Meditation Secrets Revealed » Resources & Reviews

Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga in Public Schools – Part 1

Vlad Moskovski — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:44:01 +0000

As I look around me at a classroom of over 20 eager and curious 6th graders sitting on pillows in a carpeted room with colorful paintings, famous quotes, and a picture of social change leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr, I can’t help but think how far we have come.

At this West Oakland School, every youth is taught mindfulness meditation, yoga, and mindful listening. This under-funded inner city school is taking a radical step towards preventing further violence in it’s community by teaching students to seek more peaceful and harmonious ways to live. Growing Up Mindful, is a program designed to teach students mindfulness, open and honest communication, yoga, and other consciousness raising activities. Knowing that this class is now integrated into the school curriculum with the approval and encouragement of the staff and principal is a dream come true.

This program is no singularity, similar programs are sprouting in many elementary, middle, and high schools all over the country. Yoga and Mindfulness are also being taken into jails, juvenile halls, and hospitals. With so much research to back up the claims that Mindfulness meditation and yoga improve concentration, memory, attention, reduce stress, and improve overall health, its no wonder that these ancient practices are finally making their way to public schools.

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, in a school setting students experience a radical boost to their self esteem and improved self image and confidence. By practicing yoga students are able to gain confidence in their own abilities to overcome physically and mentally challenging poses with a peaceful mind. The curriculum also focuses on establish mutual respect, kindness, and understanding- crucial to students facing inner city violence and oppression in their own communities.

Best book on Taoism: The Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Vlad Moskovski — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:44:00 +0000

There are two books that I treasure above all others in my life. I have already written about the first, it is the Ptanjali Yoga Sutras by Swami Satchidananda, this book is the second.

I have flipped through many different versions and translations of the Tao Te Ching, but this one always strikes me as the best and clearest of them all. The author has had years of experience as a Zen practitioner and meditator. I believe that this background and experience has helped him understand the deeper meaning behind the paradoxical language found in the Toa Te Ching. Stephen Mitchell himself says, “I have often been fairly literal – as as literal as one ca be with such a subtle, kaleidoscopic book… If I haven’t always translated Lao Tzu’s words, my intention has always been to translate his mind.”

I have had this little book for many years and it never ceases to amaze me just how much insight and perspective I can gain from re-reading just a few passages. Sometimes, I just open it at random to a page and read it, like a horoscope for that day. Other times, I search greedily for the passage that moves me and re-read it over and over again until it is burned into my memory. Like a soft whisper in my mind, the lines come back to me when I most need them to remind me to stay present and embody the Tao in my life.

The word “kaleidoscopic” seems very fitting for such a book because there are are hundreds of lessons or paths that you can take to understanding. There are 81 stanzas in total, and yet there is mainly one bold and central idea that underlies all passages. Lao Tzu wants to make sure that the reader really gets it. Even though he then laughs at the idea because it is not a matter of “getting it” but rather using it.

To quote another passage, “The Tao is like a bellows: it is empty yet infinitely capable. The more you use it, the more it produces; the more you talk of it, the less you understand.”

I frequently think of this book as a spiritual instruction manual. Its not philosophy, its not psychology, rather, its like an Ikea manual for assembling a lamp or table. Of course the Ikea manual will give only enough instructions on how to assemble the object, while the Tao Te Ching gives 81 instructions – often referencing “The Master” or one who is in alignment with the Tao. Thus, this is a unique spiritual book unlike any other simply because it was written to confuse the intellectual mind. A rational and reasonable person will find this book frustrating, certainly illogical, and quite possibly even useless. It is a brilliant way to filter readers and pass down wisdom without having the original message garbled up. This book is a gem of wisdom, its no wonder that it has survived all this time and continues to inspire new generations of readers. A few final words from master Lao Tzu.

“In the pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.

In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.

Less and less do you need to force things, untill finally you arrive at non-action.

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

True mastery can be gained by letting things go their own way.

It can’t be gained by interfering.” (Stanza 48).

The Ojai Yoga Crib – A Yoga Retreat Like No Other

Vlad Moskovski — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:04:41 +0000

The teacher’s voice is like a soft whispering hum filling the room, it tickles the skin and nourishes just the right place within. To be in the presence of such a brilliant, loving, and soulful teacher is a rare opportunity. As we move from pose to pose, sweat dripping from our faces, there is an internal smile that awakens with gratitude and joy at the awesomeness of such a class. This is no regular yoga class, here, we are a community, we are loved, and we feel at home. We are at the Ojai Yoga Crib.

Having been to many festivals, workshops, and gatherings, few events feel so deliciously good, so inspiring, and refreshing. Maybe it is because the crib takes place in the small town town of Ojai, nestled into a beautiful and lush valley just one and a half hours north of the busy concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Perhaps it is the amazing venues where classes are held. A class in the geodesic dome reveals the stunning acoustical properties of its geometric shape, where the musical voice of the teacher’s singing arcs and leaps with a whispers right into your ear. We pack into a school bus, bringing back memories of school days, and with giddy excitement we head for the stunning meditation center. Up there, as I move from downward dog into cobra, my gaze travels far ahead looking at the distant mountains surrounding us and the lush oaks covering the hills like millions of broccoli heads. Ojai is infused with the energy of spiritual wisdom and radiant beauty, it is where the famous spiritual leader Krishnamurti settled down and spent much of his time.

