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Former Democratic Texas Gov. Mark White dies at 77 - 06 Aug 2017 22:21

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[[html]]Friends, politicians, reporters remember Gov. Mark White | KXAN.com<br><br><img src="http://creativeadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/yoga_place.jpg" width="308" /><br><br>Related Coverage<br><br>Statements on the passing of former Texas Gov. Mark White<br><br>Education common theme among inaugural addresses<br><br>HOUSTON (KXAN and AP) — Former Texas Gov. Mark White has died at age 77.<br><br>His wife Linda Gale White said he died Saturday in Houston.<br><br>The 43rd governor of Texas took office in 1983.<br><br>Mark White had served in state government for the 14 previous years, first as secretary of state then as attorney general.<br><br><img data-attachment-id="520239" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/2017/08/05/former-democratic-texas-gov-mark-white-dies-at-77/markwhite-grandson/" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg" data-orig-size="996,685" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"Becker, Jerry","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1501952310","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"' data-image-title="markwhite-grandson" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=300&h=206" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=650" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=300&h=206" alt="" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=300&h=206 300w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=600&h=412 600w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite-grandson.jpg?w=150&h=103 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">FILE: Former Texas Gov. Mark White and his grandson at the LBJ Civil Rights Summit in 2014. (KXAN Photo)<br><br>During White's four years in office the Texas economy was in recession, due in large part to the collapse of oil prices.<br><br>The lifelong Democrat made improving public education one of his top priorities.<br><br>White pushed for higher teacher pay and saw the SAT scores of Texas students rise during his time in office.<br><br>In a 2011 interview with The Associated Press, White said he tried to model his education platform on what his mother, a former first-grade teacher, talked about what she experienced in the classroom.<br><br>"It was all designed around what a first-grade teacher needs," White said. "It was probably the broadest-based education program in modern U.S. history. … I was very proud of what we accomplished."<br><br>But his policy of "no pass, no play" for public school athletes resulted in an angry backlash.<br><br>White appointed Dallas billionaire Ross Perot — who ran for president as an independent in 1992 — to lead a special panel on education that developed some of the key changes. The no-pass, no-play initiative, which barred students from playing school sports if they were failing a class, was a politically tricky and unpopular move in a state crazy about its high school football. It had to survive a challenge in the state Supreme Court.<br><br><img <a href="https://plus.google.com/b/117912564105365856237/+HeartAlchemyYoga/posts/WGwURrMWbFR">yoga poses</a> data-attachment-id="520215" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/?attachment_id=520215" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg" data-orig-size="512,347" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"AP","camera":"","caption":"FILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)","created_timestamp":"487987200","copyright":"1985 AP","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"Obit Mark White","orientation":"1"' data-image-title="Obit Mark White" data-image-description="brFILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=300&h=203" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=512" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=300&h=203" alt='FILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)' width="300" height="203" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=300&h=203 300w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=150&h=102 150w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">FILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)<br><br>White underestimated the passionate resistance to no-pass, no-play that sparked protests and a few threats of violence.<br><br>"It was horrible," White said in 2011. "I misread the intensity of it until I saw it for myself in West Texas. My security people thought I should go by myself: 'Here's my gun. You go.'"<br><br>That, coupled with the weak economy and other factors motivated the man White succeeded in the Governor's Mansion to run against him.<br><br>In 1987, Bill Clements was again sworn in as governor returning the seat to Republican hands.<br><br>White returned to Houston to practice law, and in 1990 ran in the Democratic primary in an attempt to move back to the Governor's Mansion.<br><br>But his comeback bit was thwarted by Ann Richards.<br><br>After Richards won the general election, White dropped out of public life and went into private business as owner of a security company.<br><br>As governor, White supported the state's use of the death penalty. While Texas executed 20 inmates during his administration, White later said the death penalty was most distasteful thing I had to do" as governor.<br><br>By 2009, White had reservations about capital punishment. He urged lawmakers to reconsider its use and the risk that the state could send an innocent person to their death. White worked with the Innocence Project on behalf of wrongfully convicted inmates.<br><br><img data-attachment-id="520197" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/2017/08/05/former-democratic-texas-gov-mark-white-dies-at-77/markwhite/" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg?w=650" data-orig-size="200,249" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"' data-image-title="markwhite" data-image-description="brTexas Gov. Mark White official state portrait. (Image: Legislative Reference Library of Texas)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg?w=650?w=200" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg?w=650?w=200" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg?w=650" alt="Texas Gov. Mark White official state portrait. (Image: Legislative Reference Library of Texas)" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg 200w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/markwhite.jpg?w=120 120w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px">Texas Gov. Mark White official state portrait. (Image: Legislative Reference Library of Texas)<br><br>Mark Wells White Jr., was born in Henderson on March 17, 1940. His family moved to Houston where he attended public schools before attending Baylor University, where he earned degrees in business administration and law.<br><br>After several years as an assistant attorney general, White went into private practice. He was appointed secretary of state by Gov. Dolph Briscoe in 1973 and was elected state attorney general in 1979.<br><br>In December 2006, Mark White was diagnosed with kidney cancer.