One of the rules of ikigai is to stay active and not retire, and many centenarians, especially those living in the world's blue zones, never do.

We spoke to several centenarians over the past year and a half about what behaviors and traits they believe helped them to live a long and happy life. Here's why they say finding meaningful work and not retiring played a major role.

Virginia Oliver, 104, has been catching lobsters since she was eight years old, and she really enjoys it. So much so that the centenarian signed up for lobster-catching season this year.

Oliver's secret to living beyond age 100 boils down to: "You've gotta keep living, you gotta keep working. It's not easy," she said in a mini-documentary about her life.

When asked about her future plans for lobstering by TODAY.com, Oliver said, "I'm not going to retire," adding, "I'm going to do this till I die."

Deborah Szekely, a 102-year-old, started her fitness resort and spa alongside her then-husband in 1940. More than eight decades later, Szekely still works at her business three times a week.

"We have fabulous speakers every night. I meet with the presenters [every] Tuesday, so I know what my guests are talking about," she told CNBC Make It in May.

"Wednesday, I speak. And Thursday, I meet individuals who I want to know, or friends. So I work three days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday."

Every week that she shows up at her spa, Szekely said, "it makes a change."

"When nature says, 'You got to stop Deborah.' Deborah will stop, until then she'll keep going," she added.

Deborah Szekely, 102, co-founded one of the first wellness resorts in North America in 1940.

Source: Rancho La Puerta

Madeline Paldo was a recent retiree at age 100 when she spoke to Make It in September of 2023. Paldo worked between the ages of 18 and 99.

Working "kept me busy, and I enjoyed working," she said. "Retirement, I don't like too much."

Paldo supported her family's business based in Chicago where they produced electric signs, and she was responsible for office work which allowed her to interact with customers daily.

"I liked being with the public. I liked being with people," she told CNBC Make It. "And I was the only one in the office that did all of the office work for our business, so it was enjoyable. I liked to go to work."

Jayne Burns, who was turning 101 in the month following her interview with CNBC Make It in 2023, still worked four days a week as a part-time fabric cutter at a crafts store.

"I enjoy what I do, so I want to keep doing it," Burns told Make It. "I'll work for as long as I can or as long as they'll have me."

She tried to retire several times over the years but would "unretire" within a few months, she said. Working at jobs that she enjoyed gave her a daily routine which she values and allowed her to interact with new people.

"Staying busy keeps you from focusing on your aches and pains," she said. "It makes it easier to keep going."

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These 100-year-olds say working beyond retirement age is what keeps them going: 'I'll work for as long as I can' - CNBC

Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Emma Echols (not pictured) receives $1,056 a month in Social Security and has to supplement that income with her part-time bus driver job. Laura Olivas

Emma Echols, 68, lives off $1,056 a month in Social Security and a part-time bus driver job in Alabama. She said she may never retire, but she's not too worried.

Echols has worked since she was 12, working as a chef, a convenience store general manager, and a bus driver. Throughout her life, she's rarely been financially stable, though she's kept bills down by living frugally and giving to others when she's able.

Though it's unlikely she can step away from work anytime soon, she's stayed active in her community to help others in worse situations than her. Still, she feels people like herself should get more retirement benefits and respect.

"I've always worked for what I needed or wanted, with no public or government assistance, but people who have not worked have very nice housing," Echols said. "Our world is confused. They reward the ones who will do nothing, who do not pay their bills on time, and not those who are school teachers who gave the system 50 years of their lives. I know teachers who knew exactly how many times a month they could wash their clothes to maintain their electric bills."

Millions of Americans at or approaching the typical retirement age of 65 lack the savings to quit working. Dozens of older Americans have told Business Insider this year they can't retire, as some estimates say retirees need well above a million dollars to retire comfortably. This is particularly out of reach for the more than half of Americans over 65 making under $30,000 a year, according to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.

While Echols said she wouldn't know what to do with over $1 million, getting more than $1,000 a month from the government would go a long way.

Echols got her first job at 12 as a babysitter, and at 14, she served soda and popcorn at a drive-in theater. Almost six decades later, she hasn't stopped working since.

"I always wanted to earn my own money," Echols said. "I always wanted to work, and at the age of 14, someone started my Social Security records for me. I waited 45 years to get that paycheck."

She worked as a chef at a seafood restaurant for over a decade, putting her in a "very good income bracket." At 27, she enrolled in community college but didn't graduate.

She switched to another company for nine years making minimum wage $3.35 at the time then got a new position as a convenience store assistant manager paying over $11 an hour, though she was later laid off. She acknowledges she and others in her generation should have been more informed about saving and investing strategies.

Over two decades ago, she got a job as a bus driver making about $9 an hour, though this increased over the years to about $26 an hour. She also gets health benefits and is building a pension.

"Before my rate went up, I didn't even make enough money to be able to pay $500 to $600 a month in rent," Echols said. "I have good income at my part time position where I have good benefits, but I understand the struggle for all senior citizens. For federal government housing, they do not want you to have more than $1,500 a month in income to qualify for one of their houses or apartments."

Her monthly expenses are $500 for rent with an extra water and garbage bill, $95 for phone and internet, almost $500 for her car payment, $89 a month on car and renters insurance, and about $300 for transportation expenses. She rarely eats out, and she tries to avoid spending on meat to cut back on costs. She's saving up for new tires and car maintenance fees that can cost $400.

"I live frugally, and I purchase only what I need," she said. "I've always been a clearance rack shopper, even some thrifting."

