Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness.[1] It is performed for various reasons, including increasing growth and development, preventing aging, strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, and also enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system and helps prevent certain "diseases of affluence" such as coronary heart disease,[2] type 2 diabetes,[3] and obesity. It may also help prevent stress and depression, increase quality of sleep and act as a non-pharmaceutical sleep aid to treat diseases such as insomnia, help promote or maintain positive self-esteem, improve mental health, maintain steady digestion and treat constipation and gas, regulate fertility health, and augment an individual's sex appeal or body image.[4][5] Childhood obesity is a growing global concern,[6] and physical exercise may help decrease some of the effects of childhood and adult obesity. Some care-providers call exercise the "miracle" or "wonder" drugalluding to the wide variety of benefits that it can provide for many individuals.[7][8] Aside from the health advantages, these benefits may include different social rewards for staying active while enjoying the environment of one's culture. Many individuals choose to exercise publicly outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and appreciate life.[9]

In the United Kingdom two to four hours of light activity are recommended during working hours.[10] This includes walking and standing.[10] In the United States, a 1995 CDC/ACSM consensus statement and a Surgeon General's 1996 report state that every adult should participate in moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, and household tasks, for a minimum of 30 minutes daily.[11]

Physical exercises are generally grouped into three types, depending on the overall effect they have on the human body:[12]

Physical exercise can also include training that focuses on accuracy, agility, power, and speed.[16]

Sometimes the terms 'dynamic' and 'static' are used.[citation needed] 'Dynamic' exercises such as steady running, tend to produce a lowering of the diastolic blood pressure during exercise, due to the improved blood flow. Conversely, static exercise (such as weight-lifting) can cause the systolic pressure to rise significantly (during the exercise).[17]

Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, regulating digestive health, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system. Some studies indicate that exercise may increase life expectancy and the overall quality of life.[19] People who participate in moderate to high levels of physical exercise have a lower mortality rate compared to individuals who by comparison are not physically active.[20] Moderate levels of exercise have been correlated with preventing aging by reducing inflammatory potential.[21] The majority of the benefits from exercise are achieved with around 3500 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week.[22] For example, climbing stairs 10 minutes, vacuuming 15 minutes, gardening 20 minutes, running 20 minutes, and walking or bicycling for transportation 25 minutes on a daily basis would together achieve about 3000 MET minutes a week.[22] A lack of physical activity causes approximately 6% of the burden of disease from coronary heart disease, 7% of type 2 diabetes, 10% of breast cancer and 10% of colon cancer worldwide.[23] Overall, physical inactivity causes 9% of premature mortality worldwide.[23]

Individuals can increase fitness following increases in physical activity levels.[24] Increases in muscle size from resistance training is primarily determined by diet and testosterone.[25] This genetic variation in improvement from training is one of the key physiological differences between elite athletes and the larger population.[26][27] Studies have shown that exercising in middle age leads to better physical ability later in life.[28]

Early motor skills and development have also shown to be related to physical activity and performance later in life. Children that have more proficient motor skills early on are more inclined to being physically active, and thus tend to perform well in sports and have better fitness levels. Early motor proficiency has a positive correlation to childhood physical activity and fitness levels, while less proficiency in motor skills results in a tendency to partake in a more sedentary lifestyle. [29]

The beneficial effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system is well documented. There is a direct correlation between physical inactivity and cardiovascular mortality, and physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Low levels of physical exercise increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases mortality.[30]

Children who participate in physical exercise experience greater loss of body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness.[31] Studies have shown that academic stress in youth increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in later years; however, these risks can be greatly decreased with regular physical exercise.[32] There is a dose-response relation between the amount of exercise performed from approximately 7002000kcal of energy expenditure per week and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged and elderly populations. The greatest potential for reduced mortality is in the sedentary who become moderately active. Studies have shown that since heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, regular exercise in aging women leads to healthier cardiovascular profiles. Most beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular disease mortality can be attained through moderate-intensity activity (4060% of maximal oxygen uptake, depending on age). Persons who modify their behavior after myocardial infarction to include regular exercise have improved rates of survival. Persons who remain sedentary have the highest risk for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality.[33] According to the American Heart Association, exercise reduces blood pressure, LDL and total cholesterol, and body weight. It increases HDL cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, and exercise tolerance.[11]

