Mind, body, spirit: meditation and visualization Books

Book SynopsisShort and simple meditations that can be used throughout the working day to reduce stress, strengthen focus and concentration, enhance working relationships and improve the quality of your day. By applying the principles of mindfulness to our working lives, we can become aware of our habitual negative thoughts and behaviours and learn to recognize and manage the warning signs of stress, which is an all-too-common part of modern life. The rise of digital media means that many people never really “switch off” from work and the culture of presenteeism means many people spend more time at work than ever before. Many people spend a lot of time either ruminating on previous problems or worrying about future work-related issues. Mindfulness expert Anna Black's simple but effective practices will help you to perform well, minimize stress, and be more productive at work. Anna’s suggestions are applicable to both office-based workers and those who work from home and she covers a range of topics including working mindfully with others, paying mindful attention in meetings and using meditation to cope with stressful situations.

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Book SynopsisCareer, relationships, health, happiness, sport, creativity you name it they can all be enhanced by the practice of meditation. It has the power to improve every aspect of our lives.Although there has recently been a lot of coverage of meditation, most people still see it narrowly as being a relaxation technique, or a spiritual exercise. It can be both these things, but it is also so much more.This book is an attempt to explain the more'.

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Book SynopsisGet Inspired to Transform Your Life By Top European Transformational Leaders.38 transformational leaders share stories of their own personal transformational experiences with the reader. They offer these stories, lessons, insights, tools, and techniques to the reader to support the reader in their own life, and maybe even in their own personal transformation too.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on the ancient tradition of contemplation, Reflective Integration Therapy™ shows how mantra meditation and reflective therapy can be used with clients with high functioning autism.The Reflective Integration Therapy™ programme uses the cognitive differences in those with autism, such as their innate capacity for silence, withdrawal, intense focus and repetition as sources of therapeutic healing. This manual introduces this fresh, unique therapeutic approach, creating an essential resource for all practitioners working in the field of autism. All the material for twelve weekly sessions of therapy is included within the book.Trade ReviewI highly recommend this book to all health practitioners working with clients with ASC. The method is powerful and revolutionary. With great skill, insight and love Rachael has given us a map for how to assist our clients to understand and accept themselves at the deepest levels, seeking not to change or to cure but to heal. If you are on the spectrum, ask your psychologist or counsellor to use this book. -- Dr Michelle Garnett MPsych(Clin) PhD(Psych) MAPS MCCP Clinical Psychologist/Director of Minds & Hearts: A Unique Clinic For Autism Spectrum ConditionsRachael's refreshing new therapy describes a journey of self-acceptance from within, often a unique experience for autistic individuals who are constantly dealing with non-acceptance in a neuro-typical world. Whilst highlighting and utilising the positives of autism (of which there are many!) Harris channels these strengths in 12 outlined sessions to aid clients in a journey of change from a very internal perspective. Not fixing, but healing. -- Rachel Nelmes, Counsellor MBACP BA (Hons)Rachael Harris has developed an innovative therapy model based in meditation and contemplation. Focussed on the strengths in autism and the therapeutic relationship, the book presents a new model of supporting autistic clients to achieve social, emotional and spiritual growth. I strongly recommend this book to therapists and clinicians working with autistic people. -- eanette Purkis, autistic advocate, speaker and co-author of The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism SpectrumTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; Disclaimer; Foreword by Tony Attwood; Introduction; 1. A Brief Philosophy; 2. The Centrality of the Therapeutic Relationship; 3. Programme Outline; 4. RIT™ Session 1 - The Practice of Mantra Meditation; 5. RIT™ Session 2 - Beginning the Journey; 6. RIT™ Session 3 - The Mystery of Self; 7. RIT™ Session 4 - The Healing of Memories; 8. RIT™ Session 5 - Autism and the Ego; 9. RIT™ Session 6 - Building Emotional Resilience; 10. RIT™ Session 7 - Autistic Awareness; 11. RIT™ Session 8 - Self-Esteem; 12. RIT™ Session 9 - Removing the Mask; 13. RIT™ Session 10 - The True Self; 14. RIT™ Session 11 - Self and Service; 15. RIT™ Session 12 - Debriefing and Continuing Care; 16. Case Studies; Tables and Figures; References; Further Reading and Resources; Glossary; Index

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the foundational knowledge to ethically and knowledgably integrate yoga into play therapy practice with children and families and create life-long change.The mind-body connection that underpins the approach taken by the authors helps children to integrate adverse experiences and find new meanings associated with the past, and allows healing to begin. The book covers infant toddler mental health, theories of attachment, learning and development, neurobiology and the pervasive effects of developmental adversity or trauma on a child. It offers adaptations with special populations including group work and family systems work, and provides next steps for future professional growth in this area.Trade ReviewThis book is an inspiring and compelling body of work, a resource for anyone working with children and families. It is an honor to see Michelle and Lindsay apply their Imagination Yoga training; leveraging yoga and storytelling to help children and families find new mind-body connections. -- Jessica McClintic & Jamie Dix, Imagination Yoga FoundersTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; Introduction: Rationale behind the book and how we came to develop a yoga and play paradigm; 1. A primer on child development, play and expressive arts therapies; 2. The mind body connection: Yoga and play to address adverse experiences for children; 3. Non-directive and directive yoga and play therapy: Case examples: Kelly, Anna and Emily; 4. Yoga and play can happen in every setting: Group and family systems; 5. Concluding Thoughts: Self-care and future research; Further Reading; About the Authors; References; Index

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Book SynopsisIs life getting on top of you? Do you dream of being stranded on an island just for some alone time? Are you currently standing on a chair, screaming, ‘Enough is enough!’? I get it. Your diary is full and your brain is racing. The hectic world we live in demands so much of you, it can be exhausting to keep up. You crave spa days and holidays to recharge but, while they offer short-term respite, they don’t give you the long-term rejuvenation you really need. Well, come down off that chair, open up this book, and feel your stress float away. To achieve complete rest, we need to develop eight different rest habits. Packed with simple activities, backed by science and personal experiences, calmism takes a fresh look at the eight essential habits for rest and offers a menu of easy-fit options to give you the variety that’s key to wellbeing. With just a few minutes’ attention each day, you can cultivate positive, daily habits that stick, to help you feel ultimately revitalised. Welcome to calmism – a restful way to take control of your energy and find that tranquil island within.Trade ReviewPraise for the author’s Drinkology, which was shortlisted for the 2019 André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards: ‘Like a new Bill Bryson, she offers an easy sharing of deep knowledge, with humour, where one learns things in a gentle way without it feeling like learning’ Dan Jago, judge of the André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards ‘Hot or cold, caffeinated, alcoholic, sweet or not, this book provides a fascinating cultural history of our favourite drinks, and explores the science (or not) underpinning their many health claims. A wonderful read!’ Dr Giles Yeo, author of Gene Eating ‘A truly engaging read. By dispelling common health misconceptions and debunking bad science, Drinkology arms us with information to make better choices about what we drink, not just what we eat' Ian Marber, a founder of The Food Doctor ‘Very engaging and entertaining . . . a clear guide to everything we need to know about drinks, from water to milk, tea, alcohol and beyond. Dr Willett dispels common myths and fads and sets the record straight . . . allowing us to make fully informed choices. A fascinating deep dive into the science behind everything we drink' Elisabeth Cresta and Caroline Day, founders of Fight the Fads 'It is thorough but accessible, and consistently shows the health and wellness claims of fashionable beverages as marketing fantasy... This is a proper book, not a gimmick to seduce the panicking Christmas shopper, but it is sufficiently graze-able to prevent tying up the bathroom for disagreeable lengths of time' Strong Words ‘We spend a lot of time worrying about our diets, but not so much consideration is given to drink. That’s why the new book from Dr Alexis Willett, Drinkology: The Science of What We Drink and What It Does to Us, from Milks to Martinis, is so fascinating. It reveals the fact and fiction behind the claims for liquids including kombucha, tea, red wine, coffee, tap water and nut milk, so we can make better informed quaffing choices. Glug’ Scotsman ‘Drinkology is clever, it's thought-provoking and it may just change your taste in beverages’ Woman’s Way ‘A fascinating insight into common misconceptions and misleading health claims’ Vegetarian Living ‘Highly entertaining and you'll learn along the way’ Spiritsfully'Awe-inspiring' -- Jo Good, BBC Radio

