Introduction To Meditation

Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused.  Practitioners of this art report increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines.  However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits.  And you don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it.  You could even try it in your own living room!

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same.  The most important among these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus.  This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have – those of noisy neighbors, bossy office mates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam– are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out is allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch – and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them.  You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal.  It may seem deafening at first, since we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything around you.

If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening – those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions – you need not worry.  The principle here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration.  This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point.  While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight.  In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere.  It may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel comfortable in.  You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release).  You may want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine.  Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.

The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra.  This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.

You do not need to perform such; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.

The principle here is focus.  You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to – while in a meditative state – silently name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body.  Mentally visualize releasing this tension.  It works wonders.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).

Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body.  And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such.  So in the near future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!

Are Vaccines Really Safe?!

For many years, vaccinations were an accepted part of life for children and their parents.  The government mandated them, and few people argued.  After all, they were considered the most effective tool in stopping the spread of a number of horrible diseases.

Vaccination has practically eradicated several diseases that were once quite common.  But in recent years, there has been mounting evidence that vaccinations can be harmful to children.  This has led to public outcry, and a growing number of parents are now refusing to have their children vaccinated.

Vaccines and Autism

One of the most prevalent arguments against vaccines is their reported link to autism.  Autism cases have increased at an alarming rate over the past decade.  Although vaccine manufacturers deny it, many experts believe that this rise in autism is closely linked to childhood vaccinations.

There are two issues regarding vaccines and autism.  The first is the use of thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines that contains mercury.  The use of thimerosal was once allowed in vaccines, even though the mercury in it is a neurotoxin.  It is believed that vaccinations given between the late 1980s and 2003 had levels of thimerosal beyond what was considered safe, and may have caused autism in many children.

The other vaccine controversy pertaining to autism involves the MMR vaccine, which does not contain thimerosal.  This vaccine contains three sets of viruses, and it is administered at an age when autism is most likely to be discovered.  It is believed that the MMR vaccine may cause autism in children who have problems with their immune systems.

Other Vaccine Controversies

Autism isn't the only problem that has been linked to vaccines.  Some opponents of vaccines in their current state believe that they cause healthy cells to mutate.  This can cause the immune system to attack them, leading to autoimmune disorders.

Other health problems that have been unofficially linked to vaccination include brain damage, cardiovascular disease, metabolic problems, and even cancer.  Vaccines are also blamed for Gulf War Syndrome.  With all of these potential problems, it is no wonder that mandatory vaccination programs have become so controversial.

Do I Have to Get My Child Vaccinated?

Vaccines are currently mandated by law, but most states allow religious exemptions to the requirements.  Some also allow philosophical exemptions, so if you are hesitant to allow your child to receive vaccines, check your state's laws.  Also, some of the newer vaccines are optional.  It is important to know and exercise your rights regarding these.

Opponents to the current vaccine laws are pushing for stricter regulations and modifications to the vaccine schedule.  Some also endorse different methods of immune therapy.  These changes could result in a safer way to protect ourselves and our children against disease.

Dangerous Consequences of Too Much Stress At Work

Stress is part of the everyday lives of men. While many are stressed with school work or with intensely emotional life events, most men associate stress with work.

Stress at work is one of the most common and the most serious problems for men who have jobs. According to a survey, men suffer from extreme stress, depression and anxiety because of overwork.

Stress at work is one of the reasons why men turn to alcoholism. In fact, many men resort to alcohol to try to get their minds off work. These men believe that alcohol can make them feel better when they are stressed. What they do not know is that alcohol can increase the stress that they are feeling.

Furthermore, if a man drinks alcohol to cope up with stress, another problem will arise. This problem is alcohol addiction. It will cause anxiety and depression. Sooner or later, the alcohol will impair the health. Alcoholism also causes problems for the man’s family.

Too much stress at work also makes men sick. In fact, a high rate of stress can drain men of their strength and vitality. It makes a man feel dissatisfied with their jobs. Stress can even make someone make a false assumption as if the company does not take note of their achievements at work. This points out that depression creeps in when one is stressed out.

Another effect of too much stress at work is increased temperament. Stressed out men incur aggressive outbursts. When men get easily angry, it means that their stress coping mechanism has reached its limits. This is quite dangerous as they could suffer from an emotional breakdown and become violent.

Stress weakens the body and its immune system. When the immune system is weak enough, men become vulnerable to stress related diseases such as heart disease and mental illnesses. Symptoms such as exhaustion, vulnerability to illnesses, short tempers or leaning towards alcoholism are signs that a man is stressed at work.

Unfortunately, according to Lancaster University’s Professor Cary Cooper, men are hesitant to seek help regarding stress. They also prefer to sit or drink it out with friends, rather than talking to someone about their work problems. Professor Cooper said the reason behind it is that men do not want to be regarded as weak and vulnerable. Thus, without help or an outlet, men find themselves in a vicious cycle that makes matters even worse.

