Psychic Blogboogie Blog: Mind Body Spirit Guide

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• Psychic Blogboogie Blog: Mind Body Spirit Guide
• A Guide to Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Learning about life by riding the waves of Costa Rica
• Born Shinto, Married Christian, Buried Buddhists: Religions of Japan
• Learning to Sit Alone, in a Quiet Empty Room
• Mind Control in Your Selling Techniques - Create More Sales Now
• N.J. residents happiest with finances since 2006
• Depression & Meditation
• Injuries, Deaths Rise for Pedestrians Wearing Headphones
• What Does Spiritual Health Look Like?
• U.S. Obesity Rates May Be Leveling Off
• The Warrior's Mind
• Teaching Michigan prisoners the art of meditation
• Yoga Techniques and Yoga Health Information
• Meditating on how the Iceman warmeth
• Guided Meditation Relaxation- Easy Way To Relax
• People in the News: Celebrities
• Laughter Yoga: HO, HO, HAH-HAH-HAH!
• Six ways to sustain benevolence in ourselves and in our relationships, nations, and world
• A certain amount of hubris
• A certain amount of hubris
• AROUSING YOUR HEALTHY MIND AND BODY
• Early Morning Buddhist Inspiration - 1/17/2012
• Learn the Art of Japanese Bonsai
• Meditation - The Most Basic and Profound Tool

Psychic Blogboogie Blog: Mind Body Spirit Guide Posted: 17 Jan 2012 04:01 PM PST by ezola Article by Jim Cassa Psychic Blogboogie Blog The psychic blog Blogboogie.com is more than just another psychic website. It is a testament to the connection of health in mind, body, and spirit. We experience happiness when all three areas of our being are working pleasantly and in harmony.The joy of living comes from within and an understanding of the mind, body, and spirit connection to health is a big factor. With over 270 articles on empowerment ranging from weight loss, to goal setting, to stop procrastinating, and even as out of the box as information on a psychic protection blog Blogboogie.com aims to deliver cutting edge information on all levels of our mind, body, and spirit.Mind Body Spirit Empowerment People can become empowered. Once we have made the decision to begin, to take the first few steps, we then need the right information and we can begin to take action upon it. Our quest upon the mind, body, and spirit connection is often challenging. We need informative resources to assist us upon the path.My Weight Loss Body Challenge What got me into weight loss tips for mind and soul spirit was my own battle with weight. It is a challenge and can be heartbreaking. I experienced it myself and I know the feeling. People are often cruel to overweight individuals and I know how this is terrible but it does happen.We begin to see that health, that is our body, is important to us to live well. It is hard to work on our minds, and spirits, when the body is below par. For one thing if we are suffering it is hard to concentrate on our daily activities. It makes life very frustrating when a high degree of suffering is present.My overweight body was dragging me down. What to do? It took me time to figure it out, that is slow steps, but I eventually got the right information about weight loss and now you can find it on my blog.I am lucky now. I have high energy and a passion for life. Your body speaks your mind. Yes I lost weight and it is a very empowering feeling when you achieve ! this. Go od health is one of the gifts for spirit, mind, and body. I am thankful for my weight loss everyday.Mind Blog of A Psychic We care for our bodies and we do the same for our minds. Our minds are extremely powerful and can produce good things that lead to happiness. Negative thinking is our enemy and positive thinking is our friend. Quality friends, good books, and inspiring activities all are a part of the solution to the mind body problem. The ever increasing balance between the mind, body, spirit connection leads to even better balance and harmony. I like to feed my mind with good thoughts on a daily basis. It is a good habit.Spirit Health Taking care of the spirit is challenging because you cannot see it. It is hard to cater for something that is invisible. I am talking about more than spirit readings, though we have readings on the blog, but a conscious plan to nurture our inner spiritual being within.The body is a temple for the spirit and there can be balance between all key centers of the energy of mind, body, and spirit to achieve total wellbeing. We can, all of us, develop ourselves to a very high level if we choose. We have the power inside of us to become what we wish to become. Blogboogie.com is an excellent resource for you.Visit Blogboogie.com for free information on Mind Body Spirit and get the latest health, mind, and spirit news. About the Author Jim Cassa is a writer and international clairvoyant well known for accurate psychic readings and methods of empowerment available to anyone. Jim's passion is the personal development and psychic blog Blogboogie.com Weight loss, goal setting, and how to stop procrastinating are key life areas of empowerment. Shinzen, the Mindful Math Geek Shinzen explains the journey from his early problems with math - his motivation to learn math & science - and how his practice helped him overcome earlier learning difficulties. (And, by the way, he calls himself a geek.) www.basicmindfulness.org This ispart of an interview Shinzen Young did with Stephanie Nash in August 2009. The purpose of this interview was to 'get the scoop' on Shinzen - the man behind the techniques. See other segments being posted over next few weeks for some good stories. (Editing graciously contributed by Bruce Malm.) Video Rating: 5 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

A Guide to Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand Posted: 17 Jan 2012 03:01 PM PST by Jigme Datse Article by Joanne Chong Chiang Mai, Thailand, should be your prime destination if you are a traveler looking to experience Thai culture to the full: not only is it a city that retains much of its pre-modernization charm and shows minimal influences of industrialization, it is also home to over three hundred Buddhist temples. Most of these temples are centuries old, dating back to the early days of the Kingdom of Lanna, which was founded in 1292 and became part of Thailand in 1774. More than religious centers, the wat are sites of culture that have accumulated different architecture styles, relics, and artworks over hundreds of years. You may find yourself overwhelmed, however, by the sheer number of temples (also known as wat in Thai) to see in Chiang Mai; the following guide gives you a starting point of which ones you shouldn't miss. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located on the mountain Doi Suthep and is one of the most prominent historical sites in the province; as such it is a must-see in any traveler's trip to Chiang Mai. Roughly 15 kilometers from the city center, it consists of a beautiful gold-plated chedi (pagoda), the famous white elephant shrine, countless murals, and an exquisitely made naga stairway-with 309 steps-leading you up to the top (though you can always opt to take the cable instead for a small fee, 60 bht at the time of writing). At the lofty height of 1,053 meters above sea level, it also offers a fantastic and panoramic view of Chiang Mai that'd be perfect on any postcard. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep began in 1371 as a single chedi, but was expanded several times by various Chiang Mai monarchs and is still being added to today. The most recent addition, a glass tip for the golden lotus on one of the pagodas, was donated by the current king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. Wat Chedi Luang presents a different style of architecture, being of a purely Lanna origin. Built in the late 14th century to enshrine a king's remains, Wat Chedi Luang had the distinction of being the tall! est stru cture in all of Chiang Mai for five centuries until an earthquake in the 16th century reduced its former height of ninety meters to the present-day sixty. Its compound encompasses the Mahamakut Buddhist University, a monks' campus. This temple is located in the Old City area, near the Thapae Gate. From here, many other temples can be reached within walking distance, among them the famous Wat Phra Singh. Wat Chaimongkol is a riverside temple located on Chareon Prathet Road in the city center, north of the Night Bazaar. The temple is over six centuries old and quite remarkable for its shrines and collection of relics; the style of its architecture shows influences from ancient Lanna as well as those of Myanmar and Laos. One of the most popular temples in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) and the Buddhist tradition of freeing animals into the Mae Ping River, Wat Chaimongkol perfectly complements a sightseeing stroll through the city. Wat Suan Dok distinguishes itself by having a dedicated "Monk Chat" center (technically that hosts lectures and talks for English-speaking foreigners who are interested in Buddhism and/or conversion to Buddhism. Monks also make themselves available for less formal dialogue and discussions; there are also courses provided by the University of Chiang Mai. Even apart from this feature, however, the temple is set in a large compound that houses many pagodas, one of which is said to contain one half of the relic that founded Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Wat Suan Dok is located on Suthep Road to the west of the Old City, close to the Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital. About the Author Joanne Chong works in Business Development as an expert at the Empress Hotels Group, a family of Chiang Mai luxury hotels providing the best value for three/four-star Chiang Mai accommodation suited for Chiang Mai holidays and long-stays, convention facilities and fine dining in the city center.

