Meditation Beats Drugs in Reducing Depression Relapses Dec 2, 2008
A British study that pitted traditional Buddhist meditation against anti-depressant drugs to treat depression found that meditation prevented more relapses. The Telegraph reported that fifteen months after an eight-week trial, only 47 percent of people using meditation suffered a relapse compared with 60 percent of those taking anti-depressants. (Newsmax)
Mumbai survivor: 'blood everywhere' Dec 1, 2008
The four had traveled to India on a spiritual pilgrimage with their Nellysford, Virginia-based meditation group but got caught up in a series of attacks on Mumbai that lasted nearly three days and left at least 174 dead. advertisement. (MSNBC -- International)
Patients thinking outside the Rx Dec 1, 2008
Americans spend more than $40 billion annually on alternative and complementary medications, according to the NIH. Herbal supplements, vitamins, chiropractic care and meditation are among the most popular therapies, although prayer is at the top of the list. While two-thirds of Americans older than age 50 use alternative medicine, most of them keep it to themselves, according to a survey conducted by NIH's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the AARP. The survey found that... (Albany Times Union)
Slain doctor's partner was 2nd Canadian killed Dec 1, 2008
Mr. Rudder and three others had travelled to India on a spiritual pilgrimage with their Virginia-based meditation group. Charles Cannon, the group's spiritual leader, barricaded himself into his hotel room with his two personal assistants from Synchronicity Foundation, stacking furniture against the door. (Globe and Mail)
Families feel the squeeze of economic crunch Dec 1, 2008
Try meditation or yoga to relax. Reassure children -- they worry, too. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Seniors can be vulnerable in a turbulent economy Dec 1, 2008
Meditation, deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises will help your body eliminate the stress that can build up in your back, shoulders and neck in particular. There are many highly skilled professionals in our communities who are trained to help if you feel that stress is getting the better of you. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
MUI's investigation into yoga Dec 1, 2008
Yoga is just another form of exercise and meditation, which is important for our health -- it increases muscle elasticity, and aides in the reduction of mental fatigue ... Certain types of meditation are also not acceptable. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
19 comments Dec 1, 2008
"There is a tradition that in the planting of New England, the first settlers met with many difficulties and hardships, as is generally the case when a civiliz d people attempt to establish themselves in a wilderness country. Being so piously dispos d, they sought relief from heaven by laying their wants and distresses before the Lord in frequent set days of fasting and prayer. Constant meditation and discourse on these subjects kept their minds gloomy and discontented, and like the children of... (Human Events Online)
Nicole Kidman's Australia meditation Dec 1, 2008
She said: "I have a strong faith in God, he is at the centre of my meditation. Hugh and I would both meditate on the set of 'Australia'. I also do my own meditation that my father taught me." Nicole - who gave birth to daughter Sunday Rose, her first child with husband Keith Urban, in July - also revealed she keeps a diary to help herself stay grounded. She said: "I do keep a diary, it forces me at the end of the day to consider what the day has brought. I sometimes re-read them too. You learn... (Xinhuanet, China)
Meditation is as effective as medication, according to research Dec 1, 2008
Meditation 'as effective as medication' in treating depression ... Buddhist meditation techniques can be just as effective at combating depression as medication, a study has found ... Relaxation: Meditation as effective as medication. (Daily Mail)
Portsmouth area community calendar Dec 1, 2008
n A GUIDED MEDITATION will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Eye of the Hawk Holistic Center, 5 Grove Road, Rye. Meditation helps to make the mind calm and peaceful and enables us to feel less stressed. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
New treatment hope for people with recurring depression Dec 1, 2008
They learned a range of meditation exercises that they could continue to practice on their own once the course ended. Many of the exercises were based on Buddhist meditation techniques and helped the individual take time to focus on the present, rather than dwelling on past events, or planning for future tasks ... It is now two years since he completed the eight-week MBCT trial and Di practices the meditation techniques learned during the trial four or five times a week, for up to an hour each... (EurekAlert!)
