The Zen of the Red Sox: Bobby Valentine's Redemption Song
- The Zen of the Red Sox: Bobby Valentine's Redemption Song
- The History and Arrangement of Zen Gardens
- Zen and the Art of the Glass Family in J.D. Salinger's Short Stories
- What a Difference Changes Can Make
- Reiki for Stress Reduction and Spirituality
- MInd Control
- “A Little Book of Love” by Moh Hardin
- Spiritual Connection With Nature Is Our Natural State
- Dalai Lama to speak of happiness at Penguin Lecture
- Mind Power - How you can take control of your Conduct
- A Holiday Stress Reliever for Holistic Practices: Appointment-Plus a Hot Commodity for Sites Looking to Improve ...
- Yoga Accessories
- Early Morning Stress Reduction Inspiration - 12/2/2011
- Understanding How Subliminal Messages Influence the Mind
- Anti-Smoking Meditation
- Religious stories are too wonderful to be true
- Practicing Yoga is made easier with Yoga Books from Spirit Voyage
- Getting started with yoga with music from Spirit Voyage
- Book Of Meditation For Beginners - Meditation Techniques For Beginners
- Treating Depression Naturally While Growing your Cleverness and Mind Power
- The Magic of Conscious Breathing
- Capacity to Speak Together with your Quite Private Individual Spiritual Advisor
- Happiness – all in the mind?
- The Benefits of Mindfulness
- Raising Ones Consciousness – Inner wellbeing and Health
| The Zen of the Red Sox: Bobby Valentine's Redemption Song Posted: 02 Dec 2011 09:02 AM PST Reflections on the the polarizing manager's first press conference with Boston  Reuters There was a distinct moment during Thursday evening's press conference in Boston, during which the Red Sox introduced the mercurial Bobby Valentine as the 45th manager in their storied history, that I began to entertain the following thought: The Sox may win next year. The Sox may lose next year. But the Sox will not be boring next year. This is the happy mantra that signifies high television ratings and still more sellouts of Fenway Park no matter how the team fares in 2012. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Zenway Park! This cult of personality, and an endless supply of pithy sound bytes, are what Valentine offers the Olde Towne Team following its disgraceful September swoon. A baseball lifer, a talented veteran manager, he is expected to go into that infamous clubhouse, put a few fellow millionaires in their place, and restore a measure of respect for the grand old game. What Valentine receives from the opportunity to coach the rich, powerful team is a more profound matter. It's his last shot at redemption; at reminding the world that people can learn from their past mistakes. If Valentine had won the World Series in 2000 when he made it there in with the undermanned Mets, he'd probably still be the toast of Manhattan. He'd be like Casey Stengel, the odd-minded genius. But Valentine lost to the New York Yankees (and to their manager, Joe Torre, a reclamation project of his own when first hired by George Steinbrenner after the 1995 season). And then Valentine was fired by the Mets in 2002 after some very public squabbling. And then he left for Japan. And then to the television booth as an analyst for ESPN. Evidently Valentine's penance over the past decade--managing overseas, television analysis, loads of charitable work--was not enough to satisfy the moralists and mental-health experts who moonlight as sports journalists. So after Valentine made some pleasing remarks Thursday, in which he said all the right things about the team, the city and management, he was duly grilled by reporters about his personality. Here are some of the q! uestions Valentine faced (keep in mind that he was not applying to be the principal of a school, or a commercial pilot, or the handler of nuclear arms): Are there things you would have done differently? How do you think you have evolved or changed as a manager? Here's another question. One word that's often used to describe you is "polarizing," and I wonder what you make of that description of you? Whether or not you think that's accurate. If so, why? (The reporter next asked Valentine's immediate supervisor, Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherrington, to answer the question: How do you guys assess Bobby's personality?) Here is how Valentine responded: Undaunted, the next reporter asked: "Do you think you are going to have to manage your personality any differently here? Sports journalism aside, is there any reasonable person over the age of 40 who wouldn't identify with Valentine's self-assessments? We all make mistakes when we are younger that we come to regret later, do we not? We all would like to think we are wiser at 60 than at 50, wiser at 50 than at 40. Before an international audience, Valentine is getting to do what millions of Americans his age (he's 61) would love to do: go back one more time and change the way their industry sees them. The Red Sox are often epic. That's just one of the things I love about them. Now they have a manager with an epic quest. Contrast Valentine's zen with the words of the man he has replaced. Terry Francona, the beloved former manager of the Sox, was still doing damage control Thursday (of all days) by blaming the media for misinterpreting information about his alleged use of prescription drugs last season. On WEEI, Francona said this: "I wasn't the perfect manager, but I did things my way, and for seven years and five months, it worked." Isn't this what optimists say about people who jump off 100-story buildings? "Gee, for the first 95 floors things went really well." The older reporters in the room Thursday evening surely know what I mean about second chances in life. And the young Turks, the ones who rushed to ask Valentine those ponderous questions, probably don't get it. After all, it's tough to understand redemption unless and until you've sought it for yourself. And it's easy to believe in the all-encompassing world of sports that a baseball manager must be all things to all people. But the history of the sport is replete with managers and players (and owners and reporters) who would have failed the mental-health exam that Valentine was given on the first day at his new job.! S o I welcome Bobby V with open arms and an open mind. I like the idea of redemption later in life. I wish him well. Joe Torre got another chance when he was given the Yankees job and look what happened to him. If Valentine has even half the success with my Sox that Torre had with the Yankees, I will forever tip my cap to him, much in the same way that I still cherish the newspaper clipping I have that reminds me that Francona was drafted 30 years ago (in the first round) by my first favorite team, the Montreal Expos. American loves a second act. Or even a third one. And so do I.  Read More @ Source Buddhism, Religion?  |
| The History and Arrangement of Zen Gardens Posted: 02 Dec 2011 09:00 AM PST Article by Warren Marion What is a Zen garden? When you first encounter these terms, the first thing that would probably come to mind is an arid landscape of rocks and painstakingly arranged pebbles and gravel, somehow drawing you in to meditate despite all the noise and bustle around you. In fact, most people are of the opinion that Zen gardens were first conceptualised and created by Zen priests n the eleventh century in order to help them attain a better grasp of Zen concepts and principles. Some people, on the other hand, believe that Zen gardens are a 20th century concept that has nothing to do with Zen at all. In reality, Zen gardens date way back to the very start of Japanese life and culture in the 6th century. They are called the Karesansui, or Japanese rock gardens. These gardens are distinctive for their very simple arrangement of rocks, stones, sand, gravel and pebbles, and the sparse use of plants. Some Zen gardens have nothing growing in them at all. Karensansui is a direct translation of "dry water and mountain", and the illusion of water is done with the way sand is raked across the ground, creating a pattern of ripples that is very like the movement of water. The rocks and stones, on the other hand, are scattered about to replicate mountains and islands. One very well-known Japanese Zen garden is an arrangement of only 15 rocks strategically placed on sand with rippling patterns. This rock garden has the distinctive feature of allowing people to view it in its entirety from any angle, unlike other Japanese Zen gardens that need to be viewed from a certain perspective to appreciate its beauty and message. It is said that in this famous rock garden, only 14 rocks can be viewed at any given time from any angle. Legend has it that when a person achieves the highest form of Zen enlightenment, the 15th rock becomes visible to them. Japanese Zen gardens are recorded to have been in existence from the time of Empress Suiko who reigned in 592 A.D. Some evidence suggests that rock gardens w! ere in f ashion even before then. When Zen Buddhism took Japan by storm in the first part of the 700's, Zen gardens started symbolizing the ideals of harmony, simplicity and serenity that Zen monks believed represented what the universe ought to be. Zen gardens continued to evolve in design until their present form of arrangement that began in the 13th century which has lasted up to the present time. Some gardens are miniature hand-held versions of the original, while some fall into the category of parks. Most people hold these gardens as representations of the sea, as well as the islands and mountains of Japan. Zen practitioners see them as sources for meditation where their subconscious mind calls forth tranquil images based on the patterns and arrangement of these gardens. Zen gardens are special in that people who view them are able to attain some form of tranquility in the dry rocky landscape. Scientists attempted to study the effect of calm that these gardens bring using a special computer analysis program and found that the motley collection of rocks, sand, gravel and pebbles called forth the image of a tree in a person's subconcious. About the AuthorHere's an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try your free demo here: http://www.deep-zen.com and http://holothink.com/ Zen & Buddha Bar Music The Pocket Zen Reader (Shambhala Pocket Classics) This miniature book presents a thousand years of Zen teaching for the modern reader in a way that preserves the dynamic flavor of these talks, sayings, and records of heart-to-heart encounters. From the earliest adepts to the last of the great masters, The Pocket Zen Reader is a pocket-sized compendium of Zen at its best. This collection is edited by Thomas Cleary, the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts.