Although there have been hundreds of studies on physical exercise and the immune system, there is little direct evidence on its connection to illness. Epidemiological evidence suggests that moderate exercise has a beneficial effect on the human immune system; an effect which is modeled in a J curve. Moderate exercise has been associated with a 29% decreased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), but studies of marathon runners found that their prolonged high-intensity exercise was associated with an increased risk of infection occurrence. However, another study did not find the effect. Immune cell functions are impaired following acute sessions of prolonged, high-intensity exercise, and some studies have found that athletes are at a higher risk for infections. Studies have shown that strenuous stress for long durations, such as training for a marathon, can suppress the immune system by decreasing the concentration of lymphocytes.[34] The immune systems of athletes and nonathletes are generally similar. Athletes may have slightly elevated natural killer cell count and cytolytic action, but these are unlikely to be clinically significant.[35]

Vitamin C supplementation has been associated with lower incidence of URTIs in marathon runners.[35]

Biomarkers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein, which are associated with chronic diseases, are reduced in active individuals relative to sedentary individuals, and the positive effects of exercise may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects. In individuals with heart disease, exercise interventions lower blood levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, an important cardiovascular risk marker.[36] The depression in the immune system following acute bouts of exercise may be one of the mechanisms for this anti-inflammatory effect.[35]

A systematic review evaluated 45 studies that examined the relationship between physical activity and cancer survivorship. According to the study results "There was consistent evidence from 27 observational studies that physical activity is associated with reduced all-cause, breast cancerspecific, and colon cancerspecific mortality".[37]

Physical exercise was correlated with a lower methylation frequency of two tumor suppressor genes, CACNA2D3 and L3MBTL.[38][39] Hypermethylation of CACNA2D3 is associated with gastric cancer, while hypermethylation of L3MBTL is associated with breast cancer, brain tumors and hematological malignancies.[38][39][40][41] A recent study indicates that exercise results in reduced DNA methylation at CpG sites on genes associated with breast cancer.[42]

Physical exercise is becoming a widely accepted non-pharmacological intervention for the prevention and attenuation of cancer cachexia.[43] "Cachexia is a multiorganic syndrome associated with cancer, characterized by inflammation, body weight loss (at least 5%) and muscle and adipose tissue wasting".[44] Exercise triggers the activation of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), which suppresses FoxO- and NF-B-dependent gene transcription during muscle atrophy that is induced by fasting or denervation; thus, PGC-1 may be a key intermediate responsible for the beneficial antiatrophic effects of physical exercise on cancer cachexia.[45][46] The exercise-induced isoform PGC-14, which can repress myostatin and induce IGF1 and hypertrophy, is a potential drug target for treatment of cancer cachexia.[47] Other factors, such as JUNB and SIRT1, that maintain skeletal muscle mass and promote hypertrophy are also induced with regular physical exercise.[48][49]

The neurobiological effects of physical exercise are numerous and involve a wide range of interrelated effects on brain structure, brain function, and cognition.[50][51][52][53] A large body of research in humans has demonstrated that consistent aerobic exercise (e.g., 30minutes every day) induces persistent improvements in certain cognitive functions, healthy alterations in gene expression in the brain, and beneficial forms of neuroplasticity and behavioral plasticity; some of these long-term effects include: increased neuron growth, increased neurological activity (e.g., c-Fos and BDNF signaling), improved stress coping, enhanced cognitive control of behavior, improved declarative, spatial, and working memory, and structural and functional improvements in brain structures and pathways associated with cognitive control and memory.[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] The effects of exercise on cognition have important implications for improving academic performance in children and college students, improving adult productivity, preserving cognitive function in old age, preventing or treating certain neurological disorders, and improving overall quality of life.[50][60][61]