The crib is hosted by Lulubandhas – a yoga studio in Ojai. It is the brainchild of Kira and Eric Ryder and is made possible by the joint effort of a loving community of yogis. From the moment one arrives at headquarters, there is a sense of joy and togetherness that is unlike anything else I have experienced. Everything detail has been thought through to make this three day yoga retreat exciting and accessible. Starting from the butterfly engraved outfits of the friendly team of volunteers to the simple and colorful schedule, every detail is an expression of the care and love that went into this event. Participants are able to choose from some of the best and most diverse teachers, each one bringing a unique perspective, years of experience, and a deep reverence for the science and art of yoga. The biggest challenge for me was to choose between the teachers for the five classes that are offered. Two classes the first and second day, one class on the last.

Meditation is held every morning and at 9 am, the first two and a half hour class begins. A vegetarian lunch is offered at headquarters or participants can choose from any of the wonderful restaurants around town. After lunch, allowing for some time for digestion, contemplation, and a mid-afternoon nap, the second two and a half hour class begins. In the evenings, inspirational dharma talks, kirtan, music, and dancing provide entertainment and bring all the yogis together for a celebration of the spirit, mind, and heart.

As hard as it was to leave the crib, I am left with a deep sense of fulfillment and love. Rejuvenated and re-inspired, I already can’t wait for next year to come soon enough. Thank you Eric, Kira, Lulubanhdas, and everyone that helped make this such a masterful and blissful event.

The crib is hosted by Lulubandhas – a yoga studio in Ojai. It is the brainchild of Kira and Eric Ryder and is made possible by the joint effort of a loving community of yogis. From the moment one arrives at headquarters, there is a sense of joy and togetherness that is unlike anything else I have experienced. Every detail has been thought through to make this three day yoga retreat exciting and accessible. Starting from the butterfly engraved outfits of the friendly team of volunteers to the simple and colorful schedule, every detail is an expression of the care and love that went into this event. Participants are able to choose from some of the best and most diverse teachers, each one bringing a unique perspective, years of experience, and a deep reverence for the science and art of yoga. The biggest challenge for me was to choose between the teachers for the five classes that are offered. Two classes the first and second day, one class on the last.

Meditation is held every morning. At 9 am, the first two and a half hour class begins. Afterwards, a vegetarian lunch is offered at headquarters or participants can choose from any of the wonderful restaurants around town. After lunch, allowing for some time for digestion, contemplation, and possibly a mid-afternoon nap, the second two and a half hour class begins. In the evenings, inspirational dharma talks, kirtan, music, and dancing provide entertainment and bring all the yogis together for a celebration of the spirit, mind, and heart.

The Ojai Yoga Crib Website
Lulubandhas Website

Improve Your Brain & Memory Through Super Brain Yoga

Vlad Moskovski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:57:27 +0000

Here is something new. A rather interesting technique that people are calling super brain yoga.

The exercise in itself is very simple and involves the use of breath retention combined with crossing the left and right arm. This is very similar to the eagle pose in yoga where the left arm is crossed over right as right leg is crossed over left. The idea is to mismatch and break the natural synchronized patterning of body motion in order to create new patterns and awareness. Using breathing and an up and down motion also help retrain the brain and makes the movement more memorable. The video below mentions that the effectiveness of the technique is due in part to the placement of the fingers on the earl lobes that are related to acupressure points.

Supposedly, doing this exercise 15 times daily in the morning makes children and adults smarter by synchronizing the two brain hemispheres. I wanted to bring this technique to your attention with the hopes that some of my readers will try it out and comment back on this post what they thought of it. I will try this technique out for the next two week doing 15 repetitions every morning and will send out an update on effects and self observations.

Here is the short video about it and a link to the specific instruction on how to do it. As the video points out, this is especially powerful for kids with learning or emotional disabilities.

Here is something new. A rather interesting technique that people are calling super brain yoga.

Here is the short video from CBS2 News about it and a link to the specific instruction on how to do it. As the video points out, this is especially powerful for kids with learning or emotional disabilities.

Video, Instructions.

Out of Body Experiences & Astral Projection

Vlad Moskovski — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:40:32 +0000

Book Review: Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

For those who are seriously interested in developing their awareness of subtle energies and wish to practice astral projection or out of body experience, I highly recommend the book Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. This comprehensive book gives specific techniques on how to go about leaving your body and has several extremely helpful chapters on energy work. Bruce also presents his theory of astral travel, how it works and potential dangers.

