The Center for Mindfulness’ 10th Annual Scientific Conference, March 28-April 1, 2012

The Center for Mindfulness’ 10th Annual Scientific Conference, March 28-April 1, 2012

The Center for Mindfulness’ 10th Annual Scientific Conference, March 28-April 1, 2012

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 01:00 PM PST

The Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts is offering its 10th Annual Scientific Conference, called Investigating and Integrating Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society. It features more than 75 presentations that include research forums, presentation dialogs, workshops, keynotes, preconference institutes and workshops, breakfast roundtables, and a full day of mindfulness practice.

March 28-April 1, 2012
Four Points Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center
Norwood MA USA

Click here for full details.

Here's a message from Saki Santorelli, Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness, and Conference Chair.

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NamaSTAY hot yoga towels introduce: The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 12:00 PM PST

Article by Lewis Pelletier Anderson

Yoga designates traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. Hot yoga is the same discipline but practiced in climes that are at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Bikram's yoga yoga is practiced in hot environments as well but there are specific sets of movementsposes numbering 26 total. It focuses upon the deveopment of a healthy mind and body, and on attaining self-awareness. The various practices and disciplines of yoga are available to everyone, no matter what their culture or belief systems. Yoga practice also involves developing universal awareness and personal refinement through the yamas and niyamas, a series of ethics and disciplines intended to cultivate living in harmony with others and in oneness with our true selves.Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and consists of ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the connection of the mind with the body. The ancient Indian sage systemized yoga philosophy into eight paths or limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. These limbs each express a different aspect of yoga and combined make up the path or yoga practice that unites the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our being.Yama - Yamas are ethical disciplines that relate to how we should live in a shared world with peace and integrity. Niyama - These disciplines relate to the individual and focus on living a healthy, fulfilled and masterful life. Asana - The word asana means 'to be', in the sense of being in a posture. The asanas were developed for the maintenance of a healthy mind and body, with each posture affecting the body, mind and emotions in a unique way and working as a pathway to balance and wellbeing. Pranayama - In the practice of pranayama, we develop breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and strengthen lung capacity while also increasing the absorption of prana, or life force. In its simplest form, pranayama involves deep, full breathing. Dharana - Following on from pratya! hara, dh arana is the ability to be completely internally absorbed and focused. This practice of focused concentration stills the mind and leads to profound quietness within. Dhyana - Following on from dharana is dhyana, or meditation - sitting where there is no focus, just stillness; no thoughts, only emptiness. Samadhi - In this state of absolute personal freedom, there is a union of the individual soul with the universal soul. It is the practice of living at one with all that is.With regular yoga practice of yoga, you will get strength, flexibility and good health, the benefits of which flow into all aspects of life. Increased energy levels bring a new perspective on life, the increstased feelings of self-love and inspiration lead us to discover talents and interests we never knew existed and problems that once seemed overwhelming become more manageable.NamaSTAY is dedicated to spiritual attainment i our own yogic practices. Our hot yoga towels create a slip free yoga mat which allows for great stability when practiing a discipline that encourage profuse persipration. Our skidless yoga towels allow for traction in a meditatively moist environment. Follow us on Facebook and visit our websitefor more information about our products.

About the Author

Yoga Supplies - About the Author: Yoga Supplies Online is your online resource for all yoga topics and yoga supplies. They have an amazing range of yoga straps, yoga blocks, sticky yoga mats, thick yoga mats, manduka mats, prenatal yoga dvds, yoga dvds and yoga down loads to guide you through your yoga practice and to providing high quality information regarding the questions you want answered about yoga and yoga supplies. For More Details, please visit - http://www.yogasuppliesonline.c

Introduction to Kundalini Yoga

In this class, Sarah will introduce the ancient & revered practice of Kundalini yoga. She will lead us through a series of acts, or 'Kriyas,' which tear out the toxins and raise our energetic frequency.

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Join Sunada on “Living with Mindfulness” Retreat, Feb 24-26, 2012

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 12:00 PM PST

What does it means to live mindfully? How do we bring more calm and inner clarity into our daily lives? How can we stay confident and purposeful when times get rough?

This gentle introductory residential retreat is open to all, especially those with no prior experience with meditation or Buddhism. We will explore the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness in a down-to-earth, practical way through meditation, discussion, and hands-on exercises. We'll also investigate how to live with greater awareness and contentment with ourselves, and in turn, how to live in harmony with the world around us.

There will be detailed instruction for those who are new to meditation, and periods of silent practice for those with experience.

The retreat fee is on a sliding scale of $ 145-$ 225 for the weekend, inclusive of room and board.

The retreat is held at Aryaloka Buddhist Center, which is situated on 13 secluded acres in southern New Hampshire. For more information visit their website at www.aryaloka org.

About the leaders:

Sunada is a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, a mindfulness teacher and life coach. Her 16 years of Buddhist practice inform all of her work. She teaches at meditation at Wildmind as well as though classes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in the Boston area. She also works with individual clients through her own coaching practice at Mindful Purpose Life Coaching. She considers it her life's work to help people find the inner grounding and confidence to make a difference in the world.

Viriyalila, whose name means "playful, spontaneous energy in pursuit of the good", has been been meditating and practicing Buddhism since 1994. She was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2005 in San Francisco. She currently works in a team with the folks at Free Buddhist Audio, a dynamic internet resource providing free access to Dharma talks around the world.

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Gaining Mind Mastery Through Subliminal Perceptions And Messages

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:00 AM PST

Article by Mhel De Guzman

The subliminal technology has always been very vital for the health of the human mind. When you succeed in locating the right subliminal resources, you're sure to gain perfect mind mastery in the process. In most cases, such resources showcase in forms of subliminal perceptions and messages including images. They are all designed to help you reprogram your mind for success in life.

It's very important to point out the fact that, subliminal messages are quite different from subliminal perception. You don't need to be confused about the two. Basically, Subliminal messages are designed to influence your subconscious mind to greater action while subliminal perception is the actual measure of how much of the messages you're able to perceive in your subconscious.

Actually, the perception occurs when you're not even aware of it. It comes through the messages you've been listening to. It enters as pieces of information into your subconscious. You keep on perceiving without ever knowing that some processes are going on. This is because of the fact that the perception occurs in your subconscious mind. This is the seat of various activities in the mental system of the human person. If your unconscious mind is thoroughly impacted through the right subliminal messages, your conscious mind is sure to be affected in the process. Before you know it, you've started to gain perfect mastery over your entire mind.

There's the need to make sure that the subliminal messages you perceive are loaded with the right kind of information. Quality types are known to be loaded with lots of positive affirmations. The positive words contained in such messages can create lots of positive impacts in your subconscious if you continue to listen to them. On the other hand, if the messages contain negative affirmations, your subconscious will also be affected for the bad. This is the main reason why you need to guard what enters your mind jealously. The journey to mind mastery and self development begins with what g! oes on i n your subconscious and conscious mind. If you're thinking of succeeding in any venture in life, the journey begins with your mind set. You really need to guard what enters your mind in form of pieces of information if you really want to succeed.

Gaining mind mastery through subliminal perceptions and messages is never automatic. You have to work it out. There's needed to keep on listening to quality messages in order to succeed in the process. You can program yourself on how you can be listening to such messages. The perception can occur when you least expect it since it happens in the subconscious mind. Hence, there's every need for you to go for subliminal messages that are well packaged with positive affirmations. They showcase in form of CDs, DVDs and MP3s. You can be listening to them on daily basis. As you go ahead to do so, the perception will begin to occur in your subconscious. Before you know it, you've already begun to gain perfect mind mastery.

About the Author

Click Here to get your Free "Success Accelerator" Brainwave Cd today! Unleash your Mind Power potential to attain the lifestyle that you want. Go claim your Free Cd today!

How we use effort to get to a state of effortless meditation

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:00 AM PST

From time to time I'll hear people saying that meditation shouldn't involve effort. For example, Krishnamurti said, "All effort to meditate is the denial of meditation." And I just stumbled upon a website that decried the "arrogance" and "ignorance" of those who say that meditation involves effort, because "Effort is the antithesis of meditation."

It's clear, though, when you look at the Buddha's teachings, that he encouraged us to make effort in meditation, and in our lives generally. His last words, in fact, were "With diligence, strive on."

And in my own meditation I find I have to make effort all the time. I have to let go of compulsive thinking, steer my awareness back to the body and the breathing, correct my posture, adjust my attitudes.

One section of the Eightfold Path — one of the Buddha's key teachings — is "Right Effort." Right effort is counted as being part of the meditation (samadhi) section of the path.

Right Effort, in the context of the eightfold path, is seen as one of three pivotal aspects of practice, along with Right View and Right Mindfulness. Every aspect of practice depends upon effort, mindfulness, and view.

Effort, mindfulness, and view are described as three states that "run around and circle" all other practices. For example, if you want to practice Right Speech, you first have to be mindful of your speech. Without mindfulness, there is no possibility of any practice. You also have to have a discriminating awareness (or view) of which speech activities are unskillful and cause suffering, and which are skillful and lead us away from suffering. And then you actually need to make effort to abandon unskillful speech and to cultivate skillful speech. So on every step of the path, effort is involved, along with mindfulness and view.

