“The Maharishi School (MS) encompasses Kindergarten through Grade 12. When Oprah Winfrey visited she said, “Some people are working toward raising consciousness but the MS students are living raising consciousness.” …Six-million-plus TM meditators around the world—both the unsung and the celebrated—enjoy the benefits of Maharishi’s TM: health and wealth; dynamic creativity and increased energy; inner peace and happiness—ingredients for world peace…”

“Although there are many styles of qigong, they are all based on a practice called Standing Meditation, a way of standing like a tree with deep roots and tall, supple branches. Standing Meditation is said to improve posture, balance, strength, and vitality. It also makes the mind quiet and alert. The practice is based on “the Three Tunings”– gently adjusting the body, breath, and mind so that they make clear and harmonious “music.””

I was pleased to see that Deepak Chopra took the time to attend the protests on Wall Street and raise the consciousness and awareness levels of those participating towards a means of peace and nonviolence. “Chopra led a two minute meditation with the General Assembly, a nightly meeting where the occupiers give updates on the protest, share plans and debate ideas. To allow everyone to hear the speaker without the use of bullhorns or electronic equipment (which are not allowed in the park), the occupiers repeat what the speaker says so that everyone else can hear. They call this the “people’s mic.””

“Researchers predicted in advance that the calming influence of group meditation practice could reduce violent crime by over 20 percent in Washington, D.C., during an 8-week period in the summer of 1993. In fact, the findings later showed that the rate of violent crime–which included assaults, murders, and rapes–decreased by 23 percent during the June 7 to July 30 experimental period. The odds of this result occurring by chance are less than 2 in 1 billion. Rigorous statistical analyses ruled out an extensive list of alternative explanations, according to John Hagelin , lead author of the study…”

“I’ve noticed that when I stretch a little before I meditate, I sit still more comfortably. I have heard that hatha yoga was originally invented by meditating monks to help them meditate. Whether it was or not, it does make meditation easier. It is easier to sit the whole time in comfort and without fidgeting after some gentle stretching.” The second part of Adam Khan’s wonderful article continues to really offer a lot of important information on meditation. Adam is the author of the book Self-Help Stuff That Works. You must read Part II!!

“The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural, effortless process practiced 15-20 minutes twice daily while sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It is unique among techniques of meditation, distinguished by its effortlessness, naturalness and profound effectiveness. The Transcendental Meditation® Program regularly holds FREE introductory talks on the Transcendental Meditation program in Westchester County and other nearby areas. Their main office located in Katonah, NY.”

“Can people strengthen the brain circuits associated with happiness and positive behavior, just as we’re able to strengthen muscles with exercise? Richard Davidson, who for decades has practiced Buddhist-style meditation — a form of mental exercise, he says— insists that we can… Contemplative neuroscientists say that making a habit of meditation can strengthen brain circuits responsible for maintaining concentration and generating empathy.”

“Like taking out the trash, our minds need to also be emptied of background noise and thoughts to connect to the core of who we are. Speaking on meditation, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet said, “If a person’s basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. One the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.” “

“Everything happens for a reason. The stress, discomfort and suffering in life all try to call out to us to look at our conditions, our lives in a different way. It is up to us to either heed that call, or ignore it. We cannot control the rise and fall of emotions, but we can learn to moderate the up and down of the emotional roller coaster by learning to develop our awareness and by deepening our breath.”