In healthy adults, aerobic exercise has been shown to induce transient effects on cognition after a single exercise session and persistent effects on cognition following regular exercise over the course of several months.[50][59][62] People who regularly perform aerobic exercise (e.g., running, jogging, brisk walking, swimming, and cycling) have greater scores on neuropsychological function and performance tests that measure certain cognitive functions, such as attentional control, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory updating and capacity, declarative memory, spatial memory, and information processing speed.[50][54][56][58][59][62] The transient effects of exercise on cognition include improvements in most executive functions (e.g., attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, problem solving, and decision making) and information processing speed for a period of up to 2hours after exercising.[62]

Aerobic exercise induces short- and long-term effects on mood and emotional states by promoting positive affect, inhibiting negative affect, and decreasing the biological response to acute psychological stress.[62] Over the short-term, aerobic exercise functions as both an antidepressant and euphoriant,[63][64][65][66] whereas consistent exercise produces general improvements in mood and self-esteem.[67][68]

Regular aerobic exercise improves symptoms associated with a variety of central nervous system disorders and may be used as an adjunct therapy for these disorders. There is clear evidence of exercise treatment efficacy for major depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.[60][65][69][70][71][72] The American Academy of Neurology's clinical practice guideline for mild cognitive impairment indicates that clinicians should recommend regular exercise (two times per week) to individuals who have been diagnosed with this condition.[73] Reviews of clinical evidence also support the use of exercise as an adjunct therapy for certain neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimers disease and Parkinson's disease.[74][75][76][77][78][79] Regular exercise is also associated with a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders.[77][80] A large body of preclinical evidence and emerging clinical evidence supports the use of exercise therapy for treating and preventing the development of drug addictions.[81][82][83][84][85] Regular exercise has also been proposed as an adjunct therapy for brain cancers.[86]

A number of medical reviews have indicated that exercise has a marked and persistent antidepressant effect in humans,[54][65][66][69][87][88] an effect believed to be mediated through enhanced BDNF signaling in the brain.[57][69] Several systematic reviews have analyzed the potential for physical exercise in the treatment of depressive disorders. The 2013 Cochrane Collaboration review on physical exercise for depression noted that, based upon limited evidence, it is more effective than a control intervention and comparable to psychological or antidepressant drug therapies.[87] Three subsequent 2014 systematic reviews that included the Cochrane review in their analysis concluded with similar findings: one indicated that physical exercise is effective as an adjunct treatment (i.e., treatments that are used together) with antidepressant medication;[69] the other two indicated that physical exercise has marked antidepressant effects and recommended the inclusion of physical activity as an adjunct treatment for mildmoderate depression and mental illness in general.[65][66] One systematic review noted that yoga may be effective in alleviating symptoms of prenatal depression.[89] Another review asserted that evidence from clinical trials supports the efficacy of physical exercise as a treatment for depression over a 24month period.[54]

A 2015 review of clinical evidence which included a medical guideline for the treatment of depression with exercise noted that the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for depression suffers from some limitations;[70] nonetheless, it stated that there is clear evidence of efficacy for reducing symptoms of depression.[70] The review also noted that patient characteristics, the type of depressive disorder, and the nature of the exercise program all affect the antidepressant properties of exercise therapy.[70] A meta-analysis from July 2016 concluded that physical exercise improves overall quality of life in individuals with depression relative to controls.[60]

Continuous aerobic exercise can induce a transient state of euphoria, colloquially known as a "runner's high" in distance running or a "rower's high" in crew, through the increased biosynthesis of at least three euphoriant neurochemicals: anandamide (an endocannabinoid),[90] -endorphin (an endogenous opioid),[91] and phenethylamine (a trace amine and amphetamine analog).[92][93][94]