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| Zen and the Art of the Glass Family in J.D. Salinger's Short Stories Posted: 02 Dec 2011 08:00 AM PST Article by Paul Thomson While J.D. Salinger is best known for his 1951 classic The Catcher in the Rye, his own favorite works center on a family of brilliant, reclusive, unorthodox former child prodigies known as the Glasses. (Think Royal Tenenbaums, only with vaudeville performers for parents.) Through these short stories, Salinger not only fleshes out his most cherished creations, but also elaborates on his relationship with Zen Buddhism, which he studied for decades. Following these stories through the years demonstrates a gradual refinement in Salinger's approach to spirituality, which transitions from being highly physical to highly abstract.In "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," which was first published in 1948, Salinger introduces Seymour Glass, the oldest and most likeable of the Glass siblings. While relaxing on a Florida beach for his honeymoon, Seymour befriends a young girl named Sybil, whom he entertains with jokes, conversation, and good ol' fashioned frolicking. On their last day together, Seymour tells her a story about a fantastical, greedy creature called a "bananafish" that lives (in a pineapple?) under the sea. As the story goes, these fish swim into holes, stuff themselves silly with bananas until they're too big to escape, and tragically die of "banana fever." An effective tale for endearing oneself to a four-year old, yes, but the fact that Seymour then goes back to his hotel and shoots himself gives us a bit more pause for thought than if the day ended with, say, a picnic.While the end of A Perfect Day for Bananafish is undeniably jarring, one interpretation of Seymour's bananafish story which seems to clarify matters is that it's an allegory for the rampant post-WWII consumerism to which Seymour is so spiritually opposed. And when Sybil happily exclaims that she does, indeed, see a bananafish in the water, Seymour has an epiphany that he IS the bananafish (goo goo g'joob); realizing that he is just as caught up in the physical world as the next guy, he goes back to his fancy hotel resort to take hi! s own li fe. What remains open to debate is whether his death represents succumbing to a symbolic banana fever or taking the ultimate stand against the material world by leaving it.When Franny and Zooey was published in 1961, Salinger's spiritual interests figured into his writing much more obviously than in Bananafish, but less viscerally. "Franny" chronicles a spiritually-turbulent weekend with Seymour's youngest sibling, Franny, who, like Seymour, wants to completely redefine her relationship with the physical world. Inspired by a nineteenth-century religious text, Franny loses interest in her studies, her boyfriend, and her basic survival instinct, eventually passing out due to lack of food. This "break" from the physical echoes Seymour's death some years earlier, though to a much lesser extreme.In "Zooey," Salinger's exploration of spirituality becomes still more intangible. After her dramatic fainting spell, Franny returns home in hysterics and refuses to go back to college. Thanks to her older brother Zooey, however, she comes to a place of true clarity: Zooey not only points out her self-righteousness in making a dramatic performance of what should be a deeply personal experience, but also reminds her to appreciate the sanctity of everything around her - including ma's "consecrated chicken soup" - instead of searching for it in the mountaintops.By the time Salinger published Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenter sand Seymour: an Introduction in 1963, his literary approach to Zen Buddhism had become extremely abstract. "Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters" attempts to recount the day of Seymour's wedding party as narrated by his little brother, Buddy. "Seymour: an Introduction," however, tackles the much more demanding challenge of explaining Seymour himself - not for the reader's benefit, but for Buddy's own. In this sense, the act of writing becomes a discovery process for not only Buddy, but also the reader, whose task it is to figure out just what the hell Buddy is talking about.With criticisms of being! pretent ious, showy, and "intolerably dull," it's difficult at first to see how "Seymour: an Introduction" is supposed to convey an advanced level of clarity in the overall spiritual trajectory of the Glass novellas. What some people don't know, however, is that Salinger is playing with the idea of the Zen koan, a riddle that must be understood spiritually rather than cerebrally (see also: one hand clapping). Just think back on Seymour's advice that Buddy "try not aiming so much" in a game of marbles; after all, "If you hit when you aim for it, it'll just be luck." Whether this is a cleverly employed literary strategy or simply a convenient out for bad writing remains a matter of personal interpretation. About the AuthorShmoop is an online study guide for Literature, novels like A Perfect Day for Bananafish, Franny and Zooey and many more. Its content is written by Ph.D. and Masters students from top universities, like Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Yale who have also taught at the high school and college levels. Teachers and students should feel confident to cite Shmoop. Zen Buddhism - Shaolin Monk Steel Jacket Kung Fu Demo Working with Koans in Zen Buddhism Because words can no more hold the truth than a net can hold water, we use koans. Koans are sayings, or doings, of Zen masters, the patriarchs and Buddha. Take for example the koan: The Sound of One Hand clapping. In its entirety it reads: "You know the sound of two hands clapping. What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The obvious, intellectual answer is, No sound at all! But then what is this No sound? In other words, is it just silence?If one is to work on this koan, indeed on any koan, one must demonstrate its meaning. Explanatory words - such as "the two hands represent duality, the one hand is unity" or "the sound of one hand is the sound of the true self" - are useless. A teacher of Zen would reject them out of hand, all the while demanding a real response. Words talk about true nature and, as it were, hold it at arm's length. One must become the sound of one hand to be able to give a real response, and in this way see for oneself that the sound of one hand is the full expression of the master's and one's own awakened state.Because words can no more hold the truth than a net can hold water, we use koans. Koans are sayings, or doings, of Zen masters, the patriarchs and Buddha. Take for example the koan: The Sound of One Hand clapping. In its entirety it reads: "You know the sound of two hands clapping. What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The obvious, intellectual answer is, No sound at all! But then what is this No sound? In other words, is it just silence? If one is to work on this koan, indeed on any koan, one must demonstrate its meaning. Explanatory words - such as "the two hands represent duality, the one hand is unity" or "the sound of one hand is the sound of the true self" - are useless. A teacher of Zen would reject them out of hand, all the while demanding a real response. Words talk about true nature and, as it were, hold it at arm's length. One must become the sound of one hand to be able to give a real response, and in this way see for on! eself th at the sound of one hand is the full expression of the master's and one's own awakened state.
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| What a Difference Changes Can Make Posted: 02 Dec 2011 08:00 AM PST Happiness interview: Crystal Paine. One of the most complicated and emotionally charged topics within the larger subject of happiness is the relationship between money and happiness. Figuring out how to live within your means, dealing with financial anxiety, spending money in ways that boosts happiness instead of undermining it...these are common, major challenges. I was happy to make the e-acquaintance of Crystal Paine, who has a new book coming out next month: The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Steamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year. That certainly covers a lot of issues that people grapple with, just in the subtitle! She also has a very popular blog, Money Saving Mom. Because Crystal has thought a lot about how to create the life that reflects your values related to money, I was curious to ask her specifically about happiness. Gretchen: What's a simple activity that consistently makes you happier? Crystal: I usually have to drag myself to the treadmill in the mornings, but I never regret getting on it and running--even if it's just for a mile. It gets my blood pumping, it helps to clear my head, and it makes me feel much more energetic and efficient the rest of the day. Is there anything you find yourself doing repeatedly that gets in the way of your happiness? I often get distracted, procrastinate, or choose to do what I want to do over what I should do (i.e. surfing the web versus writing an article that is due). Any time I do this, I end up feeling frustrated at myself for wasting time. And I usually end up stressed, too, because it results in me being behind schedule or late to an event. If you're feeling blue, how do you give yourself a happiness boost? Singing is a guaranteed mood-lifter for me. Sometimes, when I'm feeling particularly low, I'll force myself to start singing, even though it's the last thing I feel like doing. It only takes a few minutes of singing and I will feel ten times better about life. I'm not sure why or how that is, but it always works! Do you work on being happier? If so, how? I've been working on consistently sticking with three daily habits recently (going to bed early, getting up early, and tackling my laundry pile every day instead of letting it pile up) and I've been amazed at what a difference a few small, consistent changes can make. I'm getting more done since I'm getting up earlier, I'm more energetic due to getting more sleep, and there's a weight off my shoulders since I'm no longer waking up to face a mountain of laundry every morning. What's something you know now about happiness that you didn't know when you were 18 years old? When my husband and I got married, we moved to a town where we knew no one so he could start law school. We had committed to stay out of debt while he was in law school, so we lived on a very meager beans and rice budget of $ 800 to $ 1000 per month to pull it off. Sticking with our goal of staying out of debt meant that we gave up a lot of stuff--cable tv, magazine subscriptions, eating out, gym memberships, many social engagements, buying new clothes, gifts, travel, and much more. We drove an old car, we lived in a little basement apartment, we used coupons, we ate a lot of meatless meals, and we checked out a lot of books and DVDs at the library! It wasn't easy--especially when we were almost out of money and we were tired of the beans and rice ritual--but we learned invaluable lessons through those law school years. Most importantly, I learned that my joy and contentment with life wasn't dependent upon the car we drove, the food we ate, or the clothes we wore. Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances. If I have a cheerful attitude, it will make a dismal situation seem so much more brighter. I can choose joy, I can choose to make the most of whatever circumstances I find myself in, and I can choose to be thankful for the blessings I do have. * Shameless Self-Promotion: I can't resist announcing that as of Wednesday, The Happiness Project has been on the New York Times bestseller list for nine months. Nine! Thanks so much, readers, for your enthusiasm and support. I appreciate it very, very much. Read sample chapters. Read More @ Source  |
| Reiki for Stress Reduction and Spirituality Posted: 02 Dec 2011 07:00 AM PST Article by Louisa Coan Reiki is a stress reduction and relaxation technique originating from Japan and developed by Mikkao Usui in 1922. It is derived from 2 Japanese words; "Rei" which signifies God's Wisdom and "Ki" which is life-force energy. It is a kind of alternative medicine that uses palm healing, which involves the transfer of energy, or Ki via the laying of hands.In Reiki, there are two schools of practice, namely Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Between these two branches of Reiki, there are three forms of degrees each, which are known as First, Second, and Master degrees. With a First degree, the practitioner has the ability to heal oneself and others. After he/she progresses to the Second degree, the practitioner gains the ability of distant healing, with the utilization of specific symbols. The Master degree or Shinpiden is self-explanatory, where the practitioner can impart his knowledge and skills upon others. There are ethical principals adopted by practitioners of Reiki, which are commonly known as the Five Reiki Precepts. These are: 1. Avoid anger2. Avoid worry3. Be happy and grateful 4. Work hard5. Be good to other people When one follows these precepts, they can promote peace and harmony, and this is nearly universal across all cultures. Reiki is by no means a religion, and has no specific dogma where you have to believe in order to practice Reiki. A lot of practitioners however feel that using Reiki gives them a more palpable experience of their own religion rather than just having an abstract concept of it. Reiki is also independent on a person's intelligence and spiritual development; therefore its benefits are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Reiki is well-known as a natural and safe way to heal the soul and promote self-improvement. It has been shown to be useful in helping almost every known ailments and malady and it is always beneficial to be patient. It also works together with all other conventional medical or therapeutic modalities to aid in relieving side e! ffects a nd promoting a brisk recovery. Reiki is simple to learn and practice, as it is not really taught in the traditional sense of the word, but rather the knowledge is passed on during a Reiki class. This ability is inherited during a session provided by a Reiki master and lets the student to tap into Ki to improve their own state health and further improve their life. About the AuthorLouisa Coan is writing on behalf of Christi Reiki Masters, who are reiki masters offering you holistic healing treatments and courses. They also offer Reiki courses Bristol and massage Bristol Technique of Stress reduction, "third eye" Chakra  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:00 AM PST Article by Melanie Pri Hypnosis refers to a situation of centered focus, which grants you admittance in a human's subliminal psyche. This will be the unconscious thoughts of a person exactly where all of the forged believed are accrued. After attaining the state of thoughts hypnosis, one becomes able to subsequent optimistic ideas and wipes away the restraining viewpoints, therefore, swaps them with constructive thoughts. This would consecutively alter one's existence inside a positive way.Your thoughts is your guardian. It protects you in all sorts of conditions either its great information or dreadful information. Different levels of your thoughts perform collectively in order to shield you against them. This attribute is especially related to sub aware mind. It has to defend you by placing it is the best work and for this objective it may even lie for you. The false information provides a support to your conscious thoughts. This believed fabrication could be about anyone or something that's distressing your mind. Mind hypnosis brings you under-spell, in a state of trance as well as in such scenario it might lie. It conceals the frightful memories from you and can make you neglect them. This is an organic safety mechanism and one from the ways of thoughts to responding using the specific conduct. 