Right Effort is usually defined in terms of the Four Right Efforts, or Exertions. These are:

  1. The effort to prevent the arising of unskillful qualities that have not yet arisen.
  2. The effort to abandon unskillful qualities that have already arisen.
  3. The effort to cultivate skillful qualities that have not yet arisen.
  4. The effort to maintain and increase to fruition skillful qualities that have arisen

Of course we can make either too much or too little effort. There once was a monk called Sona, who was considering giving up monastic life because his efforts weren't paying off. Just as he was wondering whether he should return to his family, the Buddha appeared to Sona. (This was described as the Buddha "magically" appearing, but I think we could take this as the image of the Buddha appearing in Sona's mind as he debated with himself.) The (imagined) Buddha asked Sona:

"Before, when you were a house-dweller, were you skilled at playing the lute?"

Sona of course replied that he had.

The (imagined) Buddha went on:

"And what do you think: when the strings of your lute were too taut, was your lute in tune and playable?"

"No, lord," replied Sona.

"And what do you think: when the strings of your lute were too loose, was your lute in tune and playable?"

"No, lord."

"And what do you think: when the strings of your lute were neither too taut nor too loose, but tuned to be right on pitch, was your lute in tune and playable? … In the same way, Sona, over-aroused persistence leads to restlessness, overly slack persistence leads to laziness. Thus you should find the right pitch for your energy, attune the pitch of your faculties, and thus begin your reflections."

How do we know when, like Sona, we're making too much or too little effort? The thing is that for our effort to be "right" effort it needs to be combined with mindfulness and right view. Mindfulness allows us to notice what the results of our efforts are, which right view lets us know whether those efforts are helpful or unhelpful, and whether we're making the right kind of effort.

For example, if your mind lacks mindfulness, and you're simply drifting, lost in thought, then you're not exerting enough effort. If you're feeling a sense of despair about your practice, then you also probably don't have enough effort. If you're getting tense and uptight, then you're making too much effort. If you're in a state of elation and aren't very sensitive and kind to others, then you're probably making too much effort. If you're giving yourself a hard time, you're trying too hard. It's our mindfulness and our "view" that let us know what's going on and whether it's helpful.

You need to keep noticing what's happening around your effort; what's happening as a result of your effort. When we do that, our effort is more likely to be balanced.

The word "effort" and the related word "work" sometimes give the wrong idea. We can think of work and effort as being joyless activities. So when I talk about working in meditation, and putting effort into our practice, I like to flank the words "work" or "effort" with the terms "rest" and "play." There needs to be a relaxation of any unnecessary effort — the effort that goes into making the body tense, or that goes into endless thinking, for example. So around our effort there needs to be an attitude of restful, mindful, expansive awareness. And the effort we make should ideally not be forced or unnatural, but light and playful. Meditation can become a joyful exploration: "Where can I go today?"

Yes, there may be times when we have to struggle (to stay awake for example) or have to forcefully restrain ourselves from doing something that we think is grossly unhelpful (for example when we repress the urge to say something unkind) but these should increasingly be unnecessary as we retrain the mind.

Now, it is possible to get to a point in our meditation practice where we don't need to make any effort. The mind clears and becomes still, joy arises, and we're simply present to our experience as it unfolds. The positive factors we've been developing in the mind reach a kind of critical mass and establish themselves stably. It seems that you're not meditating — that your meditation is simply doing itself. It doesn't seem that "you" are doing anything. But to get to that point we need to first put in some effort — usually a lot of effort.

It's not really possible to short-cut this process, and jump straight to effortless meditation. Eventually we get to the point in meditation where effort is in fact unnecessary, but to get there we need to use an effort that is balanced, mindful, and, where possible, playful.

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Sleepwear & Clothing that will blow your mind

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:00 AM PST

Article by Victor

If you are looking for that something in what you will look great while you are sleeping, as well as if you get out in it you will have a lot of products to take a look at the IndulgeFashion. Probably the best one to consider would be the Deshabille Sleepwear & Loungewear. There are pieces that will make you look stunning like the Deshabille Bloom Dress. When you see the looks your partner is giving you, you may consider also taking a look at the Deshabille Bloom Pants or Deshabille Bloom top. They all look very nice and relaxed while they will give you the comfort that is needed during your sleep.

If however you are more the type that likes to have things you sleep in a bit different, there is also something as Deshabille Harem Night Dress or Deshabille Liberty Night Dress. Since the inventory of the IndulgeFashion is constantly full of amazing lingerie you will be able to find many different styles that you will like. Another great option from the Deshabille is the Deshabille Annabelle Set or Deshabille Arabella Sleep Set that will give you a nice relaxed feeling, while you will look great if someone sees you.

There is another great style that matches the criteria. The Simply Silk Sleepwear & Loungewear. The style is something your partner will really like to see on you while you are in the bed. It can be used as seducing clothing as it is very sexy. There are also some like Simply Silk Nightie or Simply Silk Nightie / Slip that look both sexy and elegant. If you feel like a wild cat there is also something for you. The Simply Silk Long Georgette Silk Nightie is sure to tell your partner just what your intentions are, while you feel really comfortable.

If you are looking for sleepwear of super value there are also many options for you at IndulgeFashion.com.au. The best choice would be to purchase some of the Pickles and loop designed sleepwear. You can usually see some things like Boheme boxers or Pickles and Loop Fleur Chemise in some films. No matter which one you ch! oose the y will make you feel relaxed and at ease. This is because they are designed keeping in mind the comfort.

When searching for the right sleepwear you should take care about few things. There are some pieces that are great to wear, but only in certain periods of the year while other will be great most of the time. The important thing is that you feel great and all this is simply accomplished with a purchase at Indulge Fashion. The lingerie here is of great quality and looks even better while you are able to take a look at the product before you decide to purchase it. You can see various models of lingerie and you can picture yourself in it. It will be the best to choose the lingerie that you think it fits your personality and style. You should also choose lingerie that will make you more confident in your beauty and charm.

About the Author

Shop online for irresistible fashion lingerie and swimwear, shop for stylish and supportive bras or sexy underwear and designer lingerie at Indulge Fashion and Lingerie Australia's leading online store for fashion and designer lingerie.Please Contact to email us at shop@indulgefashion.com.au

Tapping into Relaxation - EFT with Brad Yates

Ihope you will enjoy this video and find it beneficial, and that you will share it with others. Want to change the life of a child - and the world - by introducing them to the magic of tapping...? Of course you do! ;) Check out: www.thewizardswish.com If you'd like to get instant access to well over 100 hours of Life-Enhancing, Laughter-Inducing, Fear-Smashing, Abundance-Attracting, Joy-Inspiring audio for only , go here www.MagnificentTappers.com For more information about tapping, as well as a ton of great resources to help you live your best life possible, please visit www.bradyates.net If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe to my videos and share them with others. I hope you will also sign up for my free monthly newsletter "Success Beyond Belief" - only one issue a month, filled with good stuff for your body, mind and spirit. Please click here www.listcast.com (and there are free gifts when you sign up!) Why do I ask you to take responsibility for your own well-being? www.bradyates.net Be Magnificent! Brad www.bradyates.net

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Chemo Usually Safe for Pregnant Women with Cancer

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:00 AM PST

pregnant-sick-101215-02
CREDIT: Valua Vitaly | Dreamstime

In a finding that is reassuring to pregnant women with cancer, chemotherapy does not appear to pose serious long-term health consequences for the unborn fetus, according to a new study.

Children in the study whose mothers were treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy did just as well developmentally as children in the general population, the researchers said. Children in the study did not appear to be at risk for brain, heart or hearing problems, the study found.

And another result from the study suggested that delivering a baby early in order to start cancer treatment was more harmful to the baby than initiating chemotherapy during pregnancy, the researchers said. Children born prematurely did have an increased risk of lower scores on intelligence and memory tests, compared with children not born prematurely.

"Our findings do not support a strategy of delay in chemotherapy administration or [physician induced] preterm delivery…to avoid harm to the fetus," the researchers wrote in their study.

The findings back up what physicians have been doing in most cases — doctors typically start chemotherapy in a pregnant woman with cancer after her first trimester.

"We try to balance the benefits for mom and for baby," said Dr. Diana Contreras, a gynecological oncologist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y., who was not involved in the study. The new findings indicate that doctors should let women carry their babies to full term, and not impose a specific birth date on mothers with cancer, Contreras said. (Typical full-term pregnancies last 40 weeks, though babies born at 37 weeks or later are no longer considered premature.)

Cancer in pregnancy

Cancer during pregnancy is rare, and the most common types of cancers are those that occur in women of child-bearing age, including breast and cervical cancer, lymphoma and melanoma, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The study included 68 pregnant women from Belgium, The Netherlands and the Czech Republic who were treated with three to four cycles of chemotherapy during pregnancy. More than two-thirds of the women gave birth prematurely (at less than 37 weeks.)

Some children were enrolled in the study at birth, while others were identified later, and the age range of the total group was 1.5-to-18-years old.

