MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'meditation'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:26 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159547&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FoGyzqLf5Vxc%2F Despite the number of people who tout the benefits of meditation, for years I’ve been against it. Not against the practice itself, but just me doing it. I have never been able to master sitting still, without thoughts. No matter how hard I tried, the supposed path to enlightenment was sheer torture; I could not get my brain to shut up. Recently, however, I discovered the solution to doing so: Find a purpose. And, for me, that purpose is to set an intention for the day. You see, quite by accident, a couple of weeks ago when I was attempting to meditate (letting my thoughts pass like clouds, as I’m told), one thought did appear that seemed worth holding on to. Slow down, have a cup of tea and be OK with what’s left undone. That message came through loud and clear. Call it a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159547 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:18:56 +0100 5159547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140363&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FIM7W4OaF-vs%2F There hasn’t been a huge change in the way I Life Coach now as opposed to when I first became certified back in 2005. I tend to need less sessions with clients these days to help them achieve the results they want, but I think that’s just a product of experience and knowing if and when I can take short cuts. Probably one difference is now I rarely skip talking to clients about meditation. Continue reading... (Source: Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone :) Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140363 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:19:12 +0100 5140363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107599&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F09%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-9-2011%2F On most days, I try to live healthy. Healthy for me means a combination of whole foods (none of that processed stuff), vitamins, walking, some kind of meditative exercise (yoga, tai chi, meditation), getting as much sleep as I can and trying to make myself smile for at least 40-50% of the day. This is a very different picture then where I was ten years ago. My main focus at that time was looking good instead of feeling good. I worked out 6-7 days a week. I highlighted my hair, went out in the sun to get a “summer glow,” and slept at weird times. My eating habits were not the best either. But perhaps the biggest change is that I used to ignore how I really felt and forced myself to do what I thought was “right.” I exercised when I was tired. I took jobs I didn’... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107599 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:04:22 +0100 5107599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097100&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F4-absolutes%2F The Four Absolutes As used by the Oxford Group and early Alcoholics Anonymous before the Twelve Steps were written # – Absolute Honesty Both with ourselves and with others, in word, deed, and thought. # – Absolute Unselfishness To be willing, wherever possible, to help others who need our help. # – Absolute Love You shall love the Higher Power with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And. . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself. # – Absolute Purity Purity of mind, of body, and of purpose. These were not used in the AA program as it was thought that alcoholics could not do anything absolutely – except drink. And that an absolute demand in recovery would be too much for alcoholics; thus the suggested program of recovery. Never-the-... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097100 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:57:29 +0100 5097100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086436&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FzACsjImojZ8%2F You’ve probably seen those bumper stickers that say ‘Jesus is My Co-Pilot;’ how about ‘Buddha Is My Time-Management Consultant?’ A new book by Lama Surya Das, Buddha Standard Time: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilities of Now, claims it can help you slow down the hectic pace of modern life and enter “the realm of timelessness where every choice, every action, and every breath can be one of renewal and infinite possibilities’ using teachings from Tibetan Buddhism “that anyone can apply.’ I have to admit, I’m intrigued—I’m pretty much perpetually, mildly overwhelmed by All The Things There Are To Do, which leads to a sometimes embarrassing willingness on my part to believe in self-help books of this sort (I would never in ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086436 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:03:12 +0100 5086436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069646&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F7WRGFlNNhZU%2F New study shows Transcendental Meditation improves brain functioning in ADHD students (press release): - “Prior research shows ADHD children have slower brain development and a reduced ability to cope with stress,” said Dr. Stixrud. “Virtually everyone finds it difficult to pay attention, organize themselves and get things done when they’re under stress,” he explained. “Stress interferes with the ability to learn—it shuts down the brain. Functions such as attention, memory, organization, and integration are compromised.” - Dr. Stixrud added, “Because stress significantly compromises attention and all of the key executive functions such as inhibition, working memory, organization, and mental flexibility, it made sense that a technique (such as Transcendental Meditation) th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069646 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:35:14 +0100 5069646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051014&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FvCWivTBeroA%2F Whether video games can really be healthy still seems up for debate, but they’re certainly not going away anytime soon (especially if the recent study showing some women prefer gaming to sex is any indication). Which is probably why Deepak Chopra decided to hop on the Wii bandwagon and create Leela, an interactive meditation game for Xbox Kinect and Wii. Chopra told the Associated Press he hopes his game will provide an alternative to the less-beneficial games on the market: I personally believe that you can accelerate neural development and biological evolution through video games. Unfortunately, that’s not what we’re doing right now. What we’re doing is creating addictions to violence, adrenaline and mindlessness, rather than mindfulness. That was my personal moti... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051014 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:01:53 +0100 5051014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029221&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-self-awareness%2F Meditating Mindfulness for Recovery Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness training adapted from Buddhist mindfulness meditation. It has been adapted for use in treatment of depression, especially preventing relapse and for assisting with mood regulation. Mindfulness has been described as a state of being in the present, accepting things for what they are, i.e. non-judgementally. It was originally developed to assist with mood regulation and relapse prevention in depression and has been found to have considerable health benefits. These exercises are designed to introduce the principles and can be used by anyone recovering from a mood altering disease such as alcoholism, compulsive gambling, food problems, addiction, codependency or adult children of alcoholics.. If you let cloudy water s... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029221 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:01:05 +0100 5029221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028850&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FsEGxDyb8wJY%2F Remember all those times you tried to meditate? Sitting cross-legged on the floor with one eye on the clock, trying unsuccessfully to stop your mind from repeating that song you heard on the way home (“Don’t hate me ‘cuz I’m beautiful…”). Even a few minutes of this can feel like sheer torture. People who meditate regularly swear by its tranquil effects, but if you’re not one of them, the latest research tidbit may reignite your interest in trying: Orgasm and meditation create the same effect in our brains. No, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get all hot and bothered during meditation, and inappropriate, naked meditation is not going to become the new fad, but it’s interesting to know that these two acts have similar mind-alterin... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028850 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:00:35 +0100 5028850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028852&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FdCn8W5ALZbM%2F I have always spent a good amount of time doing nothing. Sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair drinking a hot cup of tea is among my favorite things to do. As is daydreaming, meditating, lounging on the beach and napping (aka, sheet therapy). I love to think. Or not to think. I treasure time when I can just let my mind wander. I used to think there was something wrong with me. As a child, I was never allowed to do nothing. If I was all comfy in a chair staring out the window, I was told that I must go play or do chores. So instead of daydreaming at home, I took that longing to set my mind loose to school and church. I got very good at tuning people out. While I mastered looking interested and engaged sitting at my desk or in the pew, my thoughts were about as far away as they cou... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028852 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:07:32 +0100 5028852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008725&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F0li5fdjlUk4%2F With modern technology evolving, an increasing number of jobs involve sitting at a computer for at least 8 hours a day. You may think this makes for an easy life but sitting at a computer for prolonged periods of time can actually cause you to suffer from pains and strains; known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s). Along with RSIs; back and neck pain, poor circulation and insomnia can be caused by office jobs. Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular exercise as it’s gentle, and work wonders for office workers who are prone to stress, poor circulation, RSIs and low fitness levels. Another benefit of yoga is that it can easily fit into the busiest of schedules. Just 20 minutes of yoga a day can uplift your mood and reinvigorate your body. The following are common complaints many peop... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008725 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:32:02 +0100 5008725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968581&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F24%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-24-2011%2F To tell you the truth, memories of my early school days are a mixed range of slightly traumatic to idiotic. In some ways, I had more drama in my life at age 8 than I did at age 28. These are the tales I love to tell new friends and laugh with old ones about how crazy our public and private school experiences were. Besides batting away cockroaches in our filthy gum-filled desks, I was always crying from mean teachers who scolded us for putting hands in our pockets or not getting math. The teachers were so strict that one of my classmates peed in his pants because he took our teacher’s warning that, “no one can leave this room until you’re finished with your assignment” literally. Did I mention this was private school? Public school ended up being a lot better for me.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968581 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:38:15 +0100 4968581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968763&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FsETbs_zfuYA%2F I don’t clinically have attention deficit disorder, but I do have a hard time clearing my mind. Meditation used to be something that was especially painful for me. Sitting somewhat uncomfortably on my bedroom floor, Indian-style with my hands loosely laying on my knees, my back straight and my eyes closed, I was determined to meditate and discover what all the fuss was about. But for some reason, I could never get my mind to shut up. “What’s that smell,” I wondered. “I’m hungry. My nose itches. I should put some laundry in. What’s for dinner tonight? Maybe that salmon I bought on Monday. Oh wait, it’s probably bad by now. I have a million other things to do. Why do I have to just sit here?” And on and on it went. I would open my eyes an... