Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Best Reason to Meditate
I grew up in England, where I attended a "public school," which confusingly is the English term for a private school. I dressed up every day in a black suit, wing collar, black tie and waistcoat. This was the bootcamp training for becoming an English gentleman. I was born into a way-above-average unhappy family, and I was much more interested in sorting out my emotional pain than in being trained to be an aristocrat.
One day I was walking beside Canterbury Cathedral (The King's School, Canterbury is the oldest school in England and lives within the cathedral precincts) when I spotted a man sitting cross-legged on the ground, chanting. He was a Hare Krishna monk. This was 1972, only a few years after The Beatles hooked up with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and then later George Harrison joined up with the Hare Krishna movement. I was intrigued. I waited timidly until he stopped chanting, and approached hesitantly.
"Excuse me, sir," I squeaked in my pre-pubescent English voice. "Do you speak any English?" I imagined he must be from Tibet, or a temple in Varunasi, India. (MORE)
One day I was walking beside Canterbury Cathedral (The King's School, Canterbury is the oldest school in England and lives within the cathedral precincts) when I spotted a man sitting cross-legged on the ground, chanting. He was a Hare Krishna monk. This was 1972, only a few years after The Beatles hooked up with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and then later George Harrison joined up with the Hare Krishna movement. I was intrigued. I waited timidly until he stopped chanting, and approached hesitantly.
"Excuse me, sir," I squeaked in my pre-pubescent English voice. "Do you speak any English?" I imagined he must be from Tibet, or a temple in Varunasi, India. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
First-Time Meditators
How to achieve that perfect state of “ohm”
The other day, I was conversing with a friend, telling her about how I’ve been having a difficult time sleeping as of late. I’ll maybe sleep four hours a night -- and this is coming from someone who typically requires a solid eight. The stressors of life have been, unfortunately, taking their toll.
“Have you tried meditating?” she asked.
In response, I shook my head “no.” I mean, really. How could my coffee-chugging, gum-snapping, neurotic-driven self quite possibly clear my thoughts for 30 seconds, let alone the length of a meditation session? (MORE)
The other day, I was conversing with a friend, telling her about how I’ve been having a difficult time sleeping as of late. I’ll maybe sleep four hours a night -- and this is coming from someone who typically requires a solid eight. The stressors of life have been, unfortunately, taking their toll.
“Have you tried meditating?” she asked.
In response, I shook my head “no.” I mean, really. How could my coffee-chugging, gum-snapping, neurotic-driven self quite possibly clear my thoughts for 30 seconds, let alone the length of a meditation session? (MORE)
Source: NBC Washington
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Meditation On the Rise in America
Meditation is becoming more popular in America, according to the Daily Iowan.
2007 Census Bureau Survey statistics indicate that about 10 percent of the population over 18 practices some form of meditation, and increase from 8 percent in 2002.
Highlighted in the article are students, who benefit from the relaxing effects of transcendental meditation to help them study.
“I felt like I almost had an advantage over other people because I wasn’t panicking over the test,” said Yosra Elkhalifa, a freshman at the University of Iowa. “I’ve been able to focus better, which is crucial, because I’m taking 17 credit hours.”
Susan Taylor, founder of the National Meditation Specialist Certification Board in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, has seen her practice grow from a class of five in 1996 to a group of 200 certified instructors. The program requires 100 hours of intensive training and meditating.
“Each year, more and more people use meditation for health and healing,” Taylor said.
She also stressed that hers is a secular practice. “I’m not preaching Buddhism or Hinduism." (MORE)
2007 Census Bureau Survey statistics indicate that about 10 percent of the population over 18 practices some form of meditation, and increase from 8 percent in 2002.
Highlighted in the article are students, who benefit from the relaxing effects of transcendental meditation to help them study.
“I felt like I almost had an advantage over other people because I wasn’t panicking over the test,” said Yosra Elkhalifa, a freshman at the University of Iowa. “I’ve been able to focus better, which is crucial, because I’m taking 17 credit hours.”