<br><br>Share this:Click to email (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)MoreClick to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)<br><br>Related Posts<img width="151" height="85" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1" alt='FILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)' srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1 151w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=302&h=170&crop=1 302w" sizes="(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px" data-attachment-id="520215" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/?attachment_id=520215" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg" data-orig-size="512,347" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"AP","camera":"","caption":"FILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)","created_timestamp":"487987200","copyright":"1985 AP","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"Obit Mark White","orientation":"1"' data-image-title="Obit Mark White" data-image-description="brFILE - In this June 19, 1985 file photo, Texas Gov. Mark White gestures while speaking before the environment and public works in Washington. Former Texas Gov. Mark White, a Democrat who championed public education reforms, including the landmark "no-pass, no-play" policy for high school athletes, has died, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. He was 77. (AP Photo/Lana Harris, File)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/preview-v00520.jpg?w=512"><br><br>Statements on the passing of former Texas Gov. Mark White<img width="151" height="85" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1" alt="Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shakes hands with residents of a home after knocking on their door on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in McAllen, Texas. (Photo: Texans for Greg Abbott)" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1 151w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg?w=302&h=170&crop=1 302w" sizes="(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px" data-attachment-id="507678" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/2017/07/15/abbott-supporters-aimed-to-knock-on-10000-doors-saturday/abbottwalkingevent/" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg" data-orig-size="2304,1536" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"' data-image-title="abbottwalkingevent" data-image-description="brTexas Gov. Greg Abbott shakes hands with residents of a home after knocking on their door on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in McAllen, Texas. (Photo: Texans for Greg Abbott)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/abbottwalkingevent.jpg?w=650"><br><br>Abbott supporters aimed to knock on 10,000 doors Saturday<img width="151" height="85" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1" alt="Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope (left), Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson (center), and El Paso Mayor Dee Margo (right), after meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on July 27, 2017. (Nexstar Photo/Wes Rapaport)" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1 151w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg?w=302&h=170&crop=1 302w" sizes="(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px" data-attachment-id="515122" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/2017/07/27/gov-abbott-grants-meeting-with-west-texas-mayors-after-open-letter/three-mayors-pic1/" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg" data-orig-size="1280,720" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"' data-image-title="THREE MAYORS PIC1" data-image-description="brLubbock Mayor Dan Pope (left), Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson (center), and El Paso Mayor Dee Margo (right), after meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on July 27, 2017. (Nexstar Photo/Wes Rapaport)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/three-mayors-pic1.jpg?w=650"><br><br>Gov. Abbott grants meeting with West Texas mayors after open letter<img width="151" height="85" src="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1" alt="Texas comptroller hopeful Mike Collier speaks during the Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/LM Otero)" srcset="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg?w=151&h=85&crop=1 151w, https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg?w=302&h=170&crop=1 302w" sizes="(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px" data-attachment-id="429404" data-permalink="http://kxan.com/mike-collier/" data-orig-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg" data-orig-size="5184,3192" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='"aperture":"0","credit":"AP","camera":"","caption":"Texas comptroller hopeful Mike Collier speaks during the Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/LM Otero)","created_timestamp":"1403957936","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"Mike Collier","orientation":"0"' data-image-title="Mike Collier" data-image-description="brTexas comptroller hopeful Mike Collier speaks during the Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/LM Otero)br" data-medium-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://lintvkxan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ap_117052765300.jpg?w=650"><br><br>Mike Collier kicks off bid for Texas lieutenant governor<br><br>Advertisement<br><br><a href='http://kxan.com/2017/08/05/former-democratic-texas-gov-mark-white-dies-at-77/'>http://kxan.com/2017/08/05/former-democratic-texas-gov-mark-white-dies-at-77/</a><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Classifying Asanas, Levels, Methods, Mastering Them Part Iv - 06 Aug 2017 00:26

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[[html]]Asanas are best classified depending on their application, for example, there are asanas for meditation, for improving ones health, for relaxing the mind and body, etc. Asanas can be broadly classified <a href="http://whateverlife.com/power-yoga-workout-stillness-yoga-videos-on-whateverlife/">power yoga</a> as under:<br><br>Meditative Asanas<br><br>For meditating one may assume meditative Asanas, such as, the Padmasana (Lotus position), Siddhasana (Perfect position), Swastikasana ( Auspicious position) Vajrasan (Thunderbolt position), or Samasana (Balance position) etc. The purpose behind these Asanas is to stabilise the body for advance practice of Pranayama and meditation.<br><br>Health Improvement Asanas<br><br>As everyone knows, Asanas have a beneficial effect on the human bodys various systems, such as, Matsyendrasana (spinal twist) which benefits the digestive system and helping the pancreas to improve its insulin production. Similarly, Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) produces good results for the endocrine gland system, particularly the thyroid gland. All Asanas that have a complementary effect on various organs of the body are classified under the health improvement category.<br><br><img src="http://www.grimoire-cendre.fr/galerie/nier-auto_images/big/divers/001.png" width="389" /><br><br>Relaxation Asanas<br><br>Shavasana (Corpse position) and Makarasana (Crocodile position) are a couple of Asanas that help to relax and rest the mind and body.<br><br>You can read up more on Yoga and its benefits by browsing online yoga books, including those on spirituality and meditation. If, you are convinced that Yoga can benefit you, why not begin a foray into the world of yoga by equipping yourself with yoga accessories, like a yoga mat, yoga block, yoga strap, etc. Reap the many benefits of practicing this ancient art form, benefits that far exceed those of aerobics and other forms of gym exercises.<br><br>By: Merry<br><br>Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com<br><br>Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com
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<br><br><a href='http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Classifying-Asanas-Levels-Methods-Mastering-Them-Part-IV/280654'>http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Classifying-Asanas-Levels-Methods-Mastering-Them-Part-IV/280654</a><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Spirituality :: Transcendental Meditation, Mindfulness and Enlightenment (Page 1 of 3) - 05 May 2017 06:18