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Book SynopsisClose your eyes, take a deep breath and unwind...Reaching complete relaxation in the midst of our busy lives might seem hard to achieve, but it's easier than you think: a few simple methods and techniques can make all the difference.Bursting with tips, calming statements and activities, How to Relax will provide you with everything you need to channel your inner peace and help you feel content.

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Book SynopsisHow did a venerable Indian spiritual discipline turn into a £20 billion-a-year mainstay of the wellness industry? What happened along yoga’s winding path from the caves and forests of the sages to the gyms, hospitals and village halls of the modern West? This comprehensive history sets yoga in its global cultural context for the first time, leading us on a journey from arcane religious rituals and medieval body-magic, through Christianity and the British Empire, to Indian nationalists and the twentieth-century West. Yoga has now become embedded in powerful social currents including feminism, digital media, celebrity culture, the stress pandemic and the quest for authentic identity. Shearer’s revealing history boasts a colourful cast of characters past and present, in an engaging tale of scholars and scandal, science and spirit, wisdom and waywardness. This is the untold story of yoga, warts and all.Trade Review‘This is a tale of what happens when East and West meet, and about a shift from the sacred to the secular. [Yoga’s] journey west gives Shearer a compelling cast of characters.’ -- The Sunday Times'Erudite, scholarly and engrossing.' -- The Sunday Telegraph'A clear-eyed, elegantly written and wonderfully informative history of yoga … Shearer’s remarkable book is a wide-ranging and rather sobering discussion on the nature of authenticity.’ -- Spectator‘Amid a sea of guidebooks, historian Alistair Shearer has provided a worthwhile counterpoint, [offering] advice as important as any guru’s techniques.’ -- Financial Times‘A quick-witted and erudite chronicle of the Hindu practice that is now a lucrative staple of “wellness” in the West.’ -- The Wall Street Journal‘This is a compelling history of how an amazing ancient art became an integral part of western life.’ -- The Irish Times‘Shearer … writes with exquisite sensitivity about the teacher-student relationship.’ -- Hindustan Times‘An ambitious book indeed … [with] a scholarly side, and a catchy journalistic verve.’'This is a fascinating survey not only for practitioners of the world’s burgeoning Wellness industry [but also] for general readers anxious about the fate of civilisation itself.' -- Asian Affairs Journal‘Erudite, informative and witty … I cannot over-emphasize the grace and humour of the text as well as its seriousness of purpose.’ -- Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network'The history of East meeting West through Yoga is as complex and enigmatic as it is important. Alistair Shearer unfolds the narrative with just the right combination of scholarly rigour and compelling prose.' -- Philip Goldberg, author of 'American Veda' and 'The Life of Yogananda'' "The Story of Yoga" offers an absorbing chronicle of the rise of yoga, tracing its evolution through history to its rapid global proliferation today, with insights into the challenges on the way ahead. Exceedingly accessible and engaging, this is the definitive account of the remarkable growth of one of the world's most popular and beneficial human activities.' -- Shashi Tharoor, author of 'Inglorious Empire''Frequently amusing, but always scholarly and engaging, Shearer's study deftly works it way through the history of yoga, from the purity of Patanjali's Sutras to the mix'n'match brands endorsed by modern celebrities.' -- John Zubrzycki, author of 'Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic'

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Book SynopsisHelp yoga students to access a deep state of relaxation with this guided meditation handbook. Offering yoga teachers scripts for guided meditations, students can learn how to cultivate positive emotions and let go of negative ones.Including practical information on how to set the scene for meditation in a yoga class, using music, lighting and props, the book also advises on how to introduce a meditation practice to yoga students. It explores the benefits of meditation for people from all walks of life, including sleep-deprived parents and those suffering from post-traumatic stress. Six scripts are dedicated to Hasta Mudra meditations and utilising the healing power of traditional hand gestures. The scripts can be used to open or close a class, and there is also guidance on how to create original meditations.Trade ReviewThis is a lovely, thoughtful and accessible book incorporating shorter guided meditations for the start of class, meditations with hasta mudra, longer more detailed guided meditations and advice on how to create your own. It will provide a useful addition to the toolkit for yoga teachers and trainees. In the author's own words: 'offering your students a little pocket of peace'. -- Sian O'Neill, Editor of 'Yoga Teaching Handbook' and 'Yoga Student Handbook' (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)It is always a great joy to see past students create platforms for sharing the eternal wisdom of yoga with the community and I am delighted to endorse this fantastic piece of work by Georgia Keal. She has managed to make the ineffable teachings of classical yoga practical and relevant. Georgia goes to great pains to establish the right setting and gives clear guidelines on how to prepare the space and create the right atmosphere so that it can easily become a part of your everyday life. She gives further guidance on how to sit or lie, how to use the breath and how to cultivate interoception (awareness of the body from within). The section on hand gestures (hasta mudras) is simple and easy to follow and the guided visualisations are well thought out. I will certainly be using ideas from this book myself and I hope you will too. -- Tarik Dervish, BWY Yoga Teacher/Trainer, Ayurvedic PractitionerGeorgia's book is a must-read. She covers the subject matter with depth and credibility. Her writing style is accessible and inviting. -- YOGA MagazineTable of Contents1. Introduction to Guided Meditations: Benefits and Setting the Scene for Your Yoga Class. 2. Short Guided Meditations for the Beginning of a Class. 3. Hasta Mudras. 4. Longer Guided Meditations. 5. Writing Your Own Guided Meditation Script. Glossary. Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on South and East Asian philosophies and medicines, this book illustrates how our bodies and minds are influenced by our actions, habits, aging, trauma and thought patterns. Using the analogy of being like water, Margot Rossi presents a range of practices - including imagery, Daoyin therapeutic movement, yoga and mindful attention - that help build awareness and potentially shift our form, physiologically and neurologically.The first section of the book is dedicated to exploring the virtues of being like water, based on 30 years of Rossi's professional and personal experience. Each essay ends with Daoyin therapeutic movements, learned and interpreted from the oral teachings of 88th-generation Daoist master Jeffrey Yuen. The second section offers teachings of Classical Chinese Medicine theory for patients and practitioners alike. It includes detailed case studies, basic diagnostic steps and demonstrates how health concerns can be used as a foundation for change and growth.Trade ReviewFlowing, floating, diving deep, Margot Rossi is truly in her element as she invites us to 'take the measure' of ourselves through the subtle power of Dao Yin. Woven together with lessons from her own healer's journey, each of these exercises is a potential stepping-stone on that path of self-discovery. -- Nick Pole, Mind/body therapist and author of ‘Words That Touch - How to ask questions your body can answer’Table of ContentsCONTENTSAcknowledgments 1 Disclaimers 2PART 1: A Life History of Water1. Introduction 32. Calming the Waters 103. Basic Poses 194. Body and Breath Scan 215. 81 and 81 Belly Rub 246. Heraclitus and the Yoga Master 267. Swimming Snake 358. Preparing to Stand 379. Be Yourself 3810. Lizard Runs Across the Water 4411. Four Frog Shimmy 4612. Obstacle Illusion 4813. Bamboo Twist 5214. Free Me 5415. Equine-imity 5616. Head Roll and Release 6217. Opening the Doorways to the Earth 6518. Opening the Windows of Heaven 6719. The Purity of Water 6920. Locust Looks East and West 7621. Panning for Gold 7922. Welcome Breathing 8223. Roll on River 8524. Locust Looks Ahead 8925. Returning to the Core 9226. Unfolding 9627. Stretch the Bow 10028. Fire and Water 10229. The Water Cycle 10430. Ah Ma Ohm 11031. Agony and surrender 11232. Vortex and Splash 11533. Sidewinder 11934. Reishi and Hermit 12135. Circulate and Harmonize Self-Massage 125PART 2: The Waterways36. Introduction to Daoyin Practice 13137. The Warp and Weft: A simple process for diagnosis 14738. Case Studies 15539. The Figures 161a) Fig. 1-8: Basic Posesb) Fig. 9: 81 & 81 Belly Rubc) Fig. 10-12: Swimming Snaked) Fig. 13: Preparing to Stande) Fig. 14: Lizard Runs Across the Waterf) Fig.15-16: Frog Shimmyg) Fig. 22-26: Head Roll and Releaseh) Fig. 27-30: Opening the Doorways to the Earthi) Fig. 31-34: Opening the Windows of Heavenj) Fig. 35-38: Locust Looks East and Westk) Fig. 39-40: Panning for Goldl) Fig. 41-44: Welcome Breathm) Fig. 45-51: Locust Looks Aheadn) Fig. 52-56: Returning to the Coreo) Fig. 57-60: Stretch the Bowp) Fig. 61-62: Fire and Waterq) Fig. 63-65: Agony and Surrenderr) Fig.66-70: Sidewinder40. Illustrations: The Sinew Meridian Mapsa) Ill. 1: Tai Yang Urinary Bladderb) Ill. 2: Tai Yang Small Intestinec) Ill. 3: Shao Yang Gall Bladderd) Ill. 4: Shao Yang Triple Heatere) Ill. 5: Yang Ming Stomachf) Ill. 6: Yang Ming Large Intestine41. Appendix42. Further Reading