She rarely spends on entertainment, occasionally seeing a $5 movie near her home. She tries to stay healthy to avoid added medical costs, and she's kept her furniture and clothes purchases minimal.

She's gearing up to move from her duplex in the suburbs to an efficiency apartment in her city to reduce her transportation and car insurance expenses, as she can walk to work.

Her Social Security is $1,056 a month, a 25% reduction from her potential full benefit because she accepted payments early. She said it helps her cover rent and some other expenses, though she said she must work to supplement other costs and plan for her future. She has very little debt.

"People my age, we worked during a time when incomes were low, and I know people whose Social Security is $1,400, $1,500 a month, and it's not enough for them to live," Echols said. "I don't see myself being able to retire, but I'm grateful and healthy."

She said two of her sisters are in nursing homes, while her other two sisters have health issues. She gives gifts to family members when she can and tries to help them financially if she has money left over.

Echols also said some of her friends are dealing with similar situations, as many live on a fixed income and are struggling to pay all their bills.

She said religion has empowered her to continue giving what she has to help others in even worse situations, as she believes she will be repaid for her efforts and will never be homeless. If she had more money, she said she would use it to start a program to assist other women in difficult financial situations.

"I've never been a worrier, because in spite of what our world looks like, what's going on in the world, I truly believe that God has the final say," Echols said.

Are you worried about retirement? Reach out to this reporter at nsheidlower@businessinsider.com.

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Boomer lives on $1,056 a month in Social Security, works as bus driver - Business Insider

On the surface, chronic hives (also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria) may seem like nothing more than a mere annoyance.

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But the red, itchy skin welts, which can last more than six weeks, can take a toll on your self-esteem, body image and mental health. Chronic hives and stress can be a vicious cycle that worsens the skin disease.

So, what can you do? How can you take control of your life and not let chronic hives affect your mood?

Allergist Dylan Timberlake, MD, talks about the connection between chronic hives and your mental health and offers some self-care tips to help you navigate life with chronic hives.

There are two ways chronic hives can impact your mental health. First, chronic hives can affect your mental health and quality of life. Secondly, stress and anxiety can cause or trigger chronic hives.

Research shows that in people who are living with chronic hives, more than half have a moderate to severe impairment of their quality of life. They experience poor sleep, angioedema (skin swelling) and itchiness, relays Dr. Timberlake. A lot of people who have chronic hives are embarrassed to go to work or go out in public.

In fact, Dr. Timberlake says research shows that people who are living with chronic hives have a higher rate of depression and anxiety than the general population.

And when it comes to how stress affects chronic hives, Dr. Timberlake says its important to note that theres a subset of people with chronic hives who only get hives when theyre stressed or anxious. (Other potential triggers include exercise, body temperature, heat and cold.)

When we get stressed or anxious, our core body temperature increases, which for some people may be a trigger for their hives, explains Dr. Timberlake. So, you can have chronic hives that can then be worsened when you are stressed or anxious about something.

Living with chronic hives can be overwhelming, so self-care is vital to help you be the best version of yourself. Dr. Timberlake offers the following advice:

If you have chronic hives, theres a good chance it affects the quality of your sleep. Sure, you know you should get around seven to nine hours a night. But that can be tough. To help combat sleep issues, Dr. Timberlake stresses the importance of a bedtime routine that you follow every night.

I focus a lot on sleep because its so important it plays a role in depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness and being attentive, he continues. Even a warm bath or a warm shower right before bedtime can really help with sleep.

Another big thing he discusses with his patients? Avoiding TVs and cellphones in your bedroom.

And if you take glucocorticoids, which are corticosteroids commonly used for hives, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider about alternative options.

Glucocorticoids can cause anxiety and poor sleep, and when youre already having those problems, glucocorticoids can definitely exacerbate them, he warns.

In some cases, exercise may trigger your chronic hives, as it raises your core body temperature. But exercise also releases endorphins, which can improve your overall mood.

If you know exercise is one of your triggers, it may be worth modifying how you work out and stay active. Instead of intense exercise like weightlifting or running that makes you sweaty, opt for low-impact exercises such as yoga or swimming.

Dr. Timberlake says that practicing meditation and mindfulness can be beneficial for people who have chronic hives.

Theres something called the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program and the goal is accepting your body the way it is and living in the moment, he explains. This can be used for people with chronic illnesses to help decrease stress and anxiety and improve their self-confidence.

Lean on your loved ones family members and friends. They can be a great support system as you navigate living with chronic hives.

Theres plenty of data about the importance of the connections that we have with other people, stresses Dr. Timberlake. If youre going through a difficult time, if you dont want to go out in public and if youre not wanting to go to work, maintaining those social connections with loved ones is going to be really important for you.

Dont be afraid to open up to your loved ones and talk to them about your fears and worries. They can be a good sounding board to help you work through difficult situations and can make you feel less alone.

It can be helpful to talk to others who have chronic hives. You may have shared experiences and can offer advice, tips and guidance to one another.

A support group is a great idea because youre going to meet people at all different stages of living with chronic hives, says Dr. Timberlake.

If youre struggling with feeling comfortable going to work or out in public, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health therapist.

They can talk to you about social isolation and work with you on acceptance and decreasing your anxiety and depression, says Dr. Timberlake.

Dr. Timberlake talks to all of his chronic hives patients about their alcohol consumption, as alcohol can be a trigger.

Have you noticed that if youre drinking alcohol your hives flare up immediately afterward or are worse around the times when youre drinking? questions Dr. Timberlake. If you do notice a change, I would suggest abstaining from alcohol.