1 time your mind has acknowledged the negative conduct for its security, your mind sticks to those attitudes and they become imprinted in your sub conscious. For instance, under tension one might begin smoking something or eating much more than usual or does nail biting, impulsive purchasing in some people and so forth.Thoughts hypnosis is dependent around the power of one's magnetic stare. You've authority more than your hypnotic gaze. You might even use it on your own to know its power. The hypnotic stare induction employs the 4-step protocol method, to be able to organize your hypnosis. First step is to seize attention of your subject, then after bypassing critical factors, you should bring out the unconscious response. L! astly, m ake use of this reaction in order to immediate your subject to perform particular actions.The completion of this 4-step protocol process is the objective of thoughts hypnosis. As soon as you have mastered this technique, you might move a step forward for commencement of other techniques, like 60 2nd hypnotist. It can be utilized along the hypnotic gaze introduction. Making use of two to three methods collectively can create your personal technique, your magnum opus. Start with utilizing comparable methods and gradually you start to look at penalties.Inducing hypnotic stare will be the most important part in general thoughts hypnosis. At this point, you should focus on many issues. Initially, you need to bear in mind that for the attainment of winning hypnosis stare, holding the stare from the focused object plays the most essential function. You should have the capability to uphold and sustain the lucid and composed gaze. Even if it is inconvenient for you personally, you should by no means allow the topic sense the state. About the AuthorYou can try hypnosis at home with this selection of mind hypnosis. You can also learn more about the subject of hypnosis at mind hypnosis. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, & Distress Tolerance (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
First developed for treating borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective as treatment for a range of other mental health problems, especially for those characterized by overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT can improve your ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively. In order to make use of these techniques, you need to build skills in four key areas--distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This book, a collaborative effort from three esteemed authors, offers straightforward, step-by-step exercises for learning these concepts and putting them to work for real and lasting change. Start by working on the introductory exercises and, after making progress, move on to the advanced-skills chapters. Whether you are a professional or a general reader, whether you use this book to support work done in therapy or as the basis for self-help, you'll benefit from this clear and practical guide to better managing your emotions. The individual struggling with overwhelming emotions and DBT therapists will benefit significantly from this workbook. McKay, Wood and Brantley have expanded and translated DBT Skills, making Linehan's iconic work on emotional skill building even more accessible and easy to apply to everyday life. --Kate Northcott, MA, MFT, is a DBT therapist in private practice with Mindfulness Therapy Associates and is director of New Perspectives Center for Counseling, a non-profit counseling center, in San Francisco, CA
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| “A Little Book of Love” by Moh Hardin Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:00 AM PST
Hardin tells us that A Little Book of Love is written for anyone who is interested in exploring wisdom from the Stress Reduction tradition for awakening, deepening and expanding love in our lives and in the world. Unfortunately, Hardin gives only tiny snippets of Stress Reduction wisdom and neglects to describe how this wisdom relates to his suggestions for deepening and expanding love. Hardin begins by telling us we should be our own best friend, that our friendship with ourselves should not be based on conditions or a certain image we have of ourselves, not as we would like to be, but as we are. Making friends with ourselves is accepting ourselves just as we are, unconditionally in the same way we accept our children. While this is good advice, it is not an easy mission to accomplish. Stress Reduction wisdom teaches us that we are a product of our conditions including our upbringing, our relationships, our family interactions, our education, our work environments etc. To say we should love ourselves unconditionally without exploring how to do this falls short.
According to Buddhism, Hardin tells us, our basic nature is awake, enlightened, basic goodness, independent of conditions, naturally loving, compassionate, gentle, intelligent and wise. Confusion and suffering come when we are separate from this natural goodness and feel the need to protect ourselves and feel anger or jealousy. I agree with this premise, however, it is one thing to understand an idea and another thing to have the tools and time to integrate it. This would be a perfect place for Hardin to describe how meditation can help us to come to that basic nature. Hardin tells how to love our partners. He states the most important ingredient for a good, healthy and long-lasting relationship is giving each other the gift of space by stopping habitual reactions and patterns and keeping things in perspective. He cites Chogyam Trungpa who said, "Being in love does not mean possessing the other person; it simply means appreciate the other person" and recommends giving a "flash" of generosity to our partner by looking at them as if for the first time and being receptive. I would have loved to have read examples of partners working on their relationships in the way Hardin suggests. Examples of people who have gone through difficulties and have used the tool of "flashes of generosity" would have brought this book to life. Regarding loving our children, Hardin states, "We want to create situations to nurture children's basic goodness and encourage their inherent curiosity and give them space for self-expression. He encourages us to ask ourselves "How do we manifest our love for our children in day-to-day life?" and to allow children to become our guides in teaching us how to perfect our love rather than seeking to perfect them. He also recommends spending time giving our children focused attention, thus enjoying genuine encounters. There is one example of Hardin doing this with his child, and more personal examples or examples from other parents would have been appreciated. Hardin discusses the connection between our wishes, thoughts and motivation. What we wish for, according to Hardin, has a powerful motivating force in our lives and gives rise to our thoughts and our thought motivate us to action. Bringing love to ourselves, our partners, our children and the world is Bodhisattva ("awake being") activity. The Bodhisattva path is based on: equanimity (a sense of balance and inner peace), love (desire for the happiness of others), compassion (a wish for freedom from suffering of others) and joy (a flow of free energy). Bodhisattva activity is a concept that deserves much more attention and discussion than was offered here. As potential Bodhisattvas, according to Hardin, we begin to see through our own opinions and projections of who we think others are and develop "the mind of an awakened heart". We begin to understand the interconnection of our worlds and gain confidence and trust in basic goodness (our own and that of other people). I wish that Hardin, as an acarya, would have taken the opportunity to share some of his experiences in this realm and also described how he has witnessed others develop Bodhisattva activity. The ideas of unconditional love for ourselves, our partners and our children; generosity towards those we love and all people; skillful communication that comes from a place of open heartedness and an open mind and Bodhisattva activity (including equanimity, loving kindness, compassion and joy), are certainly important components of accepting and loving ourselves and others. They are inspired ideas, ideas I believe in and yet I finished the book feeling disappointed and uninspired due to the lack of depth of the exploration. These ideas, these basic tenets of Buddhism, could have been explained in more depth and illustrated with examples from the author's experience to provide inspiration and guidelines for increasing our understanding of and capacity for what we think of and know of love and Bodhisattva activity and offer a richer experience for the reader. Related posts:
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| Spiritual Connection With Nature Is Our Natural State Posted: 02 Dec 2011 05:00 AM PST Article by Mccollins Spano Spiritual connection with nature is among the most profound experiences we can have as human beings. Beyond the ordinary consciousness in which we reside there is an additional religious dimension past the world which we know. Indigenous societies were highly linked to and in tune with these religious worlds. They had elders and shaman's whose primary role was to become the connection between the bodily reality of everyday existence and the spirit world on the other side. Even though the times of residing on the land and being at one with nature inside a tribal sense have almost become non-existent, it's nonetheless feasible for anyone to feel into this other realm with the right coaching and amount of time. Essentially it's about spending time on your own by your self in nature with out distractions for an extended period of time. The typical amount of time it takes many people to tap into the wonder and mystery of nature is about 3-4 days. This allows time and space for the continuous chatter of the thoughts to normally decelerate after which to naturally tap into an additional way of becoming. Past our ordinary everyday existence there is an additional world. A view of life full of symbols, imagination, interpretation, dreams, sense of oneness, connection along with a language beyond words. In this world every thing is alive and has it's personal spirit. The trees speak. The rivers communicate. The birds carry messages. The animals whisper truths. We can feel in to the wonder and mystery of nature. However, this religious connection is delicate. It's drowned out through the continuous chatter within the rational mind. The rational head is loud and appears to be constantly on. At the very moment we awaken (... 'What will I've for breakfast?') until we go to bed (... 'It's really late - I don't want to be exhausted tomorrow!'). This voice in our head is continually on and drowns out the delicate spiritual view beyond. 1 easy physical exercise to quit this dist! racting voice inside your head is to first of all become conscious of it. It might be saying right now 'What little voice? I do not have a little voice!' Well, that is the small voice. Just make sure you become aware of that little voice. Become aware of it's tone. Be aware of the speed. Be aware of the tempo. Become aware of what it is saying for you. The next step is to, treat the voice within your head like a bit kid and just say 'Thank you for sharing.' About the AuthorLearn more about how to have a spiritual connection with the wild by visiting this web site. Around the website you will uncover exactly how to become much more spiritually connected with nature. Afrikan Spirituality Not Copy Cat Religions Dr John Henrik Clarke Talisman Of The Higher Plane, Two Sided Pewter Pendant, Talisman and Amulet Collection
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| Dalai Lama to speak of happiness at Penguin Lecture Posted: 02 Dec 2011 05:00 AM PST Home    Calcutta News.Net Happiness and the art of being happy will be the focus of the fifth edition of the annual Penguin Lecture when the Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, outlines his idea of human well-being here Dec 3. The seer, who heads a Tibetan Buddhist government-in-exile at Dharamshala in India, is known for his thought-provoking themes relevant to the present times. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, revered as the spiritual leader of Tibet, was born to a peasant family in Taktser in northeastern Tibet, in 1935. He was named Lhamo Dhondup and was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. The spiritual leader was in news recently after China objected to his presence at a Buddhist conference and called off a round of bilateral border talks with India after India refused to budge. The seer, also a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was in the capital to attend a global Buddhist congregation Nov 27-30 . The spiritual leader was honoured with the Dayavati Mody Award for Arts, Culture and Education in the capital Friday. The Penguin Lecture series has featured some leading thinkers and writers like Thomas Friedman in 2007, diplomat-writer Chris Patten in 2008, Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen in 2009 and historian Ramachandra Guha in 2010. Read More @ Source Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy  |