A 2010 review of published scientific research suggested that exercise generally improves sleep for most people, and helps sleep disorders such as insomnia. The optimum time to exercise may be 4 to 8 hours before bedtime, though exercise at any time of day is beneficial, with the possible exception of heavy exercise taken shortly before bedtime, which may disturb sleep. There is, in any case, insufficient evidence to draw detailed conclusions about the relationship between exercise and sleep.[95]

According to a 2005 study, exercise is the most recommended alternative to sleeping pills for resolving insomnia. Sleeping pills are more costly than to make time for a daily routine of staying fit, and may have dangerous side effects in the long run. Exercise can be a healthy, safe and inexpensive way to achieve more and better sleep.[96]

Too much exercise can be harmful. Without proper rest, the chance of stroke or other circulation problems increases,[97] and muscle tissue may develop slowly. Extremely intense, long-term cardiovascular exercise, as can be seen in athletes who train for multiple marathons, has been associated with scarring of the heart and heart rhythm abnormalities.[98][99][100] Specifically, high cardiac output has been shown to cause enlargement of the left and right ventricle volumes, increased ventricle wall thickness, and greater cardiac mass. These changes further result in myocardial cell damage in the lining of the heart, leading to scar tissue and thickened walls. During these processes, the protein troponin increases in the bloodstream, indicating cardiac muscle cell death and increased stress on the heart itself.[101]

Inappropriate exercise can do more harm than good, with the definition of inappropriate varying according to the individual. For many activities, especially running and cycling, there are significant injuries that occur with poorly regimented exercise schedules. Injuries from accidents also remain a major concern,[102] whereas the effects of increased exposure to air pollution seem only a minor concern.[103][104]

In extreme instances, over-exercising induces serious performance loss. Unaccustomed overexertion of muscles leads to rhabdomyolysis (damage to muscle) most often seen in new army recruits.[105] Another danger is overtraining, in which the intensity or volume of training exceeds the body's capacity to recover between bouts. One sign of Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) is suppressed immune function, with an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). An increased incidence of URTIs is also associated with high volume/intensity training, as well as with excessive exercise (EE), such as in a marathon.[106] Marathon training requires the runner to build their intensity week to week which makes them more susceptible to injury the more they increase their mileage. A study shows that in the last 1015 years up to 90% of marathon runners have suffered a physical injury from their training.[107]

Stopping excessive exercise suddenly may create a change in mood. Exercise should be controlled by each body's inherent limitations. While one set of joints and muscles may have the tolerance to withstand multiple marathons, another body may be damaged by 20 minutes of light jogging. This must be determined for each individual.

Too much exercise may cause a woman to miss her periods, a symptom known as amenorrhea.[108] This is a very serious condition which indicates a woman is pushing her body beyond its natural boundaries.[109]

Not only can excessive exercise cause physical damage, it can also cause psychological damage. Every athlete strives for perfection in their sport. This is what may begin their excessive exercising regime. If an athlete fails in this quest for perfection, this could result in anxiety, depression and low-self esteem. A study of 179 athletes, all of whom were Olympians or potential Olympians, was carried out in 2002 to find a relationship between perfectionism and sport-related competitive anxiety. It was found that athletes with lower selfesteem had higher personal standards and in comparison, those with high self-esteem had little concern in making mistakes or doubting themselves.[110]

Resistance training and subsequent consumption of a protein-rich meal promotes muscle hypertrophy and gains in muscle strength by stimulating myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and inhibiting muscle protein breakdown (MPB).[111][112] The stimulation of muscle protein synthesis by resistance training occurs via phosphorylation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and subsequent activation of mTORC1, which leads to protein biosynthesis in the ribosome via phosphorylation of mTORC1's immediate targets (the p70S6 kinase and the translation repressor protein 4EBP1).[111][113] The suppression of muscle protein breakdown following food consumption occurs primarily via increases in plasma insulin;[111][114] however, a suppression of MPB of comparable magnitude has also been shown to occur in humans from a sufficient elevation of plasma -hydroxy -methylbutyric acid.[111][114][115]