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Book SynopsisA step-by-step, sustainable plan for managing your energy bandwidth by intentionally prioritizing your health, family, career, passions, and desires, now in paperback.In our unpredictable and continually changing world, time never seems to be on our side, and if anything, it often seems out of our control. But what if it wasn’t? What if you had the ability to take control of how you trade your energy for time and increase your body’s “energy budget” to live your fullest life?Pedram Shojai, O.M.D., New York Times best-selling author of The Urban Monk, shares his time-tested system for managing your health, family, career, passions, and desires through 100-day gongs. Originating from ancient traditions and with a framework refined throughout Shojai’s 15-plus years of coaching, this 100-day system provides a foundation for:Managing your expectations for your time now versus your time to comeAllocating the time you have in order to get moreFinding the balance between doing versus beingTapping into your vitality’s highest potentialMaking sure your life aligns with your prioritiesWith detailed guidance and meaningful exercises broken down into doable tasks, you will be able to develop a personalized plan for tending to your Life Garden and allowing your life’s profound meaning and essential nature to flourish with abundance.

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Book Synopsis'An ideal present for a stitching or sewing friend' CROSS STITCHER. 'Fabulous' PRIMA. Looking for inner calm this year? The Little Book of Sewing is your pocket-sized guide to creating your own zen with nothing more than a needle and thread. This little book is packed with essays, anecdotes, quotes, how-to guides and practical tips and contains all you need to channel your creative energy and start sewing today. It will show you how to: sew yourself calm, thread a needle, sew a gift, turn your passion into fashion and much more! 'I was delighted with this charming, thoughtful book, filled with inspiration, motivation and helpful tips for beginners and experienced sewists alike' HEATHER LEWENZA, CLOSET CASE PATTERNS. 'Reading Karen's book is like getting a pep talk from a friend. Yes, you can sew!' TILLY AND THE BUTTONS.Trade ReviewKaren Ball has long been a welcome voice in all things sewing, and I was delighted with this charming, thoughtful book, filled with inspiration, motivation and helpful tips for beginners and experienced sewists alike. Sewing is so much more than just a hobby, and this little book is filled with big wisdom -- Heather Lewenza, Closet Case PatternsReading Karen's book is like getting a pep talk from a friend. Yes, you can sew! * Tilly and the Buttons *A hug in a book! * The Foldline *Let your needle and thread give you a whole new sense of calm with this fabulous new book * Prima *It's packed with anecdotes, how-tos and tips, covering everything from mental health to the way sewing makes you feel great about yourself * Simply Sewing *Delightful little book composed of essays, anecdotes, quotes, how-to-guides and practical tips. It makes an ideal present for a stitching or sewing friend, or perfect bedtime reading to get you in the mood for your next project! * Cross Stitcher *

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Book SynopsisDiscover how to realise your full potential and become a healthier, happier you. Do you feel you are just getting by – surviving rather than thriving? Flourish reveals the secrets of fulfilment with a wealth of advice and practical ways to increase your energy and drive. In the first chapter, Nourish Your Body, learn how to boost your physical health through the pillars of wellbeing: movement – finding the exercise that’s right for you and getting the most out of it; sleep – for restoration; and diet – considering not just what you eat but also how you eat. The second half of the book, Nurture Your Mind, focuses on your mental and emotional health for greater happiness and less stress through self-care, and helps you find out what you really want so you can make the most of your work, discover your life’s purpose, and achieve your goals and dreams.

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Book SynopsisBe inspired to enrich the lives of those around you with this gorgeous collection of stories and quotes. Kindness is contagious. One good deed can lead to a huge positive impact, inspiring someone else to do a good deed in return. Even the smallest of acts can make a whole world of difference. The Art of Kindness is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of all of the good things in the world. It contains lists of ways to be kind and how to make time for the people in your life, improving their lives as well as your own. Studies have shown that acting selflessly and seeing another person act altruistically produces good feelings and instils a more positive and happier outlook. Being kind is essential to creating a better and happier world. With stirring quotations and tales of inspirational icons, such as Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi, The Art of Kindness will help you become the kindest version of yourself.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the power of gratitude and how it can change your life and that of everyone around you. Can being more grateful change your life? Ongoing research suggests that it does. Practising gratitude has a positive impact on the brain and changes the way we feel about the world – and each other. Gratitude extends far beyond the ritual of sharing gifts or saying thank you. It is a form of recognition – a way of appreciating the kindness, beauty and wonder that life has to offer. Gratitude connects us to one another and to the world we live in. It increases our wish to nurture, help and protect one another, and increases our sense of belonging. In Thank You: A Little Book of Gratitude, you will find practical and conscious ways to embrace gratitude that offer lasting meaning, from creative ways to turn a simple thank you into a heartfelt gift to strategies to help us to see life with brighter eyes. Try keeping a gratitude journal, whether on paper or using an app, or making a gratitude altar. Discover meditations to end your day on a grateful note and to help you find your way back to thankfulness when times are hard. You will soon find that gratitude becomes a way of life and will reap the benefits, both emotional and physical.