The researchers used a variety of tests to assess the children's general health and development, heart function and mental abilities. Older children also completed hearing, memory, attention and behavior tests.

Most of the children's scores on all of the tests were within normal ranges. Children born prematurely scored lower on tests of cognitive development, although the researchers noted that this is the case in the general population as well. The score for IQ increased about 12 points for each additional month of gestation.

One pair of twins in the study had a severe neurodevelopment delay, but the researchers said it was not likely due to the chemotherapy.

Brain protection

Although the blood-brain barrier of a fetus was once thought to be leaky, allowing compounds in a mother's blood to reach the developing brain, recent data suggests the brain is actually quite protected against chemotherapy drugs, possibility explaining the overall positive results.

While any group of children who are born preterm have lower developmental scores, the researchers noted they cannot rule out the possiblility that the scores were made worse by the chemotherapy.

Because the study was quite small, a larger study in which children are followed for a longer period of time should be conducted to confirm the results, the researchers said.

The study is published online Feb. 10 in the journal The Lancet Oncology.

Pass it on: Chemotherapy during pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of brain, heart and hearing problems in children.

Follow MyHealthNewsDaily staff writer Rachael Rettner on Twitter @RachaelRettner. Findus on Facebook.

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Thank goodness for those old Buddhist proverbs...

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 09:00 AM PST

Buddhist
by Mal B

Article by Craig Harper

There's an old Buddhist proverb which says:

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

At the outset I'm going to assume two things about you (yes I know the dangers of assumptions... call me crazy).

Assumption one:Over the last........ mths/yrs (you fill in the number) you've discovered some amazing truths about yourself, life, the world, God, finances, people, happiness, peace, relationships, love (and so on).

Assumption two:At times (possibly often) you've been frustrated by the people in your world (friends, family) who don't share your ideas, thoughts, beliefs, vision or enthusiasm.In short; they don't really get what you get.And you get frustrated because you know you can help them, if only they will listen.After all, your motives are good.What's their problem?Why are they so determined to stay in their mediocrity?

A short story.Like most people over the Christmas period, I had to attend my fair share of social functions and being the non-drinking, non-smoking, low-fat, excitement-machine that I am, I invariably found myself trapped in some corner of a room, locked in a deep and meaningful dialogue with someone I didn't really know, would never see again, who had thrown down one too many drinks and was standing six inches closer than is socially acceptable (on the Craig personal space meter).

Several times I considered abandoning all of my principles and getting really drunk and standing by the barbeque eating fatty, salty, charred animal flesh with my socially-inappropriate drunk buddies talking crap and telling bad jokes... they seemed to be having so much fun (I know there's a lesson in there somewhere).

I nearly did it.. but I knew you wouldn't respect me any more, so I refrained.

Although I do have a propensity to talk (being an extroverted, attention-seeking, only child and all), one of my favourite things to do when I'm around groups of people is to.... listen and watch; amazingly, be quiet.

One of the most interesting ! studies in communication is to observe someone trying to talk to someone who isn't really listening, and who really has no interest in what is being said.

Invariably the talker will start to increase the volume (and spit frequency).If that doesn't create the desired response, he or she will move closer.When that fails they will start with the pointing finger (one of my favourite bits).What then often follows is either yelling, swearing, insults, occasional violence or any combination thereof (gets no better).

Why is it that (some) people feel so compelled to 'evangelise' people who don't want to be converted? Do they not have the capacity to read the incredibly obvious non-verbal communication which is screaming "I'm not interested in what you have to say or your stupid philosophy."

An interesting study in behavioural science is to stand back and watch various social situations and see how many people don't actually listen to each other in conversation; they merely wait for a gap in the dialogue to get their point across.

Lesson one: The best communicators.... don't necessarily talk a lot.

Lesson two: People will learn when they are ready.

Lesson three: Don't try and teach someone who doesn't want (or isn't ready) to learn; you'll probably do more harm than good.

Lesson four: Don't confuse 'being articulate' with being a 'good communicator'... 93% of communication is non-verbal. If you want to connect with people talk less, watch and listen more.

Another story.A friend of mine has gone through a massive journey of self-discovery and personal growth over the last twelve months. Her life, relationships, attitudes, career and beliefs have all changed drastically. In many ways she is a completely different person; happy, fulfilled, excited and loving life. The only down side to her new-found reality is that she doesn't 'get' people who don't get her perspective (or even want to listen to what she has to say). Kind of like the reformed smoker who becomes a judgemental, ! opiniona ted pain in the arse, she has had to learn that not everyone is where she's at (practically, emotionally, psychologically).

Lesson five: by trying to convert or convince people who don't want to hear your message, you are more likely to create a negative outcome, than you are, a positive one (and annoy the crap out of them). Many relationships have been destroyed by well-intending friends or family who have had some life-changing experience or revelation and think everyone in their world needs what they have.

The last story.My mother smokes.There I said it.I really hope she doesn't read this because she'll be grumpy at me for a day or three.I love my mum (mom for my US friends) and because I love her, I don't want her to smoke.Simple.But you know what?My mum doesn't want a 'lesson' on smoking from me.When we head down that path... it only ends in tears.Mine.No joy for the big fella at all.

Lesson six: Mothers can be scary.And gorgeous.

Lesson seven:Trying to teach people who; 1. don't want to be taught or 2. don't want to be taught by you... will invariably create resentment.

About the Author

Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.

He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and GOLD FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.

Australian Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper

Me, Jordan and Doug a the Buddhist Temple at the Air Force Academy yesterday! 5-25-11

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The purpose of meditation

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 09:00 AM PST

If somebody asked me what was the purpose or aim of Buddhist meditation I would tell them it helps lead us to see our true nature.  More generally, meditation is the concentration of thought on a particular object or point.  In, itself, this doesn't engender gnosis or the 'seeing' of our true nature which means that meditation is only a means—not the end.  Outside of this, what is called 'meditation' is somewhat of a misnomer.

Turning to the particular object of meditation if it is incorrect then our efforts will fail no matter how much we practice.  It is somewhat like having the wrong coordinates with which to navigate.  We will never reach the Isle of Jewels, i.e., nirvana.  This is why it is so very important to study the discourses of the Buddha.  The Buddha is trying to teach us about our true nature which we have yet to realize.

Since we live in the degenerate age, the age of counterfeit dharma (pratirûpakadharma), we have to be vigilant making sure we don't misunderstand the purpose or aim of meditation.  If, for example, someone tells us that meditation has no purpose than just to sit we have to inquire if the Buddha actually taught this.  If someone tells us we are already Buddhas so there is no need to see our true nature, again, we have to inquire if the Buddha actually taught this.  If he didn't teach this then we must reject what we have been taught since it is wrong meditation.

 

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Amazing Golf Mind Review

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

Article by Ian Love

The "Amazing Golf Mind" program contains professional subliminal audios specifically created for regular golfers from scratch players to social golfers. It covers a specific audio for each of the following golf improvement areas: That's why you should own these audios today (in fact, you can be listening to them in as little as 10 minutes from now!). Get the advantage for your next round of golf. You'll be amazed at the results.

The other option is for you to shell out 00 or more buying all kind of expensive mental golf courses and subliminal software that will most likely only sit on your shelf gathering dust.The "Amazing Golf Mind" audios - the quickest and easiest way to catapult your golf game to the next level - are available to you as downloadable MP3 directly accessible from the Internet.- Amazing Golf Swing for a consistent and repeatable swing- Amazing Short Game for a solid chipping and pitching- Amazing Putting for eliminating three putts forever- Amazing Tournament Success for playing your best golf when it counts - Each Audio is 20 minutes long, including subliminal affirmations (the ones the top tour players use), brain wave states and relaxing sounds. - The Subliminal Mental Audios are available as MP3 files for instant download.So, how much better would you feel having the confidence to make solid contact with every shot you make? Wouldn't you have a much better chance of success in improving your golf game and dropping your handicap very quickly?Grab A Copy Click hereThat's why you should own these audios today (in fact, you can be listening to them in as little as 10 minutes from now!). Get the advantage for your next round of golf. You'll be amazed at the results.

The other option is for you to shell out 00 or more buying all kind of expensive mental golf courses and subliminal software that will most likely only sit on your shelf gathering dust.The "Amazing Golf Mind" audios - the quickest and easiest way to catapult your golf game to the next level - are availabl! e to you as downloadable MP3 directly accessible from the Internet.

This way I have no inventory and fulfilment costs. I don' need to pay anyone to take orders over the phone. This way I can pass along my cost savings to you. So you win and I win. But don't worry, downloading the "Amazing Golf Mind" audios in MP3 format is a real snap, I'm no "techno whiz" and I had no problem.

Grab A Copy Click here

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The Pause Upon Which All Else Relies

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

Post written by Leo Babauta.

There is one little habit I've learned that has changed everything else in my life.

The pause.

When we fail, it's because we act on urges without thinking, without realizing it. We have the urge to eat junk, and we do it. We have the urge to check email instead of writing a chapter of our book, and so we open our inbox. We have an urge to smoke, to drink, to do drugs, to chew our nails, to play a Facebook game, to procrastinate, to skip a workout, to eat more fries … and we act on that urge.

