Tag Archives: meditation

Mandalas- Buddhist Art Of Tibet Coming To The Met

A mandala is a diagram of the universe—a map of true reality that in Tibet is used to conceptualize a rapid path to enlightenment.

September 19, 2024–January 12, 2025

Upcoming at The Met Fifth Avenue in Galleries 963–965

This exhibition explores the imagery of the Himalayan Buddhist devotional art through over 100 paintings, sculptures, textiles, instruments, and an array of ritual objects, mostly dating between the 12th and 15th centuries.

“Tibetan Dharma drum, one of the eight dharma instruments of Tibetan Buddhism, is one of the dharma instruments in Tibetan Buddhism. There are many kinds of dharma instruments, such as big drum, bronze drum, waist drum, crank drum, jie drum and gapala drum. Mainly used in buddhist celebrations, religious festivals, living Buddha sitting on the bed, kaiguang ceremony and other major festive activities. The drum hammer of a crank drum is bent, like a bow.

The drum is about one meter in diameter. When chanting, the lama holds the drum handle in his left hand and hits the accompaniment with a crank drum hammer in his right hand. Kala drum, also known as “zama ru” in Tibetan, is made of wood, ivory and human skulls. The falbala is played with the diamond bell.” rugrabbit.com

This dazzling visual experience provides a roadmap for understanding Himalayan Buddhist worship through early masterworks, juxtaposed with a newly commissioned contemporary installation by Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol.

From emmanuelgallery.org- “Tenzing Rigdol’s imposing buddha silhouettes greet the viewer in their recognizable cross-legged seated positions—a posture often associated with meditation and peace—and with a stunning visual effect enhanced by the use of silks and fire imagery. The work brings vivid colors and interesting patterns to the eye, but the fires seemingly emerging from the bodies of the buddhas are also direct acknowledgements of the 155 Tibetans who have self-immolated since February 27, 2009.

In an ultimate act of sacrifice, these Tibetans set themselves on fire with the hope of bringing attention to the oppression currently faced by their society under the laws of the Chinese government. And yet, the buddhas seem peaceful, even welcoming in their balanced postures, their calming presences perfectly harmonized by an artist well-versed in representing both destruction and construction.

The contradictions on display are meant to challenge the viewer. They are simultaneously safe and subversive: beautiful to look at, devastating to comprehend. They are emblematic of this ambitious imagery created by Tenzing Rigdol, a Tibetan artist who has never set foot in Tibet.”

The Met exhibition is made possible by the Placido Arango Fund and Lilly Endowment Inc.

Additional support is provided by the Florence and Herbert Irving Fund for Asian Art Exhibitions and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

Ancient Energy- Art Of Tai Chi Is Growing Fitness Trend

What will the next fitness trend be? Has it already arrived? 

Master Moy Lin shin

 

According to Bruce Frantzis, it is Tai Chi. Frantzis, called one of the Westʼs greatest living masters, holds authentic lineages in Taoist energy arts.

He calls Tai Chi an über-exercise because you can do it for health, healing, martial arts and meditation. In China they say, “Tai chi (a Qigong form) can be done by anyone, male and female, young and old, strong and weak, intelligent and slow, healthy or ill.”

An über-exercise for everyone.

Studies show that Tai Chi Qigong reduces stress, heals illnesses, increases mental and physical performance, and is an effective tool for aging well. This is of particular interest to Baby Boomers as they enter their 60s. It enables them to heal or prevent the aching joints, sore muscles, memory lapses, and many other issues that come after middle age.

This evidence is what is powering the surge of interest in the Chi arts. In my own experience, typical aches and pains related to aging disappeared when I resumed my Tai Chi practice after a lapse of years: achy sore knees are almost restored to normal; lower back pain is easily managed; migraines are rarer and deflected in minutes; sleep is deeper; eating properly is easier; and I have more energy. In fact, I have almost no physical complaints at all, and when something minor does arise I am more effective at self-healing.

Shoot-Hawk-with-Bow- the author demonstrating Tai Chi

These things are significant; but, even more important to me is the pure joy I feel from the movement, the rhythm, the flow, as I practice my set. And the fun and satisfaction I get in teaching others.

Many people try Tai Chi, enjoy it, but quit in frustration complaining that it is complex and hard to remember. It is complex. There are many subtle skills to remember and perform all at the same time: slow, relaxed, smooth, continuous, movements performed in a state of mental relaxation with slow, deep breathing; careful attention to the alignment of all joints; proper foot placement and and weight shifting; outer and inner focus.