Whether its painting, reading a book or gardening, making time for hobbies you enjoy can have a positive impact on your mental health. Youll feel a sense of joy and accomplishment by spending time doing something you love.

It all comes back to having a strong social connection, notes Dr. Timberlake.

Your doctor may suggest that you keep a journal of your potential triggers and when you experience hives. You can use pen and paper or even a notes app on your cellphone whatever works best for you.

Journaling can be very beneficial for people from a self-care standpoint, encourages Dr. Timberlake. It gives you a space to document your symptoms, but also a place to track how youre feeling.

If you have chronic hives, focusing on your mental health is an important part of managing your condition. If you feel like no one understands what youre going through, dont hesitate to talk to your doctor who can help you in a variety of ways from suggesting treatment options to advising you on self-care solutions.

And as you go through it all, remember that youre not alone and you dont deserve to feel miserable.

Chronic hives can affect the quality of your life, says Dr. Timberlake. I recommend talking to your doctor about it so that we can work to get your symptoms under control. We have a lot of different medicines and nonmedical options that can improve your daily life.

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Chronic Hives and Mental Health: Self-Care Tips - Health Essentials

On day one of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, at 8:45 a.m., as I walked into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and watched the lines of people form, I could hear the commotion beginning. People were ready. But as I entered inside and walked to the Wellness House activation and inside a curtained space with elevated stages, poufy orange cushions to sit on, sound bowls placed around, and sage being spread, it was a completely different scene and vibe. The practitioners, beautiful Black women from New Orleans who were preparing to teach guided meditation and utilize sound therapy, were dressed in ethereal white ensembles, greeting people with warmth and in a calm voice. They were ready, too. They were there and would be there every morning throughout ESSENCE Fest weekend to help guests heal.

Meditation is not necessarily doing anything, says Dirieal Perkins of Stretch Galore Yoga about the practice, which shes done for about five years. As we talk, her two-and-a-half-month-old son Yiannis, also in white, sleeps on her chest in a carrier. It is more so becoming, not necessarily one with your thoughts, but really just entertaining those thoughts and not so much dwelling on it, but just allowing it to flow and just let it pass. It is not, we have to sit down and only think about good things. Thats literally not what it is. Its kind of impossible in a sense. Your mind works; its all over the place. Its allowed to be that, but just also allow yourself to come back to center at some point. Like I said, entertain it. Then let it pass. Let it fly. But dont dwell on or hold on to those thoughts.

One way to entertain and release those thoughts is through breathwork, which Aries D, one of the practitioners who works at NOLAs Divine Essential Magic, says is essential.

We take breath for granted. Thats something that were born with. Thats the last thing we do when we leave this earth. But at the same token, its the main way that you can allow yourself to release not only oxygen, but different endorphins to help yourself relax, she shares. As challenging as it sounds, we have the ability to tell our minds next. So if its a thought that you dont want to have, say next, push it to the next spot. You have so many things that you encounter on a daily basis, let alone that you endure throughout your whole life. So even though its some unwanted memories or thoughts that pop up, you have a plethora of other ones that you could bring forth to manifest different beautiful realities for yourself.

Practicing meditation and learning the ability to acknowledge and then move on from thoughts that fill our minds has changed the life of lead instructor Shan-coa Burke. She has been doing it since 2016 and guided ESSENCE Fest guests through a stirring experience.

I needed to heal. I needed to do some real healing, the Stretch Galore leader recalls. I was ready to grow, and I saw how the power of manifestation changed my life, and I wanted to bring it to our people because it wasnt big in our community. And I was just this Black girl from New Orleans and thought, I need to bring this to our people. Because our people really need some healing. And one thing I know about God, he aligned it, and he aligned me with every one of these women.

Not only does the practice provide mental clarity, but it can also have physical benefits. This was clear from looking at the very youthful Burke, who one might confuse with a young college student but is actually a soon-to-be 30-year-old mother of three.

Even by me looking so young, thats because Im not letting the stress take me. The meditation is the detachment, Burke says. I envision myself detaching from these situations and pushing the negativity out. Pushing it out, inhaling that light, and exhaling that darkness.

The setting for the guided meditation service was quiet, and they even asked vendors across the way to turn down their music to maintain the sanctity of the space. However, the ladies made clear that such introspection doesnt have to be done only in hushed rooms.

The best way is to just do it no matter what youre doing. Most people feel that they have to be in a certain area or a certain spot, and it has to be quiet. I read a book once where it talks about different meditations. So Ive learned a whole lot. But you can literally sit down and eat and do food meditation, focus on the foods that youre eating. You can meditate while youre walking. You can meditate literally while youre working out, in the tub, sitting at your desk, and working. You can literally meditate anywhere. So this whole ideology that it needs to be peace, quiet, certain surroundings only, its not true. So its about just implementing it in everyday life, no matter what youre doing, just knowing you can do it anywhere, Perkins says.

While the guided meditation started with just a few participants, by the time I opened my eyes at the end, the room was full. People were sitting wherever they could find a spot, whether there was an orange cushion to rest on or the hard floor. But they were centered and at peace, ready to take on the Festival experience in a good headspace. That impact is the purpose behind all of the womens work.

Its how you start your day. You control your day because you can meditate and say, Im going to have this kind of day. I just believe in the power of manifestation and positive thoughts, Burke says. I learned this trick and I want to share it with you so you can see how it transforms your life. If you want balance, ask yourself every day, Why is my life balancing out the way I need it to? Ask yourself that because the why reveals itself. The why reveals answers.

