These days, many individuals are seeking ways to be calm and in the present, appreciate their lives and develop practices to stay focused. The financial events over the past few years have provided a perfect opportunity to practice these tools. Mindfulness. According to mindfulness.org, “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present,… Read more »
If we look at the practice of meditation from a distance, we notice that this process of rebalancing our body, mind and spirit is something natural. In fact, it is the most natural process for us human beings to recharge and recover. It takes place every night while we sleep. We rest our mind and… Read more »
Over the past month, I have seen a surge of patients presenting with anxiety and/or depression in my practice. “I am so scared, scared to go out, scared to be home alone, scared of how I am going to pay my bills, and scared that my family members and friends could die in the next… Read more »
Do you meditate? If you’re like 80 percent of the people asked, your answer is, “I’ve tried it, but can’t make my mind stop.” This meditation myth and a few other common misunderstandings can keep you from learning this very valuable relaxation practice. Today, I’d like to share some good news with you. Meditation is… Read more »
These simply meditation practices work whether you are walking, hiking, riding a bike, or sitting. 1: Grounding & Opening Start by bringing your awareness to the soles of your feet. Visualize these energy centers opening and growing roots deep into the earth, going down and out to stabilize you. Then bring your awareness to the… Read more »
Not that long ago, the word “meditation” conjured up images of ascetics dwelling austerely in Himalayan caves. Today, just about every town in America has a yoga studio which typically offers some form of meditation practice. Until recently, however, no one really knew if meditation could offer consistent, practical benefits, or if it was merely… Read more »
Our military is well trained for the rigors of combat, but many veterans find themselves unprepared for the debilitating post traumatic stress many experience when they return home to their families. Coping with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and flashbacks of war experiences can be overwhelming. In January, Time magazine revealed that the number of male veterans… Read more »
Stalingrad 1942 was one of the most savage battles in military history. My father, a reluctant German infantry soldier (the other option would have been execution) was wounded and sent back from the front. That saved his life and for me, the guide of my life. He never talked about what it was like. Except… Read more »
We know that stress can be detrimental to adult health, but what about children? Significant research now suggests that American children are indeed experiencing stress at new levels: suicides among adolescents have quadrupled since the 1950s; only 36 percent of 7th graders agreed with the statement “I am happy with my life“; and in the… Read more »
I had only heard of Transcendental Meditation™ (TM®) in the George Strait song “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” Because of these circumstances, he lived in Tennessee, and through transcendental meditation he would return to Texas each night. “But I always come back to myself, long before daylight.” From this country classic, I always thought… Read more »
Each March, we share the newly released Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) annual wellness trends. Their Future of Wellness report is the longest-running and most in-depth forecast of what consumers across the globe are seeking in an effort to improve well-being. It also outlines what businesses, governments and industries are providing to satisfy those desires. The… Read more »
Our emotions can rule our lives. Imagine wearing a backpack full of rocks. Each rock has an emotion written on it that ranges in size and significance. This “mental satchel” may carry resentment, anger, anxiety, fear, despair or embarrassment – emotions that create stress and tension and can manifest in the physical body as headaches,… Read more »
In the serene confines of the Aegean Sea lies the island of Ikaria, where residents embrace a lifestyle that keeps them vibrant well into their golden years. This special place is one of only five known blue zones where people live approximately a decade longer than the average and have lower rates of chronic disease,… Read more »
When was the last time you heard the word “equanimity”? Most may ponder the question, while those who meditate softly smile and sigh. It’s a good word to know. Equanimity is defined as mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain. It’s the act of facing challenges with a calm clarity and… Read more »
While health conversations predominantly revolve around weight loss, there is a frequently overlooked group whose goal is to achieve healthy weight gain. This includes athletes or fitness enthusiasts, patients recovering from illness or surgery, some elderly individuals, people with medical conditions that contribute to weight loss (e.g. cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, hyperthyroidism) and those who are… Read more »
What keeps golfers from reaching their potential and hitting more good shots? Most of the time, the problem is interference from intrusive thoughts and emotions. Golfers have a lot going on in their head. For example, while standing over a simple short putt, golfers may think, “Do I have the right line? The last thing… Read more »
As we usher in 2024, let this be the year that the rhythm of life is not dictated by its pace but by our deliberate actions—where each step is a conscious choice. By embracing “Stop, Challenge, Consider, Choose,” we create thoughtful intention guiding us towards a more purposeful and hopefully, more peaceful existence. Stop: The… Read more »
In his new book Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker, PhD gives us the hard truths about sleep, stating that if we do not get a full night’s sleep, we will be impaired, even at the level of a drunk driver. The science says we need 7-9 hours of restful sleep a night to be healthy,… Read more »
Summer winds have subsided, clear skies have returned and the holidays are looking bright. Welcome home to all our seasonal friends! How can I summarize all the splendor to be found within these pages? I am still reeling from the opportunity to interview Temple Grandin who I’ve admired for decades. All are encouraged to attend… Read more »
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but it can also bring a fair share of stress and anxiety. From the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts to the pressures of hosting family gatherings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, there are ancient practices that can help you navigate this… Read more »