In traditional teaching the student tries their best to follow along with the teacher, soaking up like a sponge all that the teacher has to offer. The teacherʼs curriculum is more important than students goals and needs. For some people this ‘teacher led’ style works well. But for many it does not.

As Tai Chi enters the mainstream this method is giving way to new learner friendly approaches. Older students respond with enthusiasm to methods which take into account their life experience and individual needs. Trained teachers are developing systematic ways to teach these subtle skills so that students know exactly what they are aiming for and when they achieve it. Students gain competency sooner and nearly every one notices benefits even from their first class. For the Silo, Jackie Davies. 

 

How to take care of yourself at night?

After a long day of work or school, it’s important to take care of yourself before bed.

Taking care of yourself at night ensures that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself at night:

Take Care of Your Skin

Taking care of your skin is an essential part of self-care. Before bed, make sure you remove your makeup and cleanse your face thoroughly. Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep it hydrated and prevent wrinkles and other skin problems. Don’t forget to use an exfoliating soap for the perfect beauty routine!

Unplug and Disconnect

We are constantly connected to our smartphones, laptops, and other devices. Before you go to bed, switch off all electronic devices or keep them away from your bedroom to ensure a peaceful and restful sleep. The blue light from electronic devices can disrupt our circadian rhythms and affect the quality of our sleep.

Create a Relaxing Environment

Your bedroom should be a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep. Make sure your room is dark, cool, and quiet. Use comfortable bedding and pillows that support your neck and spine. You can also use aromatherapy candles or diffusers to create a calming ambiance that helps you relax.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene is essential for a good night’s sleep. Make sure you stick to a regular sleep schedule and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime as they can interfere with your sleep quality. Also, try to establish a bedtime routine that helps you unwind and relax, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or meditating.

Do Relaxing Activities

Engage in relaxing activities before bed to calm your mind and promote a restful sleep. You can try reading a book, listening to calming music, practicing yoga or meditation, or taking a warm bath. These activities help reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with your sleep quality.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself at night is crucial for your overall health and well-being. By following these tips, you can create a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep and helps you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. For the Silo, Bill Gordon.

Doctor Has Four Simple Tips For Optimal Living

Have you ever felt like you need an upgrade on your life?

Most of us have – and there’s a way to get it, says veteran physician Sanjay Jain.

“First, I tell people, ‘Don’t be afraid of making your life  clearer.’ but as we have paraphrased from Chinese philosopher Laozi, ‘The journey  of a thousand miles begins with the first step,’ ”. Many argue that life is not simple and, therefore, there are no easy  answers,  says Jain, whose specialties  include integrative medicine. He’s also an international speaker and author of  Optimal Living 360 – (www.sanjayjainmd.com).

“Lives are built from many small components which, when  viewed as an assembled whole, can appear overwhelmingly complex,” Jain says.
“But when we break them down and consider the pieces as we make decisions in our  lives, it’s much easier to see how small adjustments can result in a better  return on all of the investments we make – not only in health, but in  relationships, finances, and all the other essential aspects of our  lives.”

Jain offers four points to keep in mind as you start the  journey.

• Life is short, so live it to its fullest potential. Live it optimally. This is your life, so don’t waste its  most precious resource – time. No matter one’s spiritual leanings, economic and education status, health, intelligence level, etc. – one thing is true for all: Our time on Earth is finite. There will be a time for most of us when, perhaps after a frightening diagnosis from a doctor, we reflect deeply upon our time and consider the most important moments, and all the time that may have been squandered.

• Balance is key. Too much or too little of something, no matter how good, is actually not good. Balance is one of the easiest tenets to understand, but arguably the most difficult to maintain. Obviously, too much alcohol is bad; then again, there are some health benefits to moderately imbibing red wine. What about too much of a good thing; can a mother love her children too much? Yes, if she is an overprotective “helicopter parent.” The best antidote to overkill of anything is awareness; try to be aware of all measures in your life.

• Learn to tap your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses. Engaging your strengths at work and in your personal life is important. When we do what we’re good at and what comes easily, we feel self-confident and satisfied. Some people, however, are not in jobs that utilize their strengths, or they don’t put their talents to work at home because they’re mired in the prosaic work of living. It’s important to identify your strengths and find ways to engage them. It’s equally important to recognize our weaknesses and work on improving them (because we can!) This is essential for achieving balance.