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Book SynopsisBring peace and calm to your busy-mama days with these inspiring meditations and mantras. Becoming a new parent can be an overwhelming experience, presenting significant challenges to mental health and wellbeing. The powerful techniques offered in this book are intended to boost psychological health, help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood and help you be the mother – and the YOU – that you want to be. Sarah Rudell Beach offers a rich compendium of practical advice on how to be present in the moment, and how to live with curiosity and without judgement and offers powerful tools that can transforms how you relate to your own life and how you engage with the world. There is a growing body of research that tells us that when mothers practise self-care they experience less stress and anxiety, build stronger relationships with their children and feel less overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. Their children experience less stress and anxiety, too. In this beautifully illustrated book, Sarah Rudell Beach introduces the basics of self-care and offers a collection of meditations and affirmations. From dealing with tantrums and your patience being tested to making time for yourself and practising self-compassion, you’ll discover how being present in the moment can lead to greater calm, balance and ease in your daily life.

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Book Synopsis‘Golnaz gently mentors readers through the qualities of each stone. Her practical suggestions will help nurture and encourage any budding crystal-guru to success.’ – Spirit and Destiny Whether you want to wow your boss, meet your soulmate, develop self-confidence or keep calm in a crisis, The Essential Guide to Crystals will show you how to do all this and more for a happier, healthier life. With so many beautiful and powerful gems to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your current situation. Golnaz Alibagi makes choosing the correct crystal easy – gems are organised by benefit, with chapters on home, work, love, friendship, abundance and wellbeing. Handy ‘crystal cocktails’ and ‘gem-scriptions’ show you how to combine the crystals to maximise their healing power. ‘Power crystal’ features give an in-depth look at this crystal’s properties, including links to the chakras, astrology and the planets. Golnaz’s easy-to-follow, practical suggestions will help you to work with crystals to change every aspect of your life for the better.

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Book SynopsisPractical wisdom from poets, philosophers and scientists – alongside advice, inspiration, activities, meditations, and much more – to connect you with nature and the seasons on your daily walk. Being outdoors is a balm to the soul, and what better way to experience the wonders of nature in all their seasonal glory than with a daily walk? This thoughtful guide explores what happens to our minds, bodies and spirits when we spend time outdoors and suggests a wide range of beneficial walking activities, meditations, reflections, advice and inspiration to help you connect with nature and get the most out of each season. Whether basking in summer sunshine or crunching golden leaves underfoot, finding joy in springtime blossom or taking solace in winter’s hush, you can enjoy the benefits of a positive mindset, happier social interactions, resilience – and much more! – that the beauty and power of walking in nature can bring.

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Book SynopsisDo you want to find love? Are you looking for greater career success? Discover 150 easy tips to harness the healing and energizing power of crystals in positive ways.In this practical guide, best-selling author Mary Lambert reveals everything you need to know about choosing and using more than 100 crystals which are all commonly available. Place crystals in your home to harmonize your space, pacify neighbors, and attract passion; display crystals at work to boost personal empowerment, connect with your intuition, and inspire creativity; use healing crystals to alleviate emotional pain or ease the discomfort of travel sickness; or discover your birthstone with crystal astrology, reveal the crystals you need to enhance your potential, and balance the personality traits associated with your sign. You will also find tips on choosing, cleansing, and attuning your crystals to maximize their unique energies. Harness the transformative power of crystals and change your life for

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Book SynopsisThe 52-card Practical Magic Activation Deck will help you ignite your inner wisdom and guide you to create pragmatic, practical change.Designed by empowerment coach Kate Taylor to help you connect mind, body and soul, each card is an 'invitation' to turn to the guidebook for an activation exercise that will enhance your wellbeing and deepen your soul connection.The deck and guidebook use Practical Magic – Kate's unique approach which blends straight-talking strategy with a dash of spiritual sauce to create an alchemy of measured action combined with a connection to something greater than us.Activation exercises draw on life coaching tools, journaling prompts, meditation, creative mindfulness and visualization exercises and offer ideas for creating regular practices and addressing issues including burnout or self-doubt.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that you can manifest anything you truly desire? Too often we create false narratives in our minds that hold us back from where we want to go. We can think that we are not strong enough, not clever enough, that dreams come true only for others - and the list of stories goes on. But in fact, each of us has our own unique magical abilities that will take us exactly where we desire to go. This guided journal will give you the key techniques needed to activate your magical powers and put them into practice weekly. Whether you'd like to manifest bringing more peace into your daily life or achieving your wildest dreams, this journal is for you.

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Book SynopsisWith over 300 puzzles, brainteasers, word games and quizzes this is the ultimate puzzle book boost your brain power

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Book SynopsisA guide that makes spiritual principles and practices accessible to people living with disabilities so they can deepen their connection to God and live more joyful, intentional lives—written by an author with cerebral palsy.Allison Thompkins was born with cerebral palsy and a deep knowing that she has a mission in this life to advocate for the rights of disabled people—a group whose voices are often ignored or silenced.In this first-of-its-kind book, Allison addresses essential spiritual themes—like surrender, prayer, synchronicities, meditation, grace, gratitude, and authentic service—in a way that centers disabled readers and speaks to their particular life challenges. She weaves her lived experience and personal spiritual journey into teachings and wisdom, inviting the reader to see themselves in her story and encouraging them to create a strong relationship with God or Spirit or the Universe, supported by regular spiritual practice.The exercises at the end of each chapter include extensive access notes to allow readers who are blind, deaf, deafblind, or mobility restricted to build a personalized practice that works for them in the body they live in.

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Book SynopsisGet a hit of soulful inspiration every day from meditation teacher and author Caitlin Cady.The Hope Dealer is a treasure trove of soulful straight-talk designed to light you up from the inside out.Delivered with author Caitlin Cady's signature wit, warmth, and wisdom, each of the 101 messages will up the ante on your day by helping you tune in to your highest self and plug in to your full potential. Use this book for a daily dose of guidance and inspiration.Choose a page by chance or close your eyes, reflect on a question or situation you'd like to shed a little light on and let your fingertips lead you to today's message. Set fire to limiting beliefs, reframe resistance, say sayonara to self-doubt and peace-out perfectionism while building self-trust, integrity, resilience, courage, compassion, and confidence."