What if instead we learned to pause after each urge? What if we stopped, looked at that urge, paid close attention to what it feels like inside our bodies, but didn't act?

The urge would no longer control us. We would be able to make conscious choices that might be healthier for us, help us be happier.

If we can pause, we create space. Space to breathe, to think, to be without acting.

The pause is the answer to so many of our problems. Such a small thing, and so powerful.

To develop the pause, notice your next urge. Is it an urge to go check something online? Or eat something you know isn't healthy for you? Pay attention to the urge, learn as much as you can about it. If you act on it after the pause, that's OK. Just notice it, and pause, and pay attention.

Do it again for the next urge, and the next. You will get good at it with practice, and you'll have lots of opportunities to practice.

The urges won't go away, but your ability to pause will get stronger. And when you have the pause, you have everything.

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Tigers and Monks

Buddhist monks in the Thai jungle living in perfect harmony with tigers. More information: abcnews.go.com www.huffingtonpost.com

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The Master Says "This Is The Fate For Those Who Do Not Meditate"

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 07:00 AM PST

Article by Gary Zalben

Some questions were presented about meditation and these are the answers from the teachings of a great spiritual master from India. Why is it so important for me to meditate? I am a very hyper person and I don't have the patience to sit and meditate and besides, I do not have the time; I barely have enough time for my daily routine. What would I get out of it anyway?

The master says, "When you pull the ear, the head is pulled with it. Pull God into your life through meditation and then you will automatically pull in ever new blessings, wisdom and prosperity. That is the reason people should seek God first and possessions second for he is most likely to lose God. Your mind is comparable to a piece of blotting paper; as it is saturated with grimy mundane desires it becomes fully drenched and is unable too grasp the uncorrupted Divine Essence.

As I mentioned before I have no extra time to meditate. There are some who are the so-called extremely busy who will not bring themselves to take even a few minutes out of the twenty-four day to meditate. God looks at those who lose sleep over Him as heroes. By being too busy even until death in a childish pursuit of perishable riches to satisfy unproductive cravings or desires, continually collecting stocks and bonds will not get you through the pearly gateways of the afterlife. Unfortunately there are very few people who will live a disciplined life and without interruption meditate and harvest the everlasting rewards of God-contact in the short season of life. Only by spiritual labor of scientific yoga meditation not by blind beliefs or proxy nor an undeserved heavenly visitation nor by hoping to be in His omnipresence by the merit of death can the Lord of the harvest be attained.

My question is, "why meditate when I pray every day to be forgiven for my sins and bad karma?" The selfish fear of consequences along with shallow prayer will not bring God randomly to counteract the just and truthful workings of the laws of cause and effect. Man! would c ontinue in error if permitted to do so without the consequences. God cannot be moved by bartered deals of good behavior for past misconducts or sporadic emotions of praise. Only by divine love and by devoted sincerity can any sin and its consequences be forgiven. What about people going to confession aren't they saved? From the results of their transgressions, some credulous offenders want to be free of their suffering and consider it sufficient to seek confession from an everyday priest and receive divine amnesty by confessing their sins from their evil deeds. There is mental consolation that confession confers on them, but the operation of the karmic laws are too subtle for them to be seen and they deem themselves to be forgiven. Only God and His highly advanced masters or saints can forgive others and free men from suffering the consequences of their wrongdoing. Those who learn the advanced meditation technique of Kriya Yoga can burn off their bad karma. One hour of Kriya Yoga is equivalent to twenty four hours of prayer.

Another question came up, "I meditate every morning and night but I see nothing, hear nothing and feel nothing; what should I do?" Desires constantly agitate the meditator and wisdom can only be perceived when one stops moving. If you lightly touch the spring of a good watch, it stops. And when the movement of the watch is shaken, it will start running again. Likewise, as the bodily functions are motionless by calming the restless movements of the mental processes, intuition comes the moment you are still to guide you. That is why some people quit meditating; they cannot go deep enough to gain any results therefore they lose interest. Each time we meditate the master says, when we see the light in meditation, beneficial changes are taking place in our brain cells. Even if we do not see that light when we meditate, eventually we will. During meditation you must break the connection between the body and the mind. As long as you are conscious of your body you cannot go deep into m! editatio n. You have to have complete forgetfulness of your body and that means a "state of absolute immovability." As long as you move even once, like to scratch yourself, you have broken that magnetic field and you have to start over again at that point to gain depth in meditation.

Some have what is called the yo-yo syndrome. This alternating condition is when two tendencies over power each other then alternately like two lovers who sometimes become angry affect each other alternately with deep enthusiasm for meditation and then sudden dryness and indifference. Then in one moment they get very interested and drop everything else.

I just recently started meditating but it seems that whenever I meditate I am disturbed by someone or some thing. Is that normal? There are some devotees who find that when meditating for just a short time they are tempted by their bad habits of earthly pleasures or hounded by spiritual tests or poverty, diseases and afflictions of the body; they stop meditating for not forming deep rooted habits of meditation. Whenever there is unhappiness or misfortune, think of God as your highest resource, the same way the needle of a compass always points north, it does not matter which direction the compass is turned so must your thoughts be on God no matter what circumstances exist from minute to minute. Countless fools blindly go through the pathway of uninstructed impulses only to find themselves on the road of ignorant worldly actions. It is simple to perform worldly or evil actions as it takes no effort to roll down a hill. Every repeated evil or ignorant action guides one further down the pathway of evil or worldly ways.

Someone said, "if I could only witness a miracle, even a small one, I would definitely be motivated to be more spiritual. You should know that miracles are desired and held in esteem by earthly mundane mortals who have feelings of inadequacy and who try to challenge the Lord by proving Himself. But divine souls do not doubt him nor test His attention and l! ove. If you want to know about miracles and motivate yourself read the chapter "The Law of Miracles" in the book "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual classic, which explains this in detail.

The question was asked. "I read spiritual books very often, what about that?" The answer is "If you don't meditate but read, you have a huge, interesting, marvelous and philosophical knowledge stuffed with high metaphysics. It just won't do you any good; it's like having a nice book about food and the best menu in the world and you starve to death."

How is it possible to get a real response from God? Infinite and formless, God is spirit and will not usually talk in words but manifests His awareness as divine perceptions through comprehensible vibratory sounds and comprehended only by devotees with heightened intuition in deep meditation.

One's most important engagement is with God in meditation for it is impossible to keep any other engagement in one's life without borrowing energy, muscular power and mental activity from God who is the giver of all these things. True meditation is absorption in God and it has absolutely nothing in common with the unscientific techniques of breathing taught by a host of ill-advised zealots. Once tasted the happiness of God-communion in meditation is more enticing than all mundane temptations.

Would someone eat rotten cheese? Would you prefer unhappiness to paradise? No. Because of delusion man yields to temptation thinking it will bring happiness. It is hard to differentiate counterfeit coins which have no value from the genuine article; it is the same way to seek pleasure from attractive but worthless vices. Real happiness takes discrimination to know the difference.

What is the fate of those who do not meditate? Those who 'save their lives,' keeping themselves identified with the demands and comfort of the body, and who are reluctant to make the required spiritual labor in the struggle to sit and meditate, will discover eventually he ! will 'sa crifice his life,' of transitory happiness that he sought after to defend and protect. At the end of his life the material man finds he is without God-realization as well as without riches by his worldly life.

He who spends his time with Guru given techniques of meditation will without difficulty reach the pinnacle of spiritual freedom." What freedom do I have? You have none unless you go into your soul. Free will without wisdom is zero free will. Within your soul you have every free will possible. In fact, the moment there is a burst of soul consciousness, at that moment you have free will because the masters say the only time you are truly alive is when you commune with God otherwise all the masses of unenlightened people are just humanoids, pre-programmed by the sub-conscious mind and manipulated by all the computers of previous incarnations and past memories which automatically control their lives and that's a fact believe it or not.

The masters say this is the penalty for those who refuse to allow their lives to be guided by divine laws. On the stage of life most people behave like puppet actors who are manipulated by prenatal instincts, environment, and karmic destinies from former lives. They do not know what role to play to be successful in life. There is a plan for your life. But lives which are governed solely by the laws of cosmic causation or the karmic laws are the hidden players in the game of life. You lose your independence and you cannot say yes or no when herded to the right path or evil ways. The key is listening to your conscience. Your conscience is God's cosmic intelligence vibrating through you. Each time you interfere with your conscience youare back into ego consciousness, ignorance and duality. You have human intelligence which endlessly lies to you then you have divine intelligence and your conscience. There are two kinds of people in the world, those who meditate and seek God and those who don't.

About the Author

This article copyright 2008-Author: Gary Zalben. You may reprint this article as long as the source is kept intact. For more information about the author and self-improvement writings see http://www.howtoselladeadhorse.com

5 Experts Answer: Can Your IQ Change?

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 07:00 AM PST

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Each week, MyHealthNewsDaily asks the experts to answer questions about your health. This week, we asked psychologists: Can your IQ ever change?