Susan Taylor, founder of the National Meditation Specialist Certification Board in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, has seen her practice grow from a class of five in 1996 to a group of 200 certified instructors. The program requires 100 hours of intensive training and meditating.
“Each year, more and more people use meditation for health and healing,” Taylor said.
She also stressed that hers is a secular practice. “I’m not preaching Buddhism or Hinduism." (MORE)
Source: ThirdAge.com
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Students Relieve Stress In Meditation Class
Fifteen students are choosing to relieve stress in a class called Meditation and Mindfulness.
The class is taught by Joanne Pfeiffer, nursing professor, and offered on Mondays from 8 - 10 a.m. The class is currently held in the Krumm building, Room 5. This is the first semester the two-credit class has been offered.
The class teaches the different types of meditation, and the benefits to meditating. The class currently has 15 students, and Pfeiffer said she is hoping to expand and offer a second session in the upcoming semesters. Through use of a textbook and Pfeiffer teaching the class, students are able to explore all aspects of meditation.
The class is a more in-depth look at what meditation truly is. Pfeiffer said, "We are exploring what meditation is from the most simplest to the most evolved form."
The class allows students to learn and individualize what meditation technique works best for them.
Bri Perry, nursing senior, said, "Once you find out what works for you, which is what the class teaches, it's a life-long thing." (MORE)
The class is taught by Joanne Pfeiffer, nursing professor, and offered on Mondays from 8 - 10 a.m. The class is currently held in the Krumm building, Room 5. This is the first semester the two-credit class has been offered.
The class teaches the different types of meditation, and the benefits to meditating. The class currently has 15 students, and Pfeiffer said she is hoping to expand and offer a second session in the upcoming semesters. Through use of a textbook and Pfeiffer teaching the class, students are able to explore all aspects of meditation.
The class is a more in-depth look at what meditation truly is. Pfeiffer said, "We are exploring what meditation is from the most simplest to the most evolved form."
The class allows students to learn and individualize what meditation technique works best for them.
Bri Perry, nursing senior, said, "Once you find out what works for you, which is what the class teaches, it's a life-long thing." (MORE)
Source: The Grand Views
Friday, March 25, 2011
Study Shows Meditation Is Powerful Medicine To Conquer Fears
What do you do if you've been diagnosed with cancer but you're scared of the treatment? Studies show meditation can be powerful medicine when it comes to overcoming fears.
Sore tonsils led 44-year-old Danilo Ramirez's doctor to suspect he had more than just a sore throat.
"He did surgery and a week later, 'Mr. Ramirez you got lymphoma,'" said Ramirez.
Stage Two Lymphoma. Those words sent the Burbank father of two into a tailspin. But the specialized radiation treatment he faced scared him even more. Danilo is claustrophobic. Even though his life depended on it, he refused to wear the required mask.
"Mentally it was really hard on me," said Ramirez. "There were nights I couldn't sleep at all knowing I had to face that."
"So he almost was willing to refuse treatment for a potentially curable cancer," said Dr. Rex Hoffman. "Without treatment he would die." (MORE)
Sore tonsils led 44-year-old Danilo Ramirez's doctor to suspect he had more than just a sore throat.
"He did surgery and a week later, 'Mr. Ramirez you got lymphoma,'" said Ramirez.
Stage Two Lymphoma. Those words sent the Burbank father of two into a tailspin. But the specialized radiation treatment he faced scared him even more. Danilo is claustrophobic. Even though his life depended on it, he refused to wear the required mask.
"Mentally it was really hard on me," said Ramirez. "There were nights I couldn't sleep at all knowing I had to face that."
"So he almost was willing to refuse treatment for a potentially curable cancer," said Dr. Rex Hoffman. "Without treatment he would die." (MORE)
Source: ABC.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Meditation Improves Lives Of Menopausal Women
Menopausal women suffering from hot flushes who undertake mindfulness classes have improved quality of life, new research has revealed.