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding who you are can be a lonely and difficult process following the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness illuminates this experience as an empowering path of discovery through the teachings of Buddhism. Chris Mitchell draws parallels between the experience of his own journey towards personhood through AS and the spiritual tenants of Theravada Buddhism, as outlined through the Eightfold Path, a guideline to personal development. Worry and anxiety, confusing desires or negative thoughts are among the everyday hindrances a person with AS faces. This book takes the reader through the key beliefs of Theravada Buddhism, such as Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths, showing how practices such as Insight Meditation can lead to a positive resolution of these feelings. Talking openly about his own personal experiences, Chris Mitchell provides helpful tips and suggestions for improving confidence and self-esteem towards an overall better sense of self that will be of interest to anyone diagnosed with AS or their family and friends.Table of ContentsContents: Note on Terminology and Pronunciation. Dedications.1. Introduction – The Path of Asperger's Syndrome. 2. Asperger's Syndrome and the Five Hindrances. 3. Starting with Who You Are – How the Easiest Person to Like Can Be You. 4. Seeing the Truth – How to Control Mind Proliferation and Others as They Really Are. 5. Gaining Insight from Those Around Me – How Insight Can Strengthen One's Awareness. 6. Worrying in an Anxiety-Driven World – How to Curb Tendency to Worry through Curtailing Stress and Anxiety. 7. Curtailing Feelings of Anger and Frustration – How to Control and Respond to Anger Effectively. 8. Discipline and Routine – How to Maintain Discipline within Routine, Including Managing Changes. 9. Developing Tolerance – How to Develop Acceptance of and Openness towards Others without Resorting to Naivety. 10. Measuring Success and Goal-Setting – How to Measure Success Realistically and Achieve without Distancing Ourselves from Truth. 11. Facing and Coping with Suffering – How to Manage Feelings of Suffering (Dukkha) through Reflection. 12. Finding Balance in Mindfulness and Concentration – How to Take Responsibility of One's Own World and Recognise the World Others Live Within. 13. Overcoming the Hindrances – How a Person with Asperger's Syndrome Can Overcome Difficulties Associated with the Five Hindrances through Recognition of the Five Spiritual Faculties. 14. Epilogue – University Reunion.

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Book SynopsisThis is the definitive introductory guide to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a therapeutic psychological tool that draws on Chinese medicine and NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) to remove blockages within the energy system. Traditional and modern approaches of EFT are explained alongside a comprehensive description of EnergyEFT, the most advanced and evolved form. Simple practical usages of EFT for stress reduction are included, with step-by-step instruction on how to use tapping to remove stress and energise yourself. There are case studies and practical examples demonstrating how EFT can relieve a wide range of negative emotional conditions including anxiety, anger, depression, insomnia and migraines. The book also explores how EFT can improve and maximise positive emotional and spiritual functioning in terms of health and wealth transformation.The uses of EFT are numerous and this handbook is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the positive impact EFT techniques can have on their wellbeing.Trade ReviewThis book is a must for anyone in the healing profession who wants to provide their clients with an easy but effective method of helping themselves in-between sessions and also for those wishing to take action to restore their own sense of wellbeing or equilibrium.EFT can be used in conjunction with other therapies so you can increase your repertoire of tools if you are already a complementary therapist or use it on yourself, your family and your friends... It is refreshing to be offered a direct and accessible route to healing. As the authors show, it only takes a few minutes to do a couple of rounds of EFT and the positive results often become evident before the routine is even finished. -- Faith Waude, Founder of Hypnotic World and the Hypnotic World International Academy of HypnotherapyIn this thoughtful and well researched book, Lawrence Pagett and Paul Millward trace the developmental path that has led us to modern EnergyEFT, before guiding the reader to experience the unique effects of this outstanding change modality for themselves. -- From the foreword by Silvia Hartmann, Chair, The Association For Meridian & Energy TherapiesTable of ContentsForeword by Dr Silvia Hartmann. Introduction. 1. Tracing the Ancient Origins of Asian Energy Concepts. 2. Historical Exploration of Western Applications of Eastern Energy Modalities. 3. The Birth of Tapping: Goodheart, Diamond and Callahan. 4. The Emergence of EFT: The Work of Gary Craig. 5. The Evolution of EFT: From Craig to Hartmann. 6. Tapping into the Power of EFT: DIY EFT for the Beginner. 7. Real Life Stories of EFT at Work. 8. What is Energy EFT?: The Work of Dr Silvia Hartmann. 9. Putting the Energy into EFT: The Practical Benefits of Energy Utilisation. 10. A Client's Perspective of a Professional EFT/ Energy EFT Session. Useful Organisations and Contacts. Index.

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Book SynopsisMeditating with colour can be a powerful way to improve health and well-being and this simple handbook provides a full spectrum of new and easy-to-use colour meditation exercises. Red can be used to improve circulation and fight infection; blue to soothe the mind and lower blood pressure. Each chapter looks at a particular colour and its associated chakra, discusses the characteristics and healing properties, and offers a series of relaxing breathing exercises and transformative visualisations for working with the colour in question. Anyone can practice these simple meditations in the home, and they are ideal for colour therapists, energy healers, yoga instructors and meditation leaders to use with clients.Trade ReviewMeditating with colour can be a powerful way to improve health and well-being and this simple handbook provides a full spectrum of new and easy-to-use colour meditation exercises...Each chapter looks at a particular colour and its associated chakra, discusses the characteristics and healing properties, and offers a series of relaxing breathing exercises and transformative visualisations for working with the colour in question. Anyone can practice thesesimple meditations in the home, and they are ideal for colour therapists, energy healers, yoga instructors and meditation leaders to use with clients. -- Universal MagazineTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Light. 2. Red. 3. Orange. 4. Yellow. 5. Green. 6. Turquoise. 7. Blue. 8. Indigo. 9. Violet. 10. Magenta. Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisOffering a fresh perspective on immediate presence and embodied spiritual practice, The Four Dignities shows how the mindful cultivation of the four essential postures – walking, standing, sitting, and lying down – are the basis for a formal practice to develop greater vitality and spiritual awakening. The author reveals the subtle inner nuances of the four traditional meditations, and shows how they can be practiced as a unified system. Readers are given a profound understanding of correct posture, alignment, breathing, and attention, and the author explains the philosophical basis for the practice, offering a pathway toward realizing profound spiritual and energetic transformation.This accessible yet profound study will be an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of yoga, taiji, qigong, and meditation, as well as spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in Eastern philosophy or the study of movement.Trade ReviewIn China, we have a saying that we commonly apply to our inner cultivation practice: ZhanZuoXingWoBuLiZheGe ????????, which means never leave from "This" whenever you are standing, sitting, walking, or reclining. What is "This" and how do we stay with "This"? In Cain Carroll's The Four Dignities, you will find the answers! -- Master Zhongxian Wu, lifelong Daoist practitioner and author of 12 books (5 in Chinese) on Chinese wisdom traditionsCain Carroll has produced a must-have book that is essential reading for any self-respecting person on the path of self-cultivation. A wonderful collection of wisdom from diverse traditions that serves to illuminate the simple universal truths at their heart. This book needs to be with you standing, walking, sitting or lying down. -- Gordon Faulkner, Principal Instructor, Chanquanshu School of Daoist Arts and author of Managing Stress with QigongThe four dignities form the basis of all Eastern wisdom traditions and this book provides a comprehensive overview of the nature of sitting, standing, walking and lying down in the internal arts. As well as this are a host of other useful sections on the nature of mind/consciousness and the path of internal cultivation. This is a great book for those engaged in any form of spiritual training. -- Damo Mitchell, author of Daoist Nei Gong and Heavenly StreamsTable of ContentsAcknowledgments. Foreword. Introduction. Part 1. View. 1. The Art of Contemplation. 2. Original Posture. 3. Original Breath. 4. Original Nature. Part 2. Method. 5. Walking. 6. Standing. 7. Sitting. 8. Lying Down. 9. The Complete Practice. Part 3. Fruition. 10. The Fruits of Our Actions. 11. The Miracle of Self-Healing. 12. Questions and Answers. Endnotes. Glossary. Bibliography. About the Author. Index.