Jack Naglieri, research professor at University of Virginia:

The answer to this question, like many others, depends on a number of factors. If you look at the research where they've made people smarter (i.e. improved their IQs), what they're really doing is to make people function better.

I've been able to teach children to be better in mathematics without teaching them mathematics. You can teach a child to better utilize their ability to plan, and that improves their academic performance not only in math, but in reading comprehension. So, what I would say, is we didn't make the children smarter, but we taught them how to use what they have more efficiently, and better.

Understanding changes in IQ also requires carefully considering how intelligence is being measured. People confuse ability with knowledge. We all can study and improve our vocabulary. But I would argue that doesn't make us any smarter.

The best way to measure intelligence is to measure those abilities that underlie the acquisition of knowledge, separately from the knowledge we have.

***

Richard Nisbett, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan:

Yes, your IQ can change over time. But [IQ] tests give you the same answer to a very substantial extent, even over a period of year. The older you are, the more stable your test score will be.

The most volatility in IQ scores is in childhood, mostly in adolescence. Offhand I can't think of a reason why it would be, it just seems to be the case.

Also, the average IQ of people is changing over time. Basically, people are gaining in modern industrialized societies. IQs are increasing three points per decade. In fact, there was an 18-point increase between 1947 and 2002. So the average IQ of a 20-year-old in 1947 was lower than the average IQ of a 20-year-old in 2002.

Now, validity of IQ as a measurement of all that we consider "intelligence" is another question.

***

Stephen Ceci, professor of developmental psychology at Cornell University:

Absolutely. And there's plenty of evidence documenting this.

An article in November in the journal Nature by Price and her colleagues is one example. It had 33 adolescents, who were 12- to 16-years-old when the study started. Price and her team gave them IQ tests, tracked them for four years, and then gave them IQ tests again.

The fluctuations in IQ were enormous. I'm not talking about a couple points, but 20-plus IQ points, one way or another. These changes in IQ scores were not random — they tracked very nicely with structural and functional brain imaging. Suppose the adolescent's verbal IQ really went up during that time; it was verbal areas of the brain that changed.

There are quite a large number of other studies showing IQ can change. Many of the changes in IQ are correlated to changes in schooling. One way that school increases IQ is to teach children to "taxonimize," or group things systematically instead of thematically. This kind of thinking is rewarded on many IQ tests.

There's also a number of studies showing that the brain changes after several kinds of regimen. London Taxi drivers whose brains are scanned before and after they start driving, and learning to navigate London's maze of streets, show changes in the brain as they use more navigational skills. Even young adults who take a juggling course show brain changes.

If you put it all together, and the evidence is quite compelling, that life experiences and school-related experiences change both the brain and IQ. This is true of adults and children.

***

Alan S. Kaufman, clinical professor of psychology at the Yale University School of Medicine:

There's no such thing as "an" IQ. You have an IQ at a given point in time. That IQ has built-in error. It's not like stepping on a scale to determine how much you weigh.

The reasonable error around any reliable IQ is going to be plus or minus 5 or 6 points, to give you a 95 percent confidence interval. So, for example, if a person scores 126, then you can say with 95 percent confidence that the person's true IQ is somewhere between 120 and 132; within our science we don't get any more accurate than that.

But as soon as you go to a different IQ test, then the range is even wider, because different IQ tests measure slightly different things.

But while there is no single IQ – it's a range of IQs – you can still pretty much determine whether a person is going to score roughly at a low level, or an average level, or a high level.

However, IQ is a relative concept. IQ is how well you do on an IQ test compared to other people your age, and that is true whether you are 4 or in your 40s.

***

Kevin McGrew, director of the Institute for Applied Psychometrics, visiting professor in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota

It depends. First I think it is important to distinguish between at least three different meanings of the word intelligence. There is biological intelligence, or what is typically defined as neural efficiency. Then there's psychometric intelligence – your measured IQ score – which is an indirect and imperfect method of estimating biological intelligence.

Can you increase biological intelligence? Research during the past decade using various neurotechnologies (aka, brain fitness programs) has suggested that it is possible to fine-tune your neural efficiency, or mental horsepower. Your cognitive functions can be made to work more efficiently. and in a more synchronized manner.

So can you change your IQ score? Individuals can change IQ scores. Your score may change not because of any real change in general intelligence, but that different tests may be used which measure different mixtures of abilities.

Also, some abilities (e.g., fluid reasoning and crystallized intelligence, or verbal abilities) are more stable over time, while others are less stable (e.g., short-term memory and cognitive processing speed).

You may have a certain level of general intelligence but it is important how you use it.  When you approach a task, how well do you plan? How well do you adjust your response if it's not going well? These non-cognitive traits can be improved more easily than cognitive abilities. 

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A Hassle-free Guide To Meditation Techniques

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 06:00 AM PST

Article by Dr. Rose Windale

Meditation has a wide range of definition and it comes in different forms and packages. There are hundreds of meditation techniques developed over the ages each one designed for a certain purpose or function. There are meditation techniques specially designed for men or merely for women alone. There are those appropriate only for the elderly. Some meditation techniques have been devised for relaxation and to reduce stress while there are meditation modalities for ameliorating a health condition. As there are countless options for meditation techniques, choosing the the most suitable one can be crucial to ensure that the optimum benefits are obtained out of meditation.

Some meditations are guided thus done under the attendance of a guide or teacher while some people opt to do meditation on their own. As some people are at a loss in finding the ideal meditation technique for themselves, it may be sensible to initially do some research. Books or the Internet can facilitate in this endeavor. When resorting to the internet, specialized websites can be helpful in giving free information on meditation techniques. Such websites offer guidelines on how to make meditation effectual by providing step by step instructions on various meditation techniques. As the process of finding a suitable technique can be "hit and miss", it is advisable to try several meditation methods first until a method in which the individual is most comfortable with is determined.

Only an individual can discern which technique delivers the best results from all the methods experimented on. The results of meditation techniques are highly subjective and personal. It differs from person to person. The best judge or assessor whether a technique is effective is the meditator himself. Meditation techniques are considered successful once the individual feels more lively and less stressed upon doing the method over time. Meditation can actually be a healing process and an undamaging one at that. Meditation techniques, when pra! cticed o ver time can offer physical benefits and can have positive influence on the well-being as well.

One can actually achieve healing through meditation techniques sans the adverse effects of medical procedures or pharmaceutical drugs. Meditation by far has been proven to be of no detriment. The only question is whether the meditation techniques are more or less effective. There are meditations designed for beginners, ones that are simple and easy while other techniques are combined with breathing exercises and additional implements. Meditation techniques are distinct in their own ways, each having particular results intended for the diverse needs of individuals. Once a person takes on the path of a meditation technique, it's appropriateness for the individual may be uncertain, so it is sensible to keep looking until an ideal technique is ascertained.

A meditation technique also works as a process and is a regimen that must be habitually employed to deliver results. Thus, it also takes discipline and commitment when trying a technique. Meditation techniques gradually bring about results as they are practiced over time. For starters, one can consider passive or active meditation techniques such as brainwave meditation or a guided free meditation technique. Candle meditation techniques are some of the basic ones so feel free, relax and be positive when embarking on meditation until the mark is hit and the perfect technique has been realized.

About the Author

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Osho and Meditation, episode #635

www.TheRawFoodWorld.com Today we give many updates in this video. Today I talk about my love for Osho. Osho is the one that taught me how to meditate. Check it out!

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The Relationship Between Mind Illusions And Mind Power

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 05:00 AM PST

Article by Mhel De Guzman

Mind illusions are largely based on optical illusions. These refer to images that are perceived visually yet the perception by the individual is different from the objective reality. The data that the brain puts together processes something that does not correspond with the actual physicality of the stimulus that it has been presented with.

There are three types of mind appearance or impression. The first is the literal illusion. This is when the mind creates an image that is completely different from the actual objects that it has been presented with. The second type is the physiological one. These come about when the brain has been exposed to excessive stimuli of a specific kind, for example light or color. The third type is when the brain and the eyes make separate unconscious inferences when it comes to a set of stimuli that they have been presented with. These types of cognitive imaginary visions are also recognized as mind games.

After images is what constitutes the bane of physiological mind illusions. These are the images that immediately appear in the mind after the brain has been exposed to excessive stimuli for example very bright lights. The process that causes this is based on how the brains neurons work. The mind has neural paths that are specifically dedicated for certain types of stimuli. When these neural paths are constantly bombarded with one form of stimuli without giving them a chance to process the information, a physiological imbalance occurs in the brain. This in turn changes the way the mind will perceive that stimuli hence the mind illusion.

Cognitive illusions, on the other hand, arise from the way an individuals mind has been trained throughout the person's life. Cognitive illusions are unconscious inferences completely based on the individual's perception of the world. There are several types of cognitive mind illusions. The first is the ambiguous illusion. Ambiguous are objects or images that make the mind interpret them in two or more different way! s. Anoth er one is Distorting these are illusions that alter the physicality of the subject that is being perceived by the brain, for example length, height, width and so on, as if your eyes are tricked. While paradox deceives the brain into believing something that cannot be fathomable or instance of having a wrong idea. Lastly, there are fictional that are perceived by singular individuals. The illusion that they are seeing does not exist in physical form. Fictional are also known as hallucinations.