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968763 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:23:32 +0100 4968763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953128&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FfreA6H9VKDo%2F Photo: Lorriane DiSabato The Affective, Cognitive, and Social Benefits of Meditation Symposium from the Association for Psychological Science 2011 conference on the effects of various (mostly Buddhist) meditation techniques on cognition, affect, and more. Mindfulness, perception, attention, neurocorrelations, etc., empirically studied. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953128 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:54 +0100 4953128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911731&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FDY7D7iG8Nd0%2F When I say I don’t drink coffee, people often look at me like I’m a crazy evangelical health nut who’s just declared war on all things enjoyable, but a recent story bolsters my argument for ditching your daily cup(s) of joe: According to a recent report out of Australia, too much coffee can cause auditory hallucinations — i.e. hearing things that aren’t there. And we’re not talking inhuman amounts of caffeine; just five cups a day triggered the hallucination in some test subjects. Now who’s crazy? The report, which was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, measured the effect of caffeine and stress among 92 participants, and suggest that their findings prove that caffeine and stress can induce symptoms similar to schizophreni... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911731 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:17:01 +0100 4911731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911733&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FoTZ05KZU-dk%2F Tonight, the David Lynch Foundation and Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation launched Operation Warrior Wellness – New York City, a program that offers Transcendental Meditation to veterans who suffer PTSD. The event was star-studded – Donna Karan and David Lynch were accompanied by Russell Simmons and a video from Martin Scorcese – but it was also full of moving testimonials from veterans who’ve benefited from meditation, as well as doctors and researchers who testified to the effectiveness of TM for relieving stress and anxiety. Statistics say that one in seven recent marines and soldiers suffer from PTSD; the foundation seeks to relieve the severe mental and physical effects. If you’re not familiar with transcendental meditation and how it can help PTSD, one ve... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911733 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:16:45 +0100 4911733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902697&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-things-i-like-about-recovery%2F AA is the guide to my Higher PowerRecovery gives many benefits such as those related in the 12 promises of recovery. Each and every member of any 12 Step Fellowship has things they value.One day I began to think about what I liked about recovery. I excluded the 12 Steps, Traditions and Promises and came up with a simply worded list.This was my list on that day.12 Things I like about recoveryNo more domestic violenceNo fear of the policeEconomic stabilityBetter libido and sexual enjoymentA Higher Power that helps me in all of lifeBetter relationships with familyWake up without a hangover – every dayA Fellowship that is my second familyClear, rational thinkingNo deep, crippling depressionNo chronic, hurtful anger or resentmentsI can laugh at myself.That was couple of months ago and as ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902697 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:24:40 +0100 4902697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893969&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FNINJaOvIXWQ%2F Conclusion It should quickly become apparent that your mind is improving, and you will feel calmer, happier, and more relaxed. It is also likely that you will experience improvements in other areas that I have not even mentioned in this article. For variety, you may soon wish to discover different methods of meditation. There is almost a limitless amount of different techniques to experiment with. With a little experience you can probably develop your own unique techniques, specifically tailored for yourself. Enjoy! Jon Rhodes is a clinical hypnotherapist, musician, author, and meditator. He is owner and operator of the Meditation Den. If you want some help meditating, then please click here for details of our collection of Meditation Mp3s. Don’t Forget to Follow PickTheBrain on Twit... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893969 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:27:25 +0100 4893969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848048&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FE5U30HPur8M%2F ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects millions of children and adults (up to 5% of children in the US).  More and more evidence suggests that brain training may be key to help these individuals. With this in mind, we put together our most recent articles on the topic to  a) help you better understand what is going in the brain of a person with ADHD, and b) provide you with up-to-date information on what can be done to fight the disorder and improve the lives of people suffering from it. We particularly thank Dr. Rabiner from Duke Uni­ver­sity for writing many of these articles. What is ADHD? What kind of attention is involved in ADHD? ADHD may be considered as a problem in the willful control of attention as opposed to a pure deficit in the ability to pay attent... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848048 Fri, 20 May 2011 20:02:10 +0100 4848048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828984&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F16%2Fgood-perfectionism-versus-bad-perfectionism%2F Although perfectionism undoubtedly brings me suffering and pain, I’ve come to appreciate the snobby part of my personality because it also bear gifts, especially over time. For the last three years, perfectionism has placed me in an okay spot in a terrible economy. Had I not invested so many hours into networking and writing blogs the last five or so years, sometimes on top of full-time employment and other responsibilities, I would not have a job right now. And spending a night or two recently with friends of friends I knew back in high school made me proud of all the therapy and recovery I have done since graduating. Had I not held myself to a high standard back then, I wouldn’t have quit drinking at the age of 18, and may still be hitting the bars at night. Perfectionism can even be... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828984 Mon, 16 May 2011 16:00:07 +0100 4828984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780433&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FZ4k4jeuPxOQ%2F Our final 40 Days of Giveaways is here. If you’re late to this spring fling: Blisstree is rewarding you – one last time – for giving up your vices in favor of healthier habits. Today we’ll give away our final sweet prize to one reader just for becoming our Facebook fan. And our last present to you is all about relaxation, restoration, rejuvenation, and release. We’re giving away one (1) Heavenly Acupressure Mat (worth $50) to one reader who simply “Likes” Blisstree on Facebook. Stress? See ya never. Heavenly Acupressure Mats are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of acupressure in the comfort of your own home. Each mat is made from 100% cotton, and has a total of 8,820 pain-relieving contact points that stimulate your skin and acupressure points in your body. Th... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780433 Tue, 03 May 2011 13:00:50 +0100 4780433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768038&cid=t_108383_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fcurrent-science-news-2.html Uranium hard drive – A new uranium-containing compound maintains its magnetic behaviour at low temperatures. The discovery could take us a step closer to magnetic memory devices with capacities thousands of times denser than current high-end hard drives. Clouds from both sides – Atmospheric and climate models may have overlooked the fact that exactly how clouds appear to reduce the amount of sunlight available for warming the surface of the earth depends on the wavelength being measured across the spectrum from infrared to ultraviolet. The finding could now help researchers improve climate models by factoring in the effects of cloud cover more precisely. Soap story – It is perhaps no real surprise to any chemist who has unblocked a drain clogged with white lardy deposits,... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768038 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:19:59 +0100 4768038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768119&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB-OzoNkj7bM%2F This article by Greater Good Magazine discusses how med­i­tat­ing can increase the den­sity of gray mat­ter in brain regions asso­ci­ated with mem­ory, stress, and empa­thy.  The Benefits of a One-Time Cognitive Training Program: They last but wane over time as shown in the 3-month follow-up results of the IMPACT study. Can Direct Brain Stimulation Boost Performance? The answer seems to be yes, according to three studies using different types of electrical/magnetic brain stimulation. How the Brain of a Blind Person Rewires Itself: The brain areas devoted to vision in peo­ple with eye sight turn out to be respond­ing to speech in blind people. How are Young Brains Affected by Stress? An interesting article from the Dana Foundation on the consequences of early l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768119 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:18 +0100 4768119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768280&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F42jSkyOvMVY%2F The first time I meditated, I was very happy. I felt incredibly relaxed afterwards, and experienced freedom from my thoughts in a real way for the very first time. I thought, ‘Wow, I’m really on to something here.’ Of course, I had no idea what was in store yet, or how true my statement really was! As I got more and more into meditation, I started receiving insights and connecting with an energy that I wasn’t familiar with. These strange insights appeared to come out of nowhere, and though I couldn’t identify their source, they just felt so very right. It was so strange that I had to explore it farther. I decided to see if I could ask this source questions about my life. I remember forming a question about my website regarding how to increase traffic. I went o... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768280 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:48:09 +0100 4768280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734436&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FEt3Aiz6TdDc%2F We’ve listened to the soothing audio of yoga instructors; we’ve heard the dulcet tones of chilled-out painters in our earbuds, and we’ve even included Alec Baldwin on our list of special people whose voices have the power to lull us into a pleasantly calm catatonic state – if only for a few brief minutes. This week’s installment of Kind Coma pays homage to Earth Week 2011 by featuring four eco-friendly raw food chefs with relaxing voices that will have you blissing out and praising Mother Earth in no time. Be sure to put away all sharp kitchen implements well before you dim the lights and hit “play.” Happy Earth Week, hippies! Just don’t get so chillaxed that you actually sleep through Earth Day. Blisstree’s raw, vegan chef Douglas McNish (... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734436 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:45:20 +0100 4734436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723943&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F17%2Ffeeling-anxious-here-are-3-iphone-apps-to-help-you-relax%2F Photo credit: Helga Weber Digital distractions are everywhere. You’re only two sentences into this blog post, but I’ll bet you’re already thinking about switching tabs to see if you have any comments on that new Facebook wall post you just made. Now you’ve reached the second paragraph, and I know you want to — have to, in fact — refresh your Gmail just one more time. Or check your @replies on Twitter, again, just like you did five minutes ago. Or pull up Reddit, again, hoping to see that red/orange envelope all lit up to notify you of a brand new message. Wait — did you hear something vibrate from across the room? Was it your phone? Maybe you should go and check your texts. Technology can scatter our attention into about a million directions at onc... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723943 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:49:00 +0100 4723943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724270&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faffirmations-for-recovery%2F On Becoming Your Own Loving ParentAffirmations to be Repeated Each DayThese affirmations apply to recovering addicts, alcoholics, co-dependents, adult children of alcoholics / addicts and anyone working for recovery from a dysfunctional upbringing.Affirmations with other recovery program work are a powerful tool for addressing our critical nature toward ourselves and others. These affirmations represent the basic truths that most of us did not receive as children, but we can claim as adults. Read these affirmations out loud for several weeks.  You may also write down some of them and post them where you can read them. With affirmations, we begin to change our inner Critical Parent.  We learn to give ourselves a break.It is okay to know who I am.It is okay to trust ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724270 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:32:00 +0100 4724270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720094&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F_kilCmVcUks%2F Mention meditation and many people would associate it with monks chanting in temples or ascetics who have given up all luxuries for a lifetime of deep contemplation in the mountains. That may be true in the past, but today, meditation is practiced by people from all walks of life. Men and women, spiritual or otherwise, are learning meditation to improve their responses to life’s challenges. And believe it or not, meditation can even help you to improve your business! Meditation as a business tool? Let me explain. The ever changing landscape of business often leaves many of us shocked, confused or disillusioned. Responding out of these non-productive states of mind usually result in mindless reactions that not only fail to meet long-term business goals, but may even jeopardize the lif... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720094 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 06:36:34 +0100 4720094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709292&cid=t_108383_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Fmeditation-helps-students-with-adhd-new-study.php The Transcendental Meditation technique may be an effective and safe non-pharmaceutical aid for treating ADHD, according to a promising new study published this month in the peer-reviewed online journal Current Issues in Education. The pilot study followed a group of middle school students with ADHD who were meditating twice a day in school. After three months, researchers found over 50 percent reduction in stress and anxiety and improvements in ADHD symptoms. %26lt;b%26gt;Effect exceeds expectations%26lt;/b%26gt; ‘The effect was much greater than we expected,’ said Sarina J. Grosswald, Ed.D., a George Washington University-trained cognitive learning specialist and lead researcher on the study. ‘The children also showed improvements in attention, working memory, organizat... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709292 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4709292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704715&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F12%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-12-2011%2F In a writing class recently, my teacher said, “Don’t rush the process.” It made me think of a falling feather. I thought of the way a feather floats down gracefully, floating back and forth, slowly like a dance. There is no rushing a feather. Throwing it down forcefully will not make it get to the ground faster. And there would be something heartbreaking if we tried. We would be missing out out on its beautiful, unpredictable path. It’s also a way to think about healing. It’s frustrating to not be there yet. It’s normal to want to be 100% over whatever it is that is ailing you. It’s normal to want to be successful without going through the challenges and obstacles it takes to get there. But remember. No matter how much you want it, forcing it won&#... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704715 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:02:06 +0100 4704715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696977&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FpfrilgNNta4%2F I’m not a meditation teacher. I’m not even a very enthusiastic meditator. I’ve averaged about 20 minutes once a week for the past couple of years, and any serious meditator will tell you that’s not enough to really benefit you. Except it seems like it is, because I’ve noticed some benefits that I can’t attribute to anything else. I’m sure I’d get far more benefit if I meditated more regularly (I’m experimenting quietly with doing that). But here’s what I’ve gained even from a rather hit-and-miss practice. Well-known benefits of meditation Everyone who knows much about meditation knows that it helps to decrease negative thoughts and increase positive ones. It trains you to pay attention. It lowers blood pressure, reduces irre... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696977 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:41:38 +0100 4696977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684624&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fi6rL9j4qhaI%2F It’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with the sounds of other people’s voices, and the ability that those voices have to cast a much-welcomed meditative spell over me. Plus, listening to a good, calming voice is an instant stress-reliever. Remember Kind Coma: Alec Baldwin, Deepak Chopra, and 3 Other Soothing Voices to Relax Your Mind, Body, and Spirit? Well, today we’re back with another edition that solely focuses on the dulcet tones of five yoga instructor pipes. It’s worth noting that I don’t actually use these instructional yoga videos as part of my practice. (I go to various yoga studios for that.) For me, these audio/video displays are purely instruments of mini-meditation sessions. And why buy the DVD when you can get the asana for free? I like to c... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684624 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:15:09 +0100 4684624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658648&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38609&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDavidSeah-BetterLivingThroughNewMedia%2F%7E3%2FNfXCLhUe9pE%2F A short blog post to myself, as I prepare to sleep, describing how I’m bypassing my desire to stay up late. I decided this month that I really want to have a more regular schedule, which for me means going to sleep at the same time every night. As a freelancer, it’s possible to work until I drop, then sleep until I wake, it’s made it difficult to schedule meeting times. Usually I can do the equivalent of a U-turn in the middle of my sleeping pattern and make a meeting, but occasionally my alarm system fails and I miss a meeting by a big margin. This happened a few Thursdays ago, and it was the last straw. I’d experienced the joys of early waking some years back, but it’s not those pleasures that I’m seeking. This time, I just want my periods of wakefuln... David Seah - Design, Development, Inspiration, Empowerment blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658648 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:53:00 +0100 4658648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642855&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2trAnjawUl0%2F If I were a yoga teacher, I’d be on board a flight to Japan to get some earthquake survivors into downward dog. You might say yoga is trivial compared to the pressing needs of individuals who were left without a home or family, but long after houses are rebuilt and physical health is restored, survivors will likely be grappling with post-traumatic psychological effects, and this is where yoga could help. And obviously, toned arms and headstands alone won’t alleviate the extreme emotional stress of losing homes, businesses, land, and even family members. But with recent studies showing that spirituality can speed recovery from collective traumatic events, it’s not far-fetched to say that a few spiritual, meditative yoga classes could improve the outlook for survivors in Ja... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642855 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:22:46 +0100 4642855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615269&cid=t_108383_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Ftranscendental-meditation-and-adhd.php In our society, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and nearly 2.3 million of them are currently taking medication to control the disorder. I am a parent and am related to a child with the ADHD, and have been very concerned about the possible side effect that the medication can produce, since I know that some of it can be very harmful. I was therefore very excited to hear of a new study, recently brought to light, that showed how a simple, effortless technique know as Transcendental Meditation can treat ADHD in a safe and non pharmacological way. The study was published in the journal Current Issues in Education, and related that children who learned Transcendental Meditation showed over 50 percent reduction in stress a... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615269 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4615269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566139&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F09%2Fhomer-simpson-and-the-8-attitudes-of-mindfulness%2F I’ve long been a fan of Elisha Goldstein’s work on mindfulness because, more than any author on that topic, he seems to communicate the practice in a way that doesn’t totally overwhelm me and make me want to run the other way. With Forrest Gump. I know this isn’t a very sophisticated image, but I keep going back to Homer Simpson in the Simpsons movie on his roof trying to hammer down the roofing, and the cameras zero in on the nail as he says to Bart, “Steady …. Steady … Steady …” and then he whacks the hell out of something: his eyeball instead of his thumb. I can’t help but compare that image to how I do meditation. I start out right: easy … easy … but then I somehow getting really turned around. Kind of like my son David who, for Halloween this year, was ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566139 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:00:40 +0100 4566139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560606&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-dark-side-of-goal-setting%2F .It’s worth bearing in mind the dark side of goal-setting so that you don’t stray from your overall aims. Goals can be useful, but they shouldn’t be too inflexible.Too specific: It’s easy to get stuck on a goal that’s too specific and lose sight of the overall aim. Goals should be in the service of our overall aims, they shouldn’t be our masters.Too many: when people have too many goals they tend to concentrate on the easy ones. If the difficult ones are more important, once again the overall aim can suffer.Too soon: short-term goals encourage short-term thinking. Do you want your business to be around in five, ten or twenty years? The reason it’s difficult to get a cab on a rainy day in New York is partly because cabbies do such good business that... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560606 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:18:32 +0100 4560606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560440&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FQXbljhNuPqU%2F Editor’s Note: We are pleased to bring you this arti­cle by Jason Marsh, thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with the Greater Good Mag­a­zine. ——————- I consider myself something of a prospective meditator—meaning that a serious meditation practice is always something I’m about to start… next week. So for years, I’ve been making a mental note of new studies showing that meditation can literally change our brain structure in ways that might boost concentration, memory, and positive emotions. The results seem enticing enough to make anyone drop into the full lotus position—until you read the fine print: Much of this research involves people who have meditated for thousands of hours over many years; some of it zeroes in on Olympic-level meditators who have clocked 1... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560440 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:27:50 +0100 4560440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560354&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-8-2011%2F My first year of grad school was one of the most relaxing years of my life. Sounds crazy right? But the reason for my surprising sense of peace and tranquility, despite the stress of moving to a new city and all the papers and presentations that come with getting your masters, was due to one simple word. Meditation. My first course in the semester was, “Stress Management 101.” My daily homework assignment consisted of an hour’s worth of meditation on my own time and than 3 hours of talking about and practicing mindfulness meditation in class at night. Basically, on top of sleeping better, I was spending a good part of my day focused on being relaxed. Boy do I miss those times. But then I wondered what the difference was between now and then? Why do I need a homework assig... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560354 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:46:36 +0100 4560354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549779&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-4-2011%2F Life is a work in progress. When I think about who I was 10 years ago, that girl was barely distinguishable from who stands before me today. Ever read an old journal and feel astonished by who you were? I feel the same way. I was lost, confused and did not know who I was or who I wanted to be. I was a slave to my emotions and my experiences. I let others create the road in front of me and define my worth. While I have grown a lot since then, I am still a work in progress. I don’t know where you are on your journey, but if you are struggling to get to where you want to be in your life, I hope a few of these top posts this week will bring you solace. It takes a lot to get to your goals. You may be dealing with depression, body image issues or struggling with your own self-identity. If ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549779 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:44:20 +0100 4549779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540691&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F0LjgqSyC39s%2F A while back I wrote a Blisstree post called 5 soothing voices that can make you comatose (in a good way), and it seems like a lot of you completely got what I was talking about — even though I kind of sound like a weirdo who likes to lie around and listen to audio recordings of people’s voices. Which I guess is what I am. So, today, I present to you the long-awaited part two. Here are five more folks (some Hollywood celebs, some not) with super-soothing voices that will hopefully help you relax and generally improve your harried mental state as much as they do for me and my colleagues I polled. Did we miss your favorite voiceover artist/amateur mental health expert? Tell us about them in our comments section, below. 1. Shiva Rea, M.A., is — according to her website &#821... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540691 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:57:42 +0100 4540691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525168&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Flifes-lessons%2F To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the list once more:1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.5. Pay off your credit cards every month.6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.1... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525168 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:45:00 +0100 4525168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512575&cid=t_108383_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fback-to-paying-greater-attention%2F When this link Mindfulness and Psychotherapy nudged itself toward my consciousness today on my Facebook page I thought it worth exploring if only because I have too often come down hard on myself for having let slide my mindfulness mediation practice. (Such self-flagellation is, need I say, not part of this discipline – nor, come [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512575 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:59:04 +0100 4512575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507485&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FT5wS26E3xi0%2F Therese Borchard This is author Therese Borchard’s debut post for Blisstree, and we’re happy to announce that she’ll be blogging for us on a weekly basis about all kinds of mental health, depression, and therapy issues. Have a question for Therese? Leave it in our comments section, below. I admit it: I am one skeptical chick when it comes to health solutions, because I read so many self-help books a week that my bookshelves can no longer hold their weight. I’ve spent close to $40,000 on therapy, outpatient treatment programs, and psych visits. I’ve also explored almost every single alternative health treatment on the market today, from acupuncture to expensive Chinese herbs. I spend an incredible amount of time each day pursuing good emotional and physical hea... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507485 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:30:28 +0100 4507485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477978&cid=t_108383_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FSuMGw7sEgQw%2F By now we’ve all been introduced to the benefits of relaxation and the possibility that simple meditation can quite possibly alter our gray matter. Some also say it lowers blood pressure, improves attention span, and boosts our ability to empathize. We don’t need scientific proof to believe in the power of focus and relaxation, so we hunted down some tools to help us get down with our dharma. (After all, who ever said the path to enlightenment doesn’t require a few Amex payable weapons?). From $12.95 to $345, these seven relaxation products have mostly left us with a new appreciation for plain old yoga mats and meditation pillows: Post from: BlissTree Retail Therapy: ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477978 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:09:12 +0100 4477978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433137&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F03%2Fnegatively-oriented-therapy-takes-its-place%2F “Misery loves company and our company loves misery.” – I.M. Kidding, NOT founder “Hatred cannot coexist with loving-kindness, and dissipates if supplanted with thoughts based on loving-kindness.” – The Dhammapada In a recent issue of the Journal of Positive Psychology researchers Michael Cohn and Barbara Fredrickson were able to demonstrate the sustainability of positive experiences with subjects who had engaged in loving kindness meditation (LKM). This is the first time researchers from the field of positive psychology have demonstrated that an intervention designed to enhance subjects’ well-being produced sustainable results. Prior to this the positivity of any specific intervention was notable, but its enduring effects were unknown. The researchers were a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433137 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:00:14 +0100 4433137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419210&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F01%2Fcan-meditation-make-us-more-compassionate%2F Last Friday, Sindya Bhanoo had an interesting little post on one of the New York Times blogs concerning recent research on the impact of meditation on the brain. As is often the case in these mainstream media reports, I was left wanting more about the studies and less about the personal interest hook (in this case, the story of Sindya’s husband’s experiences meditating), but that was remedied easily enough by utilizing the wonders of the internet. To me, the most interesting referenced article was a 2008 study by Antoine Lutz, Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, Tom Johnstone, and Richard Davidson on the regulation of our emotional neural circuitry through compassion meditation. Here is the abstract: Recent brain imaging studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have impl... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419210 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:01:59 +0100 4419210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399648&cid=t_108383_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Ftake-your-two-minutes.html I stumbled over this site today: Do Nothing for 2 minutes.The site presents the user with a very simple challenge: can you keep yourself from touching your computer for two minutes?When the user enters the site a serene ocean view and the sound of waves displayed. The instructions ask to sit back and relax without touching your mouse or keyboard, and then a two minute timer begins counting down. If the user touches the mouse or the keyboard, a FAIL message appears, and the clock reset itself.The site is very simple, but is gaining a lot of attention worldwide. In spite of its simplicity, I think that it includes interesting features: the provision of relaxing content “on demand”, the countdown, the feedback about compliance with task's instructions.If any of you knows similar webs... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399648 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:59:00 +0100 4399648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394777&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FkYOc8fX3IVI%2F I have been intrigued about binaural beats for some time now without ever really diving headlong into them. I think if I’m being honest, I saw them as the lazy persons meditation, or maybe even meditation without the spiritual element. Also, when they first hit the scene commercially speaking, they were ridiculously expensive and I know people that have spent literally thousands of dollars on programs from companies such as Holosync. Having said that, people who I like, trust, and respect have been raving about their benefits for some while now and urging me to check them out.  So when Carl approached my about writing a post I thought it may be time to lower my skeptical guard and give him the platform to convince me. It’s a longish post, but that’s because it goes into the ... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394777 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:30:59 +0100 4394777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331278&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FImwOCVvVcjk%2F In this article I’m going to show you the way I learned to meditate, based on research and the teachings of different gurus. Meditation is a pretty common subject these days As with many things that fall into popular use, its true meaning and purpose can become distorted. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what exactly meditation is, and how one should do it. Common Misconceptions It’s strange that there is so much confusion, as it’s one of the simplest things you could ever do. First, meditation isn’t reflection. The whole point of meditation is transcendence of the mind and the need for self concepts, so critical thinking and any sort of analysis are by default out. Sitting in the lotus position or humming also have precious little to do with it, th... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331278 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:03:16 +0100 4331278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309677&cid=t_108383_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fbringing-mind-home.html When I teach meditation, I often begin by saying: “Bring your mind home. And release. And relax.” To bring your mind home means to bring the mind into the state of Calm Abiding through the practice of mindfulness. In its deepest sense, to bring your mind home is to turn your mind inward and rest in the nature of mind. This itself is the highest meditation. To release means to release the mind from its prison of grasping, since you recognize that all pain and fear and distress arise from the craving of the grasping mind. On a deeper level, the realization and confidence that arise from your growing understanding of the nature of mind inspire the profound and natural generosity that enables you to release all grasping from your heart, letting it free itself to melt away in the inspiratio... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309677 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:12:00 +0100 4309677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302887&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F01%2F2011-the-power-of-positive-being%2F Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ~Dalai Lama Last year I began the Proof Positive blog here at Psych Central. The goal was to review the best research in positive psychology and offer applications from this research for everyday use. All of the techniques for promoting wellbeing and happiness were drawn from the research literature, and I experimented with each of them. Some had more power that others, and some were more difficult to maintain. But overall there was a clear, strong, positive shift not only in my way of thinking, but also in the degree of positive experiences noted, encountered, and received. This is not to say that the miserable things that come with being human stopped happening, or the sorrows and grief from losses weren’t there; they certainly were. B... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302887 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:01:17 +0100 4302887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151944&cid=t_108383_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F11%2F10%2Fincreased-default-mode-network-connectivity-associated-with.html Authors: Jang JH, Jung WH, Kang DH, Byun MS, Kwon SJ, Choi CH, Kwon JSAreas associated with the default mode network (DMN) are substantially similar to those associated with meditation practice. However, no studies on DMN connectivity during resting states have been conducted on meditation practitioners. It was hypothesized that meditators would show heightened functional connectivity in areas of cortical midline activity. Thirty-five meditation practitioners and 33 healthy controls without meditation experience were included in this study. All subjects received 4.68-min resting state functional scanning runs. The posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex were chosen as seed regions for the DMN map. Meditation practitioners demonstrated greater functional connectivity within ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151944 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:44:00 +0100 4151944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122071&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35797&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewrecovery.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fif-alcohol-were-invented-today.html [Originally posted on hellowellness.in 29 Sept 2010]The word 'alcohol' was coined around 1540 by an Arabic chemist to describe the fine powder, or 'kohl,' used to stain or paint the eyelids.  Two centuries later, British writers borrowed the word to describe the intoxicating essence of wine -- an ironic twist, since the original Arabic chemist was very likely a Muslim and, as such, forbidden to drink it.  If alcohol were invented today, international law would class it with the controlled substances, alongside opium, heroin, cocaine and the like.  The World Health Organization (WHO), in its most recent comprehensive report, writes:Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with a known liability to produce dependence in humans and animals. If considered in the frame of the 1971 Con... New Recovery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122071 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 18:19:00 +0100 4122071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122080&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmind-guide-to-relaxation%2F Image via Wikipedia Learning how to relax improves day-to-day living, and can be a valuable tool for coping with stress of any kind. Suitable for anyone in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, ACOA, co-dependency, compulsive gambling & etc. This booklet explores why people have problems trying to relax and how to resolve them. It explains how to introduce more relaxation into your everyday life, and how to take it further. It is not designed to go into specific deep relaxation techniques. Topics in this article include; What’s the link between stress and relaxation? What’s wrong with the way I relax now? How does relaxation differ from recreation? I feel too tense to relax. What can I do? How can I introduce more relaxation into my everyday life? How can I ta... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122080 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:57:00 +0100 4122080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055827&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F9mHY5I3qG84%2F Brain training does not necessarily mean computerized games. For instance, mediation may be a great tool to train your brain. Different parts of the brain support different functions. One function, central to many of our actions, is “attention”. Attention can be defined as the ability to sustain concentration on a particular object, action, or thought. It can also be defined as the ability to manage competing demands in our environment.connections between neurons, die. In the brain it is supported mainly by neuronal networks in the parietal (yellow in the figure) and frontal (blue in the figure) lobes. What can be done to maintain and boost such a fundamental ability? Dr. Andrew Newberg (Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvani... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055827 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:05:03 +0100 4055827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040665&cid=t_108383_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fg4XAb75O0g8%2F (Editor’s Note: we are pleased to bring you this arti­cle thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with Greater Good Mag­a­zine). The Neuroscience of Happiness Best-selling author Rick Hanson explains how we can rewire our brains for lasting happiness By Michael Bergeisen We’ve all been there: obsessing over a faux pas we committed at a party, infuriated by an unkind word from a colleague, ruminating over a tough break-up with a spouse or friend. We suffer some misfortune—big or small, real or imagined—and the pain or humiliation sticks with us for hours, days, or even years afterward. “The mind is like Velcro for negative experiences,” psychologist Rick Hanson is fond of saying, “and Teflon for positive ones.” But it doesn’t have to be this way. Drawing on some of the l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040665 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:23:42 +0100 4040665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003223&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fmindful-and-money-smart-8-free-meditation-mp3s-and-podcasts%2F Once thought of as an activity for ascetics and hopeful Buddhas in the making, meditation has become so popular that even Oprah talks up the benefits of relaxed training of the mind. But just like yoga, meditation is a vast and confusing endeavor — and there are plenty of expensive way to do it. If you’re interested in trying meditation but don’t necessarily want to commit to expensive classes and pricey CD sets, don’t despair: We found 8 free MP3s that you can get through the internet or iTunes for a few minutes of guided exercise for your mind: 1. The Meditation Podcast A non-denominational meditation podcast that uses audio tones that change brain waves, inducing deep relaxation similar to REM sleep. 2. The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center’s Mindful Medit... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003223 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:17:48 +0100 4003223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018447&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbenefits-of-recovery-from-alcoholism%2F There are two benefits from recovery: we have short-term gains and long-term gains. The short-term gains are the things we can do today that help us feel better immediately. We can wake up in the morning, read for a few minutes in our meditation book, and feel lifted. We can work a Step and often notice an immediate difference in the way we feel and function. We can go to a meeting and feel refreshed, talk to a friend and feel comforted, or practice a new recovery behavior, such as dealing with our feelings or doing something good for ourselves, and feel relieved. There are other benefits from recovery, though, that we don’t see immediately on a daily or even a monthly basis. These are the long-term gains, the larger progress we make in our life. Over the years, we can see tremendous... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018447 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:15:03 +0100 4018447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003092&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fachieve-a-deep-uninterrupted-sleep-2%2F This article from Readers Digest may help. Night-time Habits Blessed sleep — the holy grail of health. Lack of sleep can send your blood sugar levels skyrocketing, contribute to weight gain, lead to depression, put you at risk for diabetes, and cause brain damage. Since we’re all in agreement that a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health and mood, pick three of these tips to follow each night until you get the night’s sleep you so desperately crave. The article has 24 hints that you can choose from. If your 3 don’t work try others or a different combination. The hints are; Create a transition routine. Figure out your body cycle. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water Hide your clock under your ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003092 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:06:00 +0100 4003092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982122&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fwx-C3hIxzRg%2F Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness training adapted from Buddhist mindfulness meditation. It has been adapted for use in treatment especially preventing relapse and for assisting with mood regulation. Mindfulness has been described as a state of being in the present, accepting things for what they are, i.e. non-judgementally. It was originally developed to assist with mood regulation and relapse prevention and has been found to have considerable health benefits. These exercises are designed to introduce the principles and can be used by anyone recovering from a mood altering disease such as alcoholism, compulsive gambling, food problems, addiction, co-dependency or adult children of alcoholics. If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear. If you let your upset mind settl... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982122 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:52:00 +0100 3982122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976730&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FahCasI2t9wI%2F Meditation helps. Meditation heals. And we all know that. But the problem arises when we realize we must meditate but don’t have time enough for that. Get up at seven, quick bath, get ready, breakfast, run for job, return late, parties with friends – everything tires us, and by the end of the day we’re too tired to concentrate on anything. We know meditation will help us relax more, but we don’t have time for that. This meditation technique is a very simple and easy technique and is subtly a part of almost all types of traditional and ‘commercial’ meditation systems like ‘Art of Living’ and ‘Transcendental Meditation’. You just need to separate twenty minutes from your daily schedule – at a fixed time every day. These twenty minutes must be ‘reserved’ for meditati... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976730 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:22:31 +0100 3976730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976468&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F200372%2F We’re not into the “…for Dummies” franchise title, but we are into these simple meditation techniques from Mallika Chopra. (via Vital Juice) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976468 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:25:35 +0100 3976468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942978&cid=t_108383_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F08%2Ftrying-to-articulate-however-inadequately-my-spirituality%2F Anyone from “the rooms” who’s heard me talk about 2, 3, 11 and others, especially since my comeback following Craig’s death, knows that I’m having trouble – at best – articulating my beliefs regarding spiritual matters and – at worst – am profoundly confused. The way from my heart to my head, or vice versa, [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942978 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:41:00 +0100 3942978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915296&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpractice-to-deceive%2F Oh, what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive.   –Sir Walter Scott To deceive means to fool people into believing things that are not true. As addicts or alcoholics, we did this in many ways. We lied. We hid facts. We were sneaky. While we were trying to fool other people, we also fooled ourselves. Every lie was like a knot. Pretty soon we were a tangled mess. Our lives became unmanageable, tangled webs of life. Our recovery program – an honesty program – tells us how we can untangle our lives. In the First Step, we admit we are all tangled up in our life of addiction. Second, we realize we can fix it. Third, we decide to take on the job of fixing it, no matter how much work it takes. In Steps Four and Five, we find the knots with the help of another pe... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915296 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:13:00 +0100 3915296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915332&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F-hdGsVseGoo%2F Photo credit: American Things When you’re worried about something, your thoughts start chasing each other round your head and don’t let up. You run the same scenarios through over and over, as if practicing them would make them turn out right. Sometimes they’re in the past, sometimes in the future, but in either case – worrying about them isn’t going to fix anything. It’s just going to keep your thoughts in a groove they can’t get out of, upset you, keep you awake at night, and limit your creative response to the situation. So what can you do? Here’s a simple technique for calming your racing thoughts down. It’s as easy as watching a movie (and much cheaper). 1. Imagine, first of all, that you’re in a movie theatre. Smell the pop... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915332 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:26:37 +0100 3915332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915297&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Feasy-does-it%2F Easy Does It is a slogan and a philosophy of all 12 Step Fellowships. Those who work toward progress in recovery are advised to be patient. When they go slowly–and solutions to problems and situations begin to appear–they can take action. Easy Does It reminds one not to rush the Program faster than it can go, but to grow into the Program. Waiting patiently and carefully is not procrastinating. Every moment spent learning is an investment in the knowledge that one is finding the right answers. Easy Does It is not about being lazy. It is about working on slowing down and taking life on life’s terms. It is simply being tuned into the secret of how recovery and life actually work. This book is for members of all 12 Step Fellowships dedicated to a sane and manageable way... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915297 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:58:00 +0100 3915297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913117&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fwhat-you-missed-10-best-blisstree-posts-of-last-week%2F Where the hell were you last week? Forget it…we’re not your mother. We’re just here to catch you up on the 10 best Blisstree posts of last week. Which is exactly what we’re going to do. Right now. You’re welcome. 1. When No Means Yes: Top 10 Rape Fantasy Scenes on Film and TV 2. Would You Like That Heart Attack Sunny Side Up? The World’s 10 Worst Breakfasts 3. 5 Soothing Voices That Can Make You Comatose (In a Good Way) 4. My Gay Husband Is Better Than Your Straight Husband 5. An Open Letter to Paranoid Humans (From Misunderstood Bedbugs) 6. 10 Food and Drink Products Spelled Wrong on Purpose 7. Say You’re Sorry: 10 Nostalgic Childhood Games We Wish They Hadn’t Changed 8. Our 5 Favorite Local TV Commercials From Childhood – What Are Yours? ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913117 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:52:32 +0100 3913117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899361&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fcomedian-takes-vacation-in-bathtub-no-electronics-allowed%2F photo via Daily Intel Comedian Mark Malkoff is taking a five-day-long vacation from technology – in his bathtub (which we think is a wise idea, because bathtubs and electronics don’t mix). He thinks he needs a break from all things electronic, so he’s got a list of things to do while he detoxes. It includes reading Gravity’s Rainbow, memorizing all of the U.S. presidents in order, and learning how to sew on a button — among other things. Thankfully, the tub isn’t filled with water, so Malkoff doesn’t need to worry about pruning during his vacation. If you took a break from your cell phone, TV, and computer, what the hell would you do instead? via Daily Intel Post from: BlissTree Comedian Takes Vacation In Bathtub: No Electronics Allowed (Source: Breastfeed... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899361 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:56:18 +0100 3899361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899477&cid=t_108383_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F08%2F24%2Fshort-term-meditation-induces-white-matter-changes-in-the-an.html Authors: Tang YY, Lu Q, Geng X, Stein EA, Yang Y, Posner MI The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is part of a network implicated in the development of self-regulation and whose connectivity changes dramatically in development. In previous studies we showed that 3 h of mental training, based on traditional Chinese medicine (integrative body-mind training, IBMT), increases ACC activity and improves self-regulation. However, it is not known whether changes in white matter connectivity can result from small amounts of mental training. We here report that 11 h of IBMT increases fractional anisotropy (FA), an index indicating the integrity and efficiency of white matter in the corona radiata, an important white-matter tract connecting the ACC to other structures. Thus IBMT could provide a means f... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899477 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:10:02 +0100 3899477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895836&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F5-soothing-voices-that-can-make-you-comatose-in-a-good-way%2F This may seem like kind of a weird fetish, but does anyone else like to listen to soothing, mellifluous voices (via radio, TV, Internet, in person, whatevs) as a cheap method of relaxation? For me it’s almost like meditation: Find a quiet spot, lie on the couch/floor/bed/yoga mat, dim the lights, and listen to the voice that calms you down you the most, for 30-60 minutes (with or without headphones). I’ve been participating in this idiosyncratic self-help behavior off-and-on since I was a kid. (Back then I favored a D.C.-area jazz/chilled-out talk radio station on the boom box in my bedroom. I believe it aired weeknights 6:30-7 p.m.) See, I told you it was a weird fetish. But frankly, I’ve found that this odd, relaxing practice is kind of like getting a spa treatment or m... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895836 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:33:29 +0100 3895836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895854&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsponsored-post-getting-back-to-routine%2F Post from: BlissTree Sponsored Post: Getting Back to Routine (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895854 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:50:20 +0100 3895854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889308&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-books-iii%2F Recovery from alcoholism and addiction books.   My Recovery Bestselling author, physician and psychotherapist provides an essential plan for recovering from any illness€”mind, body or spirit. The Wellness-Recovery Connection A leading wellness advocate offers a step-by-step holistic plan for people in recovery and their families – a personalized blueprint for adding years to their life while fully embracing the joy of recovery. The Spirit Recovery Meditation Journal In the spirit of AA’s "90 in 90" (ninety meetings in ninety days), this meditation journal gives readers a new approach to their journey of recovery. Understanding Addiction and Recovery Through a Child’s Eyes Understanding Addictio... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889308 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:50:00 +0100 3889308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872632&cid=t_108383_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F08%2F16%2Fmy-relax-3d.html There is nothing more regenerating than a long sea vacation. But what we do as we are back to the office and find an overwhelming pile of email? A good recovery strategy from post-vacation stress is essential, and advanced technologies may help. For example, My Relax 3D is a mobile application that helps you relax while watching at stunning 3D landscapes of an exotic island. When you enter the application, you can choose between highly realistic 3d environments, depicting various island scenarios (i.e. a tropical forest, a sunset) During the experience, a voiceover provides instructions to relieve from stress and develop positive emotions. The application is highly configurable: it can be experienced with or without 3D glasses (but I strongly recommend this option to enhance your feeling o... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872632 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:07:53 +0100 3872632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868829&cid=t_108383_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2FlpBqFLl65zw%2F This is my first weekly YODA update. It was a tumultuous week, there’s no doubt about it.  I’ll be talking about the details on my personal blog and the Deepest Health forums, so won’t prattle on here.  However, I will provide a summary and the most important insights that have come from my work during this initial phase of the project.  Remember – the whole point of this thing is to see whether devoting myself to a rigorous program of study and self cultivation will result in my becoming a more effective practitioner of Chinese medicine. There’s no doubt that my clinical practice changed for the better this week.  The reality is that the process was a long and winding road.  What I’ve noticed is that as I focus on really living up to the oath I too... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868829 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:34:07 +0100 3868829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876902&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-books-ii%2F There are many books about recovery from alcoholism, addiction and codependency. These are just a few. — My Recovery Bestselling author, physician and psychotherapist provides an essential plan for recovering from any illness—mind, body or spirit. The Wellness-Recovery Connection A leading wellness advocate offers a step-by-step holistic plan for people in recovery and their families – a personalized blueprint for adding years to their life while fully embracing the joy of recovery. The Spirit Recovery Meditation Journal In the spirit of AA’s "90 in 90" (ninety meetings in ninety days), this meditation journal gives readers a new approach to their journey of recovery. Understanding Addiction and Recov... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876902 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:43:00 +0100 3876902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833567&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-prayer-books%2F Prayer is an effective part of recovery for most people. These prayer books may help guide or inspire. – The Worrywart’s Prayer Book A best-selling author validates our anxieties (over everything from jobs to wrinkles and the return of polyester), and shows us how to enlist God’s help in pinpointing and dispelling them. 12 Step Prayer Book A second edition (with 44 new prayers) of the best-selling book of prayers and inspirations for those seeking just the right words for conversing with their Higher Power or for expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings. The 12 Step Prayer Book With words of wisdom and inspiration gleaned from Twelve Step meetings and adapted from common prayers and devotional readings, members of all T... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833567 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:29:00 +0100 3833567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823033&cid=t_108383_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2Fgy9UlTOxQpg%2F I want to start this post with a question.  What role does your spiritual life play in your practice of Chinese medicine? For those of you who do not acknowledge having a “spiritual life,” what role does your “inner life” play in your practice of Chinese medicine?  To say it another way, how does the development of yourself as a person, as a body, as a Qi sensing individual in the contemporary world play into your practice of Chinese medicine? What I want in terms of answers is a focus on active practice.  I’ve asked this question of many people, and those whom I’ve not asked I’ve tried to “ask” by observing them carefully.  Many times, particularly when “asking” happens – the person will say something quite vague ... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823033 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:07:01 +0100 3823033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798829&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdeveloping-spirituality%2F Spirituality means that we know we are more than just the physical self. We have an energy or spirit attached to us. In some religious circles our spirit is referred to as the soul and is immortal and that the spirit was created by some divine maker or creator. On the other hand, spirituality to some is a sense of connectiveness to the spiritual nature of the universe, the collective universe that is a part of us all. What the psychologist Carl Jung referred to as the collective unconscious. The collective unconscious is the reservoir of the experiences of all humans. Some believe that spirituality is simply getting in touch with your higher consciousness because we all have the divine spirit within us and it can be accessible. Regardless of your definition, when you begin a spiritual jou... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798829 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:04:00 +0100 3798829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787127&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-admit-it-paradox%2F Any attempt to deceive will ultimately end up wasting your precious time. Live the truth of who you are, and it will bring out the best you can be. Admit to being frightened, and your courage will grow. Admit to not knowing, and you will learn. Admit your weaknesses, and you’ll become stronger. Admit your mistakes, and you’ll begin to move past them. Admit you don’t know what to say, and you’ll have said just the right thing. Admit that you’re confused, and you’ll begin to understand. Admit that you’re hurting, and you’ll begin to heal. Admit that you care, and the things that truly matter will grow stronger. Being honest with yourself, with others and in life, can often be difficult and intimidating. Yet honesty is always the most reliable, the most direct route ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787127 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:36:00 +0100 3787127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761477&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F16%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-16-2010%2F Summer is supposed to be about taking a dip in the pool, strolling alongside a lake, getting lost in a book, kicking off your shoes and soaking up the rays. Do you remember summers as a child? What happened to those carefree days? Seems like we’re all rushing around in a hurry and getting swept up in the hustle and bustle of day to day living. Even when we know what’s good for us, we still get wrapped up in doing versus having fun. I hold those summery memories like picking passion fruit, catching crayfish, and swimming with my cousins, close to me. And wonder why I don’t do more of it. I’m reminded of my first year as a graduate student. I took a course on stress management and was blissfully happy when I learned the entire quarter would be about relaxing and med... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761477 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:05:39 +0100 3761477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754088&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FI5WsxAr1GpM%2F Deep in thought Three Tips For Releasing Your Addiction To Negative Thinking If you are finding yourself caught in your negativity thought addiction (i.e “I’m a failure. I’m a horrible person. What if the worst happens?” etc. etc.) People in  recovery may find these addictive thoughts seeming to appear out of nowhere. And, when an alcoholic, addict or codependent has these thoughts they are dangerous. Many will use the program and fellowship to find answers, but these tips may also help. Three tips for the easiest and fastest ways to shift out of these painful thoughts into more uplifting thought patterns: 1. Notice that you’re caught in the negative thought cycle and that it’s only your thoughts that are beating you up in this moment. It’s not the outside world. Once you ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754088 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:38:01 +0100 3754088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737021&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fhealthy-office-habits-tips-for-staying-sane-at-work%2F photo: Thinkstock Whatever your work hours, we’re guessing you’ve labored over an inane task or two that have gotten you a little loopy at least once during the past week. We don’t mean the kind of loopy that comes with being in love or really excited for a long weekend – we mean an utter loss of sanity that’s a result of entering numbers into a database for five hours straight. The blog Jane Has a Job offers some good advice on how to avoid going completely nuts on the job. Close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Sometimes it feels like you’re seeing double after staring at the computer screen for hours. Overworking your eyes can lead to serious damage, so you need to take a break every once in a while. (Even from Blisstree. Sad emoticon.) Snack... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737021 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:30:32 +0100 3737021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724577&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FE-BWcl43UBs%2F Does Prayer Decrease Alcohol Consumption? Four research studies involving 1,758 people show that prayer frequency cuts alcohol consumption. In Study 1 of 824 people, we used a cross-sectional design and found that higher prayer frequency was related to lower alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior. Study 2 of 702 people used a longitudinal design and found that more frequent prayer predicted less alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior at a later date, and this relationship held when controlling for baseline levels of drinking and prayer. In Study 3 of 117 people, we used an experimental design to test for a causal relationship between prayer frequency and alcohol consumption. Participants assigned to pray every day (either an undirected prayer or a prayer fo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724577 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:37:00 +0100 3724577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707003&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdays-of-healing-days-of-joy%2F  – A Recovery Book From the winter of our doubts and confusion and sadness we awaken to a spring of the self-stirring anew. In the days of healing and joy that lie ahead, let this book of daily meditations speak to you, instilling hope and confidence and courage. A year’s worth of quotations, meditations, and closing thoughts encourage the small but consistent efforts of those seeking to give voice to the often timid, unsure, and frightened child within. Each day, find in these pages the strength and wisdom and support that light the way to serenity in any season of life. -   Order Today >> Days of Healing, Days of Joy - Recovery Books, Medallions & DVD's (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707003 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:45:59 +0100 3707003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683879&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Facceptance-2-2%2F “Once I accept things as they are I can create things as they might be.”  – Mike O. Nothing so ties us to the past as regret.  Think about it. It is almost impossible to venture forth while facing backward. But today’s reality is what we must accept and work with.  What was is gone.  All we can do in the here and now is accept it as it is without rage or blame, without regret or resentment.  All the voting has already been done that made today what it is. Ah, but the future!  Tomorrow! That’s quite a different matter..  Today we vote for what tomorrow will be.  Today’s seeds are tomorrow’s harvest, today’s struggle is tomorrow’s victory. When we accept today as it is without regret, we shuck off the terrible burden of self-pity wit... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683879 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:24:00 +0100 3683879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679915&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-world-is-a-puzzle-2%2F There was a spiritual man who had a little boy that he loved very much. Everyday after work the man would come home and play with the little boy. He would always spend all of his extra time playing with the little boy. One night, while the man was at work, he realized that he had extra work to do for the evening, and that he wouldn’t be able to play with his little boy. But, he wanted to be able to give the boy something to keep him busy. So, looking around his office, he saw a magazine with a large map of the world on the cover. He got an idea. He removed the map, and then patiently tore it up into small pieces. Then he put all the pieces in his coat pocket. When he got home, the little boy came running to him and was ready to play. The man explained that he had extra work to ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679915 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:46:00 +0100 3679915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3678661&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F11th-step-prayer%2F Lord, make me a channel for thy peace – that where there is hatred, I may bring love – that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness – that where there is discord, I may bring harmony – that where there is error, I may bring truth – that where there is doubt, I may bring faith – that where there is despair, I may bring hope – that where there are shadows, I may bring light – that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather – to comfort than to be comforted – to understand, than to be understood – to love, than to be loved For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen. No matter where I am in my spiritual growth, th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3678661 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:32:00 +0100 3678661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676900&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftie-up-your-camel-2%2F Trust Your Higher Power, But Tie Up Your Camel There was once a man who was on his way back home from market with his camel and, as he’d had a good day, he decided to stop along the road and offer his thanks to his Higher Power. He left his camel outside and went in and spent several hours offering thanks, praying and promising that he’d be a good person in the future, help the poor and be an upstanding pillar of his community. When he emerged it was already dark and lo and behold – his camel was gone! He immediately flew into a violent temper and shook his fist at the sky, yelling: "You traitor, God! How could you do this to me? I put all my trust in you and then you go and stab me in the back like this!" A passing sufi dervish heard the man yelling and c... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676900 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:21:00 +0100 3676900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666231&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F3-ways-to-positive-thinking-2%2F Three Tips For Releasing Your Addiction To Negative Thinking If you are finding yourself caught in your negativity thought addiction (i.e “I’m a failure. I’m a horrible person. What if the worst happens?” etc. etc.) People in  recovery may find these addictive thoughts seeming to appear out of nowhere. And, when an alcoholic, addict or codependent has these thoughts they are dangerous. Many will use the program and fellowship to find answers, but these tips may also help. Three tips for the easiest and fastest ways to shift out of these painful thoughts into more uplifting thought patterns: 1. Notice that you’re caught in the negative thought cycle and that it’s only your thoughts that are beating you up in this moment. It’s not the outside world. Once you realiz... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666231 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:01:00 +0100 3666231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656941&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsay-no-to-guilt%2F Today I will say no without guilt. Today I will say no whenever it is in my best interests to do so.  Just as important, I will say no without feeling guilty or fearful. My attempts to separate from my parents were met with threats of abandonment.  As a result, I learned to avoid having my own opinion for fear of rejection.  Deep within me now, I feel a strong desire to become my own person, to stand free of all unhealthy attachments and discover who I am.  When I disregard my limitations and permit others to violate my boundaries, I harm myself. Today I will love myself enough to say no when I find it necessary.  I will reassure the child within me that those who truly love me will not abandon me when I must tell them no.  No matter what the response, today... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656941 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:01:00 +0100 3656941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652695&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fi-value-what-is-unique-in-me-2%2F Uniqueness: I value what is unique in me I value my own specialness and I dare to reveal it. Since the universe expresses itself through the differences in all of creation, I choose to acknowledge my own uniqueness. My inner self speaks through the nonconformity that I am. Today I applaud nonconformity and the differences within my life. I am free of the need to please others or to conform to what they are. When I am true to myself, I easily and lovingly express my own opinions and beliefs without fear of rejection. My self-worth is not on the line when I recognize the uniqueness in myself and others. I do not have to agree with everyone, and everyone does not have to agree with me. Belief in my differentness allows me to understand those who do not understand me. I praise my uniqueness a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652695 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:50:00 +0100 3652695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641328&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-journey-2%2F YOU WILL RECEIVE A BODY. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period you’re around. YOU WILL LEARN LESSONS. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid. THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, ONLY LESSONS Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The "Failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works". A LESSON IS REPEATED UNTIL LEARNED A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson. LEARNING LESSONS DOES NOT END There is no part of life th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641328 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:04:00 +0100 3641328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641329&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffreedom-from-emotion-2%2F Detachment means "freedom from emotion." Detachment is something all people in recovery seek. Letting someone else’s behavior determine how we feel at every turn is irresponsible. Our emotions should be determined by us, not by someone else. But no doubt we have spent years confusing the boundaries that separate us from other people. Whether at work or at home, we have too often let someone else’s "insanity" affect how we behave and how we feel. At first, it may seem insensitive not to react to others’ problems or negative behavior. We may fear they’ll think we simply don’t care about them. Learning that it is far more caring to let other people handle their own lives takes time and patience. But with practice, it will begin to feel comfort... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641329 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:32:00 +0100 3641329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632251&cid=t_108383_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F181151%2F Belinda Carlisle Does Yoga to Overcome Demons: Our sister site, TheGloss, just interviewed former Go-Go’s lead singer Belinda Carlisle, who discusses how yoga made her a different person. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632251 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:46:39 +0100 3632251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629876&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fletting-go-is-a-decision%2F The obsession to pressure other people to see things our way keeps us agitated. In contrast, the wisdom to understand that every person’s view has validity, at least for that person, is a gift we receive from working the Twelve Steps. Our daily assignment, then, is to be patient and listen so that we may learn this lesson from women and men who have walked this path already, women and men who have come to understand that letting go of others and their addictions promises relief from the obsession that troubles each of us. Look around. No one came to this particular juncture in the road because it was a hoped-for destination. Each of us ended up here because of our pain. All of us tried to force solutions that didn’t fit. And we drove ourselves crazy trying to control the behavi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629876 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:03:00 +0100 3629876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629877&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fjust-for-today-i-will%2F Inspiration Just for Today Today I will not strike back: If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind…. I will not respond in a like manner. Today I will ask God to bless my "enemy": If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger. Today I will be careful about what I say: I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. Today I will go the extra mile: I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. Today I will forgive: I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. Today I will do something nice for someone, but I will do it secretly: I will r... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629877 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:52:29 +0100 3629877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614691&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FDWgtoSL3E3k%2F This study proves what they have known all along that a problem shared is a problem halved. The other study gives support to the principle of living ‘One day at a time’. Putting feelings into words produces therapeutic effects in the brain Why does putting our feelings into words — talking with a therapist or friend, writing in a journal — help us to feel better" A new brain imaging study by UCLA psychologists reveals why verbalizing our feelings makes our sadness, anger and pain less intense. Another study, with the same participants and three of the same members of the research team, combines modern neuroscience with ancient Buddhist teachings to provide the first neural evidence for why “mindfulness” — the ability to live in the present moment, without distraction ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614691 Mon, 31 May 2010 15:19:58 +0100 3614691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612068&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FXv5AmC1NbnU%2F A recovery book Each year, hundreds of men and women cross the threshold of the Wolfe Street Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Many of them attend the ‘Hour of Power,’ a weekly Sunday morning meeting focused on heightening one’s spiritual awareness and growth by focusing on the Eleventh Step of Alcoholics Anonymous: ‘Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.’ This special book, designed for weekly study, offers a prayer, a meditation, and related insights from the discussions that emerged during the ‘Hour of Power.’ Sought Through Prayer and Meditation . . . brings the insights of the collective consciousness o... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612068 Fri, 28 May 2010 14:36:31 +0100 3612068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599778&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F-8u75kp3gRs%2F Interested in beginning meditation but don’t know where to start? The good news is that all you need is 5-10 minutes a day to get started. Are you thinking to yourself, ‘Ten minutes, I don’t have an extra ten minutes a day! My life is already jam packed with work, family, social obligations, and I’m not even mentioning my growing to-do list”? Well, what if I told you that the benefits of meditation include a reduction in stress, sharpened concentration, improved circulation – and as you get further into your practice you’ll experience a quieter mind, a more open and receptive heart, a sense of inner freedom – and perhaps even a streak of creativity that’ll help you make films like David Lynch. (Lynch has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for over thirty years.... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599778 Wed, 26 May 2010 06:04:20 +0100 3599778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595905&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FhH5TJQKZjf0%2F How often do we forget to meditate, smell the roses and to take time. Take time to think; it is the source of your power. Take time to play; it is the secret of your youth. Take time to read; it is the foundation of your knowledge. Take time to dream; it will take you to the stars. Take time to laugh; it really is your best medicine. Take time to pray; it is your touch with a Higher Power. Take time to reach out to others; it will give your life significance. - Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D. From "Becoming Strong Again:How to Regain Emotional Health" See also Meditate to Concentrate Mindfulness for Recovery Inspirational Books The Inner Voice Touchstones Alcoholism, Addiction & Codependency Recovery Bookstore Hazelden Books, DVD's & Medalions (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595905 Sun, 23 May 2010 22:29:00 +0100 3595905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590502&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FZx9yGJ54r4s%2F Self-care is about setting boundaries, letting go "Some of us have so many voices in our heads, we could hold group therapy by ourselves," Rokelle Lerner. This internal chorus is often composed of voices from our family of origin, voices of critical teachers or bosses, voices from past relationships or current situations. Often these voices are drowned out by our own voice-nagging, reprimanding, berating, but rarely praising us. In times of stress or chaos, the voices grow louder and it’s easy to go numb, We become estranged from our purpose and our passion. Our response is fear, and our reaction is an attempt at control. We frequently become children again during times of stress reverting to old and unhealthy patterns that were present in dysfunctional families or relationship... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590502 Sat, 22 May 2010 19:05:23 +0100 3590502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3568087&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FXS5QIZAK3h4%2F Any person with true maturity has humility and wisdom and - Accepts criticism gratefully. Being honestly glad for an opportunity to improve Does not indulge in self-pity. Has begun to feel the laws of compensation operating in all life. Does not expect special consideration from anyone. Controls temper. Meets emergencies with poise. feelings are not easily hurt. Accepts the responsibility of own acts without trying to "alibi’. Has outgrown the ‘all or nothing’ stage. Recognizes that no person or situation is wholly good or wholly bad. And begins to appreciate the golden rule. Is not impatient at reasonable delays Have learned they are not the arbiter of the universe and that must often adjust to other people and their convenience Is a good loser can endure defeat and disappoint... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3568087 Sun, 16 May 2010 05:14:30 +0100 3568087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560534&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F_Rj8_w5QYiw%2F Let’s take a close look at how you can get the most out of your meditation practice. If you’re new to meditation, I suggest you read the informative post, “Powerful Reasons To Meditate And How To Get Started.” Selecting A Meditation Technique It’s essential to use a meditation technique that feels right and flows naturally. We all have individual preferences and this certainly holds true when it comes to meditation. So, I recommend you try a few basic meditation techniques and stick to one that feels right for you. It’s much better to “master” one technique than to be familiar with a dozen. Five popular meditation techniques: Guided meditation is a great introduction to the world of meditation. For one, it’s really easy to learn and you... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560534 Wed, 12 May 2010 05:46:12 +0100 3560534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556402&cid=t_108383_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F_Rj8_w5QYiw%2F Let’s take a close look at how you can get the most out of your meditation practice. If you’re new to meditation, I suggest you read the informative post, “Powerful Reasons To Meditate And How To Get Started.” Selecting A Meditation Technique It’s essential to use a meditation technique that feels right and flows naturally. We all have individual preferences and this certainly holds true when it comes to meditation. So, I recommend you try a few basic meditation techniques and stick to one that feels right for you. It’s much better to “master” one technique than to be familiar with a dozen. Five popular meditation techniques: Guided meditation is a great introduction to the world of meditation. For one, it’s really easy to learn and you... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556402 Wed, 12 May 2010 05:46:12 +0100 3556402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522835&cid=t_108383_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F5IzP5iQf_3c%2F There are two benefits from recovery: we have short-term gains and long-term gains. The short-term gains are the things we can do today that help us feel better immediately. We can wake up in the morning, read for a few minutes in our meditation book, and feel lifted. We can work a Step and often notice an immediate difference in the way we feel and function. We can go to a meeting and feel refreshed, talk to a friend and feel comforted, or practice a new recovery behavior, such as dealing with our feelings or doing something good for ourselves, and feel relieved. There are other benefits from recovery, though, that we don’t see immediately on a daily or even a monthly basis. These are the long-term gains, the larger progress we make in our life. Over the years, we can see tremendous... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522835 Sat, 01 May 2010 13:54:00 +0100 3522835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569912&cid=t_108383_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F11638462%2F1e6cz4%2Fneuromarketing%7EA-Better-Brain-in-Four-Days.htm We’d all like to think better, but few of us have the time or desire to, say, spend years in a Tibetan monastery learning to meditate. Past studies have shown that such extended training can indeed improve cognitive functioning. Remarkable new research shows that just four days of meditating for 20 minutes per day produced [...] (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569912 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:27:48 +0100 3569912