In order to achieve out of body experience consciously, Bruce says it is helpful to develop the energy body. The first stage is to become aware of energy and learn to sense where it is, which direction it is moving and guiding it through the body. Second, each minor energy center such as the hands and feet must be awakened. One may discover energy blockages in the body and those must be undone, similar to massaging a tight muscle in order to realse it. Once energy is able to move freely, a circular pattern is established from the toes to head and back down again. Specific techniques are then introduced to aid the process of seperating the energy body from the physical body. For anyone interested in this topic, this is a must read.

Book Review: Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

For those who are seriously interested in developing their awareness of subtle energies and wish to practice astralprojection or out of body experience, I highly recommend the book Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. This comprehensive book gives specific techniques on how to go about leaving your body and has several extremely helpful chapters on energy work. Bruce also presents his theory of astral travel, how it works and potential dangers.

In order to achieve out of body experience consciously, Bruce says it is helpful to develop the energy body. The first stage is to become aware of energy and learn to sense where it is, which direction it is moving and guiding it through the body. Second, each minor energy center such as the hands and feet must be awakened. One may discover energy blockages in the body and those must be undone, similar to massaging a tight muscle in order to release it. Once energy is able to move freely, a circular pattern is established from the toes to head and back down again. Specific techniques are then introduced to aid the process of separating the energy body from the physical body.

I practiced the exercises in this book diligently for several weeks and saw amazing results. I began to sense energy not only in my own body but also in other people’s energetic fields which greatly informed me about their personality and character. I almost succeeded in having an out of body experience at the end of the first week but the experience was extremely frightening and exhilarating at the same time. Since then, I have given up on attempting to leave my body but I still practice the energy exercises that I learned from the book. They are intuitive, simple, and extremely effective. For anyone interested in this topic, this is a must read.

Mind Altering & Meditation Technology – The Psyleron Mind Lamp

Vlad Moskovski — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:28:34 +0000

There are many products out there, on the internet, that boast the ability to help you achieve a meditative state or teach you how to meditate, but non compare to the fantastically simple, elegant, and beautiful Mind-Lamp produced by Psyleron Inc. This product not only helps you learn how to attain a meditative state, it also allows you to get in touch with your unconscious and intuitive mind. Psyleron is a relatively new company, but it has deep roots that trace back to over 25 years of scientific research conducted by the PEAR Laboratory at Princeton University. Their kaleidoscopic lamp, sitting on my table in front of me right now, produces a beautiful spectrum of colors, and responds to my moods, thoughts, beliefs, and intentions. As shocking as this sounds, it actually responds to how I feel.

Frequently, the lamp reflects my feeling of joy or curiosity by displaying a rich and deep purple or magenta color, a stuck or annoyed mood will typically produce blues or reds. When I am deeply in thought, the color turns darker but when I turn to stare at it, trying to will it to change, it goes to white or produces a weak color that quickly fades back to white. From my experience, the more conscious attention I give the lamp, the less the effect, but when I am deeply engrossed and the conscious mind is completely occupied, the interaction becomes significantly stronger and much more striking. When someone else enters the room, the lamps “knows” by quickly changing to a color that I rarely see. It seems that each person has unique interaction with the lamp and the lamp responds by displaying that person’s color, or family of colors. Fascinating isn’t it? I have had the lamp for two weeks and I am totally attached to it, every night I am tempted to bring it upstairs to keep me company at night.

The magic is in the quantum-based technology and circuit board that sits at the bottom of the lamp; it was initially developed at the PEAR Laboratory and relies on random event generator to produce randomized bits of information. The PEAR Laboratory research statistically proved that over many trials, a person’s conscious intention has an effect and can interact and influence the data produced by the random event generator. Along with the Mind-Lamp, Psyleron also offers several other unusual inventions and technologies for unlocking your mind, you can find out more about their product, technical information, PEAR Laboratory research and much more by visiting their website Psyleron.com.

References:

http://www.psyleron.com/

http://www.mind-lamp.com/

http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/

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Best Books About Meditation and Yoga – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Vlad Moskovski — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:35:16 +0000

With so many books being published on the topics of yoga and meditation, it can be difficult, confusing, and frustrating to know exactly which book to pick, who to believe and which path to follow.

One of my favorite books on the subject is The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Sutra in Sanskrit means strand and the book is a compilation of ancient strands of text that are woven together to form the foundation of yoga philosophy. With over four thousand years of recorded history, yoga is surprisingly scientific and logical in its approach to enlightenment and the achieving of Samadhi – the ultimate meditative state. Unlike many watered-down new age books out there, this is the real deal and I can honestly say that reading and following the wisdom in this book has dramatically transformed my life. I check in with the book from time to time to find out where I am at and how far I have come in my understanding of the sutras. I would encourage anybody interested in yoga, meditation, awareness, stress relief, and inner peace to get this book. There are many meditation practices out there and you can find numerous techniques on this website but ultimately it’s not so much about the road you take, rather it’s your level of dedication and consistent practice that will make the difference. Ultimately, all roads lead to the same place.