American Victims Were 'Amazing People,' 'Bright Stars' Nov 30, 2008
Other Americans killed in the attacks were a man and his teenage daughter from a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation, a colleague said Friday. Alan Scherr, 58, and daughter Naomi, 13, died in a cafe Wednesday night, said Bobbie Garvey, a spokeswoman for the Synchronicity Foundation. (Fox News)
Latest King stories about twilight, not darkness Nov 30, 2008
"For this reason, King's latest anthology of short stories, "Just After Sunset," is quietly dazzling. It is a snapshot of his ability to erode that membrane between light and dark, to make us believe that any of us, given the right (or wrong) circumstances, could slip into somewhere that's not quite right.Weird things happen in these stories, but they are not necessarily horrifying things. The main characters are people living, sometimes unawares, on the edge of reality. It's the part of King's... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
How to Prevent a Bloated Stomach Nov 30, 2008
Half an hour of meditation may be useful too. Prevent Air from Entering Body. (Suite101.com)
* MUMBAI ATTACKS : Bush, Obama express sorrow for victims of attacks Nov 30, 2008
But earlier, the Synchronicity Foundation, a meditation community outside Charlottesville, Virginia, said two of their members, a father and daughter, had been killed at the Oberoi Hotel. And a Jewish outreach group said a New York-based rabbi and his wife had been killed in an assault on the groups center in Mumbai. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* MUMBAI ATTACKS : There were bodies everywhere: survivor Nov 30, 2008
Varagona, 45, a meditation teacher, says on her Web site she had taken the name Rudrani Devi, Sanskrit for one who takes the pain away from others, in 2002 ... Among those killed was a friend on the meditation retreat who had been dining at Varagonas table, Alan Scherr, 58, of Faber, Virginia, of the Synchronicity Foundation. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* The pursuit of happiness is big, serious business Nov 30, 2008
James Baraz, a revered meditation teacher, has a 10-month course in Berkeley on Awakening Joy. Among the exercises and meditations are suggestions for improving your life, including singing every day, making lists of things that made you happy and getting a joy buddy. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Meditation ... for the first day of Advent Nov 30, 2008
for the first day of Advent. Disclaimer - If ad is a click thru and you are having problems please click on link to download latest version of flash player. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Canadian actor shot three times on yogic retreat Nov 30, 2008
A reluctant traveller, the 58-year-old Genie-nominated actor from Montreal was enjoying the peace and calm of a yogic meditation trip to India ... Mr. Rudder, who was staying at the Oberoi hotel with a group of two dozen yoga and meditation enthusiasts, was shot three times and seriously injured when gunmen stormed the hotel lobby ... Mr. Rudder describes himself as a teacher of the technique known as "synchronicity high-tech meditation," and in recent years has dedicated himself wholeheartedly... (Globe and Mail)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 30, 2008
This very low-fat 10 percent of daily calories approach includes plenty of healthful complex carbohydrates, lean protein mostly from vegetables, as well as daily meditation and physical activity. It was developed by physician Dean Ornish. (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
Canadian official narrowly avoided attacks Nov 30, 2008
Mr. Rudder and Ms. Connolly were in India on a meditation retreat with the Synchronicity Foundation, a U.S.-based spiritual organization. Of the Canadians killed, only one Montreal physician Dr. Michael Moss has been publicly identified. (Globe and Mail)
Mumbai's three days of terror Nov 30, 2008
The gunmen run into another restaurant and fire unrelenting bursts at the diners and waiters, says Andreina Varagona, an American meditation teacher shot in the arm and leg. At least a dozen people fall to the floor dead, including one of Ms. Varagona's friends. (Globe and Mail)
India-Pakistan relations Nov 30, 2008
and were among 25 foundation participants in a spiritual program in Mumbai, said Bobbie Garvey, a spokeswoman for the foundation, which promotes a form of meditation. Duguid said consular staff would continue to work with Indian police until all missing Americans were accounted for. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
N.Y. couple killed in India Nov 30, 2008
Also killed were a man and his teenage daughter from a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation, a colleague said Friday. Alan Scherr, 58, and daughter Naomi, 13, died in a cafe Wednesday night, said Bobbie Garvey, a spokeswoman for the Synchronicity Foundation. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Father & Daughter From Virginia Remembered Nov 30, 2008