Learning about life by riding the waves of Costa Rica Posted: 17 Jan 2012 03:00 PM PST They say that Costa Ricans are the happiest people on Earth. Whether it's the World Database of Happiness or the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica regularly comes out on top in terms of self-satisfaction about life. No surprise, given Costa Rica's "pura vida" lifestyle. Curious about this pure life, I ventured to the town of Tamarindo, to seek some higher learning at surf school. After a refresher lesson with a gentle instructor on Day 1, I was paired the next day with instructor Percy Lawrence. He had an infectious smile and spirit; I knew my surf education was about to change. As we walked out to the ocean, I was keen to jump on the board, but Percy kept me on the beach, lying on the board and paddling into the sand, a sure sign of a novice surfer. "Paddle, paddle," Percy instructed. "You have to practise, and build your muscle memory." I finally passed the "paddle the sand" test and stood up, but Percy continued to keep me from the water, telling me to watch the waves. He asked, "How long did it take for those waves to get here?" Still in ultra-analytic city mode, I did some quick calculations in my head, desperately trying to recall late-night news explanations of how long it takes a tsunami to travel across the Pacific. "Umm, three weeks?" I said, tentative in my response, but confident there was a right or wrong answer. "Maybe," Percy said slowly, "Maybe less, maybe more. But it doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that the wave has travelled all the way here, and now, you have the privilege of riding it." After briefly rolling my eyes at his philosophical rhetoric, I had a reality check. Not everything had to be right or wrong here. In that moment, I left my city mentality behind in favour of a pura vida attitude. Over the next several days, Percy alternately encouraged, yelled, praised and criticized. I limped out of the water at the end of each day, but every morning returned for more. Beyond gaining confidence on the board, I couldn't help but draw some parallels between surfing and life. Look ahead, don't look down Too often, we find ourselves in a hunched position, looking down - at our desks, holding snow shovels or over a keyboard. In surfing, you have to keep your eyes up, and trust that your feet will land on the board where they need to be. On the water and in life, the waves will keep coming, whether you ride them or not. But life's more fun if you raise your head and choose to ride the waves. Keep things simple Most mornings at surf camp, I headed to the beach certain that I was forgetting to bring something. Accustomed to the abundance of gear associated with most Canadian winter sports, it didn't seem right to head out the door barefoot, with just a board tucked awkwardly under my arm. Keep life simple - look at everything around you, and understand the difference between what it is you want and what you really need. Paddle, paddle On the third day, I seemed to be doing everything right, but just as I stood up, the wave would get in front of me, and I would lose momentum and sink into the water. "Paddle, paddle!" I could hear Percy cry. After a few missed attempts, he swam over to me, sensing I was frustrated. "Listen," he said. "Why do you stop paddling when the wave starts to push you? That's when you need to give two really hard paddles. Why do all that work and then just stop?" He was right. Never stop at 90 per cent. The last 10 per cent is the hardest work, but often provides the best rewards. Change up your supporting cast Surfing is as much about the people around you as it is about the waves. In everyday life, we have lead actors in our lives, but we also have a huge set of supporting actors. Some enter our lives for a scene or two; some become part of our lifelong cast. This is particularly true when travelling. Let's face it, camaraderie is inevitable when you're paddling side by side, a wave is about to break on top of you and you have a split-second decision to go over, under or through. Getting to the other side of that wave together often turns a stranger into a friend. Change up your supporting cast on a regular basis, and you'll gain a broader perspective on life. On my last day surfing, I was out practising on my own and caught a great wave. As I gazed to shore, I soon realized I was going to run down Percy, who was coaching his next disciple in the whitewash. As I approached, I almost jumped off my board to avoid him, but when he saw me, his signature grin reappeared. 'Yeaaah!" he shouted, moving out of the way and enthusiastically waving me through. "Pura vida, man." Back at my landlocked desk, 41 degrees latitude north of Costa Rica, I find that I think about waves at some point every day. How they sound, and how they curl. How, from the water, I saw the early morning sun peek over the hills and then watched that same golden globe sink into the sea at the end of the afternoon. I think about how next time, I'll get on my feet faster and paddle harder. And during the ebb and flow of daily life, I hope my own tide takes me back to the surf soon. If you go Getting there: For a shorter trek to Tamarindo, try to fly to Liberia, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, about an hour's drive from Tamarindo. Where to stay: I stayed at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, located on the beach. Pack-ages include lessons, board rental, accommodations, daily seminars and break-fast. Surf's up: Surf schools are becoming widely available all over the world, ranging from one-day lessons to weeklong (or longer) surf expeditions. © Copyright (c) Postmedia News Read More @ Source Richard Ashcroft - Are you ready? [En ESPAÑOL: ¿Estáis listos?] Extra verse: Neither muslim Oh Sikh Stress Reduction too I feel so damn free I don't need a word with you I ain't a christian Oh I ain't gay or straight I am just living life in my own peculiar way C'mon people Ouh Fight around the world Trying to force things on me You know I'm different, girl. Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Born Shinto, Married Christian, Buried Buddhists: Religions of Japan Posted: 17 Jan 2012 02:00 PM PST by milindav Article by Josh Shulman

Learning to Sit Alone, in a Quiet Empty Room Posted: 17 Jan 2012 02:00 PM PST 'All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.' ~Blaise Pascal Post written by Leo Babauta. Think about some of the problems of our daily lives, and how many of them would be eased if we could learn to sit alone, in a quiet empty room, with contentment. If you're content to sit alone quietly, you don't need to eat junk food, to shop on impulse, to buy the latest gadget, to be on social media to see what everyone else is talking about or doing, to compare yourself to others, to make more money to keep up with the Joneses, to achieve glory or power, to conquer other lands or wage war, to be rude or violent to others, to be selfish or greedy, to be constantly busy or productive. You are content, and need nothing else. It solves a lot of problems. Can you sit alone in an empty room? Can you enjoy the joy of quiet? Most of us have trouble sitting alone, quietly, doing nothing. We have the need to do something, to check our inboxes and social media, to be productive. Sitting still can be difficult if you haven't cultivated the habit. I've been learning. In the morning, as my coffee is brewing, I sit. Even for a few minutes, at first, it is instructive. You learn to listen to your thoughts, to be aware of your urges to do something else, to plan and set goals. You learn to watch yourself, but to just sit still and not act on those urges. You learn to be content with stillness. You learn to savor the quiet. It's something most of us don't have, quiet, and it takes some getting used to. When we're driving our cars or out exercising or eating or working, we have music playing or we talk with people or we have the television on. Quiet can be amazing, though, because it helps us calm down, contemplate, slow down to savor the emptiness. An empty room, too, is a luxury. I try to empty my room of clutter, so that it's fairly bare. That leaves only me, and the room is a blank slate ready to be filled with me, my creativity, my silence. I love a spartan room. Being alone is another pleasure we too often neglect. When we are alone, we go on the Internet or TV to see what else is going on, what others are doing or saying, instead of just being alone. This isolation is a necessary thing, that allows us to find ourselves, to learn to be content with little instead of always wanting more. Can you practice being alone, being still, being quiet? Just a little at first, then perhaps a bit more. Listen, watch, learn about yourself. Find contentment. Need nothing more. Read More @ Source His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama: Ethics for Our Time In this talk His Holiness turns to one of his favorite themes: the importance of compassion. Far from being a uniquely Buddhist concern, the Dalai Lama explains why caring for others can be the basis for a rich and rewarding life for all people. Whether one is a Buddhist or not, whether one is religious or not, a concern for the welfare of others is just good common sense. Compassion changes egotism into empathy, and transforms fear into freedom. It is the basis for both personal and communal peace. Series: Voices [9/2009] [Humanities] [Show ID: 17091] Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Mind Control in Your Selling Techniques - Create More Sales Now Posted: 17 Jan 2012 01:00 PM PST by ConnectIrmeli Article by Marc Savage While it may sound more like science fiction than selling techniques, mind control does indeed exist and has been used for years in various forms. Mind control can range from conditioning, such as the famous Pavlov dog experiments, to key word suggestion, and hypnosis. It can also be added to your selling techniques resulting in more sales. Mind control doesn't involve using a magical device to forcibly control another's thoughts. Instead, mind control involves planting ideas in another's unconscious without them realizing the idea came from you. The uses for this in your selling techniques are many. It's not my place to determine an acceptable use of mind control in your selling techniques; I'm merely giving you an overview of how it works as an addition to your selling techniques. It is up to you to use your own moral judgment about what is right and wrong in order to achieve more sales. Mind control has long been associated with powerful dictators such as Stalin as well as religious cults such as Heaven's Gate. But covert hypnosis is more mainstream than you may think. To gather more sales, major corporations around the world employ mind control in the form of advertising. Advertising has one goal - to get you to buy their products or services. So it's ideal as part of your selling techniques. Some ads seem to have little to nothing to do with the product, but it is still accomplishing its objective. The ad often has subliminal elements in it to promote the desired product. As part of a range of effective selling techniques, the ad could have actively increased your desire for that product while making you think it was your idea. And that is the fundamental nature of mind control to result in more sales. Hypnosis is one of many powerful selling techniques for achieving mind control. This is because when someone is hypnotized they are more open to suggestion. Their 'mental filter' is turned off. The interesting part for the person desiring ! more sal es is that hypnosis does not always involve someone waving a watch in front of you. The main reason hypnosis can lead to more sales is that a client can be hypnotized and not ever know it. This depends upon their susceptibility and the skill of the sales person. It's entirely possible, in fact even likely that you have been influenced by mind control as part of someone's selling techniques at some point in your life. For most people this probably was merely buying a product that was marketed to you 'subliminally'. Books and courses are available which will teach anyone hypnotic mind control. Many people use mind control without ever knowing they are using it. When you say to someone "don't fall off the ladder" you are using mind control and really telling them to fall off the ladder. The unconscious mind ignores negation (don't, can't, shouldn't). In other words, when you say "don't" do something the unconscious mind ignores the "don't". This has many implications for your selling techniques. As a final note, you should know that it is also possible to hypnotize yourself to achieve more sales using what is known as autosuggestion. You could employ mind control techniques on yourself to help you use selling techniques to result in more sales. Hypnotherapy is popular as a treatment for people with disorders, depression, or stress. The power of hypnosis and mind control to lead to more sales is truly amazing and it can transform the effectiveness of your selling techniques immediately. About the Author Learn more about the http://www.GetHypnoticSellingSystem.com ">Hypnotic Selling Techniquesfrom my FREE report at my website Marc Savage is the owner of http://www.GetHypnoticSellingSystem.com Use Cues to Prompt Mindfulness. (Happiness Challenge Week 19) www.happiness-project.com Suggestions for how to use cues to cultivate mindfulness. If you're not very mindful, you need reminding! Video Rating: 5 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