Aerobic exercise induces mitochondrial biogenesis and an increased capacity for oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle, which is one mechanism by which aerobic exercise enhances submaximal endurance performance.[111][116] These effects occur via an exercise-induced increase in the intracellular AMP:ATP ratio, thereby triggering the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which subsequently phosphorylates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.[111][116][117]

Developing research has demonstrated that many of the benefits of exercise are mediated through the role of skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ. That is, contracting muscles release multiple substances known as myokines which promote the growth of new tissue, tissue repair, and multiple anti-inflammatory functions, which in turn reduce the risk of developing various inflammatory diseases.[131] Exercise reduces levels of cortisol, which causes many health problems, both physical and mental.[132] Endurance exercise before meals lowers blood glucose more than the same exercise after meals.[133] There is evidence that vigorous exercise (9095% of VO2 max) induces a greater degree of physiological cardiac hypertrophy than moderate exercise (40 to 70% of VO2 max), but it is unknown whether this has any effects on overall morbidity and/or mortality.[134] Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise work to increase the mechanical efficiency of the heart by increasing cardiac volume (aerobic exercise), or myocardial thickness (strength training). Ventricular hypertrophy, the thickening of the ventricular walls, is generally beneficial and healthy if it occurs in response to exercise.

The persistent long-term neurobiological effects of regular physical exercise[note 1] are believed to be mediated by transient exercise-induced increases in the concentration of neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1, VEGF, and GDNF) and other biomolecules in peripheral blood plasma, which subsequently cross the bloodbrain barrier and bloodcerebrospinal fluid barrier and bind to their associated receptors in the brain.[51][67][135][136] Upon binding to their receptors in cerebral vasculature and brain cells (i.e., neurons and glial cells), these biomolecules trigger intracellular signaling cascades that lead to neuroplastic biological responses such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and angiogenesis, among others which ultimately mediate the exercise-induced improvements in cognitive function.[51][54][135][137][138]

Multiple component community-wide campaigns are frequently used in an attempt to increase a population's level of physical activity. A 2015 Cochrane review, however, did not find evidence supporting a benefit.[139] The quality of the underlying evidence was also poor.[139] However, there is some evidence that school-based interventions can increase activity levels and fitness in children.[24] Another Cochrane review found some evidence that certain types of exercise programmes, such as those involving gait, balance, co-ordination and functional tasks, can improve balance in older adults.[140] Following progressive resistance training, older adults also respond with improved physical function.[141] Survey of brief interventions promoting physical activity found that they are cost-effective, although there are variations between studies.[142]

Environmental approaches appear promising: signs that encourage the use of stairs, as well as community campaigns, may increase exercise levels.[143] The city of Bogot, Colombia, for example, blocks off 113 kilometers (70mi) of roads on Sundays and holidays to make it easier for its citizens to get exercise. These pedestrian zones are part of an effort to combat chronic diseases.[144]

To identify which public health strategies are effective, a Cochrane overview of reviews is in preparation.[145]

Physical exercise was said to decrease healthcare costs, increase the rate of job attendance, as well as increase the amount of effort women put into their jobs.[146]

Children will mimic the behavior of their parents in relation to physical exercise. Parents can thus promote physical activity and limit the amount of time children spend in front of screens.[147]

Overweight children who participate in physical exercise experience greater loss of body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, both children and adults should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.[148] Implementing physical exercise in the school system and ensuring an environment in which children can reduce barriers to maintain a healthy lifestyle is essential.

The European Commission - DG EAC - Directorate General for Education and Culture - has dedicated programs and funds for HEPA - Health Enhancing Physical Activity projects[149] within its Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ program, as research showed that too many Europeans are not physically active enough. Financing is available for increased collaboration between players active in this field across the EU and around the world, the promotion of HEPA in the EU and its partner countries and the European Sports Week. The DG EAC regularly publishes a Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity.