The classes, which incorporate elements of meditation and stretching exercises, boost women's sleep quality and reduce stress and anxiety when they are going through the menopause, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, US, found.
"There are certainly many, many women who don't want to take hormones [during menopause]... and don't want to take other drugs either," Dr Ellen Freeman, a menopause expert at the university, told Reuters Health.(MORE)
The classes, which incorporate elements of meditation and stretching exercises, boost women's sleep quality and reduce stress and anxiety when they are going through the menopause, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, US, found.
"There are certainly many, many women who don't want to take hormones [during menopause]... and don't want to take other drugs either," Dr Ellen Freeman, a menopause expert at the university, told Reuters Health.(MORE)
Source: International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Meditation, Hypnosis Change 'Brain Signature'
Amir Raz gets some funny looks when he talks about using hypnosis and meditation techniques to build attention spans in a hyperactive MTV world.
"Mention contemplation to a lot of people, and all they think of is some kind of (wacky) spiritualism, people sitting around a darkened room with candles, chanting," says Raz, a McGill University professor who holds the Canada Research Chair in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention.
"Our ideas are shaped by Hollywood movies. So you talk about hypnosis, and people see something out of a Woody Allen movie, a guy in a turban with bushy eyebrows who wants to put you to sleep."
But "trim away the folkloric fat," and Raz, a cognitive psychologist who worked his way through graduate school doing magic tricks, sees mindfulness training as a valuable, drug-free tool in the struggle to foster attention skills, with positive spinoffs for controlling our emotions and even making us smarter.
"We live in a time when modern medicine is weighted heavily toward pharmaceuticals.
"Everyone wants a magic bullet that will help them lose 40 pounds, or a surgical procedure that will cure all our ills," says Raz, who will be speaking Wednesday about the chemical benefits of brain science and chicken soup as part of McGill's Mini-Science lecture series. (MORE)
"Mention contemplation to a lot of people, and all they think of is some kind of (wacky) spiritualism, people sitting around a darkened room with candles, chanting," says Raz, a McGill University professor who holds the Canada Research Chair in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention.
"Our ideas are shaped by Hollywood movies. So you talk about hypnosis, and people see something out of a Woody Allen movie, a guy in a turban with bushy eyebrows who wants to put you to sleep."
But "trim away the folkloric fat," and Raz, a cognitive psychologist who worked his way through graduate school doing magic tricks, sees mindfulness training as a valuable, drug-free tool in the struggle to foster attention skills, with positive spinoffs for controlling our emotions and even making us smarter.
"We live in a time when modern medicine is weighted heavily toward pharmaceuticals.
"Everyone wants a magic bullet that will help them lose 40 pounds, or a surgical procedure that will cure all our ills," says Raz, who will be speaking Wednesday about the chemical benefits of brain science and chicken soup as part of McGill's Mini-Science lecture series. (MORE)
Source: montreal Gazzette
Monday, March 21, 2011
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron - Part 3
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron - Part 3
Staying Centered During Stressful Times: How Meditation Can Help
Opening The Huffington Post to scenes of political confrontation, revolution, earthquakes and meltdowns, I watch with awe and compassion as our planet heaves and reels with transformation -- masses of people demanding reform, while others stagger from the terrifying impact of natural disaster.
Whether it's one's own world crashing down or others' lives falling apart, one feels vulnerable. Can strengthening our connection to the calm, unchanging depths of our being through meditation bring steadiness and resilience in the face of change?
As a meditation teacher, I find that people are often drawn to turning inward during periods of personal crisis, seeking to anchor themselves. It's not uncommon for someone to come and learn meditation after receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, while going through a divorce, after losing their job or when just feeling overwhelmed by life. Rather than numbing fears and anxieties with alcohol, drugs or something from outside themselves, it's encouraging that more and more people feel confident that the mind is powerful enough to provide strength and stability from within. (MORE)
Whether it's one's own world crashing down or others' lives falling apart, one feels vulnerable. Can strengthening our connection to the calm, unchanging depths of our being through meditation bring steadiness and resilience in the face of change?