| Mind Power - How you can take control of your Conduct Posted: 02 Dec 2011 04:00 AM PST Article by Smartbzs You may think that you'll be able to take control of your behavior constantly, but you may be amazed with yourself some day, when you see that your conduct is simply too unusual. If you have not handed via psychotherapy, eliminating the roots of absurdity from your mind, you will live constantly threatened by your simple wild side. There is a very easy means to fix this problem: scientific dream meaning. These days your dreams could be immediately translated based on the medical technique that accurately deciphers the actual dream communications. You simply have to learn the meaning of the basic dream icons and know how your own psyche is actually changed as you stick to the assistance of your organic physician, the wise unconscious, to be able to receive free therapy in your dreams. You really need it; otherwise you'll never be able to truly take control of your conduct and always be sure that you understand what you do. People that have never thought about their own psychic globe are exposed to many dangers, without visualizing exactly how fragile their own psychological stability is actually. Depending on the toys of their atmosphere, they could behave inside a totally different way from what they generally perform, and become induced to continue acting by doing this each time they're in contact with the same toys. This means that their conduct depends on exterior elements, and therefore, they are not in a position to manage their own responses and decide how to proceed when they are involved in irregular or even unusual circumstances. If you have not removed your wild mind yet, you can completely lose control of your conduct, and do childish things, turn out to be as well violent, or even quite crude, without being able to select what you are saying or order your own actions. To become in a position to take control of your thoughts and your body, you have to transform your wild personality into human, before it changes a person into a vicious beast or! in to a good immoral dissembler. Who knows whenever your simple side will see a way to conflict inside your mindful thoughts, and master your psychical world, dictating list of positive actions, as well as what you need to state. In normal as well as typical circumstances of the everyday life you may be in a position to control yourself and feel that you are well balanced as well as strong. However, whenever things are not how they usually are, and you have to manage unpredicted challenges, you never know how you may behave? The mind may have the ability to manage your own behavior and to sensibly choose the phrases you'll state only if it's neat and totally developed, instead of being under-created and 1-sided like now that a lot of your capacities stay in a good atrophied condition, of no use to you, in the primitive side of your mind. Mind energy and behavior control rely on mental health insurance and wisdom, which is why you can start taking care of the meaning you've always dreamt of without delay. Via dream translation, you will be well prepared to manage just about all challenges of life without fear, without dropping your own temper, and without forgetting your own moral principles. About the Author If you like this article and want to read more about http://www.silvaintuitionsystem.com/articles/mind-power/mind-power">Mind Power Then please visit our website here: Mind Power.  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2011 04:00 AM PST Appointment-Plus is seeing an increase in holistic medicine practitioners anxious to automate, streamline and improve their customer-scheduling processes during the winter holiday and post-holiday months. The worldwide experts in online scheduling solutions offers the industry's most flexible and feature-rich application for scheduling massages, acupuncture sessions, yoga and other holistic treatments. Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) December 02, 2011 The hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season signals an increase in interest and appointments at holistic medicine practices from individuals anxious to relieve the stress and soothe the soul through such treatments as massage therapy, acupuncture sessions, yoga and herbal treatments. For holistic practitioners and their staff, however, scheduling these individuals using an unreliable and inefficient process can be anything but relaxing. Lacking the functionality to improve this tedious task through their existing homeopathy software, holistic practitioners nationwide are now turning to Appointment-Plus online scheduling software in increasing numbers to simplify this oftentimes time-consuming process in anticipation of the busy winter season.As the worldwide leaders in online scheduling solutions and creators of the most flexible and feature-rich application, Appointment-Plus provides the Web-based tools holistic practices, franchises and systems need to completely automate and streamline the manner in which they book their client treatment sessions and manage their contact information. The online appointment software provider is also the industry's best option for enterprise-level companies and larger practices that require a more robust application for their unique scheduling challenges. Among the services that differentiate Appointment-Plus from other online scheduling software providers are: "Booking customer appointments and managing client information can be much more daunting a task as it seems, especially for larger holistic practices with large numbers of practitioners, services and multiple office locations," says Bob La Loggia, CEO of Appointment-Plus. "Our system is the number-one solution for sites looking to instantly transform their appointment processes and create a better experience for both their staff members and their customers." As the leading provider of online appointment scheduling software to holistic centers, facilities and practices since 2001, Appointment-Plus understands the unique needs these sites have and have developed features especially appealing to the holistic treatment industry, such as:
Along with the above functionality, Appointment-Plus comes equipped with popular features that have made it the number-one online scheduling software application for organizations in over 100 different industries. They include:
Appointment-Plus is also of the developer of the scheduling industry's largest collection of plug-ins, syncs, integrations and modules housed in its brand-new Marketplace. Among the items of interest to holistic centers and practices are syncs with QuickBooks and e-marketing service providers Constant Contact, iContact, MailChimp and Vertical Response, as well as online payment processing through Merchant Warehouse and the new Compensation Calculator, which instantly calculates practitioner compensation in either a flat rate or as a percentage. Future additions to The Marketplace include syncs with Google and Microsoft Outlook calendars and an enhanced mobile Web app. "Don't let your appointment-scheduling process affect the well-being of your operations," La Loggia adds. "Give it the Appointment-Plus treatment!" To learn more about Appointment-Plus online appointment software, click here. About Appointment-Plus:
### Eric Richard Read More @ Source Buddhist song  |
| Posted: 02 Dec 2011 03:00 AM PST Article by Shannon Sobcheck Although traditionally yoga was not practiced with all the modern conveniences of yoga accessories, these accessories are now becoming useful items in achieving complicated postures. Yoga accessories are perfect for those with busy lifestyles. While yoga accessories are not necessarily needed, they can improve the safety of the exercise and increase the speed at which positions are completed. With the right yoga accessories you can really improve the benefits that your yoga regime provides to your body, mind, and spirit. One of the most important yoga accessories is the yoga mat. This is a very essential piece of equipment for yoga exercises. While it is perfectly fine to use a towel as a yoga mat. By using a specially designed yoga mat you could be amazed at the difference it makes to your daily routine. Because yoga is often preferred for providing low impact training, the surface you practice your yoga exercises on can dramatically change the level of resistance your body endures. Yoga mats do not only ensure that your yoga is performed on a secure surface which benefits your overall posture, but it also aids your overall focus. The best yoga mats have an almost adhesive underside. When placed on a solid surface these mats can improve your movements and reduce slippage. By using a yoga mat you will soon notice the benefits that they can provide to your posture and technique. They also define your space thus creating a very relaxing and attentive atmosphere for your yoga exercise. Another common reason why many people choose to practice yoga is to improve their flexibility and suppleness. Unfortunately, when many people begin yoga, they can't always manage to achieve certain poses. Therefore, for those who are less experienced at yoga, yoga accessories such as yoga blocks can also be a useful accessory to purchase. Yoga blocks help to ease beginners into the more intricate poses that yoga can impose. They can also be used to strengthen the muscles during certain poses, so a! re often used by those who are more competent at yoga. Yoga blocks are definitely a must have yoga accessory for those who want to achieve complex yoga poses safely and effectively without causing serious strains and injuries. They are amazingly stable and provide adequate support for those who feel less steady during intricate yoga positions. Yoga blocks really do provide much benefit to beginners. With the use of yoga blocks many beginners are able to achieve alignment much earlier than those who might have started without this yoga accessory. Thus, although you may think that yoga does not require many accessories, there are many yoga accessories which can be used to benefit your regime. With the use of yoga accessories such as a yoga mats and yoga blocks, you can not only improve your postures during yoga, but also ensure your yoga is practiced safely and effectively. Without these types of yoga accessories it can take longer to achieve alignment and intricate positions. So, for those who might require quick and effective results from their yoga exercises, yoga accessories could provide a useful solution. About the AuthorYoga is now becoming a very popular form of exercise for many people. However when most people begin yoga they often come to the exercise with the misconception that yoga does not require much in the form of accessories. While doing yoga does not necessarily need many accessories, with a few select pieces of yoga accessories you can really improve the effectiveness of this exercise. With the appropriate yoga accessories, you can enhance the usefulness of your daily yoga regime. Reduce Mood Swings with Yoga Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing The definitive book of yoga therapy, this groundbreaking work comes to you from the medical editor of the country's premier yoga magazine, who is both a practicing yogi and a Western-trained physician.Beginning with an overview of the history and science of yoga, Dr. McCall describes the many different techniques in the yoga tool kit; explains what yoga does and who can benefit from it (virtually everyone!); and provides lavishly illustrated and minutely detailed instructions on starting a yoga practice geared to your fitness level and your health status. Yoga as Medicine offers a wealth of practical information, including how to: •Utilize yogic tools, including postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, for both prevention and healing of illness •Master the art of becoming more in tune with your body •Communicate more effectively with your doctor •Adopt therapeutic yoga practices as either an alternative or a complement to surgery and to expensive, sometimes dangerous medications •Practice safely Find an instructor and a style of yoga that are right for you. With twenty chapters devoted to the work of individual master teachers, including such well-known figures as Patricia Walden, John Friend, and Rodney Yee, Yoga as Medicine shows how these experts have applied the wisdom of this ancient holistic practice to twenty different conditions, ranging from arthritis to chronic fatigue, depression, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, infertility, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, and obesity. Defining yoga as "a systematic technology to improve the body, understand the mind, and free the spirit," Dr. McCall shows the way to a path that can truly alter your life. An indispensable guide for the millions who now practice yoga or would like to begin, as well as for yoga teachers, body workers, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
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| Early Morning Stress Reduction Inspiration - 12/2/2011 Posted: 02 Dec 2011 03:00 AM PST |
| Understanding How Subliminal Messages Influence the Mind Posted: 02 Dec 2011 02:00 AM PST Article by Nelson Berry ♥♫ In the morning light♥♫ - Relaxation Reiki for your Mind, Body and Soul♥♫ Guided Relaxation; For the Body and Mind This CD guides you through a process that relaxes your entire body, and allows your body to access its natural strengths. It begins with quieting your body and practicing deep breathing. From there, the listener is slowly guided through relaxing each part of the body. The verbal description emphasizes how to release bodily tension and replace it with feelings of ease and well-being. The CD ends with a suggestion to sleep and rest. In 20 minutes, you can reduce your stress at work or help yourself fall asleep at night at home. There are three 20 minute tracks on the CD. The guided script is the same for all three tracks. The difference among the tracks is the background sounds. One has relaxing music. Another has the sound of the ocean. The third has voice only. You can try all three to see which one works best for you.