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[[html]]What's the difference between Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness meditation?" This frequently asked question rises out of the growing popularity of these two mainstream meditation practices. Due to requirements of time and tuition for learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, some people may wonder, "Aren't all meditations basically the same?" Mindfulness practices can be easily learned from a book, online or from a therapist, whereas the TM course involves up to 15 hours of training and can be learned only from a certified instructor. It's no wonder that people often want to compare these meditation techniques.<br><br>Although both forms of meditation produce relaxation and practitioners may report some similar benefitssuch as inner calm and centeredness, pain management or greater awareness and focus during the daythese techniques differ considerably, both in practice and range of effects as measured by scientific research.<br><br>What is mindfulness meditation?<br><br>Mindfulness meditation (or guided mindfulness) generally involves watching one's thoughts, the breath or bodily sensations while sitting quietly. Typically the student does not judge or hold on to thoughts or perceptions, but merely observes them. Mindfulness is often described as the process of being attentive to one's experiences. This practice of being mindful may also extend into daily activity, as one adheres to dispassionate observation of thoughts and actions in order to be more fully present in the moment and not overshadowed by passing concerns. [1] The practice of mindfulness takes place in what psychologists and neuroscientists generally call the waking state of consciousness, different from the sleep or the dream states.<br><br>What is the Transcendental Meditation technique?<br><br>During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind spontaneously transcends, going beyond the mental activity of waking state to a unique state of restful alertness, called Transcendental Consciousnessa proposed fourth state of consciousness unlike waking, dreaming or sleep.[2] This easy meditation involves using a mantra, or sound without meaning, that has a harmonizing effect on the mind and body, producing deep relaxation and quieter mental activity. Because deeper levels of the mind are more concentrated with energy, creativity and intelligence, one's awareness becomes infused with these qualities as the meditator experiences the inner depths of consciousness.<br><br>Meditation and the brain<br><br>Over the last several decades, many scientist have become fascinated with researching physiological correlates of the meditative statestudying Tibetan monks, Indian yogis and trained Western meditators as their subjects. One thing that has become obvious: different meditation techniques do not produce the same levels of relaxation, change in breath rate, brain patterns, or benefits for mind and body. For example, recent research on mindfulness meditation recorded a pattern of increased gamma in the rear of the brain, and found no significant changes in alpha activity. [3] Increased gamma is associated with heightened focus of attention.<br><br>
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<br><br><a href='http://www.articlebiz.com/article/532571-1-transcendental-meditation-mindfulness-and-enlightenment/'>http://www.articlebiz.com/article/532571-1-transcendental-meditation-mindfulness-and-enlightenment/</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Meditation and alcohol use. - Free Online Library - 12 Apr 2017 09:57

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[[html]]A model of alcohol use that has been supported by a substantial<br><br>body of research is the self-medication hypothesis. (1) Based on this<br><br>hypothesis, alcohol use often arises as a means of coping with or<br><br>medicating other psychiatric problems, and individuals with psychiatric<br><br>disorders use alcohol to reduce and manage their symptoms. (2) This may<br><br>be explained in terms of negative reinforcement, which suggests that the<br><br>reduction in aversive symptoms such as anxiety, following alcohol use,<br><br>increases the likelihood of future use. (3,4) From this perspective,<br><br>meditation may serve as a useful alternative to alcohol use and may<br><br>result in some of the same positive consequences, including tension<br><br>reduction and relaxation. In keeping with this, Glasser has described<br><br>meditation as a "positive addiction" that may not be<br><br>especially reinforcing in the short-run, but which is associated with<br><br>long-term rewards such as greater psychological balance and wellbeing.<br><br>(5) This is contrasted with "negative addictions," such as<br><br>heavy drinking, which are immediately rewarding but related to a variety<br><br>of negative consequences in the long run. (6)<br><br>Meditation and mindfulness may also provide a useful antidote to
<br><br>the experience of craving, which is often characteristic of addictive
<br><br>behavior and is strongly related to relapse following a period of
<br><br>abstinence. (7) The heightened state of present-focused awareness that
<br><br>is encouraged by meditation may directly counteract the conditioned
<br><br>automatic response to use alcohol in response to cravings and urges. In
<br><br>addition, meditative awareness may be elicited as a response to the urge
<br><br>itself (6) and may create a pause in the individuals otherwise automatic
<br><br>and mindless chain of responses and reactions. Furthermore, meditation
<br><br>may encourage a greater understanding of the impermanence of all
<br><br>phenomena and an acceptance of one's current experience, even if
<br><br>this experience is one of tension or craving. This is in direct contrast
<br><br>to an addictive state of mind that is characterized by an inability to
<br><br>accept impermanence and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPR1I1qF6DA">heart alchemy yoga</a> desire to alter one's current experience.
<br><br>(6)
<br><br>
<br><br>Greater awareness and acceptance of one's immediate experience<br><br>may reduce the risk for relapse in a variety of ways. For instance, two<br><br>factors that are strongly related to rates of relapse are negative<br><br>emotional states and the tendency to attribute failure (to abstain) to<br><br>personal weakness (abstinence violation effect). (6) A more accepting<br><br>approach may not only encourage greater tolerance with regard to<br><br>difficult emotional states but may also support a more compassionate and<br><br>balanced evaluation of one's own actions, reducing the likelihood<br><br>of spiraling into a relapse following a brief setback or a stressful<br><br>event. In addition, continued meditation practice may increase<br><br>self-efficacy, which may further reduce the likelihood of relapse and<br><br>increase an individual's capacity to cope with stressful<br><br>situations. (8)<br><br>[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
<br><br>
<br><br>[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
<br><br>
<br><br>Finally, excessive drinking may also be conceptualized as a form of
<br><br>experiential avoidance, which is described as the unwillingness to
<br><br>remain in contact with one's experience (9) and is related to
<br><br>various forms of psychopathology. (10) Meditation counters experiential
<br><br>avoidance by encouraging direct, nonjudgmental, moment-to-moment contact
<br><br>with one's experiences without attempts at alteration and
<br><br>manipulation.
<br><br>
<br><br>A number of different meditation techniques have been utilized for
<br><br>reducing alcohol use and related problems, including transcendental
<br><br>meditation (TM), Vipassana meditation, and related mindfulness-based
<br><br>approaches. (11-13) In TM, the meditator is given a mantra (usually a
<br><br>spiritual word derived from Hindu philosophy) to repeat silently during
<br><br>two 20-minute periods each day, usually in the form of a morning and
<br><br>evening sitting practice with eyes closed. If the practitioner becomes
<br><br>distracted by thoughts or feelings during the meditation period, the
<br><br>instruction is given to gently return one's attention to the
<br><br>mantra. A clinical standardized form of TM has been published by
<br><br>Carrington and lists several mantras to choose from. (14) TM has also
<br><br>been described as facilitating a basic relaxation response that may
<br><br>underlie its clinical effectiveness. (15)
<br><br>
<br><br>Marlatt and Marques were among the first to apply the practice of
<br><br>TM as an intervention for high-risk college student drinkers. (16) The
<br><br>promising initial results led Marlatt and his research team to conduct a
<br><br>randomized trial comparing TM with two control groups (muscle relaxation
<br><br>and daily quiet recreational reading, each for two 20-min periods
<br><br>daily). Results showed that all three conditions reported significant
<br><br>reductions in alcohol use and associated drinking problems. (17)
<br><br>
<br><br>In a second randomized trial, meditation and daily aerobic exercise were found to be equally effective in reducing alcohol consumption, with<br><br>both groups reducing their drinking significantly more than a<br><br>no-treatment control group. (8) These findings are congruent with the<br><br>definition of exercise and meditation as "positive addictions"<br><br>that can substitute for "negative addictions" involving<br><br>alcohol and other drugs. (5)<br><br>Vipassana meditation is rooted in traditional Buddhist teachings.