As a meditation teacher, I find that people are often drawn to turning inward during periods of personal crisis, seeking to anchor themselves. It's not uncommon for someone to come and learn meditation after receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, while going through a divorce, after losing their job or when just feeling overwhelmed by life. Rather than numbing fears and anxieties with alcohol, drugs or something from outside themselves, it's encouraging that more and more people feel confident that the mind is powerful enough to provide strength and stability from within. (MORE)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron - Part 2
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron - Part 2
Practising Yoga At Home Doesn't Require Much
All you need is 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. All of these are in abundance in the yoga spaces that follow. Whether you're a relative novice like Marie-Eve Methot, who has been doing yoga for just a few years, or a veteran practitioner like yoga teacher Kelly McGrath, a tranquil space sets the stage for the calm concentration needed when doing yoga. (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. All of these are in abundance in the yoga spaces that follow. Whether you're a relative novice like Marie-Eve Methot, who has been doing yoga for just a few years, or a veteran practitioner like yoga teacher Kelly McGrath, a tranquil space sets the stage for the calm concentration needed when doing yoga. (MORE)
Source: Times-Transcript
Friday, March 18, 2011
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron - Part 1
Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason With Pema Chodron Part 1 of a Six Part Series.
Meditation Helps Ease Hot Flashes--Study
What should menopausal women do to alleviate the agony of hot flashes, as many studies have shown that hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes?
Mindfulness meditation, the mind-body therapy that refers to a state of awareness, consciousness, and immediacy, not only de-clutters the mind and helps attain inner peace but also reduces the severity of menopausal hot flashes, claims a new study.
The researchers found that mindfulness training that included meditation and stretching exercises not only enhanced sleep quality but also helped ease stress and anxiety in women during menopause.
Dr. Ellen Freeman, a menopause expert at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, stated, "There's a broad range of attitudes about hot flashes and how they should be treated. There are certainly many, many women who don't want to take hormones ... and don't want to take other drugs either. (MORE)
Mindfulness meditation, the mind-body therapy that refers to a state of awareness, consciousness, and immediacy, not only de-clutters the mind and helps attain inner peace but also reduces the severity of menopausal hot flashes, claims a new study.
The researchers found that mindfulness training that included meditation and stretching exercises not only enhanced sleep quality but also helped ease stress and anxiety in women during menopause.
Dr. Ellen Freeman, a menopause expert at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, stated, "There's a broad range of attitudes about hot flashes and how they should be treated. There are certainly many, many women who don't want to take hormones ... and don't want to take other drugs either. (MORE)
Source: The Med Guru
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Kids urged To Meditate
CHILDREN should meditate, not watch TV.
Dance teacher Nicola Baartse has started the stretch and meditate class for children, five and above.
Recent studies found too much television early in life had adverse affects on education and health. “As a mum, I am passionate about having my kids find a way to destress and learn how to be still sometimes without using the TV as a relaxation device,” she said.
“It helps to slow them down and give them a chance to recuperate after a hectic day.”
The class involves mind-body movement meditation. “We structure the movement with things the children are familiar with like animals and places they’ve been,” Ms Baartse said.
The dance teacher, who runs Oasis Movement Academy, said there was a gap in the market for children’s meditation. “Having a concept of the body, mind and spirit as one entity is very important,” she said.
“It influences your conversations when you’re older.
“I’ve noticed that children be better focused and in the long term, they have an ability to listen to themselves.” (MORE)
Dance teacher Nicola Baartse has started the stretch and meditate class for children, five and above.
Recent studies found too much television early in life had adverse affects on education and health. “As a mum, I am passionate about having my kids find a way to destress and learn how to be still sometimes without using the TV as a relaxation device,” she said.
“It helps to slow them down and give them a chance to recuperate after a hectic day.”
The class involves mind-body movement meditation. “We structure the movement with things the children are familiar with like animals and places they’ve been,” Ms Baartse said.