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| Posted: 02 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST Article by J.J. Windrose Today we know many methods on how to quit smoking easily and without having to endure the symptoms of it. Having so many methods on your disposal gives you a great deal to choose from. As we all know every person is different but some beliefs are in common, when I say that I'm talking about smoking beliefs or better say the smoking mindset. I have to say that I have found the Meditation as an excellent help and support in quitting smoking process, it helps you ease you mind and relax. In this way you can completely pass through the whole process without sensing the withdrawal symptoms. The key is in conducting these exercises with perseverance and consistency. For all of you who decide that Meditation is the way to go, the best advice is to practice twice per day. In very short period of time you will notice that you feel much better.But, lets start with a short explanation on what Meditation really is... According to Wikipedia: "Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness." Meditation technique can be found in alternative but also in complementary medicine. It is a mind-body technique where a person learns how to focus attention. We can find many types of meditation which originated in religious and spiritual traditions in the ancient times. This practice is believed to result in a state of greater calmness and physical relaxation, and psychological balance, practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts. Benefits of Meditation on the body: Meditation reduces the heart rate, as well as the respiratory and metabolic rate so it is beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure.Meditation reduces cortisol - the stress hormone.Meditation reduces muscle tension and improves the quality of life.Meditation improves the breathing and helps to increase airflow to the lungs.Meditation boosts t! he immun e system and slows down the process of aging.Meditation increases the brain function.Meditation helps in curing migraines, headaches, and other nervous system problems. Spiritual benefits of Meditation : Today is very well known that the stress is one of the biggest enemies of man kind. We all live in very fast times when we have hardly the time to breathe and look around us.So, it is not strange that stress is one of the major causes in almost every problem, physical or psychological, that one has to face. Meditating we can lower the level of stress which is very important for the well-being of every single person.Meditation has a great effect on our state of mind and soul, it increases our intuition, creativity and emotional stability, and at the same time reduces depression, anxiety and irritability. It can help us to think positive and enhance the self-confidence, it improves our learning ability, memory and concentration. Simply Meditation brings happiness in our lives, and helps us to overcome our fears and phobias. That's why Meditation is so powerful in quitting smoking process. It gives you the strength, the willpower and the right mindset to quit smoking effortlessly. How to meditate? There are many forms of meditation but the simple basics are:Before each meditation try to achieve certain requirements to successfully reach the desired satisfaction and meditative effect.Clothes you wear should be made of natural material with light colors.You should eat at least two hours before the beginning of meditation.The area of meditation should be with lot of fresh air, not too much light, noise that interrupt the flow of thought.To increase the effect of meditation use calming music, the smell of incense or candles.Posture should be sitting, with the spine and head slightly bent toward the chest, hands on knees, palms facing the sky.Control your breathing. Breathe deeply only through your nose.You will slowly begin to visualize yourself feeling healthy and strong. Feeling! the lig ht surrounding you. After a while you'll start feeling that cigarettes are no longer needed. Keep that feeling a few moments. You will no longer have the urge for tobacco. Light is once again released by our body. You feel completely happy, complacent because you no longer feel the nicotine deposits, toxins circulating throughout your body. You feel a kind of liberation. Begin again with a deep, breathing from the belly as on the beginning of this meditation. After a few regular breaths and open your eyes again to come back into everyday life. You can repeat this simple exercise every day. The art of visualization is very important during meditation. See yourself free from smoking, feel it, and you will be free once and for all. For those who want to try this simple exercise, personally, I wish much success! So, to meditate or not to meditate... Meditation is free of any kind of side effects and you can only gain by practicing it. It is easy to learn and you can practice it when ever you want and it is a stress release method that function every time. Doing so it helps us get in touch with ourself. Meditation makes us realize that we are a part of the universe and part of the cosmic consciousness. My advice? Meditate... About the AuthorAfter 20 years of struggling I want to share with you this really successful and easy method to STOP SMOKING, that changed my life forever!I tried everything and I failed 5 times, I was really the worst smoker I had ever known, but this new approach to the cigarettes vice free me from all the stress an made me an happy EX-SMOKER! If you want to know more I strongly recommend you to visit Quitting Smoking Timeline Website, in which you will find very usefull information and the best review of readings http://www.quitting-smoking-timeline.com/ Deep Meditation Experience  |
| Religious stories are too wonderful to be true Posted: 02 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST One of the things scientists have learned about humans is how much we love stories. People are bothered by uncertainty, doubt, not-knowing. Our brains are hardwired by evolution to jump to intuitive conclusions that seem oh-so-right, even when the evidence supporting those conclusions is oh-so-limited. Stories fill in the gaps in our ignorance, producing a pleasing thematic arc: introductory first act, dramatic second act, tying it all together third act. For example, Christianity tells us a story of how God created a perfect world, humans screwed things up by sinning, and Jesus was sent to save us. Of course, there are some glitches in the factual foundation of this "greatest story ever told." For example, Jesus hasn't returned to perform his Second Coming role. But Christians explain this away through various strategems, such as this attempt which thoroughly confused me upon a quick reading (I don't have much patience for tortured theological arguments). Here's a basic lesson about religious stories: if they seem too wonderful to be true, that's because they're almost certainly false. By contrast, scientific "stories," a.k.a. theories or laws of nature, have no inherent connection with what we human beings want to be true. Scientists seek knowledge of how the cosmos is, not how it ideally would be if people could wave a magic wand and change it however they like. I'd prefer to never die, grow old, or become infirm. I'd prefer to be happy all the time, never suffering any disappointments. At least, I think I would. Maybe perfection would come to seem imperfect after I'd experienced enough of it. Regardless, I'd like to give it a try. And that's exactly what religions promise -- perfection. It's no wonder they're so successful at attracting most of the world's population into their dogmatic clutches. The stories religions offer are amazingly attractive. Who doesn't want to spend eternity in heaven or paradise? Who doesn't want everlasting bliss, peace, and perfect knowledge? Who doesn't want to surrender a fear of death and embrace a promise of dying being a gateway to a much better form of existence? For more than three decades I bought into an Eastern version of Christan salvation, the teachings of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Instead of Jesus, I believed that a guru was the "son of God" and had been sent by the Almighty to rescue my soul. Instead of having my sins forgiven, I believed that my store of karmas was being wiped out by meditation and the guru's grace, cleansing my soul of impurities that prevented it from ascending to a heavenly realm. This story was firmly rooted in Indian philosophy, but I didn't view it in that fashion. To me, this was living, breathing truth. I could see the guru, listen to his words, understand his teachings as an infallible guide for living the good life both now and after my bodily death. Best of all, there were no chinks in this story-armor, no "I don't know" blank spots that could foster doubts about the marvelous journey back to God I'd embarked on and was guaranteed to complete. Eventually I began to see the light -- through cracks around the edges of trusted religious teachings that I'd ignored for many years because I didn't want to see these flaws in what I wanted to believe was Perfect Truth. Why didn't the guru appear to be godlike, rather than a normal human being? The supposed reason: because God wanted it this way. A deal had been made with the "devil"; perfect gurus weren't allowed to manifest their perfection through obvious miracles, because otherwise the poor devil would lose all of his own devotees, causing the soul-population of this physical creation to plummet. Does that sound crazy? Sure. But what's even crazier is how many disciples of the guru, including me, accepted this story. Along with equally implausible plot lines. Why isn't there demonstrable evidence of disciples returning to heavenly realms, as promised? The supposed reason: because if any disciple revealed details about his or her spiritual progress, the progress would stop; also, talking about mystical experiences in meditation would feed the initiate's ego, so this was forbidden. It also conveniently fostered a blackout of shared information about whether the guru's prescribed meditative practice led to the claimed results. So every disciple thought that he or she was one of the rare people who weren't having visions of God. Eventually, though, I realized that whenever I talked honestly with fellow disciples, we all were in the same ungodly boat: nobody was living out the god-realization story that the guru promised, yet each of us figured that everybody else was -- just not us. Many additional examples of unbelievable story lines in the RSSB teachings could be given. I'll share just one more. Why aren't disciples of the guru experiencing the divine lights, sounds, and such that accompany the soul's experiencing of higher realms of reality? The supposed reason: because the spiritual path is like digging a tunnel through a mountain; until you reach the other side, it's dark in the tunnel. Progress is being made, but you can't discern it. Again, this came to strike me as too cute, too convenient, too accommodating of blind faith in the guru even when no evidence of the truthfulness of his teachings was apparent. Everybody loves a good story. But when the story is too good, don't trust it, especially when the purveyor is a religion. Religions control people by telling stories we all want to hear -- stories with marvelously happy endings, stories where we are the heroes and heroines, whose plot focus is all about us. Don't believe them. Choose reality. Choose the truth. Even when the resulting story has imperfections, downsides, disappointments. Don't live your one and only life as a fantasy. Make it real.  |