• Life is about making the right choices. Integrative decision-making makes this easier. There are many different types of decision-making, including systematic, hierarchal, impulsive, decisive and flexible. Integrative decision-making can be used for problems large and small, and includes the following process: 1. Define the problem. 2. Frame the problem. 3. Develop all your options. 4. Analyze your options. 5. Make the decision. 6. Execute your decision. 7. Debrief yourself.

"Don’t be afraid of making your life clearer." Dr. Sanjay Jain
“Don’t be afraid of making your life
clearer.” Dr. Sanjay Jain

While experts may be the best consultants for compartmentalized areas of your life, only you know the other aspects that affect your well-being and can determine how a decision in one area will affect another area.  For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley

Supplemental– Who was Laozi?  http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/330163/Laozi

The Father of Taoism- http://oregonstate.edu/instruction/phl201/modules/Philosophers/LaoTzu/laotzu.html

A List of the Best Things You Can Do to Better Yourself Mentally at Home

The year that was has been a real challenge for most of us, and although there is now light at the end of the tunnel, many people are still finding it difficult to relax.

We have all been stressed, and rightly so, and being stuck at home with nothing much to do but work, eat, and clean can be a pretty boring affair. But if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed within those four walls, there are still things you can do that will benefit you mentally – and it doesn’t have to be too complex or problematic, either. So what can you do to better yourself mentally while spending more time at home? Here’s your best list.  

  • Read 

It may be obvious, but ask yourself this: when was the last time you actually sat down and read something good? We’re not talking about a magazine or newspaper or scrolling through your social media accounts – we’re referring to an actual book with a great story that allows you to escape to another world. The merits of reading a book are known universally, yet so many of us have neglected these merits – so why not start now? If you’re thinking of what you can read, try searching online for recommended book lists; we’d start with a list of classic novels which people have enjoyed for years, even centuries. 

  • Start a journal 

Starting a journal is related to reading, in a way, but if you’ve never had a diary or your last one was way back in high school, now’s the perfect time to start (or re-start). The mere act of writing in a diary or journal is relaxing and reduces stress, and it’s a brilliant way to get a better perspective on an issue or problem. In addition, by writing in a journal, you can effectively release your concerns, ideas, feelings, and emotions so they don’t have to stay repressed inside you. 

  • Play an easy game or two  

It may also be the ideal time to unleash your love for gaming – and if you’ve spent many hours playing games as a child, then you know exactly what we mean. For example, you can play a board game with your loved ones, or if you are flying solo, you can play a nice and easy online game like those casino games that are so popular nowadays (you may even win a prize or two!). Look for the best online casino in Canada, and you can’t go wrong if you choose a popular and trustworthy site. Moreover, playing a game helps you de-stress since you’re concentrating on another thing that’s entirely different from your work or home concerns, and it can definitely put you in an excellent mood if you win. 

  • Listen to your favorite tunes 

If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate, you may need to rejuvenate yourself and recharge – and what better way to do it than by listening to your favorite tunes? So bring out your playlist and spend an hour or two getting lost in the music you love – and if you want something more relaxing, try looking for relaxation or meditation songs online. Listening to music can lower your heart and pulse rate and reduce your stress hormone levels.  For the Silo, Diane Hutton. 

Feature image: Pixabay.com   

Eight Ways To Make Time For Important Things

Dr. Alok Trividi

One of the most common lines that people love to use: “I wish I had more time.” Maybe it’s more time to spend with family or friends; more time to exercise and eat healthy; or more time to go back to school. Whatever it is, how do you make more time for those truly important things in your life?

Dr. Alok Trivedi, author of Chasing Success, says the reality is we all have the same 24 hours. The difference is some people know how to better manage it than others.  When it comes to making time for the important things, Dr. Trivedi recommends:

1. Minimize, minimize and minimize some more. There was a reason Marie Kondo’s novel about tidying up your space to become happy was so successful. There is truth in her message of eliminating the unnecessary and finding what you love in the process. Get rid of what does not bring you joy. This can be old items or even toxic relationships that no longer serve you. Less is really more.

2. Being busy does not bring you value. In North American culture, it can be all too easy to be running around completing task after task. Many people view this form of productivity as determining their worth in society. It’s wise to assess what in your life is bringing you value and maximize that rather than trying to do things that just don’t feel right and make you feel unworthy on the inside. Business is an excuse and distraction to overlook the things in which you may be afraid to focus your energy on.

3. Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness. Your time is precious and needs to be allocated to the most important things. Utilize your time to be both effective and efficient. Being only effective can be a time-consuming action. While complementary, being only efficient can lead to sloppy results. When you are doing any task, approach it within a concept of both maximum efficiency and total effectiveness to reap the best results. In your personal life, this is achieved through being present and genuine in your interactions.

4. Single task and hold your focus. Many people find themselves casually checking a single email, and before long they snap into full-fledged work mode. Develop a schedule and follow it religiously. It may be hard to find your groove initially, but if you stick to it, little by little it will become a habit.

gif by- cami5x5 deviantart.com

5. Know what you hold important. It is a challenge to know how to dedicate your free time if you haven’t discovered what you love. Find the activities where your creativity flows and your heart sings. Only in these states are you going to find yourself in the states of joy that make you feel life is worth living.

6. Address problems at the root. When you have the time to dedicate to the important things, you don’t want work problems to keep popping up. If there is a problem at work, address it from the start. Don’t keep putting it off, because it will fester at inopportune times. This goes both ways. If you have a personal dilemma with a family member, don’t run from it by adopting workaholic ways. Confront your problems head on to solve them with best results. Shying away will only allow the problem to become worse in the shadows.

7. Getting and staying organized. When it is time to be with friends and family the last thing you want to do is housework. Dedicate an initial cleaning and mass organization of your space. After this initial step, take a little time each day to clear your space and organize everything into its given area. The clarity of your physical space lends to clarity of mind. Then, there is mental space to focus on what matters, and not be distracted by the mess around you.

8. Block out time just for you. You must become your top priority. Declare certain times of the day and week that are just for you. This time can be for you to indulge in your favorite pastimes, meditate, or even to do nothing. This time is yours to center yourself and think about what you are presently encountering in life.

Live in every moment, and focus on the present. For the Silo, Alex Smith.

How to Have Much Better Digestive Health

Everyone experiences sporadic digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, gas, diarrhea, or dreaded constipation. Symptoms often go away on their own; however, they can cause major disruptions to your life when they occur frequently.

Fortunately, lifestyle and diet changes can have a positive influence on your gut health and some simple home remedies may ease discomfort.

In this article, we discuss a few ways that can help you to have better digestive health. Enjoy reading!

Stress management tips from an occupational therapy expert | HSC News

Relax (Manage Stress)

Anxiety and stress can affect the digestive system. Many people have a nervous stomach before a big event or important occasion, but sustained stress can affect the connection between the brain and the gut, causing continuing problems. There is a bond between physical and mental health, and reducing stress can positively impact both.

When you’re having a busy day, it can be tempting to rush your meals, but that can cause indigestion and stomach discomfort. Make the time to relax, especially before and after eating.

In addition, reducing stress by seeking support and making lifestyle changes may improve problems with digestion. It is well known that meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and yoga have improved digestive symptoms.

Include Fermented Foods in Your Diet

Fermented foods are partially or wholly broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria. These microorganisms work to preserve food, and they can also benefit your gut health.

Kimchi-  Lactic acid produced by bacteria during fermentation creates a tangy, pungent flavor similar to that of sauerkraut.

Bacteria occur naturally in the gut. There are good bacteria that help digest food, but there are bad ones that can cause problems with digestion if there are too many in the body. Furthermore, fermented foods contain good bacteria (probiotics) that may help you maintain a healthy digestive system. You can easily increase your probiotic intake by incorporating these fermented foods into your diet: probiotic yogurt, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kefir, or miso.

Probiotic yogurt is particularly known as a good choice in a fight with gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it’s an easy way to meet your daily probiotics goal, and it contributes to healthy gut flora.

15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts

Stay Hydrated

Low fluid consumption is a frequent cause of constipation. Experts recommend drinking 50–66 oz. (1.5–2 liters) of non-caffeinated drinks per day to prevent constipation.

An additional way to help fulfill your daily fluid intake needs is to include vegetables and fruits high in water, such as cucumber, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes, melons, celery, strawberries, and grapefruit.

The simplest way to digestive bliss: chew your food properly! | Alliance  For Natural Health

Chew Your Food

We all know digestion starts in your mouth. Your teeth break down the food into smaller pieces, and that way, they support the enzymes in your digestive system to also break it down better.

So keep this in mind next time you eat. Remember to chew your food slowly and make it ready for digestion!

