Meditating at one's desk 5 minutes a day can reduce stress

Please pause playlist at bottom of page to hear/watch video.

More often, the better!

For those holiday hangovers or any day, try "Seven Metals: Singing Bowls of Tibet"

I kid you not when I say that by listening to the sounds or "vibrations" of the singing bowls, a cleansing of one's body is taking place. While meditating, reading, writing, or performing chores, singing bowls playing in the b/g is working its magic.

This is how it works, quoting Benjamin Iobst, the creator of this particular version of the Tibetan singing bowls phenomenon:

"A scientific explanation would be quite involved and, at best, insufficient. I would, however, like to say the following. Since all life and matter is composed of atoms vibrating at various rates we are, in effect, sound. And our vibratory and fluid (we are mostly water) nature leaves us sensitive to sound as well. Since the bowls are "untuned" or not artificially altered, they are more in tune with the nature that is us.

The twenty-five singing bowls on this recording come from the Himalayan countries of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Ranging in size from 4 1/2" to 11 1/2" in diameter, each is capable of producing several tones at once with oscillations that interface and synergize with those of other bowls. Seven metals (gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, and lead) are melted together, poured and cooled as plates and formed into bowls with hundreds of hammer blows. This traditional process stopped about 1950. The origin and use of these bowls is shrouded in mystery and speculation with references to the shamanistic Bon religion and to Buddhist ritual and meditation.

Listening suggestions:

The best effect may be from room speakers rather than headphones (or, if you like headphones, leave the speakers on as well). The vibrations emanating from the speakers will move air in the room as the bowls do and you will receive a "sound bath" as well as auditory treat.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE SOUNDS ARE PROFOUNDLY RELAXING AND SHOULD NOT BE PLAYED WHILE DRIVING."

~~~

I had never experienced anything like the "singing bowls." At first I was skeptical of its ability to do more than offer pleasure while meditating or yoga, etc. But outside these environs, and while listening to them during writing or computing, I felt this amazing sense of well being, nearing euphoria. The only change in the environ was playing The Seven Metals singing bowls.

When I shared this experience with friends, they thought I was a bit overzealous. Most wouldn't even consider buying the CD, so nearly ten years ago, each has received SEVEN METALS as a gift, and they too have experienced its ability to not only relax, but experience its holistic "sound bath."

If you're looking for an alternative for those hangovers, consider SEVEN METALS: Singing Bowls of Tibet by Benjamin Iobst. The worst that can happen is a wonderous experience or a good night's sleep. ;)

A Happy and Healthy New Year! xo

Stress and Meditation

Stress -- that out-of-control, reeling, and overwhelming feeling we've all dealt with can be debilitating and exhausting. Friends have asked how I cope with the stresses in my life. Among countless outlets, dancing, music, yoga, and meditating are extremely helpful to me. Meditation helps rid the clutter of thoughts and offers balance and peace of mind. A cd I cannot live without is Deepak Chopra's The Soul of Healing Meditations. It's a gem!

The following is a breakdown of its contents:

1. Breathing Meditation

2. Heart Meditation

3. Body Awareness

4. Heart Sutra Meditation

5. Envoking The Gods of Healing

6. Inviting the Spirit of Healing

7. Banishing Disease

8. Ode of Solomon

In closing, I'd like to quote Deepak: "Between a grievance and a miracle, choose the miracle." What has one got to lose? And remember to stop to breathe! :))