On Breathing Change Your Life?
I am the opposite of new-agey. I have only gone to a psychic once, in New Orleans, and tuned out immediately when it was obvious that homegirl had no idea what she was talking about. I have never been very interested in horoscopes, mostly because the attributes ascribed to my sign, Taurus—stubborn, down-to-earth, bullheaded—never seemed particularly embraceable. And neither Madonna‘s biceps nor all my friends who adore it have been able to convince me to try yoga—mostly because my parents are devotees (in fact, my dad quit his job as a stockbroker to teach yoga) and whatever your parents do just isn’t cool. So when Sharon Salzberg, a friend of a friend and a meditation teacher for more than 30 years, asked me to be part of the 28-day meditation challenge outlined in her new book, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, for the month of February, I wanted to run. Like, fast.
But I didn’t. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for some kind of change. Not for any particular reason—just recently, I find myself getting stressed over things I can’t really control and I’ve been feeling a lot of muscle soreness, particularly in my back, that I just can’t seem to get rid of. And please don’t tell Amelia [I won’t! Oh wait…—Editor], but I’ve definitely been feeling like I’ve been writing and editing slightly less efficiently at work. (MORE)
But I didn’t. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for some kind of change. Not for any particular reason—just recently, I find myself getting stressed over things I can’t really control and I’ve been feeling a lot of muscle soreness, particularly in my back, that I just can’t seem to get rid of. And please don’t tell Amelia [I won’t! Oh wait…—Editor], but I’ve definitely been feeling like I’ve been writing and editing slightly less efficiently at work. (MORE)
Source: The Frisky
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
This is Your Brain on Meditation: It's Growing!
A NY Times article sites new studies that seem to show that meditation causes actual physically measurable changes in the brain. This caught my interest and apparently that of many others as well, as it was the second most shared piece that day.
The official study followed those who meditated for 30 minutes a day over eight weeks. They were found to have "measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress." Before and after MRI's were done on the subjects to see these changes. Other findings are interestingly for those who suffer from anxiety and stress. Scientists also found a lessening of gray matter in the amygdala, a brain region connected to anxiety and stress. The control group showed no such changes.
As a longtime (over 15 years) meditator, and graduate of the Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Training at Spirit Rock in CA. I can truly say that it is the most beneficial thing one can do for oneself to improve the quality of life!
The findings were a confirmation of what I've found from experience: that meditation lessens the tendency to obsessively worry. I also notice increased feelings of calmness and tolerance for ups and downs in daily life. (MORE)
The official study followed those who meditated for 30 minutes a day over eight weeks. They were found to have "measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress." Before and after MRI's were done on the subjects to see these changes. Other findings are interestingly for those who suffer from anxiety and stress. Scientists also found a lessening of gray matter in the amygdala, a brain region connected to anxiety and stress. The control group showed no such changes.
As a longtime (over 15 years) meditator, and graduate of the Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Training at Spirit Rock in CA. I can truly say that it is the most beneficial thing one can do for oneself to improve the quality of life!
The findings were a confirmation of what I've found from experience: that meditation lessens the tendency to obsessively worry. I also notice increased feelings of calmness and tolerance for ups and downs in daily life. (MORE)
Source: Technorati
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