N.J. residents happiest with finances since 2006 Posted: 17 Jan 2012 01:00 PM PST One-third of New Jersey residents say their finances have improved in the past year, the highest percentage since 2006, with the most improvement among adults age 18 to 29, a poll found. The 32 percent of New Jerseyans who said they are better off than they were last year is up seven percentage points from January 2011, according to a survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's Silberman College of Business. Forty-one percent said they are worse off, the lowest percentage since 2008. Unemployment remains a concern, with 63 percent of New Jersey residents saying they or someone close to them has lost a job in the past year, little changed from 65 percent in a January 2011 poll. The percentage of respondents who are somewhat or very concerned about getting fired remains at 32 percent. Those saying business conditions will improve was steady at 54 percent, while those predicting it will improve declined by 5 points to 21 percent. "People are not necessarily more optimistic," Sorin Tuluca, a finance professor at the business school in Madison, New Jersey, said in a statement accompanying the poll. "But they are definitely less pessimistic." New Jersey's unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in November, down from 9.2 percent a year earlier. The rate averaged 9.5 percent in 2010, more than double the 2007 rate of 4.3 percent, according to data from the New Jersey Labor Department. Fed Index The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's coincident index for New Jersey, a gauge of state-level economic conditions, has climbed 2 percent since January 2011 and is the highest since 2008. The index is a composite of economic data, including nonfarm employment, the jobless rate, average hours worked in manufacturing and wages. The telephone survey of 660 adults throughout New Jersey who participate in their household financial decisions was sponsored by Silberman and conducted by Fairleigh's PublicMind polling institute from Jan. 2-8. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Read More @ Source

Depression & Meditation Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:00 PM PST by thekellyscope Article by Robert Carleton One of the more interesting ways of relaxing the mind is through a process that is known as meditation. Meditation has been used for thousands of years in natural medicine in order to help individuals to overcome a variety of different problems that they are experiencing. One thing that meditation may be most effective in treating, however, is a condition that is known as clinical depression. This is good news for those of us that have had to suffer with it for many years and by meditating properly, we may actually be able to deal successfully with the depression that most people said we would never be able to get rid of. The first thing that we need to discuss, however, is the fact that not all meditation is beneficial for use in overcoming depression. Some people consider meditation to be the emptying of one's mind of all thought when in actuality, it is simply a way of relaxing the mind in order to calm an individual effectively. If you allow your mind to simply wander whenever you're meditating, it will no doubt go to something that will end up triggering a more depressive response. That is why it is necessary for you to make sure that you're meditating properly whenever you're dealing with depression. One of the best things that you can possibly do in order to use meditation to overcome depression is to focus on something positive. This can either be something that is very relaxing in your mind, such as a favorite place or perhaps an enjoyable activity but it may also be something that stimulates amusement on our part. Being able to effectively hold your mind on one of these thoughts can really do a lot to lift your mood and to push it in the proper direction. Overcoming depression with meditation does take a little bit of practice but most people find that they are able to feel a little bit better even after their first session. Even if you are dealing with a busy life, you can still take a little bit of time every day and schedule it so that you will be able to meditate i! n this w ay. By doing so, you will find that you are able to cope with the depression that you have or perhaps even to remove it to a certain extent. Hopefully, this atricle has helped you. About the Author Learn What Psychotherapy Does Not Teach You and What Medication Can't Possibly Give You --> CLICK HERE <-- Deep Delta Sleep Meditation * VERY POTENT * Brainwave Entrainment sonicharmonics.com Deep delta brainwave audio for meditation, relaxation and sleep. Headphones are not required as this uses an entirely new process called Harmonic Entrainment. For the complete download visit http Deep delta brainwave audio for meditation, relaxation and sleep binaural beats isochronic tones Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Injuries, Deaths Rise for Pedestrians Wearing Headphones Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:00 PM PST CREDIT: Headphones photo via Shutterstock The number of pedestrians who have been killed or injured while wearing headphones has more than tripled in six years, according to a new study. Researchers gathered information on 116 vehicle accidents in the United States involving pedestrians wearing headphones. More than two-thirds of the victims were male and under 30 years old. "Everybody is aware of the risk of cell phones and texting in automobiles, but I see more and more teens distracted with the latest devices and headphones in their ears," lead author Dr. Richard Lichenstein, an emergency room physician at University of Maryland Hospital for Children, said in a statement. The study was published online Jan. 16 in the journal Injury Prevention. More teens use headphones Researchers reviewed cases of pedestrian injuries and deaths in national news reports and databases that were reported between 2004 and 2011. They included accidents where the pedestrian was wearing headphones but excluded cases where the device being used was a cellphone. They found the number of yearly accidents involving headphones increased from 16 in 2004 to 2005, to 47 in 2010 to 2011. More than half of the vehicles involved in the accidents were trains. Lichenstein said that based on the data they collected, it's not clear whether these pedestrians were crossing train tracks or fell on the tracks. About a third of the vehicles' drivers reported sounding a horn as a warning before the crash. Nearly 70 percent of the 116 accidents resulted in deaths. About 90 percent of the accidents occurred in large cities. Researchers also found that pedestrians tended to be young. More than a third were younger than 18 years old, and two-thirds were younger than 30. Lichenstein and colleagues acknowledged that the increase could partly be due to increased media reporting of accidents involving youths, as well as fewer opportunities for young people to drive vehicles. "Teenagers may not be as experienced or as conscious of their surroundings, and they're just zoning in on their music," Lichenstein said. Distraction can put you at risk Two likely reasons why headphone use is linked with vehicle injuries and deaths are distraction and sensory deprivation, according to study authors. Distraction caused by the use of handheld devices can cause "inattentional blindness," which reduces people's mental attention to their surroundings. Headphone wearers can also experience sensory deprivation, in which a person's ability to hear a train or a car horn is blocked by sounds coming from the device. "Not only are you distracted, but you can't physically hear, which can put you at risk," Lichenstein said. He said that because electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players are only becoming more popular, people should be more thoughtful about when and where they use them. "If you use headphones, keep the volume down, be aware of where you are, and realize that you may not be able to hear someone warning you that you're in harm's way," he said. Pass it on: Wearing headphones while walking may be unsafe, especially in areas with moving vehicles. Follow MyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @MyHealth_MHND. Find us on Facebook. Read More @ Source Buddha Quotes www.mindsofpower.com Buddha quotes and sayings in high definition. Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