| Practicing Yoga is made easier with Yoga Books from Spirit Voyage Posted: 02 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST Article by Karan Khalsa Books are the source of information or in other words, source of knowledge. Books can replace a teacher or a guide, by leading one to the right avenue. It is said that books are the best friend of a human being. To learn anything books can be the best help. And when it comes to Yoga, no one can ignore the importance of Yoga books in learning the scientific method of yoga practicing. Since Vedic ages Yoga is the proven way of controlling mind, heart, body, soul. Yoga is the key to a healthy life. Many a things are there to teach Yoga like Yoga DVDs and CDs, Yoga music etc. but books hold a great place of importance here. Practicing yoga properly and regularly requires a Yoga instructor or teacher. But sometimes it is really difficult to find a trained yoga supervisor. Yoga gurus conduct yoga sessions and teach the practitioners the right way of practicing yoga. Yoga books, with their important and relevant content act as great aid in the absence of suitable Yoga instructor. Be it Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga or Raja yoga, without proper knowledge one should not practice it himself or herself. Yoga is a vast field. So authors make extensive research before writing a book on any form of yoga. A proper Yoga book deals with the basic information on Yoga, contain detail informations about the different body postures and the rules which should be followed or kept in mind while practicing yoga. Spirit Voyage, an online music company, presents a huge collection of Yoga books which is beneficial to the Yoga practitioners of all levels. This collection encompasses the wide sphere of yoga with Kundalini yoga books, general yoga books, children yoga books, health and wellness yoga books, and yoga books for sex and love. Each and every book gives a vivid description and visuals on the respective subjects. Lots of illustrations, diagrams and pictures help the readers to interpret the contents effortlessly. Minute details about the respiratory system required for breathing exercises or difficult Yoga f! orms suc h as Kundalini Yoga or Kripalu Yoga are also provided in these yoga books. These books promise to satisfy the readers with all constituents that are relevant for a Yoga book. These yoga books can easily enlighten the readers or yoga aspirants and guide them in the right path. This company also has a huge collection of meditation music and Yoga DVDs which enlivens the spiritual senses within oneself. Soothing spiritual tunes refresh the mind from all unnecessary thoughts, helping it to relax and connect it to the divine energy. Yoga books offered by Spirit Voyage can captivate one's imagination and satisfy the needs. The simple language of these books make the communication between the authors and the readers more direct and clear. One can undoubtedly apply the theoretical knowledge in practical application taking guidance from these books. Spirit Voyage also brings an exclusive compilation of best Yoga books on Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Anusara Yoga and Sivananda Yoga. Apart from Yoga books, it also offers Yoga music CDs and DVDs. The soulful music paired with the heat-touching melodious voices of Snatam Kaur, Wah!, Donna De Lorry, Gurmukh, Deva Premal and other legendary singers enrich the collection and transform it into a spiritual level. A selection of soothing and serene meditation music will surely fill up the heart and soul and evoke the true dedication for the Almighty. About the AuthorThe author writes for Spirit Voyage which is engaged in offering various kinds of yoga music and meditation music. The company offers different CDs and DVDs for practicing kundalini Yoga and other yoga forms. My Yoga Studio
My Yoga Studio is like having a personal yoga teacher on your Kindle. There are many benefits to practicing yoga. Done properly, yoga can help you increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. It can improve your posture as you become more aware of your body, and it can help you relax, even in the midst of a stressful environment. My Yoga Studio will guide you step-by-step through a series of poses illustrated with a picture and a text description. As you move through the routine, a timer will count down, showing you how long to hold each pose before gently transitioning to the next. 25 different poses are included. You can use one of three included routines (Sun Salutation, Stress Melter, or Balance & Peace), do poses individually, or create your own custom routine. Exercises are designed to strengthen your core, and do not require any special equipment. As you can do these exercises anywhere you have floor space, My Yoga Studio is a perfect companion for frequent travelers or home use. My Yoga Studio is ready to be your personal guide anytime you want to steal a few moments to center yourself.
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| Getting started with yoga with music from Spirit Voyage Posted: 01 Dec 2011 11:00 PM PST Article by Jeet Kumar Yoga has been one of the most brilliant ways for a person to connect to his soul. It's one of the most effective means to exercise the body without exhausting it. Yoga has been around here since ages and so its benefits are some of the most verified types of exercise known to man. Yoga has the power to unite the body with the mind. It instigates the human mind to explore the mind and come out a better human being. Yoga in any form, be it, Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Asthanga Yoga. Of late, Yoga has spread across the world with the turn of the century and now people are warming up to the need of keeping a fit body, mind a soul and are so looking up to the Yoga. People from all around the world have some real reasons to be happy about practicing Yoga. There are immense benefits in practicing Yoga. Yoga in any form, be it Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga or Asthanga Yoga brings down the stress levels of the human beings. In times like these, stress plays a key role in the lives of the people. Yoga successfully helps people to deal with the various factors that create the stress in the first place. When one wants to start Yoga practice, one should do the Yoga by following the perfect postures and the perfect breathing-techniques. Yoga DVDs released by Spirit Voyage helps an amateur in understanding the nitty-gritty of Yoga. For example, Ashthanga Yoga Introductory Poses by Nicki Doane is one such Yoga DVD which will help those who want to learn about various Yoga poses for the first time. Flow Yoga for beginners by Shiva Rea is also another Yoga DVD which will tremendously help many beginners who want to acquaint themselves with Yoga. Musics like Yoga Music haves the power to heal the body, mind and soul. It is highly recommended to practice Yoga in the morning. When one wakes up to the charming voices of prominent artists such as Snatam Kaur, Gurmukh, Nirinjan Kaur, one listens to the voices that will enable oneself to connect with God. These are the voices which stay in the mind for the ! whole da y. They reverberate within one's mind and helps the person stave off various stress-related situations and emerge happier and stronger. Spirit Voyage, a leading online music company is offering Yoga Music CDs and DVDs which will enable beginners to incorporate these soothing music into the structures of Yoga- Yoga, Meditation and Breathing. With its soothing music, practicing Yoga will never be the same again. The musics will help make beginners feel more involved with the entire process of Yoga and achieving happiness. Meditation Music CDs which will be beneficial for many beginners are Whale Meditation by Kamal, Nirvana Groove by David and Steve Gordon, Gong The Nucleus of Sound by Yogi Bhajan. These meditation music send the practitioner to a state of oneness with God. Yoga beginners also must keep in mind that they must do Yoga properly. For doing Yoga correctly, proper clothing is a necessity. Spirit Voyage also offers a range of Yoga clothings which will definitely come to the aid of the people. These Yoga clothes are made of fine material which will enable a practitioner to do Yoga freely as the clothes will help the body breath. Yoga is a life-long practice. When a person starts Yoga, he will himself prefer to continue it for throughout his life due to its immense benefits. About the AuthorThe author writes for Spirit Voyage which is engaged in offering various kinds of yoga music and meditation music. The company offers different CDs and DVDs for practicing kundalini Yoga and other yoga forms. Yoga for Strength and Focus Gentle Yoga for Every Body Gentle Yoga for Every Body has 12 customized routines that make all the physical and mental benefits of yoga available to everyone. Over the centuries, yoga practitioners have discovered simple and effective practices to reduce stress and achieve optimal health, vitality and serenity. This DVD has specially modified poses and routines so that no matter how flexible or inflexible you are, you can experience the numerous benefits of yoga.This revolutionary, interactive system allows you to choose from over 12 customized routines ranging from 15-60 minutes. The DVD is arranged in 3 sections, Very Gentle, Gentle and Gentle Challenge to meet your ever changing needs. Routines include: - Routines to build strength and increase flexibility gently - Modified routines to meet a wide variety of needs, including seated in a chair, lying down and standing positions. - Specific issues, such as Neck and shoulders - Relaxation and stress reducing routines - Breathing exercises 30 MINUTE BONUS FEATURE: Living Compassion with the Dalai Lama
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| Book Of Meditation For Beginners - Meditation Techniques For Beginners Posted: 01 Dec 2011 10:00 PM PST Article by GS Virk Meditation w/ Anusara Yogi Bridget Woods Kramer - omshop.com Meditation for Beginners
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| Treating Depression Naturally While Growing your Cleverness and Mind Power Posted: 01 Dec 2011 09:00 PM PST Article by Pat Jacalyn The normal depression therapy offered to anyone simply by the clever subconscious mind in your current daily dreams can be the most beneficial one. You'll be amazed since you'll confirm the value of the that means of your current ambitions. This will become a correct great time-saver that will will fully improve your life.In the start of my career in 1990, I experienced to persist together with my personal depressed sufferers they required therapy in the form of aspiration therapy. Their particular ambitions got to be taken significantly.I do a lot of expert bono work. I treated his or her depressive disorders without payment, like a cousin. I would go to their homes, meet the folks of their families, as well as help them in his or her every day responsibilities. I got the opportunity to recognize the source of many of their emotional problems past depression in this way.I would immediately change almost all their ambitions, then describe precisely how to apply this information to his or her lives, supporting these people follow the unconscious advice.The language translation of a lot of ambitions taught me to be transform the complicated strategy of desire decryption identified simply by Carl Jung directly into a simple method of immediate aspiration translation.Everyone was cynical concerning attending to to their own ambitions and writing them along. Many people explained that they can did not remember their particular ambitions. Nonetheless, after they started to be serious, they started out knowing how all their goals, wonderful their particular details.Once they found just how much they will realized while the fantasy mail messages have been interpreted, that they shared dream evaluation together with a real love.I got then to find out a method to immediately translate not merely a single aspiration, but a sequence of dreams, due to the fact many individuals started out introducing myself with plenty of goals on a regular basis. I had no time to turn almost all these with my own approach fo! r a sing le fantasy interpretation. As a result I had to perfect one way of carrying it out.I found once you already know the nearly all known fantasy emblems in a desire selection you're able to immediately convert the standard which means of an total desire collection along with I can coach you on just how to do the identical.When folks learn precisely how to convert their unique dreams these people love desire treatments. It can be free. Nobody offers to get everywhere in order to follow this particular type of hypnosis. Everyone has only to take note of their very own dreams along with learn precisely how to change these goals directly into that means snippets of perception doing it using very good therapy.The course of action starts with understanding the desire language, but once learned, the translations turn into automated.When you get better at the dream language you enter in contact with the wise depths of the mind mind in which patiently evaluates your complete life, your current individuality, plus your habits. The idea provides you with very clear replies with what is happening to you. The depression is actually steadily eradicated with that expertise and by the alteration of the individuality.Because you preserve converting the that means of your desires along with growing many thanks to the development of your cleverness, a person obtain mind power.It's possible to predict the upcoming and change that with respect to whatever you desire to accomplish. A person learn how to determine people, having the capability to to virtually read their minds simply by analyzing their conduct. In addition, you learn how to favorably influence people, and just how to consume these people many thanks to your current remarkable personality.Now that you are usually depressed you wouldn't want to live. However, right after subsequent the major depression therapy furnished to an individual simply by the depths of the mind mind, you will really feel totally different. You should have an everlasting good mood, and you wi! ll proba bly really like your own life. About the AuthorTo learn more, pay a visit to depression and treatment and best depression medication Stress Management - Mindfulness Mindfulness (A Merloyd Lawrence Book) "A landmark work of social psychology" (Booklist) now in paperback at a popular price. " . . . Harvard psychology professor Langer seeks to dramatize the rigid conditions and mindsets that often produce a pervasive state of automatized stupidity . . . (and) proposes a life-enhancing alternative."--Kirkus Reviews."A landmark work of social psychology" (Booklist) now in paperback at a popular price. " . . . Harvard psychology professor Langer seeks to dramatize the rigid conditions and mindsets that often produce a pervasive state of automatized stupidity . . . (and) proposes a life-enhancing alternative."--Kirkus Reviews.