<br><br>(11) This 10-day course consists of many hours of daily meditation
<br><br>(alternating sitting and walking meditation periods) that are held in
<br><br>silence, except for the oral instructions given by the teachers. Instead
<br><br>of using a mantra, Vipassana students focus their awareness on the
<br><br>breathing process and on physical sensations that occur throughout the
<br><br>body ("body-scan" meditations). The course also includes a
<br><br>series of hour-long evening discourses that cover basic Buddhist
<br><br>principles, including the "Four Noble Truths" associated with
<br><br>the cause and cure of human suffering and the misidentification of the
<br><br>"self" as a separate autonomous being.
<br><br>
<br><br>Researchers at The Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the
<br><br>University of Washington recently conducted a study to evaluate the
<br><br>effectiveness of Vipassana meditation as a standalone treatment program
<br><br>for alcohol and drug problems among inmates in a minimal-security prison
<br><br>located in Seattle. (18,19) Inmates were case-matched to a control group
<br><br>consisting of prison residents who did not choose to take the 10-day
<br><br>Vipassana course and were assessed for alcohol/drug problems at a
<br><br>3-month follow-up following release from incarceration. Results showed
<br><br>that prisoners who self-selected the meditation course showed
<br><br>significantly less alcohol and drug use at follow-up, compared with
<br><br>inmates in the control group. (18,19)
<br><br>
<br><br>Vipassana meditation is one of several techniques that are designed
<br><br>to enhance "mindfulness," often described as a heightened
<br><br>sense of awareness that is open, present-oriented, and nonjudgmental
<br><br>(enhanced acceptance of the "here and now") in its
<br><br>experiential quality. (6) Mindfulness practice has also been shown to be
<br><br>effective in reducing chronic pain and reducing relapse among patients
<br><br>treated for depression. (20,21) Both of these programs consist of eight
<br><br>weekly outpatient group sessions lasting 2 to 3 hours, plus a weekend
<br><br>"retreat" that offers a more sustained opportunity to practice
<br><br>meditation and to apply it as an intervention for either pain or
<br><br>depression symptoms.
<br><br>
<br><br>As an extension of these mindfulness-based interventions for pain
<br><br>and depression, researchers in our lab are proposing the development of
<br><br>a new cognitive-behavioral treatment program for the treatment of
<br><br>addictive behavior, "Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention"
<br><br>(MBRP). The overall goal of MBRP is to develop awareness and
<br><br>nonjudgmental acceptance of thoughts, sensations, and emotional states
<br><br>through the practice of mindfulness meditation, and to practice these
<br><br>skills as a coping strategy in the face of high-risk trigger situations
<br><br>for relapse. (22) Teaching clients about the application of mindfulness
<br><br>skills to the experience of craving is an important tool in terms of
<br><br>promoting awareness and acceptance of physical reactions to substance
<br><br>withdrawal. In this 8-week outpatient group program, participants are
<br><br>taught specific relapse prevention strategies (enhancing self-efficacy
<br><br>to cope with high-risk situations for relapse, challenging positive
<br><br>outcome expectancies, and learning relapse management skills) in
<br><br>combination with setting up a regular mindfulness practice. Repeated
<br><br>exposure to being mindful in high-risk situations without giving into
<br><br>alcohol or drug use in the presence of substance-related cues should
<br><br>enhance self-efficacy and cognitive coping capacity.
<br><br>
<br><br>One example of how mindfulness meditation can be helpful in
<br><br>preventing relapse is known as "urge surfing." (23) In this
<br><br>procedure, clients are taught to visualize the urge or strong craving as
<br><br>an ocean wave that begins as a small wavelet that gradually increases in
<br><br>magnitude until it builds up to a large cresting wave. Using the
<br><br>awareness of one's breath as a 'surfboard,' the
<br><br>client's goal is to surf the urge by allowing it to first rise up
<br><br>and decline without being "wiped out" by giving into the urge.
<br><br>Clients are told that most urges are classically conditioned responses
<br><br>that are triggered by environmental cues and emotional reactivity. As
<br><br>with an ocean wave, the conditioned response grows in intensity until it
<br><br>reaches a peak level of craving. By successfully surfing the urge, the
<br><br>addictive conditioning is weakened along with an enhancement of the
<br><br>client's self-efficacy and acceptance. The process of incorporating
<br><br>a mindfulness practice and learning to accept and tolerate urges is
<br><br>compatible with the process of developing a repertoire of coping skills
<br><br>within relapse prevention therapy.
<br><br>
<br><br>The empirical literature on approaches that utilize some form of
<br><br>meditation is promising and may provide an efficacious, low-cost
<br><br>alternative or supplement to existing treatments for substance use
<br><br>problems. In addition, research suggests that these approaches are not
<br><br>only related to reductions in substance use, but may also lead to
<br><br>improvements in psychosocial functioning, and may extend the duration of
<br><br>treatment effects by providing the skills to prevent relapse.
<br><br>
<br><br>References
<br><br>
<br><br>1. Khantzian EJ. The self-medication hypothesis of substance use
<br><br>disorders: a reconsideration and recent applications. Harv Rev
<br><br>Psychiatry 1997;4:231-244.
<br><br>
<br><br>2. Blume AW, Schmaling KB, Marlatt GA. Revisiting the
<br><br>self-medication hypothesis from a behavioral perspective. Cogn Behav
<br><br>Pract 2000;7:379-384.