What Does Spiritual Health Look Like? Posted: 17 Jan 2012 11:00 AM PST by AlicePopkorn Article by Caroline Nettle We live in auspicious times. There is great change happening around us and it is affecting all levels of society, all cultures, and races. The earth herself is going through enormous changes which we are witnessing as earthquakes, floods, landslides, desertification, and drought. For years now, there has been a wave of consciousness that has been getting stronger as we have woken up to our spiritual path in huge numbers across the globe. It is combining with the new energies that are coming in, and is sweeping across the planet. Millions of people are asking the fundamental questions- Why are we here? What happens when I die? What is my place in the universe? There is an increase across the planet of healers, teachers, and facilitators, who collectively want to improve global awareness one person at a time. At the same time, we are witnessing a shift towards returning to the land, and once again becoming more self sufficient, as we realise that the current system is not sustainable. As time speeds up, we are releasing and clearing out all that no longer serves us at a much faster rate than we have been able to previously. What are we aiming for? Regardless of your religion, belief systems or philosophy, spiritual health is a complete acceptance of who and what you are. We all have a shadow side and a good side. By learning to accept the darker side of our psyche, we can also learn more about humility by accepting that we are only human and doing the very best we can with the tools that we have. Almost all of our conflicts come from judging someone or their belief systems to be different from ours. We then need to convince them that we are right. If we can learn to accept all of ourselves, then we can learn to accept others as they are, even if we disagree with them. Once we have accepted ourselves completely, then we can love ourselves entirely, without judgment. This unconditional love can then be spread to our fellow men, to the planet and ultimately to the c! reator, whoever, or whatever that is for you. When we can live from a place of unconditional love, then our focus tends to turn to others, and how we can help them. For some people, this is a vocation that they feel compelled to follow. Others write, teach, heal, or facilitate the growth of others or the planet. This wave of consciousness that is happening is very powerful. Now really is the time to address your issues, and move through your pain. We all need you to step up and take your place. Are you ready? Written by Caroline Nettle Please retweet this article. About the Author Caroline Nettle is passionate about healing, recovery, and assisting others to grow. Her website Spiritual Growth Tools is the culmination of many years of seeking answers about her own health and well-being, and studying the human condition. She writes articles, is a healer and gives talks about subjects relating to spiritual growth and personal development. Spiritual Growth Tools is an online resources dedicated to spiritual growth and personal development. It aims to provide resources and information to assist others on their journey to inner peace, vitality, and a happier, healthier lifestyle! Spiritual Growth Tools on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/spiritualgrowthtools Spirit Science 2 - Chakras In this weeks lesson, we take a look at Chakras, and how your body picks up energy on a vibratory level. Last week, a few people didn't understand HOW thoughts affected you, but did you know that your body has a system for doing so? I want to thank everyone for their support on these videos so far, this is totally just the beginning. The real mind-blowing stuff is still on its way though! Namaste, see you next time! Jordan Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

U.S. Obesity Rates May Be Leveling Off Posted: 17 Jan 2012 11:00 AM PST CREDIT: Dreamstime The steady increase in U.S. obesity rates over the past 20 years seems to be leveling off, according to a new study from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In 2010, obesity rates were about 36 percent in men and women, with no change compared with the rates between 2003 and 2008, the study found. Researchers analyzed new data gathered during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009 and 2010, and defined obesity having as a body mass index of 30 or greater. "The good news is that the [obesity] rate hasn't grown much," said Michael Zemel, a professor of nutrition science at the University of Tennessee, who was not involved with the work. "But we still have an awful prevalence of obesity and overweight," Zemel said. The study appears today (Jan. 17) in the Journal of the American Medical Association. More awareness about obesity Obesity increases the risk factor of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Although more people are consuming more calories than ever before, Zemel said there's a greater awareness now, compared with a couple of decades ago. "Twenty years ago, the general public and the medical community had little awareness about obesity," he said. "Doctors weren't discussing obesity with their patients like they do now." Reasons why rates may have leveled off are unknown. But Zemel said he hopes that public awareness and small lifestyle changes have had an impact. "There's more low-calorie food choices and knowledge about portion sizes and calorie labeling in restaurants," he said. "With greater awareness, comes the opportunity of change. I'm cautiously optimistic." Slight increase in obesity for men The NHANES data included heights and weights, as measured by researchers, for about 6,000 men and women in 2009 and 2010, and 22,800 men and women between 1999 and 2008. While the overall rates remained constant, certain groups did see some small increases in their obesity rates. A slight increase, about 4 percent, was found in men, between 1999 and 2010. The obesity rate was 36 percent among white men, and 39 percent among black men, in 2010. For women, the rate was 32 percent among white women, compared with 59 percent among black women. From 1999 through 2010, there was no increase among women overall, but small increases, about 3 percent, were seen in the obesity rates of black and Mexican American women. Even smaller decreases in other groups offset these increases, leading to a relatively steady rate overall, according to the report. "People should know that there's been no sign of a decrease, but there hasn't been much of an increase since 2003 either," said lead author Katherine Flegal, an epidemiologist at the CDC. "So it's pretty stable." Childhood obesity rates remain unchanged A related NHANES report also published today found the obesity rate in children remained the same from 2007 to 2010. Nearly 17 percent of children and teenagers ages 2 through 19 were either overweight or obese, according to the analysis of about 4,100 children. About 10 percent of infants and toddlers weighed too much for their height in 2010, that report also showed. Although there was overall no difference in obesity rates between male and female children in 2010, there was a slight increase in obesity rates of male children ages 2 through 19 between 1999 and 2010. Obesity continues to be higher among black and Hispanic children compared with white children, according to the report. Although study authors noted that many efforts at the national, state and local levels have focused on reducing obesity, they point out "results from the survey still show that childhood obesity remains unchanged." Pass it on: Obesity rates hit a plateau in the U.S. Follow MyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @MyHealth_MHND. Find us on Facebook. Read More @ Source Pirith 3/3 Final 3rd Part of Pirith ceremony from the Stress Reduction center in France conducted by the high priest of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Dr. Rev. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkitha Thero, and other younger priests from the temple This video clip is intended for all Stress Reductions living abroad Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Warrior's Mind Posted: 17 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST by RubyJi Article by Master Scott So what is the warrior's mind and how does it work? Our mind has the unique ability to take us anywhere we want to go. On the other hand, it also has the ability to take us places we don't want to be. Everything starts in the mind, if you want to be successful you must first decide to, if you don't do that, nothing else really matters. The first step is to train your mind as you do your body, on a regular, and consistent basis. The Warrior's Mind is one that continually strives for improvement, reaches for goals, and doesn't give up. Another aspect of the Warrior's Mind is the ability to block things out and have complete, razor sharp focus. This is where the mental aspects of martial arts training really start to come through. Every time you see yourself improving in your training you gain a little more confidence and a this makes you want to improve even more. Over time you start to develop a habit of setting small goals, reaching those goals, and striving for more. Once you decide that you want to reach a goal and dedicate yourself to reaching it, amazing results start to follow. So how do you develop the Warrior's Mind? The answer is simple...training! It takes about 21 days to develop an activity into a habit. Now remember, your mind doesn't care whether a habit is good or bad, it's still 21 days. If you have been sitting on the couch avoiding exercise for an extended period of time, you have now turned this into a habit. The good news; you can replace the couch habit and start a new one over the next 21 days. Make up your mind right now, that you are going to start your martial arts training for just 10 minutes per day. Every journey starts with the first step and yours starts now. It's important that you begin with small steps as you develop your mind and body. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to go all out from day one. Habits take time and small steps are one of the best ways to start a habit, stick with it, and avoid burnout or injuries. Now that you have ma! de up yo ur mind and have begun to develop the Warrior's Mind it's time to move to the next step. The next step is to develop your focus and concentration with practice and dedication. Each time you start your training session it is vital that you concentrate on each of your movements and your breathing. Experience each movement and breath as you execute techniques properly. As you do this you will begin to develop a heightened awareness of your body and mind. By following instructions and practicing the martial arts techniques you will gain more and more confidence while your movements become more fluid. The mental aspect of the Warrior's Mind which includes always striving to do better and never accepting defeat can be practiced today! The results from this mind set can be seen quickly once you decide to try it. A great example is the push up, every week try to do one more that you did the week before. If your having trouble figuring something out, take a deep breath and try harder for the next ten minutes. These are examples of how you can put this aspect of the Warrior's Mind into action immediately. The last piece in the development of the Warrior's Mind includes movement without thought and the ability to focus instantly. This process can take years of practice to attain depending on your level of dedication and time spent practicing. Through martial arts training you can develop solid self defense techniques that work. Only through proper application and repetition, will these techniques become second nature and be able to be performed without thought. If your ready to start your training and begin to develop the Warrior's Mind, please visit my martial arts training academy listed below and take advantage of my free video mini-course. I look forward to training with you soon. About the Author Scott Polderman is a Master Instructor with over 25 years of martial arts experience. He has competed around the country and has been the Michigan State Heavyweight Champion 5 times. Scott trains students around the world through his Online Martial Arts training academy http://BlackBeltSite.com The Mindfulness App The Mindfulness App is a tool for increasing your awareness in life. It helps you with the most difficult aspect of Mindfulness practice - namely to remember to be mindful. Brief about the App: • You can be guided by a voice or do your Mindfulness practice in silence with bells ringing at different times. • By setting reminders at times and days of your choice you can get a message when it's time to meditate. • You can also design your own meditation for as long as you want it to last. • You can set Mindfulness Notices at chosen times that can help you to increase your presence in the moment. • Through the Mindfulness App you can simply 'call yourself up' from time to time to check whether you really are there. Produced by: Neil Wigardt for Wigardt Productions Voice by:Catherine Polan Orzech Video Rating: 5 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Teaching Michigan prisoners the art of meditation Posted: 17 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST Christina Shockley: For 2012, we're going to talk with people who are standing apart from the crowd, being and making the kind of change they want to see in the state. Throughout the year you'll hear from people making waves and going against the grain. We'll ask them why they're working so hard on their projects, and try to see things from their perspective. This morning we speak with Reverend Sokuzan Robert Brown. He teaches meditation in Michigan prisons. Shockley: What do the prisoners say to you when you lead these teachings? What is this experience like? Brown: Oh, my. They're all different … Listen to the original article » Related posts: Alabama prisoners turn to meditation for peace Prisoners look inward to discover personal freedom. Teaching meditation at school Read More @ Source