The dance teacher, who runs Oasis Movement Academy, said there was a gap in the market for children’s meditation. “Having a concept of the body, mind and spirit as one entity is very important,” she said.
“It influences your conversations when you’re older.
“I’ve noticed that children be better focused and in the long term, they have an ability to listen to themselves.” (MORE)
Source: Inner West Courier
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Managing Stress With Meditation
Melissa Shattuck recently was stranded for three days at an airport while on her way back home from a workshop in Puerto Rico with the Chopra Center.
Instead of becoming overly worried and stressed, Shattuck took the setback in stride. A friend remarked to her how calm Shattuck was during the event.
Shattuck credits her meditation practice for helping her keep anxiety and stress in check. Shattuck, co-owner of a yoga center, started meditating about 41/2 years ago after an experience at the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, Calif.
She started meditating to deal with stress.
“This was the most life-changing thing for me in dealing with depression and anxiety,” Shattuck says.
She is a certified meditation instructor with the Chopra Center, started by teacher and author Deepak Chopra and David Simon. She also teaches Ayurveda and yoga.
During her regular practice, Shattuck meditates twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes. She notices the effects when she doesn’t meditate. (MORE)
Instead of becoming overly worried and stressed, Shattuck took the setback in stride. A friend remarked to her how calm Shattuck was during the event.
Shattuck credits her meditation practice for helping her keep anxiety and stress in check. Shattuck, co-owner of a yoga center, started meditating about 41/2 years ago after an experience at the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, Calif.
She started meditating to deal with stress.
“This was the most life-changing thing for me in dealing with depression and anxiety,” Shattuck says.
She is a certified meditation instructor with the Chopra Center, started by teacher and author Deepak Chopra and David Simon. She also teaches Ayurveda and yoga.
During her regular practice, Shattuck meditates twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes. She notices the effects when she doesn’t meditate. (MORE)
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Meditating on Global Shifts
Lately, I've been feeling off kilter. Cataclysmic events like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the revolutionary violence in countries like Libya have sent my mind into a bit of a spin. A short visit to my Facebook wall showed plenty of evidence that I'm in good company. And it's occurred to me that there's a little more to this feeling of imbalance than an emotional reaction to what's happening halfway across the world. Recent news reports tell us that the earth itself has been pushed off its axis.
According to geophysicists, the powerful quake appears to have moved the main island of Japan by 8 feet and shifted the position of the earth's axis about 6.5 inches. That means that the temblor's force moved parts of eastern Japan as much as 12 feet closer to North America. Experts also say that the event also should have caused Earth to rotate somewhat faster, shortening the length of the day by about 1.8 microseconds, he said.
No wonder I feel like things are askew. I believe that everything in this world is intricately interconnected. So it makes sense that what's affecting the whole system would be bothering me on a microcosmic level. (MORE)
According to geophysicists, the powerful quake appears to have moved the main island of Japan by 8 feet and shifted the position of the earth's axis about 6.5 inches. That means that the temblor's force moved parts of eastern Japan as much as 12 feet closer to North America. Experts also say that the event also should have caused Earth to rotate somewhat faster, shortening the length of the day by about 1.8 microseconds, he said.
No wonder I feel like things are askew. I believe that everything in this world is intricately interconnected. So it makes sense that what's affecting the whole system would be bothering me on a microcosmic level. (MORE)
Source: Technorati
Monday, March 14, 2011
Mindfulness Skills for Living with BPD
In the past decade, more and more psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals have incorporated mindfulness meditation training into their psychotherapy practice. Mindfulness meditation has many treatment applications, including major depressive disorder, chronic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Mindfulness meditation has been defined in many ways, but perhaps one of the most widely-used definitions comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., (the creator of a treatment for stress and chronic pain called "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction"), who defines mindfulness as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." (MORE)
Mindfulness meditation has been defined in many ways, but perhaps one of the most widely-used definitions comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., (the creator of a treatment for stress and chronic pain called "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction"), who defines mindfulness as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." (MORE)
Source: about.com
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Meditation Self Help 101: Get Curious About Your Thoughts
You don’t need a book for this "course." There are no prerequisites. There’s nothing to do to prepare. And all the material you need is inside yourself. You have it with you wherever you go.