<br><br>
<br><br>3. Carey KB, Carey MP. Reasons for drinking among psychiatric
<br><br>outpatients: relationship to drinking patterns. Psychol Addict Behav
<br><br>1995;9:251-257.
<br><br>
<br><br>4. Chutuape MA, deWit H. Preferences for ethanol and diazepam in
<br><br>anxious indiviudals: An evaluation of the self-medication hypothesis.
<br><br>Psychopharmacology 1995;121:91-103.
<br><br>
<br><br>5. Glasser W. Positive Addiction. New York, Harper and Row, 1976.
<br><br>
<br><br>6. Marlatt GA Addiction, mindfulness, and acceptance. In: Hayes SC,
<br><br>Jacobson NS, Follette VM, et al. Acceptance and Change: Content and
<br><br>Context in Psychotherapy. Reno, Context Press, 1994, pp 175-197.
<br><br>
<br><br>7. Sayette MA, Shiffman S, Tiffany ST, et al. The measurement of
<br><br>drug craving. Addiction 2000;95:189-210.
<br><br>
<br><br>8. Murphy TJ, Pagano RR, Marlatt GA. Lifestyle modification with
<br><br>heavy alcohol drinkers: effects of aerobic exercise and meditation.
<br><br>Addict Behav 1986;11:175-186.
<br><br>
<br><br>9. Hayes SC, Wilson KG, Gifford EV, et al. Experimental avoidance
<br><br>and behavioral disorders: a functional dimensional approach to diagnosis
<br><br>and treatment. J Consult Clin Psychol 1996;64:1152-1168.
<br><br>
<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/R68aOXRDnO8&t=1734s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R68aOXRDnO8&t=1734s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>10. Hayes SC, Strosahl KD, Wilson KG. Acceptance and Commitment
<br><br>Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change. New York, Guilford
<br><br>Press, 1996.
<br><br>
<br><br>11. Hart W. The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation: As Taught by
<br><br>S. N. Goenka San Francisco, Harper and Row, 1987.
<br><br>
<br><br><img src="https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/safd4757ffcb51a7c/image/i96064833d110a118/version/1425830246/image.jpg" width="336" /><br><br>12. Marcus JB. Transcendental Meditation: A new method of reducing
<br><br>drug abuse. Drug Forum 1974;3:113-136.
<br><br>
<br><br>13. Marlatt GA, Kristeller JL. Mindfulness and meditation. In:
<br><br>Miller WR. Integrating Spirituality into Treatment: Resources for
<br><br>Practitioners. Washington, DC, American Psychological Association, 1999,
<br><br>pp 67-84.
<br><br>
<br><br>14. Carrington P. Clinical Standardized Meditation. Kendall Park,
<br><br>Pace Educational Systems, 1979.
<br><br>
<br><br>15. Benson MDH. The Relaxation Response. New York, William Morrow,
<br><br>1975.
<br><br>
<br><br>16. Marlatt GA, Marques JK. Meditation, self-control, and alcohol
<br><br>use. In: Stuart RB. Behavioral Self-Management. New York, Brunner/Mazel,
<br><br>1977, pp 117-153.
<br><br>
<br><br>17. Marlatt GA, Pagano RR, Rose RM, et al. Effects of meditation
<br><br>and relaxation training upon alcohol use in male social drinkers. In:
<br><br>Shapiro DH, Walsh RN. Meditation: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives.
<br><br>New York, Aldine, 1984, pp 105-120.
<br><br>
<br><br>18. Bowen S, Witkiewitz K, Dillworth T, et al. Mindfulness
<br><br>meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Psychol
<br><br>Addict Behav 2006;20:343-347.
<br><br>
<br><br>19. Marlatt GA, Witkiewitz K, Dillworth TM, et al. Vipassana
<br><br>meditation as a treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders. In Hayes
<br><br>SC, Follette VM, Linehan MM. Mindfulness and Acceptance: Expanding the
<br><br>Cognitive-Behavioral Tradition New York, Guilford Press, 2004.
<br><br>
<br><br>20. Kabat-Zinn J. Full Catastrophe Living. New York, Delacorte,
<br><br>1990.
<br><br>
<br><br>21. Segal ZV, Williams JMG, Teasdale JD. Mindfulness-Based
<br><br>Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse
<br><br>New York, Guilford Press, 2002, pp 175-197.
<br><br>
<br><br>22. Witkiewitz K, Marlatt GA. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
<br><br>for alcohol and substance use disorders: the meditative tortoise wins
<br><br>the race. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy 2006;19:221-228.
<br><br>
<br><br>23. Marlatt GA. Buddhist philosophy and the treatment of addictive
<br><br>behavior. Cogn Behav Pract 2002;9:44-50.
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.
<br><br>—Kathy Norris
<br><br>G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, and Neharika Chawla, MS
<br><br>
<br><br>Addictive Behaviors Research Center, Department of Psychology,
<br><br>University of Washington.
