The scientific study of Buddhist forms of meditation has surged in recent years. Such study has captured the popular imagination, reshaping conceptions of what meditation is and what it can do. Within the lab and now beyond it, people have come to see meditation as a practical matter, a rewiring of the brain or an optimization of consciousness as a means to better health, more fulfilling relationships, and increasing productivity. Often suppressed if not dropped from this pragmatic approach are the beliefs, values, and cosmologies that underpin such practice from the Buddhist point of view. Propelled by the imperatives of empirical practicality, for perhaps the first time in history meditation has shifted from Buddhist monasteries and practice centers to some of the most prominent and powerful modern institutions in the world-hospitals, universities, corporations, and the military-as well as many non-institutional settings. As the contributions to this volume show, as their contexts change, so do the practices, sometimes drastically. New ways of thinking about meditation, ways that profoundly affect millions of lives all over the world, are emerging from its move to these more strictly secular settings. To understand these changes and their effects, the essays in this volume explore the unaddressed complexities in the interrelations between Buddhist history and thought and the scientific study of meditation. The contributors bring philosophical, cultural, historical, and ethnographic perspectives to bear, considering such issues as the philosophical presumptions of practice, the secularization of meditation, the values and goods assumed in clinical approaches, and the sorts of subjects that take shape under the influence of these transformed and transformative practices-all the more powerful for being so often formulated with the authority of scientific discourse.

With Meditate Yourself Happy, learn to choose the thoughts you pay attention to. Because by changing the way you think, you can change the way you feel and subsequently change your life. Meditation is not an unachievable state; this book will teach you how to harness its transformative power to heal your body and mind by reducing stress, controlling anxiety, promoting emotional health, enhancing self-awareness and improving your overall wellbeing. Through easy and accessible exercises that are organised by mood and range from 5-10 minutes, discover how small shifts can lead to big changes. So many people don't think they can meditate. They believe it is all about fighting off thoughts and emptying the mind completely. But certified hypnotherapist Fiona Lamb is here to tell them otherwise.

Featuring 60 flashcards and booklet featuring different meditation practices and techniques, Meditation Cards is the perfect gift to promote balance, serenity, and inner-peace. From deep thoughts to physical exercises, Meditation Cards is the ultimate collection of meditative prompts will let you be present. Forget about your phone, your job, and everything else and make time for your mind, body, and spirit. The thematic cards are differentiated from one another by color, covering topics such as breathing, thinking, and stretching. Meditation Cards is an ideal gift for someone looking to break their routines and feel better about themselves.

Long considered a classic text by teachers and students, The Root of Chinese Qigong offers the principles and theories of qigong practice. This third edition includes Updated pinyin that includes diacritical tonal marks (for proper pronunciation of Chinese words). Updated Chinese text character font (providing better readability). Dr. Yang is acclaimed for helping readers understand qigong concepts deeper and more clearly by expressing them in familiar methods for the Western mind. He takes these ancient concepts and presents them in a logical way that helps practitioners stay on the right path to deepen knowledge and skill. In this book Dr. Yang teaches sitting and standing meditation, demonstrates qi massage techniques, and examines the Qi pathways in your body. He explains correct breathing methods, shares secrets for quieting the mind, and discusses how to increase your body's qi supply. He further explains important concepts such as the Three Treasures and regulating the body, breath, and mind. Contents include Qigong's history Basic concepts of qigong Qi and the human body The five categories of qigong Regulating body, breath and mind Regulating your essence, qi and spirit Key points for improving practice A detailed look at qi channels and vessels in the body Whatever style of qigong you may practice, making sense of qigong theory and principles is the best way of achieving your goals sooner, more accurately, and deeper.

In a time of social distancing and isolation, a meditation on the beauty of solitude from renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor A Los Angeles Review of Books "Best of the Year" selection "Whatever a soul is, the author goes a long way toward soothing it. A very welcome instance of philosophy that can help readers live a good life."-Kirkus Reviews "Elegant and formally ingenious."-Geoff Wisner, Wall Street Journal When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned sixty, he took a sabbatical from his teaching and turned his attention to solitude, a practice integral to the meditative traditions he has long studied and taught. He aimed to venture more deeply into solitude, discovering its full extent and depth. This beautiful literary collage documents his multifaceted explorations. Spending time in remote places, appreciating and making art, practicing meditation and participating in retreats, drinking peyote and ayahuasca, and training himself to keep an open, questioning mind have all contributed to Batchelor's ability to be simultaneously alone and at ease. Mixed in with his personal narrative are inspiring stories from solitude's devoted practitioners, from the Buddha to Montaigne, from Vermeer to Agnes Martin. In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, this book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.

