32 results for tag: Benefits of Meditation
The Difference Between Being Present and Self-Absorbed
It is easy to be confused about the difference between being present and self-absorbed. Current New Age, pop psychology and self-help literature make them appear to be the same. This is far from the truth. In my experience both personal and professional, there are several differences between being present and self-absorbed. The two that feel most significant are; 1) being present creates a spirit and mindset of service to others and 2) when we are present, we are aware of our inner experiences on many levels AND what is happening around us. When we are self-absorbed, the rest of the world takes a backseat to our own experiences and our own needs/wants/preferences.
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... Silent Retreat at Providence Zen Center
I have just completed a three-day silent retreat at Providence Zen Center in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It was up the hill at Diamond Hill Zen Monastery. If you have ever been there, you know how beautiful and amazing the space is overlooking the pond. You can hear the birds and bullfrogs even more clearly at the monastery than you can at the Zen Center.
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... Why Learn How To Do Nothing?
Do Nothing. Just writing those two words feels freeing. I am so grateful that I have learned how to do nothing successfully for almost twenty-five years. I am not a bum or lazy; much to the contrary. I just do nothing at least once a day to support effectiveness and attention. I do nothing to stay present or become present again after a distraction or lack of focus seep in. I do nothing because it is important, maybe necessary, to be the person I aspire to be....
The Invisible White Rabbit – A Parable in Determination
The Invisible White Rabbit - A Parable in Determination is based on a story by Edward Hays. I think The Invisible White Rabbit is an excellent source of inspiration and wisdom for those trying to forge a spiritual journey. We all know this journey takes incredible determination and perseverance. Many New Age books make it sound easy with their claims of "Five Easy Steps Towards Enlightenment", but anyone who has done any deep spiritual work is acutely aware that it is not easy or fast. But how do we stay on the path with life's challenges and surprises?...
Basic Training For Beginning Meditation Practice – Breath-Watching
I was recently asked by a reporter from a national magazine about basic good practices for beginning meditation. The following are responses to questions she asked on basic beginning meditation practice....
Fear of Silence – It Can Be Loud
The fear of silence runs deep. For many of us, the fear of silence shows up when we are lying in bed at three in the morning with a "freight train brain" and can't fall back asleep. For others, the fear of silence is loudest when sitting at a bus stop or a restaurant by ourselves. Technology has found a way for us to temporarily escape our fear of silence. We do not have to deal with our fear of silence because we can always push a button for instant stimulation. Does pushing buttons actually quell our fear of silence? What if we made the conscious choice to actually sit and be in silence instead of trying to escape it? What do you think we can learn about ourselves and each other in silence?...
Biofield Therapies: Helpful Or Full Of Hype? Review Looks At Reiki, Therapeutic Touch And Healing Touch
As we continue to explore research on biofield therapies, including Reiki, it is important to consider that many researchers have an agenda when conducting their work. Biofield therapies are still considered controversial. I am curious when biofield therapies like Reiki will no longer be called "complementary and alternative medicine". I find it interesting that biofield therapies like Reiki, some of which have been around for thousands of years, are considered "alternative medicine," and allopathic medicine, relatively new, is called "traditional medicine". Somehow, those two phrases do not logically make sense based on which is traditional and which is the new "alternative". I'm interested in your thoughts and perceptions on the following review: Biofield Therapies: Helpful or Full of Hype?...