It’s become common knowledge that meditation is good for your physical health, for reducing stress. And, did you know that it is also great for your mental health? Last fall I blogged about studies on meditation and recovery from depression.
But, what about just feeling happier? Not feeling like a victim of your circumstances? Improving your relationships?
Can one activity, such a simple one, help with all those things? Well, yes. But simple isn’t necessarily easy. Hence, the course. Being with yourself, without judgment, learning to notice subtleties — the way an artist notices textures, shapes, colors and the play of light — takes practice. With practice we improve.
In my experience, many people only think about meditating for stopping their thoughts. Instead, as a first step, get curious about them. Start to take stock of the kind of things you think about. (MORE)
It’s become common knowledge that meditation is good for your physical health, for reducing stress. And, did you know that it is also great for your mental health? Last fall I blogged about studies on meditation and recovery from depression.
But, what about just feeling happier? Not feeling like a victim of your circumstances? Improving your relationships?
Can one activity, such a simple one, help with all those things? Well, yes. But simple isn’t necessarily easy. Hence, the course. Being with yourself, without judgment, learning to notice subtleties — the way an artist notices textures, shapes, colors and the play of light — takes practice. With practice we improve.
In my experience, many people only think about meditating for stopping their thoughts. Instead, as a first step, get curious about them. Start to take stock of the kind of things you think about. (MORE)
Source: AnnArbor.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Meditation at Work: Breathing Lessons
This happens to me on more days than most: I am in a meeting, or working against a deadline, and it occurs to me that I am barely breathing. I'm not holding my breath, but my breathing is shallow, my chest and diaphragm tight and withholding, like I'm conserving air; it's a little like panting, a little like I've just discovered I'm under water.
If you can breathe, you can meditate, says Sharon Salzberg, both in her dharma talks and her recent book, "Real Happiness." But what if you've forgotten how to breathe?
A year ago, after eight glorious, touch-and-go, actually-less-glorious-than-I-remember-them years as a freelance writer, I took a full-time job. It's the kind of full-time job that is pretty much wholly contrary to the freelancer's lifestyle. I went from being fairly isolated (ah, those long, solitary days and nights at the computer, writing by the light of a single taper) to being constantly surrounded by dozens of fast-talking, fast-moving, always-breathless people, each one in possession of his own quirks, opinions and personality. I went from having wide open, scheduleless days to a schedule chockablock with meetings, brainstorms, "touch-bases" and conference calls. (MORE)
If you can breathe, you can meditate, says Sharon Salzberg, both in her dharma talks and her recent book, "Real Happiness." But what if you've forgotten how to breathe?
A year ago, after eight glorious, touch-and-go, actually-less-glorious-than-I-remember-them years as a freelance writer, I took a full-time job. It's the kind of full-time job that is pretty much wholly contrary to the freelancer's lifestyle. I went from being fairly isolated (ah, those long, solitary days and nights at the computer, writing by the light of a single taper) to being constantly surrounded by dozens of fast-talking, fast-moving, always-breathless people, each one in possession of his own quirks, opinions and personality. I went from having wide open, scheduleless days to a schedule chockablock with meetings, brainstorms, "touch-bases" and conference calls. (MORE)
Source: Huffington Post
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Best Non-Scientific Benefits of Meditation
Good morning! It is my pleasure to introduce you to meditation practice, or -- if you already have a practice -- to revisit the foundations with you.
The Practice of Tranquility is more than 2,500 years old and has been practiced by countless people over the millennia. I say this so you can know that what I'm going to teach you is ancient and time-tested. It may or may not be for you, but, in any case, you can trust it. I didn't make it up.
