Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Meditation Challenge
I began a Meditation Challenge this week. It's been good so far. It helps me stay focused, relax and be more mindful of my spiritual goals. I have meditated for a couple years, but hope this will deepen my commitment to doing it as a regular practice. I sit quietly at 5:00 a.m. when I get up, for a few minutes. I read spiritual literature and then close my eyes and go deep within. I observe my breathing and let my mind drift. I love the quietude. My mind is usually racing or worrying so to have it rest is wonderful.
I am seeing results already. Today I kept out of a conversation I didn't need to participate in, and felt better for doing that. I also have had 3 fruitful work days in a row!
Three years ago I could not have done this. I was so afraid to sit still. Now I find it interesting, not threatening. Amazing!
I am seeing results already. Today I kept out of a conversation I didn't need to participate in, and felt better for doing that. I also have had 3 fruitful work days in a row!
Three years ago I could not have done this. I was so afraid to sit still. Now I find it interesting, not threatening. Amazing!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
More Great News About Music!
June 25, 2009
Music Tunes Up Cardio Systems
Most people who have ears know that music can help us relax, but wait, that's just beginning. Music can tune up our cardio system, literally. It can also tune it down. The Scientific American reports that researchers at the University of Pavia in Italy have found that changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems mirror musical tempo. The journal reports that the scientists enlisted 24 volunteers—half experienced singers, the remainder with no musical training, and had them listen to five random selections of Beethoven, Bach, Puccini and other classical artists as well as a two-minute segment of silence, monitors recorded physiological signals. The researchers found that selections with crescendos, especially those with a series of them (think: Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody), led to proportional constriction of blood vessels and increases in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. These measures decreased during decrescendos and silent periods. The team also found that "rich" music phrases around 10 seconds long, like those rhythms from famous arias by Verdi, caused heart rate and other parts of the cardiovascular system to synchronize with the music. Sciam reports that both the musicians and non-musicians experienced this entrainment, although the musicians showed a stronger response.Read more, and turn up the Beethoven.
Music Tunes Up Cardio Systems
Most people who have ears know that music can help us relax, but wait, that's just beginning. Music can tune up our cardio system, literally. It can also tune it down. The Scientific American reports that researchers at the University of Pavia in Italy have found that changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems mirror musical tempo. The journal reports that the scientists enlisted 24 volunteers—half experienced singers, the remainder with no musical training, and had them listen to five random selections of Beethoven, Bach, Puccini and other classical artists as well as a two-minute segment of silence, monitors recorded physiological signals. The researchers found that selections with crescendos, especially those with a series of them (think: Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody), led to proportional constriction of blood vessels and increases in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. These measures decreased during decrescendos and silent periods. The team also found that "rich" music phrases around 10 seconds long, like those rhythms from famous arias by Verdi, caused heart rate and other parts of the cardiovascular system to synchronize with the music. Sciam reports that both the musicians and non-musicians experienced this entrainment, although the musicians showed a stronger response.Read more, and turn up the Beethoven.
Monday, June 15, 2009
My First Post!
Excited to set up a new blog!
Today I got to golf with my friends and we all did well. Yay! the sun was out and it was a great day.
p.s. Did I get you thinking this pic was ME?????
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