To sum up, simple diet and lifestyle changes may help improve your digestion if you experience occasional, frequent, or even chronic digestive symptoms. In order to relieve some of these symptoms, try our suggestions from above. You will be surprised by the results!

Hypnotherapy

hypnotherapistSo many of my clients bring interesting cases to me, everyone is different and so therefore interesting in their own way. But one case that stands out was a client who had “misophonia” – which meant that she experienced a heightened feeling of anxiety or “fight or flight response” in response to certain sounds – mainly that of other people eating. It was becoming difficult even eating around her family. This was a case for hypnotherapy.

With just two sessions we completely solved the problem, We went back in time to her childhood where the problem began – with just a very innocent situation (she didn’t really remember this consciously) but her subconscious mind had held onto it and certain sounds still triggered anxiety. And rather than getting better over time, it was getting worse. Going back to that event, in a safe and controlled way, meant that the problem was resolved almost immediately.

What I described above is known as regression hypnotherapy. It’s all about going back in time to where the problem was first triggered. When people have problematic emotions which are being repeatedly triggered, such as panic, anxiety, depression, etc. , it is usually because something happened which wasn’t fully processed at the time and then the subconscious mind holds onto that feeling, thinking that it’s protecting you.

Once you go back to it, and process the “memory” properly (I say memory in inverted commas because often we don’t remember the event consciously, but it’s stored away in our subconscious which is like a giant library). So once we go back to the original event the subconscious is able to understand that it’s over now and releases the emotion. It is extremely powerful and cathartic. There is more information about regression hypnotherapy in my blog post here: http://www.synergy-wellbeing.com/category/regression/

Are there any preparations required before embarking on hypnotherapy?

"You're getting sleepy."
“You’re getting sleepy.”

Not really. I often recommend that people don’t drink a lot of caffeine before a session because this triggers the fight / flight response – which is the opposite to the relaxation response – so it can interfere with the session a little and make it harder to relax. But other than that, no. Someone who meditates or is good at visualization will generally find they go into hypnosis a lot more quickly, but everyone can be hypnotized. We’re in a state of hypnosis when we watch the television!

I would love to help someone who feels that they are “over–sensitive” – and I would prefer to call it “highly sensitive” myself – because their sensitivities could relate back to childhood and things they are subconsciously holding onto which distressed them. Regression hypnotherapy can help to release the memories trapped in the subconscious so that those emotions are not triggered so readily or inappropriately in the future. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is also an excellent technique which I teach my clients a lot – and this can used as a self help tool whenever needed too, on a daily basis even!


H
ow can we enable our subconscious to let go of bad feelings?

There is a technique which I use myself a lot, and also teach people about. It’s called mindfulness. The sad thing is that we are often told “don’t get upset / don’t cry, etc.” so we learn to push our feelings down – we suppress them. Another word for suppression is depression. So we can easily become depressed when we suppress our true feelings. One of the beautiful things that mindfulness teaches us is to be present as much as possible to our experience. So if you’re feeling angry, or hurt, for example, it’s much better to allow yourself to “feel” that feeling.

Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t make it feel worse, it actually really helps! So, next time you’re feeling bad – ask yourself “how am I feeling? What does that feel like? Where do I feel that in my body?” – really acknowledge it. And – hey presto! The feeling seriously diminishes or disappears altogether! Our feelings just want to be listened to, to be heard. So once we do this, they are satisfied and they settle back down.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is something else I practice, and this is wonderful for allowing us to let go of negative emotions. It is also known as the “tapping technique” and more information can be found on my website. For the Silo, Liz Davies Clinical Hypnotherapist and EFT Practitioner.

 

Yoga Legend Offers 7 Ways To Make Morning Time Your Favorite

Most people dread the moment the alarm clock goes off having to fight their way out of bed to start the day.  But what if you could turn morning time into your favorite time of the day, where waking up is actually easy and more enjoyable?

Aadil Palkhivala
Aadil Palkhivala

Yoga legend Aadil Palkhivala, known across the world as the “Godfather of yoga in the west,” and author of Fire of Love: For Students of Life and Teachers of Yoga, offers these tips that will make it easier to get going in the morning:

1. Wake up to something pleasant: The very first thing most people think about when they wake up are all the things they have to get done that day.  It quickly makes them feel overwhelmed, frustrated and stressed out. Instead, start your day thinking about the things you are grateful for, and focus on the fun activities you have planned for the day. Do some Heartfull TM Meditation that focuses on deep breathing that will wake you up peacefully and put you in the mood to create throughout the day.