Our culture keeps uncovering more and more reasons why it is a good idea to meditate. For example, according to studies, it has tremendous health benefits, like decreasing stress (by lowering cortisol), improving focus and memory (by raising the level of gamma waves), and preventing relapse into depression by 50 percent (according to studies by Jon Kabat-Zinn, M.D., and Zindel Segal, Ph.D.).
Western science has done a tremendous job of cataloging so-called "negative mind states" (like depression, anxiety, and so on) and prescribing truly helpful treatments for them. Meditation is fast become one of those treatments. Buddhism, on the other hand, has spent the last 2,500 years cataloging positive mind states, such as wisdom, compassion, generosity and patience. It is truly wonderful to live in a time when these two mighty traditions meet. No matter what perspective you come from, the benefits of meditation are numerous and deep. Here is my list: (MORE)
The Practice of Tranquility is more than 2,500 years old and has been practiced by countless people over the millennia. I say this so you can know that what I'm going to teach you is ancient and time-tested. It may or may not be for you, but, in any case, you can trust it. I didn't make it up.
Our culture keeps uncovering more and more reasons why it is a good idea to meditate. For example, according to studies, it has tremendous health benefits, like decreasing stress (by lowering cortisol), improving focus and memory (by raising the level of gamma waves), and preventing relapse into depression by 50 percent (according to studies by Jon Kabat-Zinn, M.D., and Zindel Segal, Ph.D.).
Western science has done a tremendous job of cataloging so-called "negative mind states" (like depression, anxiety, and so on) and prescribing truly helpful treatments for them. Meditation is fast become one of those treatments. Buddhism, on the other hand, has spent the last 2,500 years cataloging positive mind states, such as wisdom, compassion, generosity and patience. It is truly wonderful to live in a time when these two mighty traditions meet. No matter what perspective you come from, the benefits of meditation are numerous and deep. Here is my list: (MORE)
Source: Huntington Post
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Real Reason You Don't Meditate And How To Overcome It
This article is dedicated to those who want to have a daily meditative or reflective practice but don’t actually sit down and do it. “I know I should be meditating but I just can’t find the time” or “I wish I could take time to reflect but I keep getting distracted” are common refrains. If this is you, there’s a very good reason that you don’t actually sit down, do your practice, and get the benefits you desire. Before I share it with you, allow me to quickly clarify two things:
First, any meditation or reflection practice is a good one.
I’m not promoting any one style of meditation or reflection over the other. Personally, I’ve been certified in about a dozen styles of meditation and reflection practices and I teach several. I can say with some conviction that the right practice is any practice as long as you use it. There’s no need to get caught up in searching for new ancient wisdom or the next breakthrough tool that will finally help you sit down and do it. The tools you already have, or could pick up quite easily from training, are likely perfect for you - if you actually use them. (MORE)
First, any meditation or reflection practice is a good one.
I’m not promoting any one style of meditation or reflection over the other. Personally, I’ve been certified in about a dozen styles of meditation and reflection practices and I teach several. I can say with some conviction that the right practice is any practice as long as you use it. There’s no need to get caught up in searching for new ancient wisdom or the next breakthrough tool that will finally help you sit down and do it. The tools you already have, or could pick up quite easily from training, are likely perfect for you - if you actually use them. (MORE)
Source: Odemagazine.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Your Personal Nature Meditation
Bringing nature into the home is a powerful way to increase the vibration in your home and an important part of any Feng Shui practice which is called the Five Elements Theory. Whether your buy into Feng Shui or not, you will always benefit from surrounding yourself with things from the natural world. In this article I will give you a meditation that will help you identify the specific objects from nature that that you need to surround yourself with along with some inspiring nature photography. By doing so you will create a home that is pulsating with life (chi), a sanctuary that will feed your soul and uplift your spirit!