She adds, Anytime you question why, your brain starts to work. It helps you cultivate the answer. It starts to find answers, and it starts to reveal things, too. So I want you to get there. I want everybody to be there. I want, especially our people, to be there because we really, really need this. We do this for our people.

Originally posted here:

The Guided Meditation Space At EFOC Was A Perfect Place To Find Healing - Essence

Carol Raleigh, Jim LaViolet, Shelly Vanness, Ann Murphy, Diane Widi and Anne Tennis participate in a tai chi event. Tai chi is a meditation exercise form of low-impact movements that originated in 13th-century China as a form of martial arts handed down from generation to generation. Eva Westein photo

Once an ancient form of martial arts, tai chi becomes local wellness activity

By Eva Westein

Contributing Writer

GREEN BAY On Wednesday mornings at Voyageur Park, members of the Brown County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) can be found under the shade of the trees practicing the slow, serene movements of tai chi while being serenaded by chirping birds and meditative music.

At the head of the group is Shelly Vanness, a retired occupational therapist who now volunteers her skills and passion for the practice of tai chi at the ADRC as a beginner-level instructor.

Vanness first had the opportunity to learn about tai chi back in 2000 when she received a mailing about tai chi training for therapists.

Initially, she had just set the mailing aside and forgot about it, but she picked it up again a few months later and decided to look into it.

She then took several workshops for about a year and a half.

After training at the Tai Chi Center of Madison, she eventually decided to teach it herself.

Vanness later got certified to teach tai chi and has voluntarily taught it to others for 22 years, eight of which have been at the ADRC.

I feel like it was a gift that I received in my life, so I like to share it with other people, she stated.

Tai chi is a meditation exercise form of low-impact movements that originated in 13th-century China as a form of martial arts handed down from generation to generation.

It is now practiced as an art form, meditation technique, or mind, body and spirit exercise that is becoming increasingly popular across the United States.

It is an especially convenient method of exercise because it can be practiced alone or in a group setting and does not require specialized equipment or clothing.

Tai chi can be practiced by anyone.

Many seniors are interested in it. It is very meditative and works on concentration and balance too, which is good for us all, says Jean Huxtable-Hamersky, a community member who has been taking Shellys tai chi class at the ADRC in downtown Green Bay for several months now.

Tai chi also boasts many other health benefits such as improved posture, body awareness, blood pressure control, flexibility, cardiovascular and respiratory function, pain relief, emotional wellness and more.

In fact, the National Institute of Health has introduced grants to be used by organizations such as the ADRC to create opportunities for community members to practice tai chi and other similar exercises in an effort to reduce balance-related falls in the elderly.

While the practice of tai chi is accessible to anyone, Shelly warns that it can be a long process.

Be very patient with yourself because it takes a good long while, I would say if youre really interested it takes about 9-12 months before you feel like you can really do one of the forms well, Vanness explained.

For beginners, she also recommends finding something online that you can follow along with at home, even if its just 15 minutes a day.

If you are interested in participating in a local in-person tai chi session, check out the following offerings: call 920-448-4300 for the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bays sessions with Shelly on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.; contact Eric Peters at 920-366-0899 for beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions held on Tuesdays from 9-10 a.m. at GBASO on 2351 Holmgren Way, Suite 102; and call the YWCA of Green Bay at 920-432-5581 for tai chi sessions in the water on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and tai chi sessions in the classroom on Thursdays at 10 a.m.

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For the mind and body - The Press-Times

If you only had one chance to invest in your life, what would you do? A savvy investor would opt for stable investments with high return rates and long-term value. Crypto offers investors the chance to enjoy the best returns on investments. Investors have become wary as Polygon and Binance sink even before their boats sail. Now, the main question is, what should investors consider a wise investment in the top meme coin presale in 2024? MoonBag has won the hearts of investors. Employing a new approach, the coin adopts a brilliant tokenomics that assures a smooth transition to mainstream markets. Investors remain unaffected by Binance (BNB) and Polygons (MATIC) dip as MoonBag coin (MBAG) offers an outrageous ROI and an 88% APY on staking with MBAG. Moonbag takes the lead in the top meme coin presale in 2024 for many reasons: top-notch liquidity strategy, 88% APY on staking with MBAG, high-level security, and an outstanding ROI. Investors Decline Polygon as MATIC Takes a Giant Fall Even though perpetual swaps are live on Polygon, the coin declines, and investors are disappointed by the fact that all attempts have failed to revive MATIC, Polygons native coin. MATIC dropped by 11.28%, resulting in more withdrawals by investors. MoonBag coin has become a top option for Polygon investors, especially now that they can start Staking in MoonBag presale. Binance not Declines as Pressure from Competitions Increase; Why Investors are Opting for MoonBag Coin. By market cap, Binance is the fourth-largest coin in the industry. Such big coins are known to have a level of stability. Binance hit an ATH of $721.8, then spoiled that achievement by declining 15% in price. Binance approaches the resistance trend line, thus making investors hold back their investments. MoonBag has become a solid replacement for MoonBag, as experts believe it has the potential to be the next big thing. Future Price Predictions of $1 Elevate MoonBag as the Top Meme Coin Presale in 2024 Expert analysis predicts that MoonBag will potentially reach $1 this year. In just six stages of the MoonBag presale, over $2.5 million has been generated. Investors take advantage of the next digital gold and enjoy 88% APY with Moonbag staking rewards. For MoonBag crypto, it is all about the action. The 88% APY with Moonbag staking rewards is another key feature that has investors excited. MoonBag crypto sets a clear path for the top meme coin presale in 2024; all you have to do is follow that path to financial freedom. How to Buy MBAG? Join the best meme coin presales by buying your MBAG coins with these easy steps.