<br><br>
<br><br>Reprint requests to Alan G. Marlatt, PhD, University of Washington;
<br><br>Addictive Behaviors Research Center, 210 Guthrie Annex III. Seattle, WA
<br><br>98195. Email: ude.notgnihsaw.u|ttalram#ude.notgnihsaw.u|ttalram
<br><br>
<br><br><a href='https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Meditationandalcoholuse.-a0162977433'>https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Meditationandalcoholuse.-a0162977433</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

​The quiet power of meditation - 01 Apr 2017 13:34

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[[html]]This about it: Whether it's improving our day-to-day lives or surviving a sudden calamity, there's no substitute for clear-headed mental discipline. And a growing number of people believe they know how to find it. Our Cover Story is reported by Mo Rocca:<br><br>Allan Lokos and his wife, Susannah, were on vacation when their plane crash-landed in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar on Christmas Day 2012. <br><br>"By the time we hit the ground — and we hit the ground pretty heavily — the plane spun around, twisted, and we were thrown about," Lokos said. "There was a great deal of chaos immediately inside the plane."<br><br>"And the cabin was filled with smoke?" Rocca asked. <br><br>"Yeah, the smoke was now coming up the aisle very quickly — thick, black, jet fuel smoke. Thick and noxious. And Susannah said to me almost right away, 'I'll never make it. I'm choking already.'" <br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rf2OVW-8OdY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rf2OVW-8OdY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Allan managed to get his wife out of the plane, but when it was his turn to escape …<br><br>"I caught my foot on something, and I was stuck there. So in a nutshell, I was now standing in fire."<br><br>But even though he was engulfed in flames, Lokos didn't panic.<br><br>Rocca asked: "Do you think that came from meditation?"<br><br><img src="http://www.osteomedlab.it/IMG/IMGcuriosita6.jpg" width="312" /><br><br>"Oh, absolutely. You're in fire, so it's a frightening situation. But there was also a sense of calm with that." <br><br>Lokos, a practicing Buddhist and an experienced meditator, made it out. But with burns covering 33 percent of his body, survival was a longshot. "Every doctor who saw me, they all said the same <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_zfVwyZs5k">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_zfVwyZs5k</a> thing: 'You can't survive these injuries,'" Lokos said.<br><br>But Lokos did recover. And he says his ability to remain calm, cultivated from meditating seven times a day for 20 years, is a big part of why he survived a fiery plane crash.<br><br>He says had he not been calm, "I would be pretty certain that I would have died in the plane. The person right behind me did," Lokos said.<br><br><img src="http://cbsnews2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/2016/01/03/96fe444f-88bb-46d2-9be2-660885704d49/9cd7f5490430a16ae61f3179a786a6b0/meditation-classroom-david-lynch-620.jpg#" alt="meditation-classroom-david-lynch-620.jpg " srcset="http://cbsnews2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/2016/01/03/96fe444f-88bb-46d2-9be2-660885704d49/9cd7f5490430a16ae61f3179a786a6b0/meditation-classroom-david-lynch-620.jpg 1x"/><br><br>Filmmaker and TM advocate David Lynch attends a class of meditation for California schoolchildren.<br><br>CBS News<br><br>It may seem like a stretch that years of meditation — the act of focused, quiet thought — made the difference between life and death in a devastating plane crash. But it's a proposition that's being taken more seriously than ever before.<br><br>"I have no doubt that that kind of mental training would enable you to essentially put aside the fact that your body is basically yelling, 'Emergency! Emergency! Emergency!' — enabling you to do something, to essentially attain a certain calmness in the face of that that would allow you to take action," said Dr. John Denniger, director of research at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.<br><br>People who are meditating may look like they're in a passive state, but their brains are very much active. <br><br>Denniger says that meditation has benefits way beyond staying calm. <br><br>True or false: meditation can help you lose weight? "True," said Dr. Denniger. <br><br>Can help you lower blood pressure? "Absolutely true."<br><br>Meditation helps with irritable bowel syndrome? "True."<br><br>Helps you sleep better? "True."<br><br>Can help you quit smoking? "True."<br><br>Studies have shown that it may have an impact on the cellular level, too, slowing the effects of aging and increasing neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to grow new brain cells and develop new connections.<br><br>"They thought that once you were an adult, neuroplasticity was gone," said Dr. Denniger. "That has clearly been shown not to be the case. One of the clear findings is that meditation has the ability to actually make certain brain regions thicker, and that means that there is a growth of brain cells."<br><br>It's a long way from when meditation was seen as strictly "alternative" medicine.<br><br>Rocca asked, "In this country, we're safely out of the 'woo-woo' zone, in terms of its perception?"<br><br>"I think not entirely safely out of the 'woo-woo' zone," replied Dr., Denniger. "I mean, we're out of the 'woo-woo' zone in terms of what the science says. In terms of what people believe, I think there are plenty of people out there who still hear the word 'meditation' and they pooh-pooh it."<br><br>About 18 million Americans meditate, including some very bold faced names like Jerry Seinfeld and Clint Eastwood. One of them is director David Lynch. <br><br>"I started meditation on July 1, 1973, on a sunny Saturday morning at 11 o'clock," he said. "I remember it as if it was yesterday. And it was so beautiful. I've been meditating twice a day for over 41 years and never missed a meditation."<br><br>It might come as a surprise to learn that Lynch, the director of such dark movies as "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Drive," calls himself a "bliss ninny." He practices transcendental meditation, also known as TM. <br><br>"People see things like stress, traumatic stress, tension, anxiety, sorrow, depression, hate, anger and fear start to lift away," Lynch said. "So it's like pure gold coming in from within and garbage going on." <br><br><a href='http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-quiet-power-of-meditation/'>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-quiet-power-of-meditation/</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

The best place to meditate? At work. - 27 Feb 2017 23:33

