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"Seek out a Tree and it will Teach you Stillness"
-- Eckhart Tolle
"Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom."
-- Buddha
"The human physiology is part of the cosmic physiology.
Every rhythm of the universe therefore naturally has an effect on the individual and vice versa."
— Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Founder and teacher of the Transcendental Meditation program
"Is not prayer a study of truth, a sally
of the soul into the unfound infinite? No man
ever prayed heartily without learning something."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson: 19th century philosopher and writer
Experience Massive Amounts of Energy All Day, Every Day
"In only 10 days, you’ll be alive with energy. Once you discover
what it feels like to have the health and vitality you’re supposed
to have, you’ll never want to go back." —Anthony Robbins
"Meditation gives you the opportunity to
be fully present with your experience, and then hold it in a
different way. You will begin to develop a much broader repertoire
of ways to cope with stress and difficulty and the problems in your
life."
-- Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditation Resources from
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Activate
your Meditation with
The Great Invocation: |
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Written in 1945, The Great Invocation is an ancient prayer given to the humanity by the Tibetal Master Djwahl Kuhl. It helps to properly activate personal energies (such as chakra and kundalini) for enhanced spiritual light in life. To be used in a group meditation or as an individual invocation.
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let Light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let light descend on Earth.
From the point of Love within the Heart of
God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ return to Earth.
From the centre where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men --
The Purpose which the Masters know and serve.
From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power
Restore the Plan on Earth.
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Useful Downloads: |
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The Pink Light Meditation
The Pineal Gland Meditation Exercise
Courtesy of The
Bright Path
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Design by:
Cardoza ITP
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What is Meditation?
When we are routinely out of touch with the present, we miss more than the morning commute.
We might be thinking of other things while playing with children, lost in thought when
we are among friends, missing tender moments with our loved ones, oblivious to the beauty of
nature or the place you are in —in short, missing out on life.
Meditation is about learning to experience life fully as it unfolds—moment by moment. One popular misconception about meditation is that it is a way to make our mind blank so
we can escape from what we are feeling. However, meditation is really an invitation to wake up, experience the fullness of our lives, and transform our relationship with our problems, our fears, and any pain and stress in our life so that they don’t wind up controlling
us and eroding the quality of our life and our creativity. It is not about running away, or manipulating mental states.
Through the practice of meditation, we can learn to develop greater calmness, clarity and insight in facing and embracing all life experiences, even life’s trials, and turning them into occasions for
true learning, growing and deepening our own strength and wisdom.
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Meditating for Health Purposes:
Read what the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) says about it!
Download
the Meditation backgrounder article
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Integral Transformative Practice (ITP)
 
Experience
a unique mix of yoga-style Movement, Relaxation and Meditation exercises ideally suited for small groups, from beginner to intermediate... smooth yet robust, mellow yet vigorous, relaxed yet vibrant!
SATURDAY Mornings
(by Appointment)
ITP
KATA & Meditation from 11:00am to Noon
Come Join Us
$10/class
These are the renowned Integral Transformative Practice
(ITP KATA) exercises taught by
George Leonard at Esalen Institute! Dress
comfortably. Interested
but cannot make it on weekends? Tell us what other day/time
would work for you!
Click
HERE to give us your feedback. |
You HEARD it on NPR Radio
!
Science Explores Meditation's Effect on the Brain
Find out directly from scientist-meditators
why it is so important to learn to meditate NOW. |
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"What is an ITP Kata and why would I ever need one?"
you might ask...
Embracing the Wisdom of the Body through Movement,
a long-term program for self-realization through the experience of community and the art of practice!
The ITP is a collection of movement and interactive exercises to give us an integral, balanced approach towards expanding our potential.
Develop your own personal affirmations, intended to activate the awesome power of intentionality, and affect profound changes in your life.
It is a 40-minute series of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises combining yoga, relaxation and visualization.
Discover ITP’s revolutionary form of peaceful communications, a mind/body embrace of heartfelt connection to self and others.
Experience the value of being in practice with a supportive community of fellow health-minded individuals, and enhance your existing practice.
Created by human potential pioneers and celebrated authors,
George Leonard, President Emeritus and Michael Murphy, co-founder, of Esalen Institute.
So, get ready to learn the
KATA with us! Join the ongoing
movement & meditation sessions,
featuring the
ITP Kata, on SATURDAY
mornings, and become part of our official
ITP Community Group!
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Oneness Blessing (Deeksha)
Now, avid meditators and everyone seeking to achieve deeper states of consciousness can do so at The Green Bough.
SAVE THE DATES:
SATURDAYS, 3 - 5 PM
July 26
August 23
September 27
December 13 SUNDAYS, 3 - 5 PM
October 19
November 23
Come join the Oneness University Facilitators, Mohana, A.T.,
Alane and Nicholas,
as they help everyone access deep states of consciousness through the Oneness
Blessing (Deeksha).