  1. Lose the traditional alarm clock: Jarring the body from a deep sleep is unhealthy for the nervous system. Waking up to a softer noise that gradually increases in volume is a much better choice. Sounds from nature are soothing and naturally awake the body.

  1. Drink a glass of warm water right away: Before you head for the coffee, drink a glass of warm water. Warm water will open up the circulation in the throat and stomach. It helps the body naturally hydrate and feel awake and alive.  It also helps enhance circulation and removes toxins from the night and day before.  People who drink water right before bed and when waking up are also less prone to heart attacks.
  1. Have an organic smoothie: They say garbage in equals garbage out, so start your day with a powerful organic smoothie.  Anything that contains green fruits/veggies is a good choice, along with plant-based proteins. Avoid animal-based proteins which are more difficult to digest.
  1. Stretches: Just like you would warmup your car on a cold winter day, you need to break up the tension from the night before and get the body ready for action.  Do some simple stretches that focus on the neck, shoulders, hips and spine.

Warm Shower6. Take a warm shower: It’s as common as the chicken and egg debate: should you shower in the morning or at night?  The answer is actually both, but especially in the morning because a warm to hot shower will increase circulation in the skin, and help awake the nervous system.

  1. Clean air: When you sleep in a room that has clean air, you’re going to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.  Use an air ionizer and purifier with HEPA filter that removes odors and fumes from cleaners, aerosols, carpet and paint. HEPA filters remove more than 99 percent of airborne irritants.

For nearly thirty years, Aadil has been regarded as a “teacher of teachers,” and many of the world’s top yoga instructors have studied with him. He has a unique teaching style, mixing melodious instructions with recitations of poetry, philosophical insights, and in-the-moment humor.

Alive and Shine Center LogoAadil and his wife, Savitri, are the founders of Purna Yoga, a holistic synthesis of yogic traditions based on the work of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Discover more about Aadil  and the Alive and Shine Center.  For the Silo, Alex Smith.

Supplemental- A short history of Yoga http://swamij.com/history-yoga.htm

Sony’s Nature Sounds Alarm Clock- now discontinued but still available via Amazon and Ebay.

Play Golf Better Faster

Play Golf Better Faster is out and unless you’re Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods you’ll want to read this to get the best tips, strategies and more good-to-know content to improve your golf fame. Barlis’ book is organized into three sections: Using Your Brain, Practicing Your Game and Playing Your Game. You’ll feel your golf game improving with every page you turn. So in lieu of spoiling the need-to-know material in Play Golf Better Faster, here are some tips you can read until you get your hands on Barlis’ new book.

Kalliope Barlis New book: Don’t Chop Wood, Drive the Spike

PGA advises “If you put a log on the ground and asked someone to take out a chunk of wood from the log they would most likely swing the ax into the log at an angle and create sliced out section from the log. This action is done with an abrupt angle of attack into the wood log.”

For more of their tips visit:

http://www.pga.com/topic/golf-instruction/golf-tip-day

Know Your Wind

Calculating the wind before you swing may sound like a no-brainer but it’s a necessary reminder and can take years to really get down pact. Don’t be afraid to make a few waist-high practice swings to get the feel and stricter for your hit. Then pick your target area and move it according to the wind. Once you become a more seasoned golfer you will learn the wind strengths and you may even be able to detect the pattern the wind is blowing in. Just remember that practice makes perfect.

Mind Power

Like most sports, golf can be as much mentally challenging as it is physically.  It’s important to keep a clear mind so you don’t end up getting in your own way. Simple exercises you might have learned back in elementary school can be perfect for this scenario. If you’re stressing out about your score or your next shot take a deep breath in, hold it for 10 seconds and exhale -this strategy has been proven to help quell stress and panic. Another method is to wear a rubber band around your wrist and every time you start feeling anxious you snap the band. You’re not punishing yourself for stressing out -you’re actually training your brain! The small unpleasant feeling will eventually be linked to negative thoughts and soon without even thinking, your subconscious will start to repress those negative thoughts.