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| The Magic of Conscious Breathing Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:00 PM PST Article by Kate Corbin "Emotional and physical states can be altered by changing the breathing pattern."- Wilhelm Reich If you're breathing, you're alive, right? Would you then agree that - if you're breathing fully and consciously - you're fully and consciously alive? Try an experiment right now. As you read this article, try breathing slowly and deeply - ideally through your nose and from your diaphragm - and see if you feel just a little bit better when you're finished reading. I'm betting you will. Andrew Weil, M.D. and many others in the healing community acknowledge the therapeutic value of conscious breathing. In fact, hundreds of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the breath in alleviating both physical and psychological issues. Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., a true believer in the healing power of the breath, has used it himself and with clients for decades to relieve anxiety, depression, fear, anger, sadness; treat fatigue, asthma, addictions, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, headaches; increase stamina, concentration, overall fitness; and open to a richer, fuller experience of life itself. You may be aware that you can go without food for several weeks and without water for several days, but did you know you can only survive for 4 to 5 minutes without breathing? [Remember to B-R-E-A-T-H-E as you read.] Here are six ways you can literally B-R-E-A-T-H-E your way to a better life: *Conscious Breathing Enhances Overall Well-Being.After a session of deep breathing, you'll have access to better feeling thoughts. You'll know in your heart that all is well. Try this: As you exhale, imagine breathing out all forms of resistance, discomfort and stress. As you inhale, imagine breathing in well-being, health, vitality, clarity, ease and flow. Aaaah! *Conscious Breathing Connects You with Source. The process of breathing is much more than a physical function. As you breat! he deepl y, you release resistance and your vibration rises until it finds resonance and alignment with the vibration of your Source. Many of the world's major spiritual traditions have employed breathing techniques to deepen spiritual experiences. *Conscious Breathing Quiets Your Mind.By focusing on your breathing, you deactivate resistant thought. Breathing deeply allows your body, mind and spirit to find its natural balance, its natural state of well-being. "Fear is excitement without the breath."- Fritz Perls, M.D. *Conscious Breathing Relieves Stress.When you're stressed out, your breathing tends to be shallow and in your chest. When you're relaxed, your breathing naturally slows down and drops farther into your belly, becoming deeper and more nurturing. Try this: When you feel tense, anxious or fearful, consciously choose to take deeper, slower breaths and you'll feel the tension melting from your body. Conscious breathing is the perfect antidote to stress. [Continue B-R-E-A-T-H-I-N-G slowly and deeply.] *Conscious Breathing Increases Energy.To overcome fatigue, focus on your breathing and be fully engaged with each in-breath and each out-breath. Do this for several minutes and fatigue will be replaced with a warm flow of vitality. As I take breathing breaks during my day, I like to follow the breathing rhythm recommended in the book, Getting into the Vortex: a full, strong breath in . . . 1, 2, 3 . . . and a long, slow, easy breath out . . . 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Works like a charm to allow in a fresh flow of life force energy. *Conscious Breathing Reduces Pain. Many women have learned healthy breathing techniques through natural childbirth classes - breathing with the contractions, rather than fighting them. Gay Hendricks even uses slow deep breathing rather than anesthesia at the dentist. Not sure I'm ready for that one, but nice to know it can be done. Breathing into discomfort rather than ! resistin g it reduces any painful sensation. Conscious breathing is a fast, effective way to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. Every cell in your body is rejuvenated by fresh supplies of oxygen. As you breathe deeply, you're in a state of allowing, a state of alignment with Source. You feel more fully alive. Your blood flows more smoothly, your digestion works more efficiently and you think more clearly. As you breathe slowly and deeply into your belly, endorphins are released and you feel naturally calm and at peace. You breathe in and out 20,000 times a day. Over a lifetime, that's more than 100 million times. Imagine how breathing even slightly more consciously will result in profound improvements in the quality of your entire life! [Still breathing slowly and deeply? Feel better, don't you?] About the AuthorKate Corbin is a Law of Attraction Coach and the creator of Gold Star Coaching. Both her coaching practice and her two ebooks - "Dining at the Cosmic Cafe, How to Be and Do and Have Whatever You Desire" as well as "Think and Grow Thin with the Law of Attraction" - are designed to empower you to truly live the life of your dreams. To contact Coach Kate, download a free copy of her ebook "Magical Musings on the Law of Attraction," and subscribe to her ezine, visit Gold Star Coaching. Wisdom and Knowledge (the best spiritual teacher)  |
| Capacity to Speak Together with your Quite Private Individual Spiritual Advisor Posted: 01 Dec 2011 07:00 PM PST Article by John Lapis Free of charge On the web Psychic Chat rooms are speedily getting just as widespread as world wide web dating internet sites. With all the power to chat together with your really personal person spiritual advisor twenty-four hours each day seven days every week, it really is at present a lot more handy than ever to seem for the stars for options. This grants the person to form a lengthier much more internal kinship with their medium thusly benefiting more from their psychic session. Away are the days of atrociously pricey toll calls to an unknown voice around the other end of a cold telephone. For roughly a dollar per minute, an individual now has the capacity to interact in a live video discussion using a screened and endorsed spiritual advocate. Conscious and caring, these empowered guys and ladies apply their gifts to assist individuals in contact for spiritual advice. Whether or not these are in reality clairvoyant, and possess a 'sixth sense' that makes it possible for them to see beyond the organic boundaries from the planet; it can't be denied the service they perform is uplifting and good. A first-class function of these web sites could be the ability to narrow down a person consultant for any reading on-line based mostly on a specific location or procedure of psychic studying that myself because the user could specify. What a fantastic approach to get essentially the most advantage out of a session. I personally participated within a free on the internet psychic chat with an psychic for that 1st time several weeks ago. Now, I've never been one particular to incline towards this platform for anything at all apart from an increase in spirit. By no means would I arrive at a prominent lifestyle altering conclusion founded around the direct instruction of someone, even though well minded guidance is forever welcome. Using a licensed psychic counselor inside the family members, and current spiritual occurrences in my daily life, it triggered a wonder in me that could ! not be d ismissed. Whether or not what was getting told to me was reality or fabrication, it was with out a question elating and inspirational. The body of work these individuals perform regularly passes unseen and unrewarded. The lives they conserve, along with the affirmative touch they make around the masses throughout the world puts them within a grade all their own. I did the inquiry, and discovered, what was in my belief, the most reputable supply for any free of charge on-line psychic chat session reading. With over a number of hundred advisors on hand to either video conference, chat online, or phone conference it was an easy undertaking to operate via the net website and surf by means of the profiles with the ready psychics or spiritualists. My totally free on the internet psychic chat experience proceeded so comfortably, I wound up befriending my spiritual counselor and turning out to be a member of that website. It really is an energizing journey that, even though skeptical, rendered a really real benefit to me and I know it others benefit tremendously from it as well. What would probably be needed for you personally to possess to get a psychic chat can be a web cam. Unless you do not want the psychic to become ready to see you during your on the internet psychic studying. Essentially what requires spot for the duration of a psychic chat is the fact that a window opens that connects you to your psychic. About the Authorpsychic chat free "Signs of Spiritual Awakening and 5th Dimensional Reality" John Morton Teachings of the Spiritual Heart: The Law and Spirit (Including Moments of Peace From Around the World) A moment of peace - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, April 2002. The Law and Spirit. It is important to become unconditional in your willingness to be loving. Make no demands on how the world changes, just love it anyway. John Morton holds the keys to the Mystical Traveler Consciousness, a guide to soul awareness, spiritual awakening, loving, and personal freedom. His seminars focus on Soul Transcendence, the truth beyond the illusions of life, and the awareness of Spirit in all things.