With wise advice and helpful exercises, this beautifully designed, interactive workbook will help you find a path toward a more mindful daily life. We are constantly moving, thinking, and dreaming to become the best human being we can be, but our conscious and subconscious constantly get in the way. No matter what your current mindset may be, a mindfulness practice will exponentially improve your life. The practice of mindfulness can be a powerful stress reliever, with proven benefits for sleep quality, blood pressure, chronic pain, and more. This workbook offers you guidance and valuable rituals to help you reach your highest self. Inside, you'll find a holistic practice with physical, mental, and personal benefits on the way to becoming fully present in your life: Become more aware of your body and its needs Learn about your thought patterns Identify your belief system Harness the power of music to enhance your emotions Connect with the purest and truest parts of yourself This workbook is a rewarding, immersive guide that's straightforward and easily accessible for anyone seeking direction and purpose. Throughout the book you'll find inspiring, colorful illustrations and engaging activities to help you find the joy in your mindfulness practice. The Wellness Workbooks series from Wellfleet Press offers guidance on a wide range of self-help and mental health topics. Each book presents a thoughtful, evidence-based collection of straightforward exercises in an accessible, enjoyable format that will keep you engaged and inspired. With a distinctive design and full-color illustrations throughout, these workbooks deliver a practical path to personal growth in a beautiful package. Other titles include Find Your Calm, Find Your Strength, and Find Good Habits.

The Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller From the author of the phenomenal multi-million copy bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down "Hearing the words 'be good to yourself first, then to others' was like being struck by lightning." Many of us respond to the pressures of life by turning inwards and ignoring problems, sometimes resulting in anxiety or depression. Others react by working harder at work, at school or at home, hoping that this will make ourselves and the people we love happier. But what if being yourself is enough? Just as we are advised on airplanes to take our own oxygen first before helping others, we must first be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with the world around us. In this beautiful follow-up to his international bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim turns his trademark wisdom and kindness to self-care, arguing that only by accepting yourself - and the flaws which make you who you are - can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, family and friends. "Even products labelled 'limited edition' are made on a production line with hundreds that are exactly the same. But there is only one you in the world." *** "Haemin writes beautifully and simply... these vital life lessons resonate deeply and easily" Miranda Hart "The world could surely use a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more wisdom. In Love for Imperfect Things, Haemin Sunim shows us how to cultivate all three, and to find beauty in the most imperfect of things-including your very own self" Susan Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Quiet "Heartwarming, calming and simple. But also filled with wisdom and powerful truths that will teach us to love ourselves first in order to transform our relationships with our loved ones" Hector Garcia, author of IKIGAI - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life "A wonderful book to accompany The Things You Can See... page by page, he shows you how to reclaim your freedom and your life" Professor Mark Williams, author of the bestselling Mindfulness "A real treasure. It teaches us that compassion is at the heart of healing . . . starting with ourselves. I highly recommend this book" Christiane Northrup, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom "You can be the most amazing human being in the world and everyone sees rays of light, love, and genius when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that external admiration doesn't matter one bit. Haemin Sunim teaches you ways to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. It makes a world of difference" Marc and Angel Chernoff, New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy

As the foremost researcher in the area of correlating mindset with a variety of organizational learning factors, having performed a survey validation study of the Mindset Works, Inc. What's My School Mindset? Survey and the Project for Educational Research That Scales (PERTS) academic mindset survey, the author has discovered links between the philosophical positions one holds and the theory of mind that describes what makes humans different from animals. This book proposes that the ability to recognize and respond to the differences between what we "see" and others "see" is the key reason for individuals, groups, and organizations to succeed or to fail. How we perceive differences and respond to them changes the way our brain develops and how our systems are designed. This book provides strategies for supporting continuous development and growth in individuals, in group dynamics, and in system/organizational development using the most current understanding and propositions of theories of mind. Our theories of physics are expanding through Newtonian, Classical, on to Quantum. Our technologies are expanding from simple tools, to industrialization, to digital information systems, and on to holographic imagery and virtual realities. Biological understandings have grown from magical beliefs about life, through static views of fixed DNA, to cloning, and the potential to regenerate organs and extend life. Our world is in need of an update on the social transformations occurring in human understanding that apply to addressing key issues of our day. This book revisits the concepts discussed in mindset theory and reframes it with a larger, more inclusive potential for understanding our world that empowers our ability for personal choice to improve our lives.