Mind illusions are a great way for an individual to flex their mind power. They enable a person to realize cannot perceive for us what is true as they are just a medium for sight. The brain then has to process the information and come up with something that the individual will, understand. This can be used to train the individual that not to take everything they see at face value. They are a valuable way to learn how to doubt ad also question the context in which reality is presented to us.

About the Author

Click Here to download your FREE "Secrets Of The Subconscious" package. It normally sells for but for a limited time only, you can grab it for free. Unlock the full potential of your mind with this free package at http://www.mindsecretsexposed.com/freegifta.html

Thich Nhat Nahn - Mindfulness in anger and suffering part 2/2 (audiobook excerpt)

In this beautiful talk Thay talks about how to apply mindfulness in times of distress such as anger or suffering. He also explains how everyday interraction between parent and child effect the child and how that can cause a cycle of suffering. If this is your first time listening to master Thay I would refer you to my other playlist where he talks extensivly on all subjects and how to practice. Personally I have started doing the practice and in 2 days I have seen the effects. I have looked for balance in myself and solidity but was unable to find it anywhere but here. This is an excerpt taken from the audiobook "Thich Nhat Hanh - The Art of Mindful Living CD1". Audiobooks can be bought at www.soundstrue.com I am in no way affiliated with this company.

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How I Met My Spiritual Master/Teacher in Brooklyn Part 3 "I.F. The Man"

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

Article by Ellis Peterson

HOW I MET MY SPIRITUAL MASTER/TEACHER IN BROOKLYN

CHAPTER 3 "I.F. THE MAN"

I write these chapters, which will eventually become a book, not to expound on anything special about myself.

The only thing, I think is special is what I.F. said to me after 17 years of study. He said, "Ellis I am proud of you."

I said, "Yes?"

He said, "you have finally raised your level of consciousness 1%"

I was shocked and said "Only 1%? That's all?"

He said, "That's all? In this time of Kali Yuga where darkness is allowed to run rampant upon the earth it is a tremendous feat. Not only did you have to overcome much of the darkness inside of youself, you also had to overcome the downward drag of humanity."

That made me feel better. I now know that this 1% gives me a wider and deeper understanding of life all around me.

Then I asked him, "Why did you choose me as one of your students? I have no special spiritual skills.

He said, "In these dark times, the changing between two great ages,, Pisces and Aquarius, there really is not much human material to choose from. You were better than most and you were close.

It reminded me of the movie Zulu when the 1000 British soldiers were surrounded by 4000 Zulu warriors. The young private, shaking in his boots as he looked out at all the sharp spears asked the old grizzled sergeant. "Why us?" The sergeant calmly answered "Because we are here!"

So I was there when he went looking.

Now 35 years later I can see for myself the darkness of kali Yuga all around me. The amount of serious spiritual students gets less and less each year. By serious student I mean one who is willing to change themselves from within.

Kali Yuga is truly here and hiding your head in the sand and denying it does not change the facts

He told me that the whole Truth (with a capital T) and the way to the Light can never been known or taught by one person or group. It is too complex. The complete story of who man is, whe! re he ca me from and where he is going is simple but very mysterious.

Not even a Jesus, or a Buddha, Sri Aurbindo, Madame Blavatsky, Steiner or any other great spiritual teacher knows the whole truth about god, man and reality. Each is only given a piece of the puzzle and the piece they are given to them they abstract out of the ALL by the level of their own consciousness.

Paul said, "I see through glasses darkly." We all do!

I.F. had a piece of the puzzle and he called it "Organics." He started the "Society for the Study of the Natural Order" in Brooklyn. And "Organics'" was again only his abstraction of the ALL.

I believe that he choose me because he didn't want his work to be lost in the encroaching darkness. There were three others in his inner circle of students but I don't know where they went or what they are doing.

Therefore I am writing this book to help keep his piece of the puzzle and his work alive. It is part of my dharma.

He never spoke much about himself and his younger years. But he did say that in his past incarnation he was an Abbott in a Buddhist Monastery in Tibet. This explained his love of Buddhism and his vast knowledge of Eastern Philosophy.

He had reached that level of consciousness where he was given the gift of choosing where and when he wanted to reincarnate. He choose Brooklyn. Don't believe all that nonsense published in the modern day metaphysical books by the word merchants. Not every soul has the right to choose their next incarnation. They must earn this right.

I.F. often said that the modern day metaphysical bookstores are a real danger to mankind. Not everyone should be allowed to practice magic, read Tarot cards or know inner secrets.

The Earth is a school house and each soul must strive to earn the right to the higher teachings. I know that this will make all the politically correct ones scream. Scream away! The truth is the truth and your screaming cannot change it.

Life is an apprenticeship to the Higher Worlds. Ve! ry simil ar to the apprenticeships of the crafts. A young man who wants to become a blacksmith must work the bellows for many years before the Master puts a hammer in his hands.

This politically correct spiritless society we now live in is wrong, wrong, wrong!

The true reality of the Universe is an infinite hierarchy leading upward in an ascending spiral. Each step on the ladder upward must be earned by WORK on oneself.

Everyone is not equal. We are all potentially equal. The ladder to equally is open to all. But must be climbed individually. You cannot give it away for a vote or for a dollar.

I want you to understand that I have nothing to sell you or to teach you. I, at this point in my life, am only a scribe, a messenger for a Higher One who went on before.Thank you,Your Friend Ellis

About the Author

Ragnar Storyteller (AKA Ellis Peterson is a Korean War Vet living with his wife Lory and dog Dixie in the boonies of the Pocono Mountains. He is a retired math professor and electronics engineer. He has written over 200 articles. See them on his websites:

http://www.quantum-physics-spirituality.com/

http://www.olevikingshop.com/

Early Morning Buddhist Inspiration - 2/9/2012

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST


"It is better to travel well than to arrive."

~The Buddha
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Signs of Spiritual Awakening - Meaningful Dreams That Guide

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

Article by Christine Hoeflich

Previously I compiled a list of 9 signs and symptoms of spiritual awakening that I considered essential to the awakening process. In this article, I discuss meaningful dreams as one of the signs of spiritual awakening. Intense, vivid dreams that seem to point you in a certain direction are one way your higher self uses to guide you, and a dream that is meaningful to you helps you notice what your higher self wants you to notice.

In my experience with dream interpretation, the further along in the spiritual awakening process you are, the clearer your dreams will be and the more they will help guide you in your daily life. The dreams will be in metaphor form, often in metaphors that make sense to you.

Before I get into an example of a meaningful dream as a sign of awakening, a little background: Around the time of my dream (October of 2005), I had already been committed to following my inner guidance promptly and consistently and was well into my awakening process. I saw the dream as a message from my higher self, and as guidance that would help me get to the "next level" of my awakening process. The following is an excerpt from my memoir.

"With a pounce onto my chest, our kitten awakened me from a dream the day I was revising this chapter. In my dream, I was on my way to Alaska as a passenger in what looked like a new, comfortable, European-style city bus. I was aware that I've never been to Alaska, only to Canada, and I was thinking that going to Alaska would be just as easy as going to Canada.

"The bus traveled through a picturesque, green valley in between beautiful snow-capped peaks, maybe ten miles from one side to the other. The valley reminded me of Davos, Switzerland, still snowy in the higher elevations though it was almost Summer. The bus meandered, switchbacking up an incline, went here and there, stopping in many places for passengers, taking its time. Impatient, I asked a passenger sitting next to me how long this trip to Alaska would take. 'It'll be around fou! r hours, ' she said.

Four hours? That was way too long for me! I wanted to get there sooner! I explained to her that if I drove my own car, it would take me only two hours. So I decided to get off of public transportation and drive my own vehicle. I pulled the signal to stop and got off the bus. That's when the cat woke me up."--end of excerpt.

With regards to my dream, I had interpreted "driving my own vehicle to Alaska" as a sign of stepping up of my awakening efforts, but now I realize that it was also a sign that I had broken away from the "public transportation" of awakening (the rhetoric and the public discourse on awakening)--and getting there sooner. Well...that's what was asked of me. (One thing I know about my higher self, my soul, is that it's been a spark-plug of breaking away since the beginning of time. But now my soul has come full circle and is assisting with unification...)

The following is a recent channeled message from SaLuSa: "All around you there are more people than ever suddenly finding that they have the ability to channel messages...These could for example come from your higher self... As with any skills that suddenly appear it takes time to settle in, and the clarity of them is dependant upon your level of consciousness..."--SaLuSa, October 1, 2010, channeled by Mike Quinsey.

In my own experience, I discovered an increased capacity to interpret and understand my dreams once there was evidence that I was deeply connected with my higher self. The further you are in your spiritual awakening process, the more your dreams will be meaningful to you and will help guide you. Connecting and integrating with your higher self, as usual, is the key.

About the Author

Are you ready to reconnect with your higher self? Subscribe at http://www.WhatEveryoneBelieved.com/ and receive a free report on how to integrate with your higher self. Christine Hoeflich is the author of Activating 2012: A Practical Guide to Navigating 2012 with Confidence and Clarity--an ebook that gives you all the keys to finally fulfill your dreams.

