This groundbreaking primer illuminates contemplative methods that can improve mental and physical health. Contemplative practices, from meditation to Zen, are growing in popularity as methods to inspire physical and mental health. Contemplative Practices in Action: Spirituality, Meditation, and Health offers readers an introduction to these practices and the ways they can be used in the service of well being, wisdom, healing, and stress reduction. Bringing together various traditions from the East and West, this thought-provoking work summarizes the history of each practice, highlights classic and emerging research proving its power, and details how each practice is performed. Expert authors offer step-by-step approaches to practice methods including the 8-Point Program of Passage Meditation, Centering Prayer, mindful stress management, mantram meditation, energizing meditation, yoga, and Zen. Beneficial practices from Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic religions are also featured. Vignettes illustrate each of the practices, while the contributors explain how and why they are effective in facing challenges as varied as the loss of a partner or child, job loss, chronic pain or disease, or psychological disorders.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) uses one or more in situ sensing systems placed in or around a structure, providing real-time evaluation of its performance and ultimately preventing structural failure. Although most commonly used in civil engineering, such as in roads, bridges, and dams, SHM is now finding applications in other engineering environments, such as naval and aerospace engineering. Written by a highly respected expert in the field, Structural Sensing, Health Monitoring, and Performance Evaluation provides the first comprehensive coverage of SHM. The text begins with a review of the various types of sensors currently used in SHM, including point sensors and noncontact systems. Subsequent chapters explain the processing and interpretation of data from a number of sensors working in parallel. After considering issues related to the structures themselves, the author surveys the design of a tailor-made SHM system. He also presents a collection of case studies, many of which are drawn from his own experiences. Exploring the power of sensors, this book shows how SHM technologies can be applied to a variety of structures and systems, including multistory buildings, offshore wind energy plants, and ecological systems.