Work and life have changed, so it's time to change how we care for our bodies during work hours. From the bestselling author of OFFICE YOGA comes this accessible guide to mental and physical health that works no matter where you find your desk. Organized by Chair Yoga, Standing Yoga, Pranayama & Mudras, and Meditation & Mindfulness exercises, the deck offers 52 practices that can be done anytime, anywhere. Whether you need a stretch break or a mental reset, whether you have 10 minutes during lunch or only 2 minutes between calls, there is something for everyone-no mat required! Approachable, humorous, and easy, this handsomely packaged and affordably priced guide is the perfect self-purchase or gift for anyone who wants an easy way to incorporate yoga into their everyday routine.

Build a strong foundation for health, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment with the ancient art of Qigong Embryonic Breathing (Internal Elixir). Chinese Qigong can be categorized into External Elixir (Wai Dan) and Internal Elixir (Nei Dan). To reach the goals of longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the practitioner must learn Internal Elixir Qigong. The first step, and the focus of this book, is to understand the theory and the method of Embryonic Breathing. Practicing this breathing technique will help you Optimize your central energy system Conserve your energy Store this energy at abundant levels Using ancient Buddhist and Daoist documents, Dr. Yang analyzes and discusses meditation theory and training methods in a modern and scientific manner. This double-edged approach will enable you to quickly achieve a high level of understanding. It is well acknowledged that without a proper foundation, the root of spiritual enlightenment will not be established and the meditative practice of Qigong for spiritual enlightenment, may be in vain. Qigong Embryonic Breathing is organized into three parts Foundations: General Qigong concepts and meditation theory Translations and commentary of ancient documents related to Embryonic Breathing The practice of Embryonic Breathing meditation The necessary second and third steps are to practice Qigong Small Circulation and Qigong Grand Circulation. This second edition includes pinyin tonal marks for pronunciation, modern Chinese fonts, and illustration enhancements.

This book is an invitation to enter the Rose Garden: the sanctuary of the soul that resides within every human heart. For the Rose is one of the loveliest symbols of spirituality in the western world: a timeless expression of beauty, love, and, ultimately, oneness with the Divine. Each chapter will take you on a mystical journey through myth, religion, sacred art and poetry, including the Rose in the classical world, the medieval visions of Mary, the wisdom of the Sufi mystics, the hidden codes of the Alchemists, the ceremonies of 19th century magical orders, and the poems of modern visionaries, along with rose windows, the Kabbalah, tarot cards and more. Within the Rose Garden guided meditations offer gentle but profound nourishment to the soul leading to a sense of inner peace and a deeper connectedness with the essential Self through a uniquely Western path. One reader affirms: 'I have travelled over a long time down many different roads to heal myself from the wounds I have suffered. However, Mara, it is your meditations that have been so fruitful for me. The Fire of Roses meditation feels as if on a deep level I have found and own myself with clarity and light'.

From one of most prominent figures in the field of meditation comes a guidebook for how to use mindfulness to build our inner strength, find balance, and help create a better world. In today's fractured world, we're constantly flooded with breaking news that causes anger, grief, and pain. People are feeling more stressed out than ever, and in the face of this fear and anxiety they can feel so burnt out and overwhelmed that they end up frozen in their tracks and unable to do anything. In Real Change, Sharon Salzberg, a leading expert in lovingkindness meditation, shares sage advice and indispensable techniques to help free ourselves from these negative feelings and actions. She teaches us that meditation is not a replacement for action, but rather a way to practice generosity with ourselves and summon the courage to break through boundaries, reconnect to a movement that's bigger than ourselves, and have the energy to stay active. Consulting with veteran activists and social-change agents in a variety of fields, Salzberg collects and shares their wisdom and offers the best practical advice to foster transformation in both ourselves and in society. To help tame our inner landscape or chaos, Salzberg offers mindfulness practices that will help readers cultivate a sense of agency and stay engaged in the long-term struggle for social change. Whether you're resolving conflicts with a crotchety neighbor or combating global warming, Real Change will provide the fundamental principles and mindfulness practices to help guide you to the clarity and confidence to lift a foot and take the next step into a better world.

Step through 44 illuminating gateways to realign your energy space and reach your own infinite potential. This oracle is a stargate portal between this realm and the next, connecting you with the infinite intelligence of the universe. Each card forms an energetic bridge to help you connect with the divine guidance and ancient wisdom of spiritual retreat spaces, guardian light beings, and your own chakra energy centers through intuitive readings and dynamic spreads. On this journey you'll connect with Divine Consciousness and receive messages to raise your vibration. Internationally renowned angel expert Kyle Gray has teamed up with visionary artist Jennifer Hawkyard to create this dynamic and unique oracle, featuring vibrant imagery, energetic activations and empowering guidance to help you to: * experience an 'energetic upgrade' * rebalance and reconnect with your true self * discover the possibilities held by other realms and ethereal retreats * find a connection to your own personal energy space * uncover your true purpose in this world When your intention is combined with the imagery of the cards and the empowering messages in the accompanying guidebook, divine wisdom is activated within. You were born to light up the world, let the gateways support your destiny!