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MoonBag Crowned Top Meme Coin Presale in 2024 While Binance and Polygon Spiral Downitbot - Blockonomi

On the frontlines of the Ukraine war, the country's soldiers were seen rolling out their mats to participate in yoga, according to a report by The Times of India.

Claiming that yoga has helped him transform his life, the commander, aged 37, at the post of the 225th Separate Assault Brigade amongst the soldiers said, "Before the beginning of the full-scale war, back in 2014, I was drafted into infantry operations, and I hurt my spine."

According to TOI, he further said, "I started practicing yoga regularly in 2016. All my problems disappeared", adding that yoga helps with his responsibilities in the war.

The young commander also said, "I always try to do asanas, pranayama and I read the 'Hare Krishna Mahamantra'. It helps me have better control over my emotions and plan things in my duty."

The war-hit Ukraine is witnessing a rise in yoga awareness for better healing, wellness and recovery among its population.

With some special forces units of the Ukrainian Army including yoga in their training, several projects have been started to support the Ukrainian teachers who have been teaching yoga and to help those who have been dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2021, a 'Healthy Ukraine' programme was started to encourage the ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice.

During 'Active Parks' - a project under the initiated programme - public parks were transformed into fitness clubs where instructors or teachers would organise and hold free yoga training classes.

According to TOI, Elena Siderska, who was accountable for boosting yoga in the project said, "The response for yoga was overwhelming. Active Parks now supports studios and clubs that work with trauma, PTSD and rehabilitation of soldiers."

According to the publication, a master of yoga and Elena's father, Andrii Siderskyi claimed that yoga's roots have been in his country for a long time saying, "Actually people in Ukraine came in contact with yoga as far back as the 19th century. But after the revolution of 1917 and the Ukrainian Republic, it was little bit lost. However, following the World War II, Kyiv, Odessa and Kharkiv became some of the main centres of yoga in the Soviet era."

Siderskyi also said, "We combined specific pranayama sequences with asana sequences that we found most effective for our conditions. I believe this saved thousands of lives and helped people recover quickly during Covid."

One person named Yullia Denisova who was helping injured Ukrainian comrades at four different rehabilitation centres and also works at the 'Fierce Calm', says, "Yoga nidra and pranayama have had huge benefits for war veterans dealing with sleep disorders, PTSD and those with amputation related problems."

According to the publication, while describing how the medieval practice helped a double amputee soldier, Denisova said, "Nazar was initially unsure about yoga. He said I have come to just watch. But session after session he got into it. Finally, after a session of yoga nidra, he fell into deep sleep. After he woke up, he said it was the best sleep he ever had."

She added, "I, as a Ukrainian, can't thank India enough for giving the world and keeping this wonderful ancient knowledge."

According to TOI, another person named Velaeria Samborskaya, who runs a crowd-funded project to encourage yoga for trauma-sensitive people in Ukraine, says, "We have seen affected soldiers being fearful of going near parks because they were injured in forested areas on the frontline. But after a few sessions of yoga, especially pranayama, they are able to overcome their mental trauma."

Samborsakaya also said, "In the first year of the war, we needed physical things, good housing, etc. After two years, we now need to deal with the mental repercussions of this war and what it is doing to our society. Yogic exercises, especially pranayama, are a huge boon for us now."

Published 22 June 2024, 09:14 IST

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Ukrainian soldiers put their faith in yoga for healing, wellness and recovery in frontline of war: Report - Deccan Herald

Jason Samels vision for a Long Island Yoga Festival started during the pandemic when he was feeling anything but Zen.

I went through a really tough breakdown, like a lot of people, he says of that time of isolation. I fell into a really very difficult depression.

What helped him, he says, was visiting Harry Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing. I just started rising my arms up in the sky, sort of catching a prayer above my head, and then bringing them to my heart while I was breathing in and out, he says. It wasnt exactly yoga, but it was something like that. It brought this overwhelming feeling of happiness and connectivity between me and nature and the things around me.

Jason Samel, owner of Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove, sits in the lounge area of the studio on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

That led Samel, 46, of Old Brookville, to become a yoga instructor in 2021, to open Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove in 2022, and now, to launch an inaugural Long Island Yoga Festival, which he hopes to make an annual event that merges a music festival atmosphere with the mindfulness of a yoga retreat. He envisions, he says, a really cool funky, fun, festive atmosphere.

Students Gina Solomon and Jeff Pliskin follow Buddha Jams Yoga instructor Jason Samel through yoga poses on May 26 in Glen Cove. Credit: Linda Rosier

The three-day event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. June 21 which is the International Day of Yoga with a free yoga session open to the public on Harry Tappen Beach during which participants will perform 108 sun salutations, a meditative tradition often performed on solstices.There will also be a drum circle.

The next two days will include spots for up to 70 people to buy day or festival-long yoga session passes and about 150 people to attend concerts on Friday and Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Aside from the Tappan Beach event, the festival will be held indoors and on the grounds of Samels Buddha Jams studio.