The Oneness Blessing process works by
creating a neurobiological shift in the brain and awakening the energy
centers (Chakras) in the body. Once initiated, it is a gradual Awakening
process that leads you naturally to a lasting state of Oneness, Inner
Peace, and Well-being and connection with the Higher Self. The process
helps to set right your relationship with self and others.
The team has been directly trained by the monks of
Oneness University in India, founded by Sri Bhagawan
and Sri Amma. For more information about the Deeksha
Revolution, check out the latest authoritative book
Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness
by Arjuna Ardagh.
 Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness
Book Description A
fascinating discovery in southern India has caught the attention of
spiritual teachers from every tradition, leaders from around the world,
and millions more. It is the phenomenon called the Oneness Blessing
(also known as "deeksha" in the East), a powerful transfer of energy
believed to elicit the realization of unitive consciousness. Awakening
into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness
tells the remarkable story of this radical new gateway to personal and
global transformation.
Arjuna Ardagh shares dozens of firsthand accounts
of the Oneness Blessing's life-changing effects on individuals from all
over the world, from the mystical children who first experienced it
nearly two decades ago to its continuing exploration at the Oneness
University under the guidance of esteemed teachers Sri Bhagavan and his
wife, Sri Amma. "The Blessing is something few will be able to ignore in
the years ahead," Ardagh writes. "It has proven to be the fastest-
growing spiritual development in living memory."
Join him in this
exciting investigation of: * The most common effects of the Oneness
Blessing, from reduced mental chatter and heightened awareness to
effortless peace and the cessation of unwanted habits
- The five major criticisms aimed at the Oneness
movement
- Why anything, when fully experienced, can be
recognized as pure joy and bliss
- How the Oneness Blessing heals personal and
professional relationships
- Enlightenment as a specific threshold of
neurological functioning
What is it about the Oneness Blessing that has ignited
the hearts of so many? You'll find the answer here, in Awakening into
Oneness.
About the Author
Arjuna Ardagh is the founder of the Living Essence Foundation in Nevada
City, California, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the awakening of
consciousness within the context of ordinary life. He is the author of
The Translucent Revolution (New World Library, 2005), Relaxing into
Clear Seeing (Self X Press, 1998), and How About Now? (Self X Press,
1999), and the creator of the Living Essence Audio Series.
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Meditation and the Breath is ...
“The Breath is the gateway between the visible and invisible world." -Babaji
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| In partnership with
BodyWorks Healing Center, and the
Transformational Breath Foundation, we will be holding
in 2008 more introductory sessions, as well as experienced
breathers classes (for those who complete three breathing sessions), along with and special breathing workshops events!
Experience the alignment and wellbeing that comes from practicing simple yet very precise breathing techniques.
Learn why people keep coming back to deepen their breathing experience and continue their personal journeys to better health, and more confident and joyful living.
These events are among our most popular workshops and fill up quickly. Save the dates, stay tuned and pre-register early at 724-331-9085
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SAVE THESE DATES
Saturday, July 26:
10:30 AM-1:00 PM;
Introductory Workshop
11:15-1:00 PM;
Experienced Breather's Tune Up
Saturday, August 16:
10:30 AM-1:00 PM;
Introductory Workshop
11:15-1:00 PM;
Experienced Breather's Tune Up
Saturday, September 6:
10:30 AM-1:00 PM;
Introductory Workshop
11:15-1:00 PM;
Experienced Breather's Tune Up
Saturday, October 4: A new FULL DAY
program
9:00AM - 5:00PM: Yoga Meets
Breath
Saturday, November 15:
10:30 AM-1:00 PM;
Introductory Workshop
11:15-1:00 PM;
Experienced Breather's Tune Up
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Join us for an experience of inner alignment! You will:
- Learn breathing techniques for improving and increasing your
energy level and sense of well-being.
- Receive a full breathing session.
- Learn how to open restrictive breathing patterns.
- Learn how the Transformational Breath can help you live a
healthier and more joyful life!
Experience an event that many enthusiastically describe as simply
“Excellent! This is the best thing I ever did for myself!”
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Commonly reported benefits include:
Enhanced Physical
and Mental Energy
Relief from Physical and Emotional Pain
Increased Connection to Source
More Joy in Life
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Stress Relief
More Physical and Mental Energy
Increase Oxygen Levels
Clear Toxins |
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Introductory Workshops
This is the basic
introduction to the breath done in a group setting.
You will receive a brief overview of what the breath
is, learn about the 3 levels of Transformational
Breathing™, observe a breathing analysis, experience
the 100 Breaths Take Home program, and
participate in a ONE hour Transformational
Breathing™ Experience.
Cost: $50 |
Experienced Breather's
Tune-Ups
For those that wish to deepen their breathing
experience and still want the benefits of a
facilitated session, this is the perfect venue.