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| Posted: 01 Dec 2011 07:00 PM PST Sunday May 9, 2004 By MANGAI BALASEGARAMSOMEONE asked me recently, "How do you stay happy?" Good question. Isn't happiness what we're all seeking? My friend who posed the question is a masseuse and beautician with several unhappy women among her clientele, a couple of tearful depressives even. She was curious why some people were always happy while others tended to be miserable, even when life wasn't treating them so bad. I replied instantly: "Gratitude! When you count your blessings and look on the bright side of things, life doesn't look so bad." Really, I bet if you counted 100 blessings in your life, you'd be in a happier mood. I can offer one blessing for starters – living in a peaceful, prosperous country. Then try counting 100 problems and see the difference! Happiness may appear elusive and unreachable, but actually, it's a matter of choice. It has more to do with your state of mind than the state of affairs of your life. Don't believe me? I can already hear the protests from those who think they'll only be happy with "that" relationship or job or house. Or when they make their first million. Or buy a fancy car. So, um, what happens in the mean time (which could be a long time)? I'm not discounting having goals, but if you can't be happy without attaining them, you're giving away your happiness. You do know, surely, that money doesn't necessarily buy happiness. Money can buy pleasure, yes, but not lasting happiness. That's why people buy more and more pleasure, but like addicts, never feel satisfied. In truth, lots of rich people lead rather sad lives. Christina Onassis, once the world's richest heiress, died miserable and heartbroken at just 37. Despite all that money, plastic surgery and five husbands, she never got the love she craved. The same with Hong Kong star Leslie Cheung. But what if your life situation really sucks? True, sometimes life is painful. Yet, how we respond and recover ultimately depends on our attitude. Mulling over this, I pulled out one of my favourite books, The Art of Happiness, by the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard C. Cutter. The Dalai Lama says anyone can attain true happiness simply by training the mind. This statement initially astonished Cutter. Western psychiatry, he notes, seeks to uncover the root of the problem and provide symptomatic relief, rather than actually work for happiness. That's like trying to figure out who shot the arrow in your head – and why and how – instead of just pulling it out. By cultivating positive traits, focusing on solutions rather than problems, shifting our perspective, we can be happier. Focusing on others instead of ourselves, and nurturing connections with people and feelings of love and compassion also bring happiness. Cutter writes that while external events create ups and downs, there's a certain baseline of happiness for many people. Studies on lottery winners in Britain show that after the initial high, their overall well-being – that is, happiness – returns back to normal or less. What changes the baseline is our outlook, our perspective. If we watch for what's unfair, or compare our situation to others, some ideal or the past, we are bound for unhappiness. Contentment comes from appreciating what we have. Gratitude! In one study, completing the sentence, "I'm glad I'm not a?" created more feelings of happiness in subjects than, "I wish I were a?" Our worldview or philosophy definitely counts. If we see suffering as an inevitable part of life, it's easier to accept. Cutter notes Western society doesn't cope well with suffering – perhaps because there's less of it nowadays than in developing countries. Any failure in the system is almost unacceptable. If anything untoward or unfortunate happens, someone must be blamed. And sued! You can see people blaming their parents, spouses, governments, genetics, education and even astrology! But in this blame game, guess who we usually forget to blame? Yes? ourselves. The Dalai Lama says we often add to our pain by taking things too personally, being overly sensitive and overreacting to minor things. For the "me'' generation, everything is always about us, not the 1,001 other possible reasons. The real truth about happiness is that absolutely nobody is responsible for your happiness but you. Obvious, of course, yet how often do we see it that way? But here's the best part – happiness is totally free. It won't cost you a thing to smile right now.
Read More @ Source Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Music Relaxation  |
| Posted: 01 Dec 2011 06:00 PM PST Article by TheEmotionMachine Imagine yourself lightly dressed. You are wearing plain, solid-colored clothes, perhaps a clean shade of either orange or maroon. In this outfit you begin walking into an empty, but illuminated white-walled room with its bright white-tiled floor. You find your way to the center of the room, assume a sitting posture, and close your eyes. You remain in this position - disciplined and focused - but passively observing the fleeting moments as they pass, one by one, in complete silence and complete stillness. Time begins to slow down. You are fully immersed in your being. Moments, never-ending, continually pass through your field of awareness. To outside observers - you might as well be taking a short nap: you are motionless, not forcing anything to happen, not chasing any desires. But you are at a greater vantage point, a different plateau of existence, a landscape unfamiliar to those who only know busy minds and never empty ones. The passing of time becomes more and more meaningful and less and less detectable. Five...ten...twenty minutes pass, and you continue to sit. Then, like a cicada coming out of its shell at the beginning of summer, you gradually break through your bubble of consciousness and slowly return to the sensing world. With eyes open, you get up and, thinking nothing of it, walk out the same door you used when you first entered. The room was vacant, but you left with the possession of something new. How is this at possible? What did you learn, and can it be anything of value? For centuries upon centuries, Buddhist monks have claimed that meditative practices lead to insights regarding the self and its role in the true nature of existence. Many devote huge portions, if not their entire lives, to this practice of stillness and passive observation of the mind. In the West, meditation has become ever-increasingly popular. Among scientists, athletes, and business owners, just about anyone can become interested in the power of Zen. Despite (or perhaps because)! of this growing popularity, there is a bit of confusion as to what meditation is and what purpose it serves. To most meditation is seen as a means to maintain mental hygiene. It relieves stress, relaxes our thoughts, and increases our attention capacity. In the early 1990s at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Jon Kabat-Zinn developed an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program that is still being modeled and practiced in cognitive-behavioral treatment labs all throughout the country. The Buddhist notion of mindfulness (known as sati) is showing a greater and greater influence each year in various clinical therapies, both as a treatment for severe psychological illnesses as well as physical betterment and well-being. This movement is refreshing compared to the other alternatives clinical psychologists most often resort to with their patients: massive pharmaceutical drug giveaways. Often these drugs become permanent solutions to what could be temporary problems. Take the example of a child with ADD: instead of becoming dependent on Ritalin or some other just as harmful psychostimulant, a child could get much more benefit through the practice of meditation. Instead of thinking of the mind as a grudge, or some kind of limiting disposition, we need to reframe the mind for what it really is: a muscle! Just as a bodybuilder can spend weeks of training and learn to lift his or her weight on the bench, individuals can sharpen their mental skills and capacity through the specific teachings and cultivation of mindfulness. Mindfulness won't solve every problem for everyone, but I do believe it is something that anyone can gain tremendous benefits from doing. To be acquainted with our self and to learn to take our existence and skill into our own hands is certainly something we could all use more of. Meditation puts us in an unfamiliar position of power. We are the center of our world, and we cannot deny the spiritual implications of our lives as sentient, subjective! , and fe eling beings. About the Author Steven is a personal development blogger who practices what he preaches. Check out his personal development blog called The Emotion Machine. Spiritual Lawyer Presents Mindfulness in the Brain By Michael Spezio Calming Your Anxious Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Anxiety, Fear, and Panic
The Mindfulness Solution to Anxiety Drawing on techniques and perspectives from two seemingly different traditions, this second edition of the self-help classic Calming Your Anxious Mind offers you a powerful and profound approach to overcoming anxiety, fear, and panic. From the evidence-based tradition of Western medicine, learn the role your thoughts and emotions play in anxiety. And, from the tradition of meditation and the inquiry into meaning and purpose, discover your own potential for presence and stillness, kindness and compassion-and the tremendous power these states give you to heal and transform your life.
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| Raising Ones Consciousness – Inner wellbeing and Health Posted: 01 Dec 2011 05:00 PM PST Article by Gabriel Jonathan There sure is a lot of talk these days about inner peace, mindfulness, find your center, and just breathe into it. As the pace of modern life accelerates, demand for the service of self-care continues to rise. And there are as many teachers, classes, workshops, seminars, and cruises eager to offer their services to show you how to get there. The combination of inner calm and big business is worth looking at. There seems to be a tendency among many organizations to handle the possibility of inner serenity flippantly. Perhaps too many organizations are counting on riding on the momentum of the current trend, or perhaps profit margins in this self-help field are too large and integrity ends up taking a back seat. To find an establishment that can offer basic, legitimate steps to inner wellbeing, is one thing. To find one that offers these services, long term, with integrity is rare. One such establishment is located in India. Isha Foundation, adjacent to the Velliangiri Foothills, in Tamil Nadu, handles the issue of an individual's inner wellbeing with heartening significance. They are a non-religious, nonprofit, public service organization involved in activities designed to create an inclusive culture as a basis for global peace and development. Their current efforts involve taking inner wellbeing to the masses. They have designed GiveIsha as an interactive hub of updates, information, and support. Give Isha is a unique fundraising community focusing on fundraising online. It is currently raising money and awareness for a featured project that has world wide appeal - the Aadhi Yogi Alayam. This immense 82,000 sq. ft. hall is a sacred space created as an instrument to raise human consciousness. In acknowledgment of a being that has played an absolutely significant role in shaping human consciousness, Aadhi Yogi Alayam is named as a tribute to Shiva, the First Yogi or Aadhi Yogi. Once established in December 2011, the Aadhi Yogi Alayam will offer the possibility for every individual, no ! matter w hat their background, to experience at least one drop of inner wellbeing. Its a place where people can go anytime and be initiated into spiritual practices which give people the tools to rejuvenate and optimize all aspects of health, inner growth and success. Sadhguru, a profound mystic and visionary humanitarian, who has touched millions across the globe with his unique method of planting seeds of spirituality, is the force behind this endeavour. The facility, apart from the vast hall, will also have a spacious kitchen, a dining area, a number of room accommodations, shops displaying traditional Indian handicraft from various parts of the country, two restaurants, and of course showers and toilets to cater to the volume of people making use of this space. Aadhi Yogi Alayam is the first of its kind in an effort to create infrastructure for raising human consciousness. Plans have been made for several of these sacred halls to be available for people worldwide. Yet the initial one is reserved amidst the beautiful forest reserve of the Velliangiri Foothills. Give Isha is fundraising online to support raising infrastructure that will help raise human consciousness. About the AuthorGive Isha is the online fundraising portal of Isha foundation, which working towards raising human consciousness and also utilizing the advantages offered by social networks such as Facebook, twitter to raise funds for the Aadhi Yogi Alayam, anyone can check out the Isha Foundation facebook profile for their works and projects when you offering donation or support. The Conscious Army - Love Is The New Religion Consciousness Floating Free of Concepts Canvas Print / Canvas Art - Artist Jennifer Baird
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This is the first book by Moh Hardin, an acarya, or senior teacher, in the Shambhala Stress Reduction lineage. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and teaches classes on Buddhism and meditation in Canada and the U.S.
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