(AP) - A father and his teenage daughter from a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation were among those killed in the terrorist attacks in India, a colleague said Friday ... "The state department has been outstanding in providing information and staying in contact with us." Devi, who was previously identified by her mother by the name Andi Varagona, owns a body alignment shop in Nashville and teaches meditation classes. (WTVR.com, VA)
Joe Orso: Advent invites us to listen Nov 30, 2008
Dan M. wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:20 AM:" Coffee, I wasn't saying to just sit back and do nothing. I'm talking about the frantic attitude we sometimes fall into. We want to solve all the worlds problems and get depressed if we can't. We'll always end up depressed about it because sooner or later the state of the world will overwhelm us. We can affect a small part of the world as Mother Teresa did. But I think we should also realize that we really have very little control over our world and we... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Worship Directory from the Nov. 27 edition Nov 30, 2008
The Alternative Minyan has extended Torah discussion, various forms of chanting, meditation and poetry. All ages are warmly welcomed to attend all, or any portion of any service. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Is credit crunch affecting your marriage? Nov 30, 2008
Spend time in meditation or prayer just 10 minutes a day can do wonders for your psyche. Set small realistic goals take a few dollars from each of your paychecks and start putting away a little money now for a summer vacation. (India Times, India)
2 Americans Dead In India Nov 29, 2008
Earlier, a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation said a father and his teenage daughter from the group were among those killed in an attack on the cafe at the Oberoi hotel ... A spokeswoman for a meditation group in Virginia said two Americans traveling with the organization in Mumbai were killed ... The meditation group said in a statement that four other members of the 25-person group - two Americans and two Canadians - who were staying at the Oberoi Hotel were wounded by... (CBS News)
Ex-professor, daughter die in India carnage Nov 29, 2008
Twelve years ago, Alan Scherr committed his life to meditation and spirituality, moving his family to the Synchronicity spiritual community in Faber, Va ... "Alan committed most of his adult life to meditation, spirituality and conscious living," the statement from Synchronicity said ... "He was a passionate Vedic astrologer and meditation teacher who inspired many people to begin a journey of self-awareness and meditation. He was committed to making a positive difference in the world and... (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
Slain Americans had traveled to India on spiritual missions Nov 29, 2008
man, daughter had gone with a meditation group ... WASHINGTON - Twelve years ago, Alan Scherr committed his life to meditation and spirituality, moving his family to the Synchronicity spiritual community in Faber, Va ... Alan Scherr, a Maryland native, described his decision to join the Eastern meditation group in an essay in the Internet magazine Realization in 2000. (Boston Globe)
U.S. sends terror investigators to India Nov 29, 2008
A spokeswoman for a meditation group in Virginia said two Americans traveling with the organization in Mumbai also were killed. Bobbie Garvey, speaking for the Synchronicity Foundation, based in Faber, Va. (MSNBC -- International)
Former professor, daughter killed in attacks Nov 29, 2008
Twelve years ago, Alan Scherr committed his life to meditation and spirituality, moving his family to the Synchronicity spiritual community in Faber, Va ... "Alan committed most of his adult life to meditation, spirituality and conscious living," the statement from Synchronicity said ... "He was a passionate Vedic astrologer and meditation teacher who inspired many people to begin a journey of self-awareness and meditation. He was committed to making a positive difference in the world and... (MSNBC -- International)
Americans still at risk in Mumbai, two dead Nov 29, 2008
The Synchronicity Foundation, a meditation community outside Charlottesville, Virginia, said two of their members, a father and daughter, had been killed at the attack on the city's Oberoi Hotel. "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of two of our loved community members, Alan and Naomi Scherr, who were tragically killed in the recent events at the Oberoi in Mumbai," the foundation said in a statement. (India Times)
RELIGION NOTES Nov 29, 2008
At 2 p.m., James Chance will lead a Buddhist walking meditation. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 129 S. Park St. -- The 13th annual Messiah Sing will be held at 4 p.m. Messiah choruses and a few arias will be sung, accompanied by a full orchestra with the Aspire Ensemble as vocal soloists and Graeme Cowen conducting. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Virginia Father, Daughter Dead Nov 29, 2008
The Scherrs lived at the Nelson County foundation, about 15 miles southwest of Charlottesville, which promotes a high-tech form of meditation. Garvey said Scherr is a Maryland native and a former college professor. (Fox News)