Therefore, it is important to address the problem of too much stress at work. People should not force themselves to stay in a stressful job. They should not stay in a job that they don’t like because it will make them ill. Instead, they should look for companies that are more responsible to their employees.

Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki - Why Do Energy Healing?

You have probably come across exotic-sounding terms such as “chakra”, “prana”, “aura”, and “tantra” in your course of reading books on spirituality, sex, and healing in the New Age literature section of the bookstore. But what’s the real scoop behind these exotic vocabularies?

Are All Energy Healings the Same?

Chakra or energy center is a term used in Pranic healing, an ancient Hindu system of energy healing. “Prana” means life energy. “Aura” is another terminology traced to Pranic healing. Aura is a non-physical body that consists of energy, which exists along with our physical body. The aura that covers our body is said to have seven layers pertaining to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual as manifested by energy. Studying the color and thickness of auras gives ideas on the state of health of individuals. Six colors are associated with aura and interpreted into six personalities. These colors are all present in an individual but one or two are more pronounced.

            Green – ambitious achiever

            Blue – spiritual peacemaker

            White – unconventional chameleon

            Red – activist

            Orange – creative communicator

            Violet - psychic

Although Tantra is popularly associated with the peculiar practice of sex and spirituality, it is another method of energy healing. It comes from the word “tan” which means to spread or expand. The concept of connectedness is a recurring theme in Tantric writings on sex and spirituality. As a method of healing, spirituality and sex figure prominently. It is presupposed that the union of man and woman can reach spiritual levels during orgasm, which removes the body and mind off collected impurities. These impurities being negative energies can in turn manifest as physical illnesses.

Unlike Pranic and Tantric healings, which have Hindu origins, Reiki originated from Japan. It is relatively younger than Pranic and Tantric healings having been rediscovered in the early 1900’s. Reiki stands for universal energy, an energy brought forth by higher intelligence. Students of Reiki are taught how to tap this energy to heal physical, emotional, and mental illnesses.

Although Pranic, Tantra, and Reiki are all systems of energy healing, they differ in the type of energy tapped for healing: life energy, sexual energy, and universal energy respectively.

The concepts of the connectedness of mind, body, and spirit; the connection of individuals to all living and nonliving things around them and to the universe; and how energy impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are some of the salient similarities of these three healing methods.

Why Do People Turn to Energy Healing?

Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki are considered alternative methods of healing. In spite of the availability and relative accessibility of modern medicine, how come more and more people are being drawn to them? Here are some possible reasons:

           

· People perceive modern medicine to be isolating.

Medical treatments are oftentimes focused on the disease and its causative agent, which can make a patient feel isolated and treated like a mere host of the disease. Although recent developments in hospital practice are gradually promoting the holistic treatment of a patient, the perception still persists. Unlike in energy healing, since energy and spirituality are intimately linked, the patient feels that all aspects of his health are being attended to.

· Energy healing worked where modern medicine failed.

For several reasons both explainable and unexplainable, modern medical treatment failed to heal ailments and conditions in several if not many persons. Research or data may not be able to support this statement. But for the families of the dying as well as for the dying patient, they would take the risk of using alternative methods ranging from herbals and organics, faith healers, witch doctors, and New Age healing techniques just to be get well.

· Energy healing is a good way of relieving stress.

Meditation is part and parcel of energy healing methods and this is an added come-on for highly stressed people. Moreover, sophisticated equipment is not required thus it becomes all the more convenient for students and future students of energy healing.

The battle between alternative healing and mainstream medicine continues as both present the benefits of their approach. But in the final analysis, what matters is the restoration of good health.

· Energy healing is non-obtrusive and natural thus it is safer.

Repeated surgical procedures are physically and emotionally traumatic for most patients. It is but a logical and attractive option to both patient and families to look for less stressful health interventions. Moreover, with the rising popularity of New Age religions, going natural is the way to go.

Stress - What It Is, And How To Get Rid of It

Defined simply, stress is the body’s reaction to a threat or challenge resulting from a situation (called a stressor) that can be either positive or negative. The body does not differentiate between psychological and physiological stress.  And stress is the number one killer, and one of the things that can stop you from achieving your goals.

Physical Symptoms:

Physical changes when under stress may include tense muscles, pounding heart rate, cold or clammy hands, headache, sweating, and a feeling of butterflies in the stomach, dry mouth, stomach ache, heartburn, colds, fatigue, constipation, teeth grinding, skin rash and back pain.

Mental and Behavioral Symptoms:

Irritability, anxiety, apathy, nervousness, depression, hostility, forgetfulness, confusion, short temper, overeating, under-eating, overly emotional, excessive smoking/drinking and withdrawal from relationships.