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Book SynopsisExploring classic Qigong meditation from the perspective of modern psychology, parapsychology and cognitive science, Dr. Tianjun Liu defines the mental state of 'still' Qigong in new terms, identifying a specific mental state, Rujing. He examines the psychology of meditation, showing what happens, both mentally and physically, when a person is in a meditation state.Dr Liu shows how the mastery of Rujing is a fundamental skill vital to the practice of Qigong, and presents a new type of Qigong exercise which takes the achievement of Rujing as its primary goal. His scientific approach to meditation is a breakthrough in this area and will be of interest to practitioners of Qigong and related practices at any level, in addition to anyone with an academic interest in meditation.Table of ContentsForeword by Master Zhongxian Wu. Preface. 1. Rujing and Qigong. 1.1. Two Concepts. 1.2. Rujing and Three Adjustments. 1.3. Rujing and the Types of Qigong. 2. The Realm of Rujing. 2.1. Difficulty in Defining. 2.2. The Levels of Rujing. 2.3. The Experience of Rujing. 2.3.1. Sensory Experience. 2.3.2. Emotion and Mood Experience. 2.4. Rujing and Motion. 3. The Mechanism of Rujing. 3.1. The Mechanism of Mind Adjustment. 3.1.1. The Mechanism of Mind Adjustment. 3.1.2. Sensory Thinking. 3.1.3. Emotion/Mood Thinking. 3.1.4. Biochemical and Physiologic Functions of Brain. 3.2. The Mechanism of Breathing Adjustment. 3.2.1. Better Understanding of Breathing. 3.2.2. Alteration of the Breathing Forms in the Process of Rujing. 3.2.3. The Mechanism of Inhaling and Exhaling in Rujing. 3.2.4. Breathing and Vital Energy. 3.3. The Mechanism of Body Adjustment. 3.3.1. Common Postures in the Process of Rujing. 3.3.2. The Mechanism of the Postures. 4. The Benefit of Practicing Rujing. 4.1. Curing Diseases and Illness. 4.2. Keeping You Healthy. 4.2.1. Adjusting Your Body and Mind. 4.2.2. Delaying the Process of Aging. 4.3. Cultivating Your Latent Potentiality. 4.4. Understanding the Universe. 5. The Preparatory Work of Rujing. 5.1. Daily Adjustments of Mind and Body. 5.1.1. On Psychological Aspect. 5.1.2. On Physiological Aspect. 5.2. Preliminary Arrangement before Practicing Rujing. 5.2.1. Objective Concerns. 5.2.2. Subjective Concerns. 6. Operation of Rujing. 6.1. The Basic Principle of Operation. 6.2. Operation of Mind Adjustment. 6.2.1. Operation of Thinking. 6.2.2. Operation of Mood. 6.3. Operation of Breathing Adjustment. 6.3.1. Operation of Inhale and Exhale. 6.3.2. Operation of Various Breathing Forms. 6.4. Operation of Body Adjustment. 6.4.1. Basis on Posture Arrangements. 6.4.2. Gist of Posture Operation. 6.5. Coordination and Unity of Three Adjustments. 7. Malfunction of Rujing. 7.1. Identity Malfunction and Its Causes. 7.2. Types and Corrections. 8. Piao Hua Gong. 8.1. Design of Piao Hua Gong. 8.2. Operating Procedures.

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Book SynopsisHow can Qi offer you the means, tools and will to live a life of balance? Explaining what Qi is, where it comes from, how we use it, and how we can cultivate it in order to achieve wholeness and balance, this much-needed book combines knowledge and practice to explore all aspects of Qi, including its modern, everyday implications. The book not only covers the history of Qi, but also demystifies the vital philosophies and practices surrounding it. Filled with valuable information on how to recognise and cultivate Qi in order to increase your energetic capacity and return to a more efficient physical, emotional, and psychological state, it also illustrates Qi's central importance in meditation, Taiji, Qigong, and other Internal Arts practices that focus upon its vitality. The author also offers instruction on a number of methods for opening the energy gates of the body to cultivate Qi.Trade ReviewThis book succinctly pulls together the many threads about qi, and weaves a brocade valuable to the beginner and advanced practitioner alike. -- Deng Ming-Dao, author of Scholar Warrior and 365 TaoTable of ContentsForeword by Grandmaster Nick Gracenin. 1. The Will to Qi. 2. Returning to the Source: The History of Energy and Its Uses. 3. Opening the Energy Gates of the Body. 4. Powered by Breath. 5. Cultivating Mind and Heart. 6. The Elements of Daily Practice. Works cited. Acknowledgements.

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Book SynopsisExplore the vastness of yoga through the art of meditation. This collection offers short readings on a variety of yoga-related themes, including the eight limbs, the seven chakras, and yoga's sister science, Ayurveda.Meditations for awareness and well-being are included, as well as guided relaxations and opening and closing meditations for yoga class and home practice. Weaving together the practical experience of yoga with its ancient oceanic depths, the series of meditations encourage a centering that directs attention to the breath, the present, and appreciating the gifts that each moment of life can bring. Providing nourishment for the heart, mind and body through awareness, let this book turn your attention to the essence of yoga and invite you to go within while remaining rooted in the present moment.Trade ReviewOcean of Yoga is an obviously authentic and truly unique expression of Julie's years of study and experience. Unlike any other book, Ocean of Yoga conveys the beauty of Yoga and Ayurveda through poetry, contemplations, and practices. Namaskara to Julie for providing our community with such a special gift. -- Nicolai Bachman, author of The Language of Yoga and Path of the Yoga SutrasOcean of Yoga is an experiential tool inspiring each of us to dive deeper into our own personal practice. A meditative compilation highlighting the subtle yet profound beauty and power of both yoga and Ayurveda. Channeled ancient wisdom comes alive as each page reveals new conscious insights into our true Self. -- Clayton Bell, M.D., Integrative Medicine Physician, University of Tennessee Medical CenterTable of ContentsForeword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Walking Along the Shore: Opening Meditations. 3. Diving Deeper: Reflections on Yoga. 3.1. 8 Divine Branches (Limbs). 3.2. 5 Obstacle Courses (Kleshas). 3.3. 7 Spinning Wheels (Chakras). 4. Exploring Further: Reflections on Yoga's Sister Sea of Ayurveda. 5. The Ocean's Depths: Guided Meditations. 6. Sitting by the Sea: Closing Meditations. Afterword. Acknowledgements. About the Author. Bibliography. Related Resources.

