Monday, February 18, 2013

The Tree of Contemplative Practices



One of the students in my Integral Health class used a version of this
Tree of Contemplative Practices, in a presentation and I wanted
to share it with everyone.  This was developed by
and is used with its permission.


The point of this graphic, I think, is that there are many different contemplative practices that help us to feel more human and to be able to cultivate compassion, perspective, connection and patience.

Many people view prayer or meditation as a single practice to meet all contemplative needs.  However, some practices focus on stillness while others focus on altruism, creativity, activity, relationships, movement and/or ritual.  All are important ingredients to be blended "to taste" by each of us in the feast of life.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Swami Rama on the Mind-Body Connection


For my classes and others, this video covers Swami Rama's experiments at the Menninger Foundation (in Topeka, Kansas) in the early 1970's.  He proved that our mainstream Western scientists and physicians were wrong about the "involuntary" and "autonomic" nervous system's inability to be influenced by our will power.  Swami Rama was a great teacher and a great man, by any mortal standards.  His work has enriched countless lives and continues to enrich humankind through his teachings and books, his many students and through the Himalayan Institute that he founded.

Thich Nhat Hanh talking about mindfulness at Google

To me, this is an amazing event, and to hear Thich Nhat Hanh talk about mindfulness is a gift that I want you to experience.

The Dalai Lama on "Why We Should Meditate"


The Origins of Laughter Yoga - Discovery Channel

Laughter Yoga is growing in the U.S., as well as Laughter Clubs with an organization called the World Laughter Tour.  This is not about jokes, as it has been found that laughter releases the same chemicals whether we are laughing at somethings we think is funny - or just laughing until it becomes contagious.