Yoga Techniques and Yoga Health Information Posted: 17 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST by tarotastic Article by Franchis Adam Yoga and Health are closely related. Yoga is a popular aid in improving both physical and mental health. This is basically the most common goal of people who practice Yoga - for health reasons. They want to ease their back pain, find a method to ease stress, or learn ways to deal with their health problems. Yoga practice helps to bring about total relaxation of the body and the mind, which enables healing to occur at a deeper level of the human personality. The healing science of yoga is a centuries-old tradition of practices for personal fulfillment and self realization, while living a healthful and stressfree life. Modern medical research suggests that correct and regular practice of Yoga can help prevent or treat many types of ailments while promoting general well being. Yoga provides a holistic approach that benefits every system in the body without the danger of adverse side-effects. Yoga has proved itself as the factor to regain health and remain juvenile. Even in the Western World there is a wave of persons practicing Yoga in their daily life. There are success stories where individuals have sorted out their issues and manage stress through yoga. Yoga in fact is an ancient technique to optimize the mind and body and maintaining the health equilibrium. Today in the USA alone there are several Yoga centers where numerous peoples from all classes and standards are practicing Yoga.Endocrine System: Yoga helps improve the functioning of the endocrine system that regulates metabolism and growth. Regular Yoga practice can be of immense in dealing with various health problems including diabetes and obesity. Health benefits of Yoga From the physiological point of view, prolonged yoga practices can cure pulse rate decreases, respiratory and blood pressure dysfunctions, it can contribute to stabilizing the nervous system equilibrium, to normalizing gastrointestinal functions and endocrine function, to increasing the joint range of motions, endurance level, energy l! evel, im munity to diseases and cardiovascular efficiency, to improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time, dexterity skills, depth perception, sleep, etc. Respiratory System: Yoga helps manage respiratory ailments as well as the various physical and emotional factors that aggravate or trigger the problem. Digestive System: Yoga helps you deal more effectively with various digestive disorders including heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Regular performance of meditation The body is linked to the mind. Many of the diseases of this era are psychosomatic. Stress and anxiety take their toll on our physical health. Meditation is a mental exercise which, among other things, allows a person to detach him or herself from the worries of life. About the Author Read out Yoga. Also check out for punk hairstyles and pregnancy tips Lenovo Ideapad Yoga: Tablet and Ultrabook in one Lenovo's Ideapad Yoga looks like a regular ultrabook, but the screen folds completely back 180 degrees to become a large tablet. Video Rating: 5 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Meditating on how the Iceman warmeth Posted: 17 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST Dr. Dustin Ballard: The mind has incredible powers. It can create illusions out of thin air and hear voices that don't exist. It can modify the body's response to pain, disease and stress. It can eliminate symptoms simply through the power of belief. The mind is powerful, but is it capable of regulating bodily temperature? Wim Hof of the Netherlands, known to some as "the Iceman," would have us believe that it is. When I first learned of Wim from my neighborhood YMCA Zennie, I was quite skeptical. I remained unconvinced after skimming through his recently released and quite disjointed book, "Becoming the … Read the original article » Related posts: Dutch "Iceman" controls body through meditation Meditating one's stress away How meditating helps with multitasking Read More @ Source

Guided Meditation Relaxation- Easy Way To Relax Posted: 17 Jan 2012 08:00 AM PST by Terry Waller Article by Leslie Waler Trying to find a way to meditate? Or perhaps you don't know how? Well, on this article we'll be giving guides how to meditate. Meditation is simply a holistic focus of reconnection of one's self internally with the external issues or outer aspects. There are a lot of types of meditation, but here are some suggestions on how to basically learn meditating to be able to practice and invent some techniques on your own depending on what aspect you want to focus on leading to a guided meditation relaxation. Click Here For Easy Way To Relax Instant Access Now!First of all, find place for you to be able to attain focus get a place where you can't be disrupted. Make position you're comfortable, align your body well. Next, relax, try to open yourself without hesitation and don't expect anything. Try to discover yourself in aspiring to have love and peace as a primary intention. It would be a good idea to have a calm and soothing music to compliment your meditation that eventually can get yourself some relaxation while getting your meditation to work. Connect with yourself know what you do and you're capable of doing. Focus on the good intentions and try to coordinate to them to belong.Get over the negative thoughts and work your way to a better and more positive outlook on life ahead to make sure of your meditation process even more effective. Feel that good intentions to give you the good energy while separating yourself on the negative side.On these suggestions for you to take, it's simply a way for you to get over the hard part on stepping to the lane of meditation that helps you to relax. The opportunity right now is for you to take and have yourself a guided meditation relaxation. Click Here For Easy Way To Relax Instant Access Now! About the Author This author writes about Ways To Relax Your Mind at Guided Meditation Relaxation