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Book SynopsisBased on extensive clinical research, this book sheds new light onto how Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be used with older adults as an effective complementary intervention, identifying specific ways in which MBSR programmes can be adapted and fine-tuned to meet the needs of this group. Presenting robust new evidence to support the efficacy of MBSR as a holistic therapeutic approach, the author draws interesting and original conclusions about its positive impact on older people's psychological and spiritual wellbeing, physical health, neuropsychological performance, attitudes towards death and dying and overall quality of life. The lived experiences of older adults taking part in an MBSR programme provide rich first-hand insights into the therapeutic process, and the author draws valuable conclusions about ethical considerations and the responsibilities and personal transformation of the MBSR facilitator. Professionals involved in delivering mindfulness-based interventions to older adults, including psychologists, counsellors, spiritual directors and physicians, will find this to be essential reading. It will also be of interest to students, academics and researchers wishing to keep abreast of the latest research and developments in the MBSR field.Trade ReviewIn this book, Carla Martins presents a brilliant and clear summary of the field of mindfulness as applied to older adults and how it might serve as a complementary and holistic approach to augment physical and emotional well-being, stimulate cognitive performance and creativity, provide tools to deal with loss and daily life with more awareness, to foster personal development and serve as a means to dive deeper into understanding who we are as individual beings as we age. The book weaves together the rigor of clinical science and the wisdom of deep reflection to offer a text that will be of benefit to many - not only for those working with older adults, but for all those seek to explore how mindfulness can change the way they relate to the aging process, moment by moment. -- from the foreword by Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University and co-author of Mindful Discipline and The Art and Science of MindfulnessWe are living longer, but how might we live better? Martins explores this question in her thoughtful and multifaceted study of an MBSR group for well elders. Not surprisingly, both qualitative and quantitative data support improvements for group members in well-being, physical health, spirituality and cognition. Weaving theories on aging, Buddhist philosophy and physical and cognitive sciences, Martins provides texture and context for her research and offers an important prototype for working with the growing population of older adults and their unique experience. -- Lucia McBee, Author, Mindfulness Based Elder CareThis research work, groundbreaking in its execution, shows how mindfulness-based interventions with older people should be integrated into health promotion in order to foster active ageing. Mindfulness is established as a non-pharmacological treatment that allows practice to take the form of person-centred care. Carla's research shows how health treatment is more than merely clinical results. Her work makes us look upon ourselves to transform the mind and, incidentally, gives meaning to the new 21st century Geriatrics. -- Domingo J. Quintana Hernández Ph.D., Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at the International University of La Rioja, SpainTable of ContentsForeword by Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D. Preface. 1. Mindfulness and MBSR. Meditation and Mindfulness. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Mindfulness and Spirituality. MBSR and Older Adults. Mindfulness: Psychological Perspectives. Buddhist Perspectives. Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity. Older Adults. Summary. Older Adults and Life Meaning. Dying and Death. Death Attitudes in Old Age. Grief and Bereavement in Old Age. Summary. Conclusion. 2. Methodology. Integral Inquiry Method. Participants. Procedure. 3. Quantitative Results. Participants' Characteristics. Sample: Differences between CG and TG. Mindfulness. Compassion. Decentering. Wellbeing. Psychological Symptoms. Quality of Life. Physical Health/Symptoms. Death Perspectives. Spirituality. Neuropsychological Performance. Summary of Quantitative Results. 4. Qualitative Results. Individual Depictions. Global Results. Summary of Results. 5. Mixed-Method Results. 6. Integral Results. Change – Openness Versus Resistance to Change. Wisdom. Life Meaning. Adaptation. 7. Discussion. Interpretations and Conceptualisation of Findings. Delimitations and Limitations. Applications and Implications of the Study. Summary and Conclusions. Appendix A: Description of Quantitative Measures. Appendix B: Interview Protocol. Appendix C: Treatment of Data. Appendix D: MAAS Statistical Results. Appendix E: FFMQ Statistical Results. Appendix F: SCS Statistical Results. Appendix G: EQ Statistical Results. Appendix H: SWLS Statistical Results. Appendix I: PANAS Statistical Results. Appendix J: PWBS Statistical Results. Appendix K: POMS Statistical Results. Appendix L: PSS Statistical Results. Appendix M: WHOQOL Statistical Results. Appendix N: WHOQOL Statistical Results. Appendix O: SHCI Statistical Results. Appendix P: Death Perspectives Statistical Results. Appendix Q: SWBQ Statistical Results. Appendix R: Working Memory Index Statistical Results. Appendix S: Processing Speed Index Statistical Results. Appendix T: Memory Statistical Results. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisHEALING BODY MEDITATIONS is a unique set of 30 beautiful colour mandalas for meditation, based on the natural miracle of the human body, focusing on the heart, the eyes, the lungs, the skin, and other organs and systems. Meditating on these specially commissioned designs enables us to draw upon our hidden inner springs of vitality, to help us restore our being to wholeness and balance, as well as to address specific health concerns - including headaches and migraines, joint stiffness, fatigue and anxiety symptoms, and chronic aches and pains. Discover how meditation can heal the body. Provides a unique focus on body organs and systems. Aims to provide the optimum basis for natural healing. Encourages positive acceptance of the body and its processes.Table of ContentsForeword • Introduction • The Floor of Being • The Creative Body • The Centre of Being • Webs of Life • Paths and Gateways • Being and Awareness • The Conscious Self.

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Book SynopsisWritten since the death of his wife in 2014, No Shore Too Far is a collection of poetry and meditations on the themes of death, bereavement and hope. Taking in a broad view of the interconnectedness of the whole of creation, this collection stems from personal experience and touches upon the entirety of the human experience.

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Book SynopsisSomatics in Action describes a Pilates, yoga, and dance inspired movement system that helps movers achieve optimum strength, skeletal alignment, and body-mind engagement. The book integrates the Pilates principle of strengthening abdominal and spinal musculature to support postural stability and balance with alignment-based yoga''s principle of proper physical placement and an understanding of anatomical structure. Three additional concepts that contribute to the foundation of SIA are imagery, experiential anatomy, and body integration. This work focuses on dancers consistently engaging with their body and mind''s inner wisdom, not only in quiet moments of reflection, but also in the very active moments of moving, dancing and creating. Somatics in Action details the unique movement theory and practice developed by the author. The book blends yoga, Pilates, experiential anatomy, body integration and imagery into a comprehensive, rigorous and creative pedagogical tool for educators and dancers. The textbook outlines how dance, movement, yoga and Pilates educators can incorporate this technique into their teaching and curriculum. The book: * provides thoughtful and nuanced explanation of the technique as well as detailed lesson plans and assignments that can be implemented immediately into a university or other curriculum. * can be used in any somatic based class (yoga, Pilates, dance conditioning), in modern dance technique courses and also in creative movement curricula

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the three pathways of awareness that are built into our bodies, and that can help us to improve the beneficial aspects of our breathing. It is suitable for all body workers, yoga teachers, other movement facilitators and anyone who works with chronic pain. The scientific literature on attachment, Polyvagal Theory, interoception, autonomic feedback loops and heart rate variability, point to the crucial importance of the breath. These pathways can be characterized as 1) the Breathing Bodymap of the Fingers; 2) the Breathing Interrelationships of our Functional Diaphragms; and 3) Skin Breathing, or bringing blood to our capillary beds in precise locations throughout the body.The benefits of learning these approaches are as follows:* Accessing these pathways can greatly increase our options as we work to improve the functioning of our bodies.* These approaches also deepen our understanding of the inherent wisdom of ancient body awareness systems such as mudras, yoga and chi kung, and how these systems can have such profound affects on our physiologies.* They offer immediate solutions to inefficient and dysfunctional movement patterns and can be immediately brought into use by professional musicians and athletes as they perform.* By breathing deliberately, we can;* interrupt the upsurge of our sympathetic nervous systems; * interact with our parasympathetic nervous systems to take ourselves out of a state of "runaway mind" to relax or put ourselves to sleep; * re-route or repattern pre-existing breathing patterns and fixations in the respiratory diaphragm itself that have not served us well; * bring extra blood to areas of chronic discomfort, helping us to endure adverse circumstances.This book includes links to voice recordings of three meditations on the three pathways, as well as a video on breathing and the autonomic nervous system.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Breathing: The Bridge to EmbodimentChapter One: Breathing Bodymaps and BreathingChapter Two: Breathing Specifics for the Diaphragm,Chapter Three: Breathing and Self-RegulationChapter Four: Skin Breathing, Organ Breathing andInteroceptionChapter Five: Breathing and Self-Care