Jason Samel, owner of Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove, and student Lorraine Popowitz, during a class on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

Yogis from studios across Long Island and Manhattan will lead sessions, Samel says. They are scheduled to include, for instance, Colleen Saidman Yee, owner of the Yoga Shanti studio in Sag Harbor, and Rodney Yee; Alan Finger and Sara Platt-Finger, co-founders of ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan; Matt Giordano, also known as TheYogiMatt, originally from Sea Cliff; and Gail Grossman, founder of the now-shuttered Om Sweet Om studio in Port Washington.

There will also be meditation workshops, drum circles and more for participants, who must purchase tickets in advance online. Craft vendors will be selling clothing jewelry, yoga gear and more.

Entertainment includes Nina Rao on Friday evening performing kirtan and traditional chants, DJ Taz Rashid leading a Saturday night dance party and Milard Roper on Sunday evening leading another kirtan session.

Scott Barbey, Lorraine Popowitz, and Gina Solomon, participants in a yoga class called Rock N Slow Flow Yoga with Jason, at Buddha Jams Yoga studio in Glen Cove on May 26. Credit: Linda Rosier

It gives people the opportunity to explore different styles of yoga, says Platt-Finger, who will lead a session with her husband from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on June 22. In a music festival, you get to take in different types of music and enjoy the artistry. Its the same with yoga. You get to experience different styles of yoga. She says it also allows people to gather with like-minded people and feel a sense of community.

Platt-Finger, who grew up in Glen Head, says shes happy to come full circle by offering her style of yoga and meditation and some of these transformative practices that have changed my life. She says yoga helps her feel more centered in myself and in my body.

Samel, who lives with his wife, veterinarian Sheila Delijani, and their two children, Micah, 12, and Gabriel, 8, says he was an unlikely yoga advocate whose previous forays into yoga included being dragged to sessions by Delijani.

I was a fat guy who was breathing really heavyand couldnt touch his toes and couldnt stand being there, he says. Now, he says, yoga helped him lose weightandhelped improve his marriage. He even wrote a song about yoga called Heads Bow Down that he plans to release in conjunction with the festival. I want people to get as excited about yoga as I am, he says.

WHEN | WHERE June 21-23 at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove, 192 Glen St., Glen Cove

COST Friday afternoon kickoff free at Harry Tappen Beach on Shore Road in Glenwood Landing; Saturday or Sunday pass $199 each; weekend pass $299. Evening musical events Friday and Saturday $35 each (musical events included with weekend passes).

MORE INFO 516-548-7168, longislandyogafestival.com, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Beth Whitehouse writes about families, parenting and great things to do with the kids on Long Island. Shes been a Newsday editor and shared a 1997 Newsday staff Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the crash of TWA Flight 800.

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Long Island Yoga Festival comes to Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove - Newsday

Features Newsday Reporter Yesterday Aaron Rampersadsingh also known as Ved Valmki launched his new book, Start Meditating Today, on June 8. Photo courtesy: Gareth Leigh Photography. -

BAVINA SOOKDEO

Aaron Rampersadsingh, also known as Ved Valmki, is preaching what he practises: he's launched a book, Start Meditating Today, on June 8.

Rampersadsingh, a 36-year-old from Preysal, began yoga and meditation in his childhood, heavily influenced by his mother.

My mom was a big part of learning yoga and my spiritual journey. She got both my sister and me involved in yoga when we were children. I have been steeped in yogic philosophy and spiritual practice (since) I was five years old.

After he went to Preysal Government School and Presentation College, San Fernando, his deeper engagement with yoga blossomed during his university years at Ramapo College, New Jersey, where he studied psychology and explored the impact of yoga on consciousness.

I returned home from the US because my mom had cancer and I wanted to be with her. During that time, I delved deeper into the spiritual aspects of yoga, especially meditation.

"When she passed in 2013, I had a hard time grieving.

"I would say that yoga rescued me from that, because I went to stay at an ashram.

At the ashram (a place dedicated to yoga and spiritual living), where he spent nine months, Rampersadsinghs guru guided him to explore yoga further, leading him to teach.

A pivotal moment in his life came during a pilgrimage to India in 2015. Visiting the ancient temple of Kedarnath in the Himalayas, Rampersadsingh experienced a profound spiritual change.

Before I entered that temple, I had always felt very uncertain about my life...When I was there I felt a shift: I did have a spiritual experience there.

This experience solidified his dedication to the spiritual practice of yoga and his mission to share it with others.

My whole life has been about spiritual exploration, he said when asked about his initial goals. I never had a clear goal about what I wanted to do until after the first time I went to India. I studied psychology in university because I wanted to understand myself and people better, but I really found that in yoga.

In 2017, he returned to India after qualifying for a scholarship to SVYASA University from the Indian High Commission. There he received his yoga certification and learnt more about the science behind yogic practices.

He's been a yogacharya (yoga teacher) since 2015, working from his studio in Preysal Village since 2017. It doesn't have an official name, but is mostly referred to as the Yoga with Ved Studio.

What is most rewarding for me in teaching yoga is seeing my students and clients begin taking charge of their lives, and to see the transformative power of these ancient spiritual practices.

Inspired by his students, Rampersadsingh decided to write Start Meditating Today as a comprehensive guide to meditation.

Meditation holds so much power in it. It transcends religion and helps us to get back to the spiritual core of our being, but it is practice, a journey that requires wisdom and guidance.

Realising he could not give as much as he wanted to just by teaching meditation classes, Rampersadsingh began writing this book to share some meditation techniques and concepts.

There is so much to explore in it, but we all have to start somewhere... hence the title, Start Meditating Today."

Writing it took about a year.