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[[html]]Of course, not everyone believes in the power of meditation, but once converted, the big hurdle is making meditation fit into your schedule. Just the thought of cramming another thing into your day is stress-inducing.<br><br>Here's a radical proposal: start your new meditation habit at work. Yup, that work. The office. Busy, stressful, un-meditation-friendly work.<br><br>It turns out, the office is actually an ideal place to meditate specifically because of those reasons. To quote one of my favourite films, "The Razor's Edge," in which Bill Murray's character searches for the meaning of life: "It's easy to be a holy man on top of a mountain." It's harder, but more rewarding, to be one in the office.<br><br>Not only is work likely one of the major causes of your stress, but it is also a victim of it. A stressed out, unhappy employee is not a productive one. You can counterbalance the negative and even make your office a more peaceful, creative and industrious place with the effect and influence of your meditation practice alone.<br><br>Plus, if you're like me, it's hard to fit in meditation or anything else in the busy hum of home, especially with a spouse and children and fewer waking hours to spend with them or on other interests. The solution for me was to practice at work: the place I'm already going five days a week and where meditation is needed most.<br><br>It doesn't need to be a big time commitment — 10 to 15 minutes each day is plenty — and even a couple of minutes can be useful. The key is to commit to doing something, otherwise it's not effective. When I lived in San Francisco my apartment was a few blocks from the city's famous Zen Center and I would wake most mornings for the pre-dawn sittings. It was formal, strictly following the Buddhist tradition, right down to which foot you used to enter the room. I loved it and miss it, but never picked it back up because it always seemed too hard to replicate on my own. So that was my challenge — to get back into practice without it being a burden or competing with other priorities.<br><br>Find a space<br><br>The first person I told of my intention to start meditating at work was the office manager.<br><br>"This may be an unusual request," I emailed him, "but I could use your help. I'm looking to find a room in our office without glass, to book for 15 minutes a day, every day. The purpose is to meditate."<br><br>Professional but perhaps a bit puzzled, he walked me through a few options in our open-plan office and its meeting rooms with see-through glass walls. We settled on a seldom-used "green room" for talent when the office does studio production. It was perfect: small, quiet, two chairs, no phone. If it's booked, my back-ups include a meeting room with glass just on one side (passers-by see only my back) and a nearby anonymising city park. And if I'm really desperate, I always have that last refuge of privacy: the porcelain sanctuary.<br><br>Schedule some time<br><br>I book 30 minutes every day though I never use the whole time. Sometimes I'm a little late; I always finish early. Sometimes I need to reschedule for later in the day. But if I can make it, I do. Whatever I'm working on can wait another 10 to 15 minutes without dire consequences. Unless you're an emergency room doctor or caring for young children, the same is probably true at your job. Even if I'm feeling stressed about something I need to get done right away, I always feel better (that is, less stressed) after I breathe.<br><br>Now meditate!<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ocg3InAEZMU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ocg3InAEZMU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Keep it simple and easy. Earlier this year, I attended a SXSW talk by Chade-Meng Tan, who teaches mindfulness techniques at Google. He recommended giving yourself a goal of "just one good breath" a day. The idea is that even doing a little bit makes a difference. If you love it, you will naturally and happily increase your practice to as many minutes as you can comfortably sustain.<br><br>Whether you have never meditated before, need a refresher or <a href="https://georginevinson.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/bikram-yoga-full-90-minute-workout-with-maggie-grove/">bikram yoga workouts on youtube</a> are just getting started there is no shortage of books, articles, apps and free videos and podcasts available. So start there. Those meditators are practically giving it away! I re-booted my practice by trying out the following in the green room:<br><br>"Search Inside Yourself" by Chade-Meng Tan. In his book on mindfulness and happiness, Meng offers meditation techniques he introduced at Google that range from basic to one (my personal favorite) that asks you to visualize yourself as a force multiplier for goodness, as if you are (my words) some kind of Buddhist superhero.<br><br>Stop, Breathe &amp; Think. This app has a growing library of meditations. These all start the same, which is repetitive, and the narrator's voice so soothing it threatened to put me to sleep. But guided meditations can be useful for beginners and the app tracks your progress, as if you were going to a transcendental gym.<br><br>"The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hahn. The renowned pacifist Buddhist monk has written many volumes, but this classic has a whole chapter of meditations, some as little as 10 breaths long. The narration contains others, so it's worth reading the entire short book.<br><br>"One Moment Meditation" by Martin Boroson. This guide starts with the premise that all you need is one minute. Short chapters help you optimize that minute and learn to take it with you wherever you go. And when you get good at that, it reduces that power minute to a power moment.<br><br>Please share your favorite practices or sources and let's encourage everyone meditating in every office, everywhere.<br><br><img src="http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2011/12/19/10360439/Yoga Warrior Pose 2.jpg" width="337" /><br><br><a href='http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/22/health/meditate-at-work/index.html'>http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/22/health/meditate-at-work/index.html</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Meditation – Techniques To Learn - 26 Feb 2017 03:22

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[[html]]When it comes to learning meditation, one requires to learn several important techniques in order to achieve success and obtain maximum benefits. Remember that effective meditation includes a lot of techniques.<br><br>The techniques of meditation vary from one culture to other. However, the art of meditation is one. It is universal. These techniques have been developed to suit different personalities.<br><br>You would find that certain techniques demand concentration, focus and attention. There are also other techniques that are expansive. 'Vipassana' form of meditation is such a technique. It allows one to enjoy free flow of thoughts in conjunction with observation.<br><br>Here are some of the most common techniques used in:<br><br>a) Mantra meditation:<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZcI78APK6JQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZcI78APK6JQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>A mantra can be defined as a grouping of different sound vibrations that have an effect on the physical as well as mental consciousness. Traditionally, these are given to a student by a Teacher or 'Guru'. However, in the absence of a Guru, the practitioner or the student can opt for his own mantra. <br><br>One needs to follow an important rule when selecting a mantra. According to this rule, one must choose a mantra that appeals to the mind fully when spoken verbally. When chanting mantra, powerful vibrations are created. These are said to be directed to the appropriate 'Chakras' in order to attract certain divine forces. <br><br>This technique works towards healing the physical, spiritual and psychological body of the practitioner. One must fully enjoy <a href="https://twitter.com/theandreamartin/status/811465796266369025">power yoga workout</a> the rhythm of the mantra when it is chanted. It is also necessary to surrender oneself to the whole experience. <br><br>b) Steady gaze or Trataka:<br><br>This is a simple but very beautiful technique of meditation. You need to use a regular candle for this technique. Some people prefer using other objects of their choice. You should set up the candle at an arm's length. It should be placed in level with eyes. <br><br>Perform steady gazing with eyes open first. After a while, you can close your eyes and gaze at the after image of the flame. This should be gazed at the eye brow center. Do not move through out the practice. Now, relax your breath and lengthen and deepen it. Repeat the process for sometime.