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Book SynopsisCan metta take me all the way to Enlightenment? How much meditation is good for you? Why visualize an Enlightened being? Can you tell if meditation is changing you? All of these questions and very many more are tackled in this substantial compilation of Sangharakshita's teachings on meditation. First published in 2012, this volume draws from previously published works and from the unpublished transcripts of seminars on a wide range of Buddhist texts, from the Pali canon to the songs of Milarepa. The dialogue form is a reminder that teaching is a communication, a creative meeting between the depth and breadth of Sangharakshita's knowledge and experience and the willingness of students to ask the kinds of questions any meditator would like to ask if they had the chance (or the nerve). Discussions reveal how Sangharakshita learned the practices on which his system of meditation - 'an organic, living system' - is based and how that system has evolved over the years. Amid much curiosity about dhyana and Insight, and explorations of how to deal with fear or distraction, doubt, drowsiness or desire, topics also include such matters as whether it's good to meditate in the open air and whether to include your least favourite politician in your metta bhavana. To this edition some extra material on 'just sitting' and the guru yoga has been added. Whether dipped into, consulted on a specific subject or read from cover to cover, the collection offers practical, inspiring and encouraging advice for new and experienced meditators alike. It is deeply imbued with the Buddhist vision of the role of meditation in the quest for Enlightenment.

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Book SynopsisEnvisioned as a resource for yoga teachers and all mental health and health professionals, Head and Heart is intended for:all health professionals who focus on mental health and/or wellbeing and want to broaden their understanding of how yoga and creative art therapy interventions can influence mental health approaches, best practices, and efficacy of treatment those who assist the therapeutic /healing processes who aspire to incorporate both yoga and creative art therapy interventions into their practice yoga therapy practitioners/teachers and creative art therapists/teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge of integrating yoga and creative art approaches into yoga, mental health and well-being. Western psychological processes (compared to the Klesas, V?ittis, Kosas, Gu?as, Do?as, Nadi System, Cakras, and the Yamas and Niyamas) make this book accessible even to those unfamiliar with yogic philosophy and psychology. Clearing exercises, warm-up techniques, yogic breathing for mood management, modifications and sequencing of poses, assessments (for the mind and body), digital and telehealth applications, yoga prop usage, and co-morbid, clinical cases (children, adolescents and adults) are presented throughout as a guide for the reader.Practical reflection exercises are offered in the Introductory chapter and chapters 3-6. These suggested practices summarize and reiterate the clinical material for the reader, and afford expansion toward oneself and /or one's clinical caseload.No matter what form it takes to move towards a creative opening, the reader will find that this book will aid you in moving yourself and your patients into the exploration of art, yoga, and well-being. This interoceptive research (going within) facilitates an expansion towards self and others and ensures that expansion, whether making art, practising yoga or working with disease. May this book move you and your patients toward that trajectory of sattva and well-being.

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Book SynopsisBody Mind Movement: An Evidence-Based Approach to Mindful Movement explores the foundational concepts behind the science of learning, motor control, and body awareness. The book features case studies, exercises to illustrate the concepts, and opportunities for critical thinking, allowing movement professionals not only to understand the science behind why techniques and modalities work, but also to explore ways of implementing these approaches with their patients.The work is written for the curious movement professional who wants to enhance their ability to work with students of all ages and abilities.To learn more about Jenn''s in-person workshops and retreats, please visit www.jennpilotti.com

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Book Synopsis'My reason for writing this book is quite simple. I want to ask my spirit guides to tell us of ways in which we may - whilst still living in our physical bodies on earth - cross over the threshold that leads into realms of spirit... These are the same worlds that we will enter after our earthly deaths, and the very same worlds from which we have also descended into our earthly births.' Working with his personal spirit guides, Bob Woodward seeks contemporary methods to gain access to higher worlds, the metaphysical realms of reality that underpin our existence. In comprehensible language - accessible to any serious seeker of truth - he presents transcripts of communications with his guides, each section featuring an individual teaching followed by questions, discussion and commentary. The messages he receives contain a sequence of imaginative, inspiring meditations that enable the reader to explore worlds of spirit. Reconnecting consciously with these spheres brings true knowledge of ourselves, allowing each of us to work as enlightened beings, with greater compassion and understanding, for the good of the whole world. Following on from his Knowledge of Spirit Worlds and Life After Death, Bob Woodward's new book provides vital insights for anyone aspiring to a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.Table of ContentsDedication - Acknowledgements - Foreword by Peter John - 1. Introduction - 2. Preparing to Enter the Pathway - 3. Stepping over the Threshold - 4. The Inner Path of Meditation - 5. Further Explorations Beyond the 'Door' - 6. Standing Within the Temple - 7. Further Work on the Pathway - 8. Cosmic Consciousness - 9. Further Questions on the Way - 10. Summarizing the Pathway - Afterword - Appendix 1: The Guides - Appendix 2: Experiences of Working with the Meditations - Further Reading - More About the Author

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Book SynopsisThrough the magic, mystery and miracle of meditation, an intriguing expedition is embarked upon into the World of Light in Crystal Mysticism so that understanding can be obtained about the Great Shift that is going to occur to Human Beings and to Earth. Many souls, and many more of every kind, have been given knowledge about the Great Event and at a pre-ordained time this information started being released. During the journey, hidden knowledge about the Great Shift is disclosed by Light Bearers who appear in various forms and include crystals, crystal skulls and gemstones. Some of them carry higher spiritual vibrations and some of them have an extraterrestrial origin. Along the way, the following questions are answered as well. Do the Extraterrestrial Beings, who visit our planet, come in peace? If they were to share their technology with us, are we sufficiently advanced to be able to understand this information? Do Extraterrestrial Beings believe in God? Heavenly Beings/Extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth since our Universe began. As each new stage of our development has been about to occur, they have provided us with knowledge about it beforehand. Throughout the current time of change, they have been conveying, via telepathy, the information that we need to know so that we are aware that the reconfiguration process, which our beings are going through, is so that we will be able to obtain the more profound level of direct experience of The Divine that is realized by Extraterrestrials.Table of ContentsPronouncement; Poem; Prologue; Preparation; Path; Pilgrimage; Panorama; Parting; Portmanteau; Passport; Parlance; Profile; Publications; Providence; Prediction; Prayer;

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Book SynopsisThis book is an inspiring collection of short teachings taken from the writings and personal communications of American spiritual teacher, Lee Lozowick (19432010). From the raw and practical to the sublime and mystical, these quotations touch upon every aspect of life, calling readers to stop, if only for five minutes a day, every day, or any day of the year. The title, Just This, represents a primary tenet of Lees teaching legacy. He asserts that we can return to the simplicity of what is, as it is, here and now. Dozens of his instructions focus around learning to unlearn, particularly the habits of the conclusion-making mind. Only with such a foundation can we see through layers of expectation and fear to make honest and clear choices, or enact meaningful change. When we are living here and now, when we are accepting what is, Just This, then every thought and every gesture is a prayer. Drawn from a wide variety of sources, including some never-before-published writings, Just This 365 addresses such important topics as kindness, generosity and compassion; good humor and good company; self observation; devotion and surrender to the Will of God; and presence and attention in everyday life and relationships. Not all deadly serious, however, some of these statements strike at the need to take ourselves more lightly. Pithy quotes can serve as excellent reminding factors. In the midst of difficult times, under stress, discouraged, hungry for comfort, the reader can take nourishment from these short inspiring reflections, and courage from these sometimes-fierce injunctions.

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Book Synopsis

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