Sometimes I felt like the book was writing itself...Other times I really had to stay with it, be patient, and wait for the inspiration to enter my being to continue.

The process was both a learning experience and a testament to his discipline and dedication.

The book has three parts: the basics of meditation, deeper spiritual concepts, and the integration of meditation into daily life. It aims to reach anyone interested in meditation, from beginners to those seeking to deepen their practice.

Rampersadsingh hopes readers will find practical guidance and spiritual insight.

This book is for anyone who feels attracted to meditation but does not know how to start...and certainly it is for any person, of any religion, who sincerely desires spiritual growth in their lives.

Asked why yoga is important to him, he explained he believes it is crucial not only for his spiritual growth but also for societys future.

I see the power of yoga in its ability to bring back health, prosperity and harmony into people's lives. I believe that yoga, and its spiritual practices like meditation, have a place in ensuring a positive future for our society. And I am fully dedicated to my role in facilitating that.

Reflecting on how yoga has had an impact on his life beyond the physical practice, he said, Yoga has given me everything, and I am very grateful to my mom and my guru for guiding me on this path.

"Yoga showed me that peace of mind is not just an ideal, it is an achievable reality. Through yoga I have found a place in myself where I feel a deep sense of peace, connection and compassion and I strive every day to be conscious of that and to share that however I can.

Why is meditation important for today's people?

In this modern life we give our attention to everything outside...every problem and challenge we face is difficult because we have become disconnected from that inner source.

Through meditation, Rampersadsingh has found a deep sense of peace and aims to help others achieve the same.

He said the most immediate benefit of meditation for anyone, even if just starting off, is stress relief.

It gives a sense of relaxation and ease to help you rest and recover. As you go a little deeper it will help you to become healthier, manage your emotions, and uplift your thinking.

When you commit to yoga as a lifestyle, It will lead you to spiritual connection and insight to help you live in alignment with your life purpose and to reveal your full potential.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue writing and expand his teachings through coaching, workshops, and retreats. He hopes to see a greater appreciation for the spiritual aspects of yoga and meditation in the coming years, both locally and internationally.

To those new to yoga and meditation, he offered this advice: Practise, and all is coming to you.

For the hesitant, he encourages starting the journey with an open heart and finding a teacher who resonates with them, and he emphasises the importance of daily choices in cultivating wellness and spiritual connection.

Start Meditating Today is available in bookstores and directly from the author.

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Yoga instructor launches book on meditation - TT Newsday

Employees yearn for appreciation for their hard work. Good leaders understand this and always strive to prioritize, support, and thank their employees for going above and beyond. Thus, to urge all leaders to do the same, we have curated a list of the best employee recognition quotes.

We know that employee recognition doesn't come easy. But, with the right mix of rewards and recognition, you might be able to win half of the battle.

But the question is how? How can you express your gratitude and appreciate your employees, and increase engagement? Nothing, in our opinion, can be more meaningful than some good old words.

Even if you lack the funds for a conventional recognition program, the simple act of praising your coworkers may make a big difference in their happiness and boost their joy to work.

You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on life. ~ Zig Ziglar

It's very inexpensive to give a compliment. ~ Joyce Meyer

Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it. ~ Tom Hopkins

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. ~ Ken Blanchard

Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise, and nothing is more lame than a cookie-cutter compliment. ~ Bill Walsh

I have always believed that the way you treat your employees is the way will treat your customers and that people flourish when they are praised. ~ Richard Branson

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius. ~ Arthur Conan Doyle

A brave man acknowledges the strength of others. ~ Veronica Roth

Employees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity, get higher scores from customers, and have better safety records. They're just more engaged at work. ~ Tom Rath

I think you need to love giving compliments as much as you love receiving them. ~ Yami Gautam

What gets recognized gets reinforced, and what gets reinforced gets repeated. ~ Anonymous

Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated. ~ Robert McNamara

Recognize and affirm people when they contribute to the mission you share. Do this, and you will ignite their purpose and potential. ~ Mike Byam

Take time to appreciate employees, and they will reciprocate in a thousand ways. ~ Bob Nelson

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~ G.K. Chesteron

A culture of gratitude helps people realize how truly fortunate they are and instills a desire to pay that forward. ~ Karl Sun

If you don't create a great, rewarding place for people to work, they won't do great work. ~ Ari Weinzweig

Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person - not just an employee - are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability. ~ Anne M. Mulcahy

The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement. ~ Charles Schwab

People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards. ~ Dale Carnegie

Good work requires an appreciation of the value of routine, ordinary, mundane rhythms of doing what needs to be done, each day and each week, thoroughly and with care. ~ Gordon T. Smith

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. ~ Jim Stovall

You become strong by lifting others up, not pulling them down. ~ Matshona Dhliwayo

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~ Voltaire

Treat your employees like an investment, not a cost. ~ Dan Sullivan

Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don't keep it a secret. ~ Mary Kay Ash

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou

A boss wants to pay for results, an employee wants recognition for effort. If a boss recognizes effort, they will get even better results. ~ Simon Sinek

When an employee truly understands the meaning of his work and gets recognition for his efforts, he performs the best. ~ Abhishek Ratna

A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. ~ Jim Rohn

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. ~ Michael Jordan.