People in the News: Celebrities Posted: 17 Jan 2012 08:00 AM PST Monday January 16, 2012 7:10 AM Enlarge Image Courteney Cox and David Arquette: separate but together No separation anxiety here Courteney Cox and David Arquette might be the happiest separated spouses on Earth, not just in Hollywood. "He's my favorite person in the world," Cox recently told People magazine. "He's my best friend. No matter what happens in our future, he's my very best friend." The actors, who separated in the fall of 2010 after 11 years of marriage, remain close partners in life and business. Together they run a production company, Coquette Productions, and have a TV series in the works that plays off their situation. "We sold one show, Ten Year, about a couple who separated after 10 years of marriage," Cox said. "It's not really about David and me, but it's something we related to, and we thought we should tell a story about people who could actually get along after being separated." Their mutual admiration couldn't have been hurt by their recent celebration of his first anniversary of sobriety. Tinkle, tinkle little star Meeting Tom Cruise was so exciting for actor Seth Rogen that he almost peed his pants. Actually, he tweeted recently, "I once peed in a Snapple bottle in my car while parked in Tom Cruise's driveway." He explained last week to shock jock Howard Stern: "He was meeting with people like me and (Knocked Up director) Judd Apatow to kind of, I think, get a sense of the comedic landscape at the time, so me and Judd had a few meetings at his house." Cruise was preparing for a comedic role in the film Tropic Thunder. "I showed up (at Cruise's home) early," Rogen said of his need to relieve himself in the empty Snapple bottle. "He had a very long driveway, and I didn't want to go in. . . . It was so weird." Will he play surf guitar? John Stamos — who wasn't born when the Beach Boys first got together — has been invited to play guitar with the band during its upcoming 50th-anniversary reunion tour, he told TMZ.com. The former Full House star, seen in the Boys' Kokomo video, performed regularly with the group during the 1990s. The band will reportedly kick off the reunion fun at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12. Other eye-openers • Actress Betty White will spend her 90th birthday — Tuesday — just kicking back at home with her dog, she told People magazine. Not that she has been dawdling: NBC will air a salute to her — Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl — at 8 tonight, followed by a preview of her series Off Their Rockers. • So much for privacy: The New York Post has blabbed to the world that Hollywood couple Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz — who married secretly in May — have bought a three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse in the SoHo district of New York. • Grammy-winning musician Youssou N'Dour is running for president of his native country, Senegal. He will face 85-year-old incumbent Abdoulaye Wade. Voting will take place on Feb. 26. • Stephen Beatty Jr., the 20-year-old transgender daughter-turned-son of actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, has a boyfriend. • The country trio Rascal Flatts and the rock band Journey will perform each other's songs next month on CMT Crossroads. — Compiled by Dave Poole dpoole@dispatch.com Read More @ Source Ocean of Samsara Sung by Dechen Shak-Dagsay dechen-shak.com The ocean of samsara is a buddhist metaphore for the unenlightend state in which we nearly all live.At the other side are the beaches of nirvana ! http Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Laughter Yoga: HO, HO, HAH-HAH-HAH! Posted: 17 Jan 2012 07:00 AM PST by Raios de Luz - Gláucia Góes Article by Vishwa Prakash The science of Yoga originated from India and involves physical and mental practices that can be traced back to more than three thousand years. Yoga is popular all over the world today. It demands hard work from the students to learn yoga. Yoga is also called "sadhna" in India or a practice that improves ones mental growth and brings physical health too. Introduction to Laughter Yoga Among the different styles of Yoga, there is a fun part of it too, which is known as laughter yoga or 'hasya' yoga. It is said laughter is the best medicine and laughter yoga makes the best use of it. Laughter acts as a tonic for a tense mind and a stressed body. Laughter yoga is traced back to the history of 'yog' in India, mainly practiced by the sages at that time. Today, laughter yoga is very popular in India. Every morning you can see the parks in the cities full of men and women sitting in groups and practicing Indian laughter yoga together. There are more than 5000 laughter medicine clubs all over the country, having millions of members. To practice healing by laughter yoga, one first needs to sit on a comfortably laid mattress in an open area, say a garden. As this yoga is mostly practiced in groups, one can sit in lotus position in unison. Sitting in a calm position, you should normalize your breath and consciously start taking gentle breaths. Then place your hands (with palm upwards) on your knees. Afterwards, by inhaling, you should take the hands up in the air (side by side to your head) and laugh in rhythm (HO, HO, HAH-HAH-HAH! HO, HO, HAH-HAH-HAH! HO, HO, HAH-HAH-HAH) in a group. When you practice laughter meditation yoga in a group, the simulated and artificial laughter will become real Indian laughter gradually. You can repeat the exercise by increasing and decreasing the speed of laughter. One session of laughter yoga may last about 20 to 30 minutes. Advantages of laughter yoga Healing Laughter yoga is laughter medicine which is not religious, or political bu! t good f or ones health. Laughter meditation yoga has a very good effect on the body and removes all negative energy vibes. It makes one independent from the mind and the thought processes relax for some time. Indian laughter yoga is medicinal and healing. It makes you forget your fears, worries and limitations and makes you remember only the positives that life has to offer. About the Author Vishwa Prakash is a well known writer who writes on the topics related with Laughter Yoga, Anger Management & Laughter Classes New York for the site http://www.yogalaff.com. How to Handle a Fart in Yoga Class Handle any emergency with Howcast's First Aid app - howc.st It happens to almost every yoga practitioner at some point: You're contorting yourself into a pose when you let one rip. Here's what to do next -- and how to help prevent future flatulence. To complete this how-to, you will need: Preemptive farts Poker face Cough, sneeze, or exhale Scapegoat Wind-relieving pose Class with dogs (optional) Step 1: Pre-emptive farts Before yoga class, do a few pre-emptive farts by practicing poses that tend to stimulate them -- like extended knee to nose and locust. Step 2: Ignore it Didn't get all the gas out? If one escapes during class, simply ignore it. Passing gas is extremely common with yoga. In fact, odds are at least one other person will toot before the class is over -- and you can be assured most everyone else is trying to suppress one. Step 3: Cover it up If you react fast enough, try covering it up with a hacking cough, a vigorous sneeze, or a loud exhale. Step 4: Blame someone else Throw the person nearest you under the bus by pretending the fart came from them. This can easily be achieved by turning to them and saying loudly, "_Don't worry about it! It happens to everyone_." Attend a yoga class that allows dogs so you can blame your fart on the nearest animal. Step 5: Practice wind-relieving pose If flatulence is a problem outside yoga class as well, practice the wind-relieving pose in private -- designed to do exactly what it says. Then, give some thought as to ... Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Six ways to sustain benevolence in ourselves and in our relationships, nations, and world Posted: 17 Jan 2012 07:00 AM PST Benevolence is a fancy word that means something simple: good intentions toward living beings, including oneself. This goodwill is present in warmth, friendliness, compassion, ordinary decency, fair play, kindness, altruism, generosity, and love. The benevolent heart leans toward others; it is not neutral or indifferent. Benevolence is the opposite of ill will, coldness, prejudice, cruelty, and aggression. We've all been benevolent, we all know what it's like to wish someone well. Benevolence is widely praised – from parents telling children to share their toys to saints preaching the Golden Rule – because it has so many benefits: Benevolence toward oneself is needed to fulfill our three fundamental needs: to avoid harms, approach rewards, and attach to others. When these needs are met, your brain shifts into its Responsive mode, in which the body repairs and refuels itself, you feel peaceful, happy, and loving. Benevolence toward others reduces quarrels, builds trust, and is the best-odds strategy to get good treatment in return. Benevolence within and between nations promotes the rule of law, educates children, feeds the hungry, supports human rights, offers humanitarian aid, and works for peace. Benevolence toward our planet tries to protect endangered species and reduce global warming. Of course, this is just a partial list of benefits. Bottom-line, benevolence is good for individuals, relationships, nations, and the world as a whole. The fact that benevolence is often enlightened self-interest makes it no less warm-hearted and virtuous. And at this time in history when individuals feel increasingly stressed and isolated, when relationships often stand on shaky ground, when international conflicts are fueled by dwindling resources and increasingly lethal weapons, and when humanity is dumping over nine billions tons of carbon each year into the atmosphere (like throwing 5 billion cars a year up into the sky, most of which stay there) – benevolence is not just moral, it's essential. But easier said than done. How can we sustain benevolence in ourselves and in our relationships, nations, and world? Know what benevolence feels like in your body, heart, and mind – Bring to mind a sense of warmth and good wishes toward someone. How does this feel? Try on other kinds of benevolence, and toward other beings, to sense what these are like as well. Realize that benevolence is natural and normal – In the media, we are so bombarded with words and images of anti-benevolence that you can start to think that ordinary decency and kindness are somehow exotic. But in fact, as we evolved, our ancestors stayed alive and passed on their genes by caring about themselves and others. And given the gratitude and reverence for nature commonly found in hunter-gatherer bands today, they likely also cared about the world upon which they depended. Take care of yourself – When your core needs are met – when you're not stressed by threat, loss, or rejection – the brain defaults to its resting state, its home base. From this home base, most people are fair-minded, empathic, cooperative, compassionate, and kind: in a word, benevolent. While it's possible to sustain goodwill in a state of fear, frustration, or loneliness, it is sure a lot harder. An undisturbed, healthy brain is a benevolent one. Take a stand for benevolence – Establish your intentions formally – perhaps at the start of the day, or during a contemplative practice, or at a meal – to wish yourself and all other beings well. In challenging situations, take care of your needs while also asking yourself, "How could I be benevolent here? How could I restrain any destructive thoughts, words, or deeds? Can I wish for the welfare of others? Can I express compassion and kindness?" Step out of your comfort zone – Not doing anything foolish, consider how you could stretch a bit (or more) in your good intentions toward others. For example, seeing people you don't know, try wishing them well. Or with someone who's irritating, try looking past the surface to sense this person's own stress and worries; without waiving your rights, can you find more patience, can you let go of recrimination or payback? Or could you extend yourself with friends or family, maybe doing more dishes or giving someone a ride? In the larger world, consider volunteering some time or giving more to a charity. Last, appreciate some of the benevolence that buoys you along – We've all been nurtured and protected by friends and family, humanity altogether, and the biosphere. In some sense, there's an exuberant benevolence in the physical universe itself; consider that most of the atoms in your body – any that are heavier than helium – were born inside an exploding star. Afloat in these gifts, who could not be benevolent? Related posts: Seven ways to ease your anxiety, without pills Five ways to increase your joy Mindfulness – twenty ways to bring it to work Read More @ Source