<br><br>c) Chakra meditation:<br><br>Charka meditation refers to a simple way for neophytes to explore the charkas via self help. This helps in providing a sense of awakening in them gently. This is done in a balanced integrated manner. <br><br><img src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1796535/images/o-YOGA-facebook.jpg" width="349" /><br><br>You can perform it either sitting or lying. You need to close your eyes, adjust your body and clothing. Let your breath relax, slow and then deepen. Do not make an attempt to control it. Once you are settled down, begin with Ujjayi pranayam and do this for sometime. <br><br>Bring awareness towards the spinal passage. Do it for a few minutes. Ascend with inhalation and descend with exhalation. Try to locate charkas within that channel. Don't locate the exact location. Only focus in general area. Feel the location of these charkas and repeat its name mentally as you pass by it. <br><br>You need to mentally repeat from Mooldhara to Ajna and then reverse the order. Prior to finishing, let go of breath sound and then names. Now, chant mantra 'Om' for about three times.<br><br>By: Bertil Hjert<br><br>Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com<br><br>For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about MEDITATION and YOGA please visit MEDITATION BUZZ and YOGA TIPS&#13;<br><br>&#13;<br><br><a href='http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Meditation-Techniques-to-Learn/387959'>http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Meditation-Techniques-to-Learn/387959</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Is There Sadness in Your Hips? - 25 Feb 2017 21:03

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[[html]]Grodzki, Lynn. "The Emotional Body: An Interview With Candace Pert, PhD." Pathways Magazine.1995.<br><br>Koch, Liz. "Psoas Health: Trauma Recovery <a href="http://americxan-horror-story.tumblr.com/">http://americxan-horror-story.tumblr.com/</a> Protocol." Massage and Bodywork: A Magazine Nurturing Body, Mind and Spirit, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, Jan 2004.<br><br>Raskin, Donna. "Emotions in Motion." Yoga Journal. Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc., n.d.<br><br>Upledger, John E. "Connective Tissue Leads to the Core of Good Health." Massage Today. MPA Media Publications, March 2004, Vol 4, Issue 3.<br><br>"Quotes." Meditation Research from the Lab of Sara Lazar. n.p., n.d.<br><br>"Overstimulated Nervous System." Custommedicine.com.au, Complementary Compounding Services, June 2011.<br><br>Davis, Carol M., Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation: Evidence for Efficacy in Therapy, 3rd ed., SLACK Incorporated, 2009.<br><br>Levine, Peter A, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1997.<br><br><img src="http://www.yogatrail.com/yoga-poses/media/2013-07/yoga-pose-partner-acro-yoga-4365-1.jpg" width="357" /><br><br>Noback, Charles R., Strominger, Norman L., Demarest, Robert J., and Ruggiero, David A., The Human Nervous System: Structure and Function, 6th ed., New Jersey: Humana Press, Inc. 2005.<br><br>Pert, Candace, Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine, Simon &amp; Schuster, 1999.<br><br>Upledger, John E., Your Inner Physician and You: Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1997. <br><br>http://traumaprevention.com/2009/12/31/what-is-tre/<br><br><a href='http://hubpages.com/health/Hip-Emotions-Is-there-sadness-in-your-hips'>http://hubpages.com/health/Hip-Emotions-Is-there-sadness-in-your-hips</a><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Natural Natural Home Remedies To Boost Weak Immune System - 22 Jan 2017 02:08

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[[html]]First described as “shaking palsy” the illness that now bears his name, medical science has thus far been struggling to unravel the cause or causes of most Parkinson's cases in order to devise a cure. When the Indus valley civilization was uncovered, many seals with figures in yoga poses were discovered. It's been proven often through studies and research that emotional stress could cause a variety of illnesses or overall physical weakness. The Rag Doll releases tension within the parts of your body where most people carry tension — your neck and spine.<br><br>If you need to specialize in a certain style of yoga like yoga bikram or any other you will have to follow along with a specialization course on top of your basic instruction. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. It activly works to strengthen our bodies and do increases blood circulation.<br><br>Include herbs-Common herbs like turmeric ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper are utilized because the spices inside our kitchens. India is really a fascinating country and as an adept of yoga you should make a point of going to the birthplace of the discipline to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the place. There are many provisions and grants learn about the best one and make a means out of this. The core exercises mentioned here emphasize the core muscles of your body so regarding give a stable linkage between the upper and lower limbs and truncal stability," notes Dr Tan Jee Lim, consultant orthopaedic sports surgeon.<br><br><img src="http://yoga.guiafitness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/Japa-Yoga-Yoga-con-mantras.jpg" width="400" /><br><br>Dog Tilt Pose. Breathing helps a person on innumerable levels. You can take control of your breath by using pranayama which increases the capacity of the lungs to adopt in air and therefore boosts the vitality of the body. " Your body is precious, it is your vehicle for awakening, treat it with care.<br><br>Do yourself the following favor and go take an Iyengar yoga class. Not a negative angle especially should you are close up. One of the finest things you can do for <a href="https://twitter.com/icarolynobrien">Power Yoga</a> yourself is take care of your body. Check us out at Free Articles!.<br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Vinyasa Yoga - InfoBarrel - 19 Jan 2017 03:25

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[[html]]Strict changes in lifestyle can not only prevent heart attacks, but could reverse the clogging of the arteries, in accordance with a small but pioneering study. Yoga is made to clear the mind, the body as well as the heart and also to meld them into a smoothly functioning being with all the whole being a lot better than the sum of its parts. It's been proven often through studies and research that emotional stress might cause a variety of illnesses or overall physical weakness. The Rag Doll releases tension inside the areas of your body where most people carry tension — your neck and spine.<br><br>If health is a huge concern of yours, then participating in Hatha yoga is among the best things you can do for yourself. This pose reminds me of something a stripper would provide to the patrons sitting in the front row. What is MS?&#13.<br><br><img src="http://starcasm.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/FP_3869227_Barm_Yoga_102409.jpg" width="385" /><br><br>6) Yoga helps as well make the body more flexible. Whatever economy you would make now you'd pay later by without having given yourself full chance to succeed. You could even take the opportunity to specialize in a the various yoga style there. com is the one stop spot for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. It also releases toxins from the body.<br><br>Reduced levels of stress&#13. Keep for a while and strain. About The Author.<br><br>Yoga for health. It is gaining popularity in the present fitness community, and you can look for a class with like-minded individuals just about anywhere. This pose reminds me of something a stripper would provide towards the patrons sitting within the front <a href="http://ritascribner.tumblr.com">Power Yoga Workout</a> row. The art comes through various sources of physical influence, mental instability, or inspirational sources like inspirational quotes or inspirational speeches. "Where there exists a will, there exists a Way.<br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

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