Other signs of stress include talking faster than normal, biting one’s nails, pacing, restlessness, hyperactivity, distractibility, and trembling. Under chronic stress the person will seem tired, restless, and feel out of control.

How to get rid of Stress?  Diet & Lifestyle!

Diet – The Foods You Eat

Foods play a vital role in providing mental and physical nourishment for relieving stress. For stressed people, the foods that you need to avoid are the ones that contain a great amount of caffeine and alcohol. Sugar should also be avoided because it causes the blood sugar to soar and then drop very quickly.

To get rid of stress, there are different kinds of stress relief food that you can try for your mental and physical wellness. Below are several types of stress relief food to help you in managing stress:

Asparagus – This green vegetable is high in folic acid that helps stabilize your mood. The body releases hormones that affect the mood when stressed and eating asparagus is a good way to block these hormones. Folic acid is actually needed by the body to make serotonin, it is a chemical naturally produced in the body that affects mood in a positive way.


Tuna – Tuna is also a great stress relief food option because of its stress-fighting vitamins. Tunas are rich in vitamins B6 and B12 and it is also a good source of protein. If you love mayonnaise, it is advisable to use a low-fat mayonnaise for a healthy meal.

Raw Milk – Milk is very nutritious and high in antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamins B1, B12, calcium and protein that can make you feel relaxed. You can have a bowl of cereal and milk for breakfast to battle the stress ahead of you. Drinking a warm glass of milk also help induce sleep.  However, pasteurized milk is denatured and irradiated and can CAUSE stress.  This is why we recommend raw milk (which is hard to get).

Beef – Beef is also a good stress relief food even though it is usually not considered when talking about health but beef contains good amount of zinc, iron, and B vitamins that also helps in stabilizing the mood. People always think that beef is not good for the body but it is actually more nutritious than chicken. The secret to making a nutritious meal with beef is to not include the fat because it is high in cholesterol.


Cottage Cheese and Fruit – Cottage cheese is a stress relief food that is rich in both protein and calcium. Mixing cottage cheese and fruits high on vitamin C like oranges is a good combination to help fight stress. Vitamin C contains antioxidants that fight free radicals that are released when you are stressed. Furthermore, these free radicals are known to cause cancer.

Blueberries – Blueberries are high-fiber, low-calorie fruits that contains vitamin C antioxidants good for combating stress. You can mix blueberries with cottage cheese or you can also eat them alone for a healthy snack.

To know more about other kinds of stress relief food, it is best that you consult a dietician.

Lifestyle – The Exercise You Get

Research has shown that best tension reliever is physical exercise. It is a great remedy for stress. No other thing comes near exercise in reducing stress. Exercise also helps you sleep by relaxing the tense muscles.

Positive Benefits:

1. Exercise is a diversion that enables you to relax due to a change in environment or routine. It also serves as an outlet to dissipate emotions.

2. It improves blood flow to your brain, bringing additional sugars and oxygen that may be needed when you are thinking intensely.

3. When you think hard, the neurons of your brain function more intensely. As they do this, they can build up toxic waste products that can cause foggy thinking. By exercising you speed the flow of blood through your brain, moving these waste products faster.

4. Exercise can cause release of chemicals called endorphins into your blood stream. These give you a feeling of happiness and positively affect your overall sense of well being.

5. There is also good evidence that physically fit people have less extreme physiological responses when under pressure than those who are not. This means that fit people are more able to handle the long term effects of stress, without suffering ill health or burnout.

In addition to a regular exercise program, you can incorporate these stress reducing exercises.

1. Do some gentle neck rolls to help get rid of the tension. Let your chin drop slowly forward. Slowly roll you head to you right shoulder, back, left shoulder and front. Now do the same in the opposite direction. Do it slowly and repeat 10 times.

2. Inhale 10 deep breaths. Fill your lungs full, hold and exhale slowly, ridding all the air. Repeat. The fresh dose of oxygen will also recharge your energy.

3. Lie on the floor or sit in a comfortable chair. With your hands at your side or on the chair arm, visualize each part of your body, beginning with you toes and moving up. Take your time and feel you body relax, bit by bit.

4. Sit on the edge of your chair, and lean forward, resting your chest on your knees with your hands and head hanging loosely. Slowly unroll you back, vertebra by vertebra, until you’re sitting up nice and straight. This is an excellent exercise for unknotting your back

5. Stand and stretch with you hands over you head. Swing down to touch your toes, bending your knees if you need to. Repeat 5 to 10 times. Now place your hands on your hips, with your legs apart. Bend forward until your chest is parallel. Turn your head and body slowly to the left, then right forward. Repeat five to 10 times.

Hopefully this article has helped.  Remember, stress is nothing to play with!!  I will leave you with a video on using EFT to deal with stress