A certain amount of hubris Posted: 17 Jan 2012 06:01 AM PST The American Zen master Zentatsu Richard Baker, the Dharma Successor of Soto Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, said after he was transmitted by Suzuki—and not surprisingly—"you are no longer a Stress Reduction; what you do is Buddhism" (Michael Downing, Shoes Outside the Door, p. 19).   Wow, talk about a bad case of hubris.  But then aren't some contemporary Zen masters playing Buddha, like Baker, in the sense that whatever they do they believe is Buddhism, no matter what? Of course I can criticize someone who believes they are the Buddha in virtue of a transmission they received from their teacher.  But they won't accept the fact—and it is a fact—that the Buddha of the Pali canon didn't transmit anyone.  And as I have mentioned before on The Zennist blog, the Buddha never transmitted his true teaching to disciples like Mahakashyapa, Revata, Subhuti, and others, according to the Avatamsaka Sutra. (Cleary, Flower Ornament Scripture, p. 1146).  In fact, the entire Zen transmission is a fiction.  How is it possible to transmit awakened or Buddha Mind?  It is like air.  Nobody possesses it nor can it be handed over to another. With contemporary Zen masters we are almost always dealing with varying degrees of hubris, a specific hubris which mistakes the depth of human nature for Buddha-nature.  Hubris is thus also a lack of wisdom, that is, the inability to distinguish between human nature and Buddha-nature.  There is also a tyrannical side to hubris.  Hubris makes tyrants. Zen in the West has certainly not be able to keep hubris out of the ranks of its teachers.  A certain amount of pride is first required which then leads one to overestimate their spiritual accomplishments, who then gains power in the way of Dharma transmission.  This is nothing less than a path to ruin.   Read More @ Source Great Compassion Mantra HD (with words) The Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou) Benefits in reciting and holding the Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou / 大悲咒) Excerpts from The Dharani Sutra English translation by the Stress Reduction Text Translation Society, Dharma Realm Stress Reduction University, USA If humans and gods recite and hold the phrases of the Great Compassion Mantra, then when they approach the end of life, all the Buddhas of the ten directions will come to take them by the hand to rebirth in whatever Buddhaland they wish, according to their desire. Should any living beings who recites and holds the spiritual mantra of Great Compassion fall into the three evil paths, I vow not to realise the right enlightenment. Should any living being who recites and holds the spiritual mantra of Great Compassion not be reborn in any Buddhaland, I vow not to realise the right enlightenment. Should any living being who recites and holds the spiritual mantra of Great Compassion not obtain unlimited samadhis and eloquence, I vow not to realise the right enlightenment. Should any living being who recites and holds the spiritual mantra of Great Compassion not obtain the fruits of whatever is sought in this very life, then he cannot have been making proper use of the Dharani of the Great Compassion Heart. People and gods who recite and hold the Great Compassion Mantra will obtain fifteen kinds of good birth and will not suffer fifteen kinds of bad death. The bad deaths are: 1. They will not die of starvation or privation. 2 ... Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

