The relaxation response triggered by yoga and meditation counters the stress response. When the mind-body has repeated experiences of stress, the stress response triggers faster as a survival mechanism and the stress hormones, over time, cause health problems. Stress may contribute to, or exacerbate, some of these familiar health problems: anxiety, arthritis, constipation, depression, diabetes, headaches,... Continue Reading →
We meet Friday April 28 from 2-3 PM at the Senior Lounge, Village Hall. As it gets warmer, it may be more comfortable to lie on the floor for those who wish to do so. This will be a special meditation with new elements. Please come a few minutes early to settle in. Here is... Continue Reading →
Yoga Nidra is being taught at the Benson Henry Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. These are Satyananda-based Yoga Nidras. The hospital is also a center for MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) programs established by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn. As I am doing the Teaching Company's Mind Body Medicine Guide by Dr. Jason Satterfield at the... Continue Reading →
The sun shines over all life without distinction The water flows with no attempt at prejudice The earth holds us all without labels The tree gives fruit and shade without judgement The breath flows from one to another giving life to all The sky covers us with the umbrella of infinite space Rich or poor,... Continue Reading →
To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love All pray in their distress; And to these virtues of delight Return their thankfulness. For Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love Is God, our Father dear, And Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love Is man, His child and care. For Mercy has a human heart, Pity a human face, And Love,... Continue Reading →
Happiness is a popular topic right now and there is another online Coursera course offered by the Indian School of Business, A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment, by Professor Rajagopal Raghunathan. Here is the description from the online catalog; click on the above link to read more and register. What are the determinants of a happy... Continue Reading →
Here is the wanted list! The books are in no particular order: some were more relevant than others. The teachers I go back to and read frequently are Bhante Gunaratana and Thich Nhat Hanh. The Dalai Lama's words are always wise. Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein also provided valuable insights. Tibetan Buddhist practices are much... Continue Reading →
Following through on the previous post, music (not just kirtan) can have a profound role in some diseases like Alzheimer's with the accompanying memory loss and dementia. Here is the lead to a scientific documentary: Slowly, inevitably, Alzheimer's disease robs a person of profound memories, like the names and faces of loved ones. Right now,... Continue Reading →
The Agony in the Garden, about 1465, Giovanni Bellini Source: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/giovanni-bellini-the-agony-in-the-garden It is dawn, and this gloomy, barren landscape is about to be flooded with warm rosy light. Throughout the long night, the central figure of Christ has been at prayer while his friends sleep. Knowing that he will be arrested and executed, Christ asks... Continue Reading →
Mahasri Yoga 