Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Communicating ideas that transcend a given belief system has always been an intriguing creative endeavor for me. For someone entrenched in their own belief system, learned from family or previous study or practice the mind can close off to listening and being present to something new- a new view.

I have found this to be true in spiritual and philosophical discussion where I have felt (note I) that the person wanted to communicate their experience as it related to studying a specific practice or under the tutelage of a given spiritual principle or teacher. It is in these circumstances that I start thinking to myself, 'I want to talk about the glory of 'it', of 'life itself', of your experience, not of how someone taught you to experience it.

And in that vein I am attracted to the Mindfulness work and its going wider stream in public workshops and workplaces. Mindfulness groups, or Mindfulness based stress reduction programs focus on the techniques and outcomes of greater focus, attentiveness, peace when developing and continuing a Mindfulness practice. The benefits listed are identical to those listed as benefits in having a steady meditation practice, with one main difference. Mindfulness consciously avoids explanations and wording that imply or connote having a spiritual or religious experience.

Secondly Mindfulness programs always include language on science based techniques for greater relaxation. With brain activity now trackable with scan technology (cite source) you can successfully argue that Mindfulness techniques give the brain outcome as practices meditators.

I am now tracking web and local sources of tools and descriptions for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for individuals and in the workplace. Here are my top (eventually to be a top 10 list)

1. UCLA Meditation Center- Several to guide you online.

http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22

2. Krame Center at Ramapo College runs 1/month free intro to mindfulness talks and practice. Sign up for their newsletter.

https://www.ramapo.edu/kramecenter/

next intro evening is Feb 25- flyer here à https://ramapo.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/eform/Md670w700B0c0x6702k24.ssc

3. Search Inside Yourself - a group started at Google that has expanded- interested in bringing mindfullness (meditation without a spiritual tone) into corporations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8fcqrNO7so

4. John Kabat-Zinn study course - http://www.mindfulnesscds.com/

short start from his bio- "Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society. He is Professor of Medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he founded its world-renowned Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic (in 1979)"

Music Favorites List

Music that fills the room and the mind. Conducive to moving, chanting, inspiring.
Check back for more updates

Long Tracks with Rhythm-
Gabrielle Roth- 5Rhythms   http://www.gabrielleroth.com/
Enigma- The Cross of Changes, MCMXC a.d.
Heartland- Tim Wheeter
Deep Forest- Deep Forest
Moodswings- by Moodfood

African Beat & World
Drums of Passion- Babatunde Olatunji
Baka- Outback

Native American
Sacred Earth Drums- David & Steve Gordon

Chakra Tones Resonance-
Edgar Cayce Sounds for Meditation- Jim Commander
Vibration of Singing Bowls- Crystal Voices
Xumantra- 'Healing Bells' and 'Singing Bowls' - use for peaceful sleep

Kirtan and Other Inspiration-
Flow of Grace, Door of Faith- Krisha Das  http://www.krishnadas.com/
Awakening, Enchanted- Robert Gass & Wings of Song
Moola Mantra & Others- Deva Premal
Unplugged- Wah!

Top Ten Reasons to Expand Mind through Study

Tomorrow is September 1 and most schools begin this week! There has been a shift, from the period slow summer relaxation into planning, scheduling and post Labor Day activity. Morning temperatures this morning were in the 50's and from the back porch see tree leaves sporting new yellow and red hues.

At the Spiritual Center I attend preparations are underway for a new series of classes. Always thinking of new ways to communicate this top 10 list seemed a great way to share the benefits of attending classes on philosophical and spiritual topics.

Top 10 List -- Reasons for Taking Classes this Fall
10. Explore great spiritual concepts like- Infinite Universe, Mind, Law, health, abundance and get home for CSI all in the same evening.
9. Learn one step at a time--- how to pray affirmatively—to do Spiritual Mind Treatment. When to use it, why you use it and begin using it in your day to day activities.
8. Understanding great thinkers like Thomas Troward, who lived in India, studied Eastern and Western Traditions and then lectured and wrote about ‘How things become Real- Mental Science.’ Learn a thinking structure about how thoughts become real objects and manifestations in your life.
7. Your Engine is running rough. You air filter is clogged and your check engine light is on. You need a tune up.
6. Explore and develop your own Spiritual Practice. Make friends while your study. Feel more deeply connected to the Universe. Free Coffee and Tea included.
5. Examine and Release old ideas of God that no longer serve you. ‘God is All There Is!’
4. Experience Diversity…Every 8 weeks is a new adventure- Three different teachers, 8 different classes are available.
3. Learn 3 responses for when your friends and family tell you, you’ve changed. You look so peace full.
2. Put more ‘juice in your life’. What you think you become!
1. You are already Perfect! Come see yourself in a brighter light!

Intro classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Sept 14 in Morristown. Which reasons speak to you? See you in class!