Designed as a breathing only experience we will do
100 Breaths, Kundalini, and have a
ONE hour breath session.
NOTE: Must have
attended at least 3 Transformational Breathing™
Introductory workshops.
Cost: $35 |
Special Full Day Breath
Intensives
These one day
intensives for experienced breathers consist of 2 breathing sessions and are a
great way to deepen your breath experience. You will
have a chance to learn more about the breath and
work on
LETTING GO
[] of that which no longer serves,
and breathing in that which you wish to
MANIFEST
[].
You will also participate in breathing exercises and
experiences designed to support your ongoing
Transformational Breathing™ Experience.
Cost: $140 ($120 when taken with the Experienced
Breather's Tune-Up) |
For more information contact: BodyWorks at 734-416-5200 or email
info@bodyworkshealingcenter.com
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Every Tuesday:
Transmission Meditation
Open Meditation Circle starts at
7:00PM
Transmission
Meditation: A Meditation Technique for Service.
Join us to learn one of the simplest yet most potent
collective methods to serve humanity and help transform our world.
Experience this dynamic aid to personal growth, and
discover a compelling yet simple way to practice
meditation in small groups.
We are hosting an ongoing Meditation Group at The
Green Bough to serve this area.
OPEN TO ALL. Heart
donation. To learn more about the Transmission Meditation
method, visit
www.TransmissionMeditation.org, or call
888-242-8272
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Meditating with a purpose to
Serve
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For anyone seeking additional modes of meditation experiences...
Traditional Buddhist Meditation
Taught by the monks of the
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center.
"In our life we all need to maintain physical health. We need to build healthy relationships. We need to achieve personal satisfaction and inner happiness. We need to realize the deep sense of meaning of our life. What is essential for all the above things is a healthy mind. The ancient Greeks glorified the body, its wellbeing and health, as well as the mind. The Romans famously said that man’s ideal should be ‘mens sana in corpore sano”! A healthy mind in a healthy body. And in China Lao Tse spoke of harmony achieved by equilibrium of the mind. And the Buddha said that good health was the greatest profit, and contentment is the greatest wealth one could accumulate."
(by Ven S. Pemaratana of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center)
 Though many of us are aware of the value of a healthy mind, we rarely know the way to achieve it. Buddhist meditation is a systematic method to develop a healthy mind. Achieving a healthy mind is not only about eradicating viruses that make the mind sick but also about developing positive qualities of the mind. It is a mental culture which has three phases: knowing the mind, shaping the mind and freeing the mind.
Let us systematically examine these ancient voices which a few of us hear like the soothing rustling of the mountain winds, when we practice meditation. It is then and only then, that we begin to hear the voice of silence promising each of us peace, harmony, and insight.
Come and join us to explore the possibility and the ways for cultivating a healthy mind.
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The Bright Path:
Ascension Attitudes
The Ishaya monks teach this simple and powerful practice, and
offer simple exercises to assist to engage deeper levels of the
mind and explore our true nature. |
C O M I N G S O O N:
Discover the
ISHAYA ASCENSION ATTITUDES!Based on Praise,
Gratitude, Love, and Compassion, the Ishaya Ascension
technique can be used throughout the day as one engages in
regular activities, as well as a closed eye meditation. These
Ascension Attitudes, effortlessly draw the mind away from
chaotic thought into the endless peace and stillness of its
source.
From Anita Pathik Law,
watch the
DIVINITY MOVIE
a transformative guided-style meditation found in
the Awakenings CD by author, lyricist, healer and coach, Anita Pathik Law. We hope you enjoy
the movie, and choose to experience the magic of the other meditations available in the Awakenings
set.
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Learn about Meditation activities
in the Pittsburgh area...
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On Meditation - by Dan Millman
:: Wednesday April 30th 2008, 7:21 pm, filed under:
Dan's Posts
Sharing thoughts about meditation seems like a
contradiction. Isn’t meditation all about 'taking out the
trash' and ridding ourselves of rambling thoughts? Well . .
. not necessarily.
Many of us have tried meditation, but grew discouraged and
after a time, stopped practicing. Maybe because it seemed
boring or we didn’t have time to just sit — but more likely,
we decided that we weren’t good at 'quieting the mind.'
As if that were a realistic goal.
I suggest that we don’t need to quiet the mind any more than
we need to plug up a bubbling hot springs. It is the nature
of hot springs to bubble and the nature of mind to do the
same, boiling off random thought-static, a kind of discharge
that may serve a function similar to dreaming.
Thoughts happen. Emotions happen. Weather happens. We may
prefer certain thoughts, emotions or weather over others.
But none are directly controllable by our will.
Thoughts only become a problem when we mistake them for
reality. We live in two worlds: An objective world arising
within our nervous system and outside of our bodies,
perceived by our senses. We also live in a subjective world
of the meanings, associations, fears, beliefs and
interpretations we make
about
that objective world.