To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace. ~ Doug Conant

Recognition is not a scarce resource. You can't use it up or run out of it. ~ Susan M. Heathfield

If you do not treat people with the respect they deserve, do not expect any kind of commitment to your productivity goals and target. ~ Ian Fuhr

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. ~ Mother Teresa

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle

Mary Kay knew that when you put people first and then surround them with processes and disciplines that recognize their efforts, performance will soar. ~ David C. Novak

I have always believed that the way you treat your employees is the way they will treat your customers, and that people flourish when they are praised. ~ Sir Richard Branson

Youve got to get your team to not only understand your company brand, but also to understand their personal brand. ~ Amber Hurdle

Realize that employees and the customers both have to be engaged, at the same time, to move your business forward for sustainable success. ~ Robert G. Thompson

In behavioral economic terms, when we offer recognition we are acknowledging that the recipients have met a social ideal. They are behaving in a certain manner because they believe is the right thing to do. If we then recognize that behavior with praise or appreciation, we offer a confirmation that their behavior is desirable, and do so in a manner that recipients find meaningful. ~ Cindy Ventrice

When a manager recognizes an employees behavior, personally and sincerely, both feel proud, gratified, and happy. Theres a human connection that transcends the immediate culture to create a shared bond. The power of this bond is stronger than you might think; indeed, its the power that holds together great organizational cultures. ~ Erik Mosley and Derek Irvine

Correction does much, but encouragement does more. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If people did not compliment one another there would be little society. ~ Luc de Clapiers

What every genuine philosopher (every genuine man, in fact) craves most is praise although the philosophers generally call it recognition! ~ William James

Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing. ~ Arnold H. Glasow

Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. Theyre absolutely free and worth a fortune. ~ Sam Walton

Note how good you feel after you have encouraged someone else. No other argument is necessary to suggest that never miss the opportunity to give encouragement. ~ George Adams

Being told something positive about yourself, whether from someone youre close to, or a passing acquaintance, should really lift the spirits. Just the fact that someone has taken the time to let you know, should have you feeling noticed and appreciated. ~ Paul Bailey

Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers. ~ Stephen R. Covey

Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts. ~ Alan Cohen

Also read - 152 Greatest Motivational Quotes for Work We Hand-Picked For You

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life. ~ Northrup Christiane

Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. ~ Jacques Maritain

It is a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation. ~ Roberto Benigni

Feeling gratitude, and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur Ward

Life isnt about getting and having; its about giving and being. ~ Kevin Kruse

Even a brief interaction can change the way people think about themselves, their leaders, and the future. Each of those many connections you make has the potential to become a high point or a low point in someones day. ~ Douglas Conant

Paychecks cant buy passion. ~ Brad Federman

People want to be appreciated, cared for, loved, trusted, and respected. But they also want to be understood, and if you master the skills to achieve that, you truly become exceptional. ~ Joe Navarro

Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. ~ Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. ~ Randy Pausch

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say thank you to everyone you meet for everything they do for you. ~ Brian Tracy

No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. ~ James Allen

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest. ~ William Blake

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. ~ W. Clement Stone

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. ~ Margaret Cousins

I was very pleased with your kind letter. Until now I never dreamed of being something like a hero. But since youve given me the nomination I feel that I am one. ~ Albert Einstein

Thanks will be a worthless word until a person tells it from heart. When a person thanks someone with full heart then the word will be big and worthy word and will have full meaning to the person. Or else it will remain small and valueless word if a person says it just for saying. ~ Salman Aziz

Dont forget, a persons greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. ~ William James

It does not matter who is in your team, what matters is who they will become because of you. ~ Sunday Adelaja

Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a mans growth without destroying his roots. ~ Frank A. Clark

Everybody is looking for validation, no matter who you are, and I think that's a need of the human condition - to look for affection or recognition or validation. ~ Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

People want to be understood and respected as individuals. Years ago, an executive editor of mine said, You should count the number of times you praise somebody and then double that. Even the toughest, steeliest writer or editor often really wants to be told, Hey, that was a great piece. Early in my career as a manager, it probably took me a while to realize that everyone wants that. Its just a human need. ~ Cindi Leive

Make sure everybody in the company has great opportunities, has meaningful impact and is contributing to the good of the society. ~ Larry Page

People are the most important thing. Business model and product will follow if you have the right people. ~ Adam Neumann

What we need to do is always lean into the future; when the world changes around you and when it changes against you- what used to be your tail wind is now your head wind. You have to lean into that and figure out what to do, because complaining isnt a strategy. ~ Jeff Bezos

Treat your employee right so they wont use your Internet to look for new jobs. ~ Mark Zuckerberg

The way your employees feel is the way your customers feel. And if your employees dont feel valued, neither will your customers. ~ Sybil F. Stershic

Productivity of work is not the responsibility of the worker but of the manager. ~ Peter F. Drucker

If I had to run a company on three measures, those measures would be customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and cash flow. ~ Jack Welch

Every employee can affect your companys brand, not just the frontline employees that are paid to talk to your customers. ~ Tony Hsieh

Motivating employees to work at their full potential is the main premise of successful management. ~ Eraldo Banovac

Good management consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people. ~ John D. Rockefeller

At the end of the day, you bet on people, not on strategies. ~ Lawrence Bossidy

In order to build a rewarding employee experience, you need to understand what matters to your people. ~ Julie Bevacqua

Human resources isnt a thing we do. Its a thing that runs our business. ~ Steve Wynn

Treating employees benevolently shouldnt be viewed as an added cost that cuts into profit, but as a powerful energizer that can grow the enterprise into something far greater than the leader could envision. ~ Howard Schultz

Continued here:
Top 102 Employee Recognition Quotes To Celebrate Their Endeavours - Vantage Circle