Om Mani Padme Hum

OM MANI PADME HUM ( OM MANI PEME HUNG ) The Jewel in the Lotus - The Mantra of Compassion This is the highest Mantra for mankind gifted to us by the thousand Buddhas out of their compassion for all sentient beings. It will protect us from all harm , sufferings , ill health , hell regions, It will purify us and free us from all our negative emotions of the Mind and speech. This mantra saves us from the hell regions and hungry ghosts which we have to encounter during and after death. Hence it is beneficial and a most valubale saviour not only during Life on Earth but also after Life , when we have to remain and pass through the six Hell regions in the Bardos. Each syllable in this six syllable Mantra liberates us from one realm of suffering out of each of the six realms of suffering filled existence. OM liberates and purifies us from the emotions of bliss and pride in the samsaric realm of the Gods. MA liberates and purifies us from the emotions of jealousy and lust for entertainment in the samsaric realm of Demi-Gods. NI liberates and purifies us from the emotions of passion and desire in the samsaric realm of Humans. PAD liberates and purifies us from the emotions of stupidity and prejudice in the samsaric realm of animals. ME liberates and purifies us from the emotions of poverty and possessiveness in the samsaric realm of hungry ghosts. HUM liberates and purifies us from the emotions of agression and hatred in the samsaric realm of hell. In this way by freeing our ...

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Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Work

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:00 AM PST

Article by John Pawlett

Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even more than this. Yet we often don't take the time to ensure that our job setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases. Many studies have been done on the relationship between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach, headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.

Before you think about stress reduction, start by identifying the particular stresses in your work and the effect they have on you. What, specifically, is it about your work situation that makes you feel anxious, angry, frustrated, burned out, depressed, etc? Do you have a difficult boss or co-worker? Do you have too much work and not enough time to do it? When you come up with your list of stressors, address them one at a time.

Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the situation, no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the problem. Think back to some similar situations you have overcome and apply these lessons.

A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape, at least temporarily, by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke. But this only adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the underlying causes. A more effective response is to confront the tasks that cause you stress. Develop healthy habits one day at a time. Take a short walk in the morning, eat regularly, take time over your meals, and keep in touch with your mind and body.

It can be very beneficial to change your own outlook an! d action s rather than trying to change others who you believe are the cause of your stress. No matter what the causes of your tension and stress are, there are many strategies you can use to help protect you against the ill effects of stress. We elaborate on a different strategy to relieve stress each month in this newsletter.

Implementing aromatherapy into your life can go a long way in easing your stress as well as the stress levels of others around you. One of the main attributes of pure essential oils is their ability to relieve stress with immediate positive benefits. Because of the emotional elements which are at play in stress-related conditions, the choice of essential oils depends largely on the causes of the problem and the temperment of each individual and how they respond under pressure. Only use oils that appeal to you. If you do not like the scent, it will not have the desired effect.There are many ways to bring aromatherapy into the workplace. Diffusers heat essential oils and allows their molecules to be released into the atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils can alter your mood, stimulate creativity, help concentration and rid an area of airborne viruses and bacteria. Scenting your office with Lavender essential oil is said to reduce computer errors at least 25%.If you have to work in an air conditioned or stuffy building, using essential oils in a diffuser or spritzing a spritzer can really clear the air. Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary are all excellent for a quick pick me up. Try Chamomile, Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are thought to help combat stress and tension. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

If you cant use a diffuser at work, simply put a drop of essential oil on a tissue and keep with you to sniff whenever you need to.

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper to fragrance the bathroom at work.

Let scent be your calling card. Simply add your favorite esse! ntial oi ls to cotton balls and place your business cards and the cotton balls in a box with a lid. Keep tightly closed for at least 1 week.

Mix 5 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite oil) into about a teaspoon of Jojoba or Almond oil. Dab on a cloth and wipe the surfaces of your desk and top of the computer. When the heat of the computer warms the oil there is a pleasant fresh fragrance wafting through the air.

About the Author

Aromatherapy Gifts is an informative website that looks into all aspects of Fragrencies from oils throught to candels.To find out more visit Aromatherapy

Let Go : A Guided Meditation with Lori Granger, LMFT

"Let Go" is a guided meditation featured on the "Practice Happiness" CD by Lori Granger. Purchase the complete CD for only by emailing lori@thecenterformindfulness.com or by going to www.TheCenterForMindfulness.com The Center for Mindfulness is home to a weekly mindfulness meditation drop-in MeetUp and is located in the Fig Garden area of Fresno, California. 659 W. Shaw - Suite E Fresno, CA 93704 Or call 559-228-0099 for more information. Lori Granger is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and specializes in counseling, therapy, couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based psychotherapy.

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Feminist Ideals Expressed In Buddhist Art

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 01:00 AM PST

Article by Victor Epand

Although there is a White Tara and a Green Tara, the latter is the Tara's most dynamic manifestation, because her color symbolizes youthful vigor and activity.

The Buddhist Lord of karma, which means action, Amoghasiddhi, is also associated with the green color, which signifies that they belong to the same family. This is a further affirmation of the perception that Green Tara is a goddess of action. She is often depicted in a posture of ease with her right leg extended, signifying her readiness to spring into action. Her left leg is folded in the contemplative position on the lotus pedestal, the two together thus symbolizing the integration of wisdom and art. Her left hand is in the gesture of granting refuge holds the stem of a blue lotus that floats over her left shoulder as a symbol of purity and power, while with her right hand she makes the boon granting gesture.

In visual arts, she is shown as resembling an exceptionally lovely human being in everything but the color of her skin and the splendor of her ornaments. The slender, long proportioned body of the goddess is shown dusky olive green in color and her coloring reverberates against the striped cushion of her throne back. The painting technique, itself, is extremely refined, with the pigment flat and thin, and it does not emphasize linear outlining except in the most subtle way.

The mysterious and intriguing nature of Green Tara is marvelously captured in the medium of painting by the ingenious blending of the typical iconographical setting with the color scheme. As for jewelry, beautiful golden, red, and green jewels adorn her. Her jewelry includes white bracelets, several necklaces with many pendant gems, and a multi stringed, long jewel chain that sinuously falls around her body and over her right arm.

The followers of Green Tara believe that her special powers will help overcome dangers, fears, and anxieties, and that she will grant wishes. She is also believed to help one cross over from danger to safety or ! from suf fering to happiness. Her femininity imbues her with soft and compassionate feelings and she acts very quickly and directly as a savioress. Representing active compassion, she is particularly worshiped for her ability to overcome the most difficult situations.

The White Tara is often referred to as the Mother of all the Buddhas. She represents the motherly aspect of compassion, while her white color indicates purity, but also indicates that she is Truth, complete and undifferentiated. She has seven eyes with two of them being her usual eyes, plus an eye in the center of her forehead and eyes in each of her hands and feet. These indicate that she sees all suffering and all cries for help in the human world using both ordinary and psychic or extraordinary means of perception. They symbolize the vigilance of her compassion.

White Tara has a lovely, young face and her ornaments are covered in jewels. Her silk robes and scarves are painted in an exceptionally manner. Her tight fitting garments are embossed with large, rich floral designs, which are made from bright gauzy silks that flutter from the shoulders. With a series of hued silken skirts leave the slender torso and smoothly rounded breasts uncovered in the manner of ancient India.

The whole effect is so ravishing that she might arouse the very passion she is frequently invoked to calm, were it not that she inspires the kind of exalted reverence a palace guard might be expected to feel for a princess entrusted to his care. With her right hand she makes the boon granting gesture, with the left she holds the stem of a white lotus between her thumb and fourth finger, in the protection position. It contains three blooms with the first, seeds symbolizing the past Buddha Kashyapa. The second in full flower, symbolizes the present Buddha Shakyamuni. The third, ready to bloom, symbolizes the future Buddhas Maitreya. This signifies she is the essence of all the three Buddhas of the past, present, and future.

She sits with both legs raised ! and cros sed in the diamond position and regally displays both grace and calm. White Tara is an emanation of Tara who is connected with longevity. She is also the special goddess who helps her devotees overcome obstacles, particularly impediments to the practice of religion.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. Please visit these sites for Buddhist art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books.

Buddhist misconceptions (Buddha is a god)

I have seen several videos and heard from several people in my personal life that believe Buddhist worship lord Buddha. This is quite the opposite. Siddhārtha Gautama was "the Buddha's" name and he was a normal person who was born as a prince in India around 550BC-400BC, most think around 550BC. He taught his followers NOT to worship him or think of him as a god and NOT to make statues or pictures of his likeness so that he would not be the subject of Buddhist's attention. He wanted them to focus on what his teachings were, not him. So to say that Buddha is a god is far from the truth.

