All articles tagged with #meditation
The article highlights seven top third-party apps for Apple Watch that enhance its functionality beyond built-in features, including fitness tracking with Strava and Nike Run Club, outdoor navigation with AllTrails, mindfulness with Calm, music with Spotify, and navigation with Google Maps, offering users a versatile smartwatch experience.
Pope Leo XIV highlights the teachings of Brother Lawrence on practicing the presence of God, emphasizing that daily, simple acts of mindfulness and love for God can lead to joy, spiritual growth, and a sense of divine companionship, accessible to all regardless of circumstances.
A 7-day immersive retreat combining meditation, reconceptualization, and open-label placebo techniques led to measurable changes in brain activity and blood markers, suggesting rapid and profound effects of mental practices on physical health, neuroplasticity, and molecular pathways.
A week-long meditation retreat combining various mind-body techniques led to significant rapid changes in brain activity, immune response, metabolism, and gene expression, demonstrating how consciousness-based practices can positively influence physical health and neuroplasticity, with effects similar to psychedelics, though further clinical research is needed.
A 7-day intensive meditation retreat combining various mind-body techniques led to rapid, measurable changes in brain function, blood chemistry, and immune response, suggesting these practices can significantly impact physical and mental health by enhancing neuroplasticity, pain relief, and immune activity.
This study explores the neural and molecular effects of a 7-day mind-body retreat combining meditation, reconceptualization, and healing rituals, revealing significant changes in brain connectivity, neuroplasticity markers, metabolic pathways, immune responses, and exosomal RNAs, suggesting systemic physiological and psychological benefits beyond placebo effects.
A study found that nearly 60% of U.S. meditators experience at least one side effect, with 30% facing challenging or distressing effects, highlighting the need for better informed consent and awareness of potential risks in meditation practices.
The article explores higher states of consciousness, or awakening experiences, which temporarily expand awareness and alter perception of reality. These experiences can be triggered by psychological distress, contact with nature, or spiritual practices, and often lead to lasting positive changes in outlook. While neuroscientific explanations exist, psychological factors like relaxation and mental quietness play a significant role. Cultivating stillness through meditation and nature contact can increase the likelihood of such transformative experiences.
The Princess of Wales has taken up meditation, inspired by a renowned artist and similar to interests shared by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who are also known for practicing meditation and enjoying family outings like a Dodgers game.
Harvard Medical School internist Susan Abookire advocates for a natural, meditative approach to health, encouraging visualization techniques to promote well-being, which she personally uses and recommends.
A recent study indicates that while meditation can be beneficial, it also has potential risks such as anxiety, traumatic memory resurfacing, and dissociation, with nearly 60% of U.S. meditators experiencing at least one adverse effect. The study emphasizes the importance of informed consent and better communication about possible discomforts, suggesting that meditation practices are not suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution.
The author tried colour walking, a simple practice of focusing on a specific color during walks, and found it surprisingly effective for mental clarity and relaxation, combining physical movement with focused attention to create a moving meditation. Despite initial skepticism, the experience led to increased awareness and a lighter mood, demonstrating that simple, accessible practices can significantly improve wellbeing.
Apple is hosting a 'Mindful Month' activity challenge on October 10, encouraging users to record a 10-minute mindfulness or meditation session using their Apple Watch or compatible apps, rewarding participants with a trophy and animated stickers.
A study shows that breath-based meditation, specifically Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, shifts brain activity into a deeply relaxed state characterized by increased theta and delta waves and decreased alpha activity, supporting its potential for promoting mental well-being. The research used EEG to analyze brain changes during different stages of the practice, revealing consistent patterns across experienced practitioners and highlighting the technique's ability to facilitate access to meditative states.
Scientists are exploring rare sleep states called objectless sleep experiences, where individuals are aware without any sensory content or self-awareness, challenging traditional views of consciousness and linking to Eastern contemplative practices. These findings could deepen our understanding of consciousness, altered states, and conditions like deep meditation and sensory deprivation.