Meditation enables us to discover the nature of mind, of
thought, and to see them as a sort of illusion, a
complication we impose on what the Zen masters call 'isness'
or 'suchness' prior to mind.
Many people both misunderstand and idealize this practice we
call meditation. But after all, it is a practice — an
exercise — like doing push-ups or learning to juggle. As
with any practice, it can be done well or poorly and can
improve over time.
Doing push-ups over time will predictably strengthen the
upper body. Meditation practice also brings noticeable
benefits: an enhanced ability to relax, focus and
concentrate; more patience; a sharpening of the senses (as
we learn to pay attention); enhanced creativity,
self-awareness (shadow-work), and insight into the nature of
mind. An experience of no-mind.
Meditation is not, however, a path to enlightenment;
rather, from the first moment we sit, meditation is the
practice
of enlightenment — a fundamental means of adapting the
body-mind to an enlightened disposition of non-reactivity.
We sit with spine erect — not leaning forward into the
future or backward into the past, but stable in this present
moment. Meanwhile, our awareness takes on its ultimate role
as Witness: We simply observe arising phenomena: thoughts,
emotions, physical sensations. Yet we do not react to any of
it; we merely bear witness to passing phenomena. Relaxed.
Serene. Simply being aware. Being Awareness.
This is why some Zen masters, when asked 'What is
enlightenment?' may respond, 'Just sitting.' When beginners
first sit, they fidget, think, react, wonder, daydream. As
it turns out, 'just sitting' is not so easy.
Most meditators use a technique or device to help focus
their wandering attention: We turn our attention to our
breath, or to a mantra (repeated inner chant), or to inner
sounds (nad yoga), or we gaze at a visual image such as a
yantra or mandala or just a single point.
Since many thoughts tend to impose physical tensions, the
body naturally relaxes as we release our attachment to (or
investment in) passing thoughts and impressions. Giving
mind-stuff no energy or attention, we slip into a sleep-like
or trance-like state in which 'time flies.'
Some call it the void, the quiet mind. Various studies
suggest that spending time in this state provides deep,
refreshing rest from the usually active state of the
body-mind — doing, pushing, wondering, remembering,
imagining, fretful with regrets of the past and anxieties
about the future.
Meditation opens doorways to a temporary state of peace, a
mini-vacation from self, mind, world. Many people quite
enjoy this time out. The practice of sitting meditation,
central to a number of eastern (or inward-directed)
spiritual traditions, balance the western (outward or
extroverted) orientation. In this way, meditation it
provides a balancing effect for most active men and women.
In the approach to reality that I teach — the way of the
Peaceful Warrior — we can enjoy this meditative disposition,
this sense of divine detachment, even after we open our
eyes, stand up, and go about our daily business. Various
kinds of moving (dynamic) meditation provide a bridge to
every-moment meditation.
The Zen masters teach kinhin, or mindful walking — the most
basic form of moving meditation. Then there are the mindful
Zen arts, like the tea ceremony, or the martial arts
(including Taiji), and kyudo (Zen archery), flower
arranging. Even western sports provide moments of deep
immersion in the present.
But even these more active rituals, which pull attention out
of preoccupations and mind-stuff and back to the present,
are a form of training wheels. As peaceful warriors, we
don’t just practice a sport or martial art — we practice
everything.
In each moment we turn our attention to every action, to
breath and relaxation. In this way, we transform everyday
life into the ultimate meditation. It is not an escape or
respite from daily life, but a way to transform daily life.
All meditative practices bring awareness back to the
Present
Moment, which is itself free of thoughts. (We can only think
about the past or future; in the present there is only
awareness.)
Meditate for pleasure and for balance — for a whole-body
remembrance of the peace that waits for us in the eternal
present. Here. Now.
But do not put this practice up on a pedestal as a special
'spiritual practice.' If we do so — if we treat certain
times or activities as special or spiritual, we fall into
the trap of treating other times as ordinary. Whereas in
truth, all moments, all activities, are equally important.
There are no ordinary moments; every moment deserves our
full attention.
Let meditation become a way of life, a quality of attention
we give to each moment of our daily life. It is a gift that
returns to us a hundred-fold. Peace. Serenity. Reality as it
is.
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Dan Millman is a busy teacher and writer of thirteen books
on spiritual awakening, including the contemporary
classic Way of the Peaceful Warrior. His works
have inspired and informed millions of readers in 29 languages worldwide. The feature film, "Peaceful Warrior,"
starring Nick Nolte, was adapted from Dan's book, based upon incidents from his life. His keynotes, seminars,
and workshops span the generations to influence men and women from all walks of life, including leaders in the fields
of health, psychology, education, business, politics, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Dan and his wife Joy live
in northern California. |
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