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Bikram yoga v/s standard yoga

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 12:00 AM PST

Article by Eric Mayars

Exercise helps you stay fit and healthy. It keeps you away from all kinds of health related problems. It helps you overcome many health problems and also helps you strengthen your body muscles and bones. Besides gym, there are some other ways of exercise like jogging, walk and Yoga. Yoga has its origins centuries back and is followed religiously by many to have a healthy life. There are many variations to this very old form of exercise. It was initially taught by gurus at the ashram to their shisyas (disciples) along with the study of arms and religious scriptures. As time passed this exercise also underwent drastic change. It is now taught at yoga retreats and meditation retreats. There are many different forms of yoga such as - Rajyoga, Kripalu yoga, Power Yoga, Bikram yoga etc. every form has its own benefits and asanas. This makes it different from others. Some might help you relax, some might help you lose weight and some might help to follow a healthy routine so that you do not face any health issues. One such yoga is Bikram yoga. This as mentioned above is different from the other forms for some special features that make it special and different. Unlike the Standard yoga, this form is not very old and has a recent origin. It was introduced in the 20th century. Bikram Chaudhary introduced this form of yoga which is also known as Hot Yoga in US. This is a recent development and addition to various forms this exercise. It is not a very old exercise. It was found towards the end of 20th century by Bikram who is an instructor in India. He taught this exercise to around 3 million aspiring students and later the American Medical Association asked him to bring this concept to America. It is known as Hot Yoga because the postures in this form of exercise is practiced in a heated room. It basically rejuvenates and strengthens the entire body and mind. This exercise is practiced in a hot room. The temperature of the room is 105F and the humidity is maintained at 40, whereas other forms are practiced! in norm al rooms or open surroundings like a park. The other forms have many different poses and all these poses are not included in every session. However, for Bikram yoga, the session of 90 minutes includes all the 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. This poses when practiced in hot room as mentioned above also helps in weight loss besides many other benefits. Thus, this form of yoga is different from Standard yoga. However, the basic aim is the same - Healthy mind and body.

About the Author

Eric mayars is profetional expart of Yoga Retreats.he is providing information about Yoga travel like Seva and Meditation Retreats.

Bright Filial Piety Temple; a Gateway to China's Ancient Buddhist Heritage

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST

Article by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Bright Filial Piety Temple located on Guangxiao Road is a monumental tribute to the grandeur of Ancient Chinese architecture. A religious centre of the highest importance in Ancient China, the holy premises offer the visitor a comprehensive view to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Chinese Buddhism.

The temple traces its origins over 1700 years back to the Western Han Dynasty. It was initially built to serve as a royal palace and was later used as a centre to conduct lectures before the establishment of a Zen Buddhist temple in the course of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279). Thus the Bright Filial Piety Temple has the double distinction of being not only the most ancient temple in the Guangdong Province but also of preceding the inception of the Guangzhou City. The temple was a place of abode for many imminent monks who contributed greatly towards translating sutras and spreading Buddhism. The greatest among them was Hui Neng, considered the 6th master of Zen Buddhism.

The premises contain many notable buildings of which the Sixth Ancestor Hall was built in remembrance of Hui Neng. An octagonal pagoda enshrining his hair is also extant. The design Mahavihara Hall has influenced the architecture of numerous other Chinese temples.

The oldest iron towers in China are also to be found in the Bright Filial Piety Temple. The West tower built in 963 antedated the East tower by four years. Only the latter has survived completely. This tower is called the Thousand-Buddha Tower as it is decorated by approximately 1000 shrines carved on the outside, each containing a delicately made Buddha statue.

Another architectural splendor is the Dharani Pillar which is distinguished by its unusual mushroom shape. Constructed with bluestone in 826 the Maha Karuna Dharani Sutra is inscribed on this novel structure.

The Bright Filial Piety Temple provides a wonderful insight to the Ancient Chinese civilization making Guangzhou an important place worthy of visiting. Among the ! many pla ces of accommodation available, a traveler searching for a Guangzhou luxury hotel can enjoy a convenient and relaxing stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou, situated in the heart of the city.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - Ancient Chants, Blissful Grooves

From their album, 'Universal Mother' by IndiaJiva, this is Buddhist Chant, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo thanks to www.sarvodaya.org for some photos

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Organic Clothing - Best Suited for Yoga

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

Yoga
by chexed

Article by Rayford Clark

Organic clothing is the need of the hour. Some people are uncertain to go to yoga classes because they do not think they would look good in what they feel is suitable as they are not aware what is appropriate to wear while performing yoga. Yoga is not how you look while doing so; rather it is all about stress relief. Organic yoga clothing is best suited for yoga.

Organic clothing is the answer for all clothing issue while performing Yoga. Those who wear tight apparel find it convenient to get into different positions and find it easier to move in a proper manner while performing yoga. Some think the surplus clothing disrupt their concentration by getting in the way, when they wear clothes that are less form fitting. Organic yoga clothing is most appropriate for yoga. it is not a rule that tight apparel must be worn, however, it may be true for some people. It is not considered unsuitable to wear loose fitting organic clothing; however, in many cases people will wear things that are form fitting as this is a complex exercise.

On a daily basis, many people who attend the classes opt to dress in loose things. They feel that during the exercise, what they have on is not significant to how they perform. They do not find that their surplus clothing disturbing their way of movement. Organic clothing will not create such problems. These people think that changing positions during yoga is more related to what they have on rather than it is more related to the body and mind connection. Regardless of what you have on, it is feasible to perform this exercise and you can do it just as competently as those who have on less loose-fitting apparels. While exercising, the most essential thing is to be comfortable and organic yoga clothing is very comfortable.

It is important to keep in mind that choosing the organic clothing is about the kind of material, not whether it is tight or loose. You should pay attention to how warm or cold the environment that you are exercising in is and the condition ! of the w eather outside. In determining what you dress in, this should be a key feature. In your choice, the surroundings plays a big role, as you do not want to be too hot or too cold when taking the class. Organic yoga clothing takes care of weather conditions and keeps the body fresh and relaxed.

The chief goal is not to be uncomfortable about what you have on rather to be focused and relaxed on what you are doing. Organic clothing provides you the sense of relaxation while performing yoga. Yoga is an exercise that helps you to relax, so whether you want to dress in tight fitting or loose. Wearing organic yoga clothing make you feel more comfortable and by this you will get more out of the yoga class. Remember everyone feels good in diverse things, as everyone is different.

About the Author

Rayford Clark is an author who writes useful articles on organic clothing, cotton t shirts, organic yoga clothing, and other related topics on fashion products online. For more information on organic clothing, you can also visit http://www.douspeakgreen.in.

Seven ways to eat more mindfully

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

1. WHEN YOU EAT, JUST EAT. Unplug the electronica. For now, at least, focus on the food.

2. CONSIDER SILENCE. Avoiding chatter for 30 minutes might be impossible in some families, especially with young children, but specialists suggest that greenhorns start with short periods of quiet.

3. TRY IT WEEKLY. Sometimes there's no way to avoid wolfing down onion rings in your cubicle. But if you set aside one sit-down meal a week as an experiment in mindfulness, the insights may influence everything else you do.

4. PLANT A GARDEN, AND COOK. Anything that reconnects you with the process of creating food will magnify your mindfulness.

5. CHEW PATIENTLY. It's not easy, but try to slow down, aiming for 25 to 30 chews for each mouthful.

6. USE FLOWERS AND CANDLES. Put them on the table before dinner. Rituals that create a serene environment help foster what one advocate calls "that moment of gratitude."

7. FIND A BUDDHIST CONGREGATION where the members invite people in for a day of mindfulness.

From the New York Times article, Mindful Eating as Food for Thought, Feb 7, 2012.

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Effectively Managing Your Stress

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Article by Andrew

It's only natural to have at least some amount of stress in each of our lives. Successfully managing your stress isn't a difficult endeavor, and your ultimate goal of a more peaceful life can be achieved with a little knowledge and work. When you can successfully manage your stress, you'll feel much better about yourself, be healthier, and a lot more happy.

The first thing you need to do is accept stress for what it is. Although this may seem insignificant, the effect it has is well worth the time spent. Take a brief minute and acknowledge the fact that something is giving you stress, then let go of it.

If you've just experienced a really stressful event, often times laughter is the best medicine to help reduce your stress. Watch a comedic movie, tell a joke to a friend, or read the funny cartoons in the newspaper. Whatever you do, just laugh. The effects are very beneficial, since the more you do it then the more endorphins you will be giving to your brain. This does wonders for you, as it will immediately help enhance and improve your mood.

If you aren't getting enough sleep at night, or you're not getting a good nights rest much at all, you might be having extra stressful days. If you get up and go to work like this, you'll have a hard time going through the chores of daily life. Maybe you have kids at home that interrupt your sleep at night. If you do, take naps when they do in the afternoon. Even if your nap only lasts fifteen or thirty minutes long, you'll still feel a world of a difference. The added sleep will help improve your mood and reduce your overall stress levels.

The most important thing to realize is that stress is just a part of everyday life. There is no such thing as a stress-free life. Things happen and times can often get stressful. When the stress builds, just remember there are ways of effectively dealing with it.

Written by Andrew Scherer. Find more information on stress reduction and find the latest stress reducing techniques .

About the Author

Written by Andrew Scherer. Find more information on stress reduction and find the latest stress reducing techniques




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