Terror Siege Ends in Mumbai; Indian Navy Investigates Drifting Trawler, Corpse on Board Nov 29, 2008
The pair were part of a meditation group called the Synchronicity Foundation that was visiting India. Two other Americans with the group were injured. (Fox News)
Father-daughter pilgrimage ends tragically in Mumbai Nov 29, 2008
-- Alan Scherr devoted his life to meditation and the search for peaceful balance ... They studied the teachings of Charles Cannon, who founded the group in 1983 and practices a form of meditation using audio recordings ... Father and daughter were dining Wednesday night at the table of Andreina Varagona of Nashville, a 45-year-old meditation teacher and friend, when the shooting started. (Los Angeles Times)
How to Light a Candle Online Nov 29, 2008
People have used candles to focus on hopeful wishes, for reflective meditation, and to offer rememberance and respect. Candles are common in homes and churches, and now they are available online as well. (Suite101.com)
Holistic Retreats Nov 29, 2008
Relaxing Spa and Detox Vacations. If you're looking for a way to relax, renew, and reconnect, a holistic retreat may be the perfect solution. (Suite101.com)
The Causes and Treatment of Memory ... Nov 29, 2008
Breathing exercises, prayer and meditation are all ways to help calm those nerves and restore tha natural balance of brain chemicals. Having a positive outlook helps you to better cope with your day and handle those repetitive and nagging problems better. (Suite101.com)
Mumbai terror victim recently toured Emma Willard Nov 29, 2008
The Scherrs live in The Synchronicity Foundation, a meditation group based outside of Charlottesville, Va. Naomi and Alan Scherr were visiting India with other members of the group when they were killed inside the Oberoi Hotel. (Albany Times Union)
Violence in India stirs local fears Nov 29, 2008
They were there with members of a meditation group. There were no injuries and all employees were reported safe in Mumbai-area operations of Albany-based AMRI Inc., a pharmaceutical company, and SI Group, formerly Schenectady International, of Niskayuna, according to local company officials. (Albany Times Union)
Evening prayer for Advent begins Nov 29, 2008
The Word of God is celebrated with a brief reading, homily, time of silent meditation, and chanting of the Magnificat, the song of Mary. Prayers, both sung and spoken, and a blessing complete the service. (Concord Journal, MA)
U.S. fatalities Nov 29, 2008
US Jewish, meditation groups' members die in India ... Also killed were a man and his teenage daughter from a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation, a colleague said Friday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Religious events and services Nov 29, 2008
Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Centering Prayer in the Meditation Chapel ... Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Centering Prayer in the Meditation Chapel ... Sundaythere is a 10 a.m. worship service with Pastor Kevin Groder, preceded by a time of meditation and prayer. (Amesbury News, MA)
Lévi-Strauss, a French icon, turns 100 Nov 29, 2008
vi-Strauss shot to prominence early, but with his 1955 book "Tristes Tropiques," a sort of anthropological meditation based on his travels in Brazil and elsewhere in the 1930s, he became a national treasure of a special French kind. The jury of the Prix Goncourt, France's most famous literary award, said that it would have given the prize to "Tristes Tropiques" had it been fiction. (International Herald Tribune)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 29, 2008
This very low-fat 10 percent of daily calories approach includes plenty of healthful complex carbohydrates, lean protein mostly from vegetables, as well as daily meditation and physical activity. It was developed by physician Dean Ornish. (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
Legendary coach gets his day Nov 29, 2008
Dooley hopes the garden area will be not only a place for study and meditation, but a laboratory for students in horticulture and landscape architecture. The centerpiece of the garden is a huge sculpture depicting Dooley hoisted on the shoulders of two players from the 1980 Bulldog national championship team, the highlight of a 25-year coaching career that also included six Southeastern Conference championships and an overall 201-77-10 record. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Church roundup Nov 29, 2008
Body, Mind and Spirit Ministries holds a metaphysical service at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at 1494 Prince Ave. The service is led by the Rev. Frank Badia and includes elemental devotions, meditation and healing. (706) 850-1807 or bodymindandspiritofathens@yahoo. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Two Virginia Residents Killed In Mumbai Attack Nov 29, 2008
The two lived at the Nelson County foundation, about 15 miles southwest of Charlottesville, which promotes a high-tech form of meditation. Garvey said Scherr is a Maryland native and a former collegeprofessor. (WTKR.com, VA)