An easy-to-use, informative introduction to one of today's most popular spiritual practices: meditation. Meditation is a proven method of finding calm and coping with our crazy world. Amy Leigh Mercree explores the history of this ancient practice as well as its practical applications--including decreased anxiety and a more contented life. In addition to outlining the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual ramifications of meditating, she includes a selection of easy-to-follow guided meditations.

"I wrote these articles over a period of 12 months. Part of the motivation for writing them was that I found the act of writing helpful for my own spiritual life. Of course, writing and reading about what you should be doing is the easy part, actually living them and putting them into practise is the real test. Many of the quotes in this book are from my spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy.As a student of Sri Chinmoy I have learnt a great deal about meditation and how to live a more peaceful life. Included are also a few stories by Sri Chinmoy on the theme of self-improvement, from his wonderful book, "The Mind-Jungles and The Heart-Gardens of Life." I hope you get some inspiration from this book and it might help you to make some practical changes which help make life less stressful and more peaceful. It certainly is possible."

The Women's Circle is your practical guide to hosting women's circles with intention, purpose and meaning, making them a healing and empowering experience of gathering community. A women's circle is a gathering of women in order to share, experience and relish in each other's company. They are the ultimate 'safe space', a place where women can commune, open up and feel seen and heard. Sacred Space Holder Anoushka Florence invites you to reclaim the women's circle by exploring and remembering the true power of your feminine. Beautifully illustrated with full-colour photography, The Women's Circle is a practical and inspiring guide to hosting circles of your own. Including the history of circles, the importance of gathering, and steps for hosting 35 different rituals with the women in your life - a bridal blessing, mamahood blessing, memorial circle, new love circle, grief circle, sun circles, moon circles and circles to honour the change of season. Seeking to revive, reclaim and remember the tradition of the women's circle, The Women's Circle will bring back to life this ancient feminine practice illustrating the benefits, healing, and magik that occurs when women gather. This is an opportunity for the reader to call in their community, gather and connect. Never has there been a more important time to rediscover the power of women's circles.

Chronicles the first modern ethnomycological and historically documented look at certain species of fungi and their past and present use as a source of healing, both body and mind as in ancient primitive archaic rituals; and also as an aphrodisiac. Modern day use of these fungi originating from seven personal documented exchanges of communication between author John Allen and Sasha Shulgin, and Jochen Gartz that describe--in detail and photographs--the effects of both the ludible use of psilocybian fungi throughout the ages to produce intense sexual euphoric unions. Other families of fungi that produce similar effects but contain different chemicals can result in timeless hours of pure orgasmic pleasure. The aphrodisiac effects of mushrooms were first reported around the time of the conquest of Nueva Espana. Francisco Flores, Diego Duran and Bernardo de Sahagun described mushrooms used by Aztecs priests and their followers to produce "provoked lust". In the mid-20th Century several noted scholars, like R. Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Weston LaBarre, Maria Sabina, Florence Cowan, Eunice Pike, Tim Leary, Richard Alpert and Aldous Huxley reported experiencing erotic euphoric effects and observing erotic sensuality in others while they were under the influence psilocybine. Many claimed they had found the perfect sexual aphrodisiac. In some of these modern anecdotal materials we have been taught that the majority of Mazatec Indian shamans, curanderas, brujos, sabios/sabias, and their Indian participants of mushroom vigils and Velada's, all refrain from sexual activity 4 days before and 4 days after a mushroom ceremony. To do so, as many of the medicine men and woman all seem to agree on, is that it, "would bring about a lasting madness." Yet some Indians have been reported to regularly participate in sexual activities while on mushrooms as well as on peyote. In the Florentine Codex, Sahagun, a devout catholic, said that the mushrooms "aun provocan a lujuria," i.e., that they "even provoke lust." Wasson believed that Sahagun may have been responsible for adding these words, and wondered why they were inserted. He inquired if they were meant to either excite the sixteenth century readers seeking always the Fountain of Youth and new aphrodisiacs, or to incite his pious readers against the mushrooms? Allen shares with the reader, a chronicle embellished from notes in his personal files and memories of his experiences with sacred mushrooms and sexual erotica. He features pre---historical evidence of such sexual activities between humans, animals, sex and mushrooms, and phallic symbolism, rites of spring and fertility festivals.