A certain amount of hubris Posted: 17 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST The American Zen master Zentatsu Richard Baker, the Dharma Successor of Soto Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, said after he was transmitted by Suzuki—and not surprisingly—"you are no longer a Buddhist; what you do is Buddhism" (Michael Downing, Shoes Outside the Door, p. 19).   Wow, talk about a bad case of hubris.  But then aren't some contemporary Zen masters playing Buddha, like Baker, in the sense that whatever they do they believe is Buddhism, no matter what? Of course I can criticize someone who believes they are the Buddha in virtue of a transmission they received from their teacher.  But they won't accept the fact—and it is a fact—that the Buddha of the Pali canon didn't transmit anyone.  And as I have mentioned before on The Zennist blog, the Buddha never transmitted his true teaching to disciples like Mahakashyapa, Revata, Subhuti, and others, according to the Avatamsaka Sutra. (Cleary, Flower Ornament Scripture, p. 1146).  In fact, the entire Zen transmission is a fiction.  How is it possible to transmit awakened or Buddha Mind?  It is like air.  Nobody possesses it nor can it be handed over to another. With contemporary Zen masters we are almost always dealing with varying degrees of hubris, a specific hubris which mistakes the depth of human nature for Buddha-nature.  Hubris is thus also a lack of wisdom, that is, the inability to distinguish between human nature and Buddha-nature.  There is also a tyrannical side to hubris.  Hubris makes tyrants. Zen in the West has certainly not be able to keep hubris out of the ranks of its teachers.  A certain amount of pride is first required which then leads one to overestimate their spiritual accomplishments, who then gains power in the way of Dharma transmission.  This is nothing less than a path to ruin.   Read More @ Source Tibetan Sound Healing - Part 4: HUNG Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche teaches and guides the practices of Tibetan Sound Healing — five guided practices for clearing obstacles, accessing positive qualities, and uncovering your inherent wisdom. For information about Tenzin Rinpoche and Tibetan Bon Buddhism, visit www.Ligmincha.org. For advance updates about Rinpoche's live Internet teachings and in-person retreats, subscribe to Ligmincha's free monthly e-newsletter at http To learn and engage deeply in Tibetan Sound Healing as a formal practice with direct personal guidance from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, consider enrolling in his upcoming online workshop at: www.glidewing.com Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AROUSING YOUR HEALTHY MIND AND BODY Posted: 17 Jan 2012 05:00 AM PST by mindfulness Article by Kristopherson In this busy world of stress and work, commitments and pressure, it is so vital to awaken your mind as well as body wellness. And this does require a good health regime. A sound and healthy mind and body can be given birth only with an apt diet, appropriate exercise and enough sleep to let the energy work on your body and soul. A lot of people have realized the importance a healthy soul and are ardently seeking keen interest on the inner awareness towards the growth and fitness of the spiritual self. And this awareness initiates the process of finding the self as well as fusing our physical body with our inner spirit. The sound soul and bodyThere is no real secret to a sound and healthy body and mind. The most essential pre-requisite is being happy with what we have and learning to be an opportunist. Healing your mind as well as body comes automatically when you get it right into your mind. Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you run towards it, the more it flies away from you and you sit patiently, it comes and rests by your shoulder. Many people have travelled all around the world in the pursuit of happiness that keeps the mind healthy. But then the consequences of the travel proved to be reversed. As they travelled more and more, they kept losing a part of themselves and thus becoming more lost than they were earlier. But then what these people forget is that mind and body wellness is not something that is found somewhere and you could possibly go buy it! It is rather a destination in itself that needs to be positioned in your soul, mind and body permanently.There are yet many who go up to great extents to accomplish a healthy and youthful body. And the rest are frenzied behind creating a heavy bank balance compromising on mental states, body and relationships. Yes, beauty and money do benefit us but ultimately that is not what we carry back with us. A true wellbeing can be easily spotted within our own minds. The mind plays 'the vital role' in the wholeness and the wellness of our body an! d mind a nd this fact has been asserted by the eastern culture since time immemorial. And now, many western medical sciences have begun to find hope in this assertion. It is basically to tri-unite the body, mind and soul to create an overall peace of mind!Alright! So what do we do?The principal thing to do is learn to pacify our minds and achieve control over our thoughts. Yes, accepted that it a difficult task as our minds are damn wavery and unpredictable. Thoughts come and go; some stay and some fade; most of them direct our behavior and few of those ruin our tasks! But then it is certainly not impossible. The truth is that most of us get fearful when we are induced to learn to control our thoughts and mind. We get reluctant! But why is it so scary while it is actually not! There are various types of therapy for healing the body, mind and soul and that includes hypnosis, relaxation techniques, visualization as well as the best option: meditation. But it is wise not to start with all at once; chose the one that best appeals to you and go ahead with undying determination for it!A healthy mind and body shall take the human race a long way ahead and will render him the strength to re-create the world into the 'Green planet'. When you give ample attention to your body fitness and skin care, a little concentration to the mind wellness will only enhance the glow and spark from within! And if there is more you want to know, there is a simple solution: http://www.healthyhomesandbody.com! About the Author Kristopherson d'Herriot is the fusion of two brilliant internet marketers who travel the world inspiring, educating, empowering and entertaining rising entrepreneurs. http://www.healthyhomesandbody.com

Early Morning Buddhist Inspiration - 1/17/2012 Posted: 17 Jan 2012 05:00 AM PST "Men are born soft and supple; dead they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail." ~Lao Tzu Technorati Tags: Buddha Buddhist Buddhism Meditation Dharma Read More @ Source Nichiren Buddhism Slow Gongyo Chant With Words recitazione lenta buddista recitazione buddista Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Learn the Art of Japanese Bonsai Posted: 17 Jan 2012 04:00 AM PST by araki Article by Mike Andrews All over the globe people who have practiced bonsai recognize that it is not just a avocation that involves growing small trees. The literal transliteration of the Japanese word bonsai, meaning "to grow in a small tray", cannot fully describe the depth of the art of bonsai. The practice of Japanese bonsai has many elements. For some there is a spiritual aspect, in addition to the gardening and the artistic aspect, that must be be brought together to make a true bonsai. When you have created a beautiful tree it is something you can be proud of. If you take the appreciation of nature away from the creation of bonsai it will be less than perfect, the same is true of trying to create a bonsai if you take away any of the three dimensions. Do you think of yourself as a good gardener? Teach yourself to be a good gardener before you try to tackle being a bonsai gardener A successful bonsai gardener has to have a basic understanding of plant physiology. Bonsai involves a tree's root system, how its branches grow, how its bark or skin change with age, and how its trunk can be altered. A bonsai artist must know how leaves perform photosynthesis, Finally he must understand the seasonal changes that bring about changes in the growth cycle of plants. Your bonsai trees will suffer unless you are able to attain and bring all of this knowledge to your bonsai project. Growing and shaping a proper bonsai, which involves pruning and cutting and bud pinching, requires the "artist" to also have the knowledge of a "gardner". Without the third element of bonsai, which is the artistic element, you would probably just end up with a small tree, and not a true bonsai. Like a sculptor that can see a statue inside the block of granite, a bonsai artist must look inside the bonsai tree to understand it's essence, and then train and shape the tree into form. Trees that grow under natural conditions and subject to the elements have forms or shapes that the bonsai artist attempts to replicate which make up the cl! assic st yles of bonsai. The styles are achieved by applying many different bonsai techniques, which might include grafting, pruning, pinching, and defoliating. Some people believer there is a philosophical or spiritual aspect to bonsai. There must be a connection between the bonsai artist and nature. Some people relate the philosophy or spirituality of Taoism and Buddhism to bonsai, while others consider it more closely related to Zen philosophy. A true bonsai cannot be created in the absense of a true connection and understanding of the natural world, regardless of the philosophy. Luckily you don't have to be a philosopher or a spiritualist in order to appreciate the beauty of Japanese bonsai. Happily, even folks who don't fully comprehend the multiple layers of bonsai can still be stirred by its beauty. About the Author Bonsai is is a great hobby!! Click this link to learn more about growing your very own amazing Japanese bonsai tree. Sign up for your FREE 7-part mini-course on how to grow all kinds of bonsai trees. To get started growing your own bonsai trees right away buy the essential "how-to" bonsai book "Beautiful Bonsai Secrets".

Meditation - The Most Basic and Profound Tool Posted: 17 Jan 2012 03:00 AM PST by joanna8555 Article by Elizabeth J Dabrowski When we are in need, seeking help, and trying to reach the cosmos to convince the Universe to be on our side, when we struggle with our world and think of coping no more, when everyone and everything seems to be against us, meditation can be the panacea for everything. It will calm you down and it will put your troubles into perspective, but if you sustain the momentum of meditating (keep doing it on regular basis), your life will start changing for the better without much physical effort on your part. I am not an expert on meditation techniques (plenty of them can be found on the net... many for free!) but I know enough to recommend finding your own methods including position, place, time, etc. by simply paying attention to how it feels and how it makes you feel. It should be pleasant, comfortable and isolated from outside noises as much as possible. If you want music or sublimal audios, that is fine but make sure to eliminate all interruptions. You can meditate on a specific problem, you can join group classes (probably a good idea if you are a complete beginner) or you can quiet your mind as much as possible and just be. The latter one is my favourite way regardless of how many problems I want to solve at once. The most beautiful thing about the outcome is that all needed solutions and ideas will come on their own, some straight away, some later. What you are gaining above everything else is your connection with the Universe and Its promise to serve you; all you have to do is to surrender to Its power, calm your hectic mind and start trusting which is only natural to achieve in meditating state. So far I have not found anything that comes close to the power of meditation. Meditation can be addictive, which is great! The more you meditate the better off you are! And you feel so good afterwards and next day as well. Hm... and it costs nothing. The simplest things in life are often the best. So give it a good try before you spend plenty of money on different progra! ms, each promising to be the only one to save your life and make a new person out of you. P.S. Let me recommend Three Magic Words by U.S. Andersen. It works perfectly with meditation, one enhancing the other. It always works for me when I need a bit of help.P.P.S. Once your life has improved and everything is going so much better, keep meditating! Do not fall into the trap of thinking you do not need it any more. But if it happens, do not despair... start meditating again... now you know that it works! a About the Author I write about what I have experienced myself, either personally or as an observer. Even though many people have influenced and shaped my theories, they are mainly based on my own development and as such reflect my very personal point of view. To find out more, view my website http://www.beingawoman.net Indian flute meditation Lay back and listen Video Rating: 4 / 5 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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