• A Winter Feast for the Soul Nov 29, 2008
23, will encourage the global community to find a way to access inner peace through a daily practice of meditation and prayer. Born out of a three-line poem by Rumi, a 13th century Persian poet and mystic, the event has already received blessings from the Dalai Lama, among other spiritual leaders around the world. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Mumbai Death Toll Rises as Siege Nears End Nov 29, 2008
The Scherrs were from a Virginia community that promotes a form of meditation, and were among 25 people attending a spiritual program in Mumbai; other members of the program were injured, including two women from Tennessee. Also among the dead were Australians, a Japanese, an Italian, a Briton, a German and a Canadian, according to Indian and foreign officials. (SmartMoney)
Winona’s window treatment guy’ retires Nov 29, 2008
He woke at 3 a.m. Wednesday, a schedule he adopted decades ago to allow time for morning prayer and meditation. A short time later, he drove to St. Martin s Lutheran Church to begin making breakfast, a solitary ritual he has performed every Wednesday for the past 18 years for the men s group that meets for Bible study and breakfast. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Should doctors pray with their patients? Despite skeptics, medical schools addressing spirituality Nov 29, 2008
Also, I am of the Jain faith, an Eastern religion based on the principle of nonviolence and the practice of meditation, and most of my patients are of the Christian or Jewish faith. My reluctance to pray with patients comes in the face of growing evidence that spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation might be healthy for us ... A study published in 2003 found workers who attended a meditation training session had a more powerful immune response to the influenza vaccine than those who... (Racine Journal Times, WI)
FBI TO AID INVESTIGATION Nov 29, 2008
They lived at the Synchronicity Foundation sanctuary about 15 miles southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia, and were among 25 foundation participants in a spiritual program in Mumbai, said Bobbie Garvey, a spokeswoman for the foundation, which promotes a form of meditation. The State Department confirmed that five Americans had died but offered no details. (USA Today)
Deal with the Trauma of Terrorism Nov 29, 2008
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. The family is very important in the recovery of a person. (Times of India)
Essential Writings Nov 29, 2008
Forsthoefel also provides brief introductions to each of the four chapters: Wisdom, Morality, Meditation, and Religions and the World. DANA MASSING can be reached at 870-1729 or by e-mail. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Netherlands bans 'magic' mushrooms Nov 29, 2008
Some proponents of magic mushrooms say that their use aids in spiritual awareness, gaining personal insight and meditation. Selling dried magic mushrooms is already illegal in the Netherlands and carries a maximum jail sentence of eight years, the justice ministry spokesman said, but from next week a new ban will apply to fresh mushrooms which have been previously sold in so-called "smart shops". (India Times, India)
Falcon Ushers New Era in Indian Real Estate Nov 28, 2008
Yoga and meditation hall, well equipped gymnasium, popular outdoor and indoor activities like lawn tennis, horse riding, skating court, football, volley ball, polo, table tennis, signature golf and a social club are other wellness activities. And if that was not enough, the residents of Global Eco-City and Gulmohar Woods, specifically, shall be provided continuous power supply with 100% power back-up. (PR Newswire)
URGENT: Virginia Father, Daughter Visiting India Reportedly Missing Nov 28, 2008
Send news tip to FOXNews. Virginia Father, Daughter Visiting India Reportedly Missing After Attacks. (Fox News)
Letter from America Nov 28, 2008
James Baraz, a revered meditation teacher, has a 10-month course in Berkeley on "Awakening Joy." Among the exercises and meditations are suggestions for improving your life, including singing every day, making lists of things that made you happy and getting a "joy buddy.". The course has become a bona fide phenomenon since an article about it appeared in O, Oprah Winfrey's magazine, with 300 people taking it in Berkeley and 2,500 taking it online. (International Herald Tribune)
Even if you can't buy it, happiness is big business Nov 28, 2008
James Baraz, a revered meditation teacher, has a 10-month course in Berkeley on "Awakening Joy." Among the exercises and meditations are suggestions for improving your life, including singing every day, making lists of things that made you happy and getting a "joy buddy.". 1. (International Herald Tribune)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 28, 2008
This very low-fat 10 percent of daily calories approach includes plenty of healthful complex carbohydrates, lean protein mostly from vegetables, as well as daily meditation and physical activity. It was developed by physician Dean Ornish. (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
