The Zen of Bamboo Breathing

The Zen of Bamboo Breathing

There are many multi-step or multi-stage breathing meditation practices in yogic, Taoist and Buddhist meditation traditions. The appellation “Bamboo Breathing,” however, is unique to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, where the practice thrives to this day. Breathing like Bamboo Bamboo breathing can be practiced in seated or standing meditation positions. Foremost, it requires a straight spine and balanced upper body alignment to open the respiratory muscles of the chest, diaphragm, obliques and lower back. As with many breath-based meditation…

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The colorful silhouettes of men and women in the hustle and bustle of everyday business life
Often Life Goes Better When You S-T-O-P

Often Life Goes Better When You S-T-O-P

Contrary to new media buzz, mindfulness is neither new nor hip. Nor is it merely a mental outlook or ten-dollar word for paying attention. And it’s certainly not a mobile app. Mindfulness is a practice. That means it’s not something you only do while in repose. Rather, it’s a way of living and being that you embody in your everyday life. Mindfulness by the Numbers There are countless mindfulness practices. Buddhist and Yogic sutras are replete with them, as are…

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A diverse group of people, old and young, men and women, are viewed from behind while taking a yoga class
The Most Effective Medical Treatment Ever Devised

The Most Effective Medical Treatment Ever Devised

Look far and wide and you won’t find more effective medicines for preventing and treating disease than physical activity and exercise. Some people watch the Super Bowl each year just to see the entertaining commercials. I never watch the game live, because I can’t stand what those “creative” commercials are selling. First in line are the fast food giants, selling the saltiest, greasiest, fat-loaded industrial-processed substitutes for real food on the planet. Next come the factory-made salt-fat snack bombs, containing…

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The Role of Meditation in Weight Loss

The Role of Meditation in Weight Loss

Meditation can play a vital role in weight loss and improve an overweight or obese person’s ability to achieve weight-reduction goals. Recent studies indicate that approximately 70% of the U.S. population is either overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2), with 40% classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2).1 What we are witnessing is an unprecedented public health epidemic. Sad to say, only a small percentage of these people will ever achieve sustainable weight loss, somewhere between…

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