Global Meditation for Compassion will livestream FREE & feature Deepak Chopra

Chopra Meditate

The Chopra Center has just announced that the 2015 Global Meditation for Compassion will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 9 a.m. PT In Carlsbad, CA at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and meditation will be accessible worldwide for free via livestream in both English and Spanish [see link below DE]. Gabrielle Bernstein, best-selling author and motivational speaker, will lead a conversation around meditation and compassion with Deepak Chopra, M.D., founder of The Chopra Center and best-selling author, and Ismael Cala, acclaimed CNN en Español anchor, best-selling author and speaker.

A 15-minute guided meditation led by Chopra will follow the discussion. In addition, the event will include videos and questions contributed from the global livestreamed audience along with inspiring musical performances and special guest appearances. The Chopra Center 2014 Global Meditation for Peace currently holds the Guinness Book of World Record title for the largest global meditation worldwide with 140,000 in attendance from nearly every country. This will be their second annual global meditation and they are expecting to unite more than 500,000 people worldwide – breaking 2014’s record by nearly four times.

The second annual global movement will also host 1,500 guests at the live event and unite individuals, families and groups across the world for the largest meditation gathering in history. In addition, the event will include videos and questions contributed from the global livestreamed audience along with inspiring musical performances and special guest appearances.

Existential Suffering

“The Chopra Center’s mission is to serve as the global source for balance, healing, transformation and the expansion of awareness. By creating an opportunity for the world to be a part of the largest guided meditation, we hope to create a more compassionate world,” said Chopra. “It is time to rediscover our common truth – that we are all one.” This year’s meditation aims to increase compassion worldwide, creating a movement towards a kinder, more connected culture. For more information on how to sign up or to learn more, please visit: http://www.chopra.com/globalmeditation.html or email: marketingdirector@thesilo.ca  Tickets to the live event are currently available for purchase for 49$USD+service fee at: https://tickets.brightstarevents.com/event/GlobalMeditation

Click to view on I-tunes
Click to view on I-tunes

Crop Circles And Sacred Sites Of England Tour

Most patterns in crop circle formations are not readily visible from ground level but details can be noticed and pathways lead to contemplation, relaxation and discovery. Did you know that in Summer 2011 The Silo visited a crop circle in Port Dover,Ontario, Canada? Check back later- we will upload a photo soon CP
Most patterns in crop circle formations are not readily visible from the ground.

Most tangible of Earth mystery
Created anew each year
On underground currents of energy
By sacred sites do appear –
Bedazzle us with your beauty yet again!

 

There are few mysteries more accessible than crop circles. Each spring and summer these enigmatic patterns appear overnight in crop fields, particularly around the Avebury landscape temple in Wiltshire, England. Whenever possible we enter these beautiful creations within hours of their forming, when the energy of a genuine formation is at its strongest. Cosmic works of art, ET communications in sacred geometric format, pranksters’ hoaxes, spiritual guidance or a warning voice from Gaia, whatever your opinion crop circles are fascinating and truly remarkable.

We have access to the information network that provides breaking news on the latest formations. Some days expert researchers will join us in the circles to share their knowledge and perspectives with us, showing us what to look for or how to dowse for any energy present. You may want to sit quietly in meditation, try and discover what the pattern is (often difficult to tell from the ground inside a formation) or dance with the flow of the lain stalks. Everyone reacts differently to crop circles but no-one can ignore them.

 

 

This part of England is also home to some of the world’s most powerful ancient sacred sites including Stonehenge, Avebury and Glastonbury. We will take time to truly experience these places of power including exclusive access to the world famous Stonehenge for a private visit outside of normal hours. Being based close to the World Heritage Site of Avebury Landscape Temple we have daily access to such sites as Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow and the Sanctuary. In historic Glastonbury we will visit the Abbey, Chalice Well and the Tor.

We’re also offering a pre-tour extension to attend the prestigious Summer Crop Circle Lectures where you will hear fascinating presentations and meet the presenters as well as all the other ardent ‘croppies’.

 

May we recommend Track 7 Disc 2's "Trampled Underfoot" for listening to while walking through your Crop Circle? ;)
Track 7 Disc 2: “Trampled Underfoot”

 

Tour Highlights:

• Visits into crop circles
• An optional helicopter flight over these exquisite patterns
• Private out-of-hours access into Stonehenge
• Attendance at the world’s leading Crop Circle Conference with International researchers
• Visits to some of England’s most powerful sacred sites

Supplemental- Crop circles discovered West of Port Dover, Ontario?

We would have liked a higher vantage point. We saw geometric patterns in the crops. These patters were not visible the day before. This field was cut within 24 hours of this photo being taken. image: Mith Media/The Silo all rights reserved