11 Home Energy Enhancers
Here is a nature meditation that I give my clients and students designed to get them in touch with the colors, objects, shapes and textures that they personally resonate with. In identifying the specific natural settings that bring us bliss, we can create a home that is truly a sanctuary of inspiration, rather than one that brings our energy down. This meditation will assist you in choosing the colors, patterns, shapes and objects that you personally need to surround yourself with in order to feel inspired the most. (MORE)
11 Home Energy Enhancers
Here is a nature meditation that I give my clients and students designed to get them in touch with the colors, objects, shapes and textures that they personally resonate with. In identifying the specific natural settings that bring us bliss, we can create a home that is truly a sanctuary of inspiration, rather than one that brings our energy down. This meditation will assist you in choosing the colors, patterns, shapes and objects that you personally need to surround yourself with in order to feel inspired the most. (MORE)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Meditating For Better Health
In recent years, scientists and doctors have discovered that there are many health benefits to meditation. Reductions in blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels were observed in numerous studies, while some even recorded an increase in verbal creativity and reduced visual reaction time.
Dr Patricia Bloom, associate professor of geriatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, shared these findings at a recent talk she gave in Singapore at the invitation of the Tsao Foundation, while emphasising that more rigorous studies are needed. Her talk, "Meditation as Medicine", gave insight into how meditation can be a drug-free way of reducing the harmful effects of stress on the body.
Dr Bloom explained that chronic stress has the potential to produce illness. It can worsen or even cause cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal diseases. It can inhibit a person's immune system and make him more prone to infectious illnesses. (MORE)
Dr Patricia Bloom, associate professor of geriatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, shared these findings at a recent talk she gave in Singapore at the invitation of the Tsao Foundation, while emphasising that more rigorous studies are needed. Her talk, "Meditation as Medicine", gave insight into how meditation can be a drug-free way of reducing the harmful effects of stress on the body.
Dr Bloom explained that chronic stress has the potential to produce illness. It can worsen or even cause cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal diseases. It can inhibit a person's immune system and make him more prone to infectious illnesses. (MORE)
Source: Asia One
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
As Stress Mounts, Students Turn To Yoga
As students manage course work, extracurricular activities and jobs, some turn to yoga for stress relief. On any given day of the week, fellow classmates can be seen carrying their yoga mats throughout the city toward the popular Yoga to the People on St. Marks Place or heading to free options on campus.
Each week, Carolina Daza transforms the common room in Hayden residence hall into a serene oasis. The Food Studies graduate student is the instructor for the free yoga class that meets there, and her sessions have attracted many residents, from newcomers to experienced veterans. The class is relatively small, the atmosphere relaxed and inviting, and as the lights dim and tranquil music plays in the background, Daza teaches her students various constructive Hatha poses and techniques.
Steinhardt freshman Claire Edlemann is a yoga novice, but finds the class inviting.
"I live in Hayden, and so it's definitely very convenient to go here rather than go out. I feel like it would be more intimate here too," Edlemann said. (MORE)
Each week, Carolina Daza transforms the common room in Hayden residence hall into a serene oasis. The Food Studies graduate student is the instructor for the free yoga class that meets there, and her sessions have attracted many residents, from newcomers to experienced veterans. The class is relatively small, the atmosphere relaxed and inviting, and as the lights dim and tranquil music plays in the background, Daza teaches her students various constructive Hatha poses and techniques.
Steinhardt freshman Claire Edlemann is a yoga novice, but finds the class inviting.
"I live in Hayden, and so it's definitely very convenient to go here rather than go out. I feel like it would be more intimate here too," Edlemann said. (MORE)
Source: NYU Washington Square News
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Meditation: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
Politics, like economics, is rooted in psychology. That is a truism which no one can overcome with something as unpsycholgical as facts. When people are angry, confused, hopeless, and afraid, they fall back upon emotions to trump the facts, and then new realities are born. I think that's the biggest threat to President Obama now, as it has been since the passage of the health care bill. The facts are on his side. The 2009 stimulus did some good and was largely paid back. Detroit was brought back from the brink of disaster. Banks were stabilized. The markets rebounded. But psychologically, he has turned into a Rorschach test for disgruntlement and despair across the country. (MORE)
Source: SF Gate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)