Worldwide there has been a large shift towards less physically demanding work.[150] This has been accompanied by increasing use of mechanized transportation, a greater prevalence of labor saving technology in the home, and fewer active recreational pursuits.[150] Personal lifestyle changes however can correct the lack of physical exercise.

Research in 2015 indicates integrating mindfulness to physical exercise interventions increases exercise adherence, self-efficacy and also has positive effects both psychologically and physiologically.[151]

Exercising looks different in every country, as do the motivations behind exercising.[9] In some countries, people exercise primarily indoors, and in others, people exercise primarily outdoors. People may exercise for personal enjoyment, health and well-being, social interactions, competition or training, etc. These differences could potentially be attributed to geographic location, social tendencies, or otherwise.

In Colombia, citizens value and celebrate the outdoor environments of their country. In many instances, they utilize outdoor activities as social gatherings to enjoy nature and their communities. In Bogot, Colombia, a 70-mile stretch of road known as the Ciclova is shut down each Sunday for bicyclists, runners, rollerbladers, skateboarders and other exercisers to work out and enjoy their surroundings.[152]

Similarly to Colombia, citizens of Cambodia tend to exercise socially outside. In this country, public gyms have become quite popular. People will congregate at these outdoor gyms not only to utilize the public facilities, but also to organize aerobics and dance sessions, which are open to the public.[153]

Sweden has also begun developing outdoor gyms, called utegym. These gyms are free to the public and are often placed in beautiful, picturesque environments. People will swim in rivers, use boats, and run through forests to stay healthy and enjoy the natural world around them. This is especially possible in Sweden due to its geographical location.[154]

Chinese exercise, particularly in the retired community, seems to be socially grounded. In the mornings, dances are held in public parks; these gatherings may include Latin dancing, ballroom dancing, tango, or even the jitterbug. Dancing in public allows people to interact with those with whom they would not normally interact, allowing for both health benefits and social benefits.[155]

These sociocultural variations in physical exercise show how people in different geographic locations and social climates have varying motivations and methods of exercising. Physical exercise can improve health and well-being, as well as enhance community ties and appreciation of natural beauty.[9]

Proper nutrition is as important to health as exercise. When exercising, it becomes even more important to have a good diet to ensure that the body has the correct ratio of macronutrients while providing ample micronutrients, in order to aid the body with the recovery process following strenuous exercise.[156]

Active recovery is recommended after participating in physical exercise because it removes lactate from the blood more quickly than inactive recovery. Removing lactate from circulation allows for an easy decline in body temperature, which can also benefit the immune system, as an individual may be vulnerable to minor illnesses if the body temperature drops too abruptly after physical exercise.[157]

The benefits of exercise have been known since antiquity. Dating back to 65 BCE, it was Marcus Cicero, Roman politician and lawyer, who stated: "It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor."[158] Exercise was also seen to be valued later in history during the Dark Ages as a means of survival by the barbaric tribes of Northern Europe.[159]

More recently, exercise was regarded as a beneficial force in the 19th century. After 1860, Archibald MacLaren opened a gymnasium at the University of Oxford and instituted a training regimen for 12 military officials at the university. This regimen was later assimilated into the training of the British Army.[160] Several mass exercise movements were started in the early twentieth century as well. The first and most significant of these in the UK was the Women's League of Health and Beauty, founded in 1930 by Mary Bagot Stack, that had 166,000 members in 1937.[161]

However, the link between physical health and exercise (or lack of it) was only discovered in 1949 and reported in 1953 by a team led by Jerry Morris.[162][163] Dr. Morris noted that men of similar social class and occupation (bus conductors versus bus drivers) had markedly different rates of heart attacks, depending on the level of exercise they got: bus drivers had a sedentary occupation and a higher incidence of heart disease, while bus conductors were forced to move continually and had a lower incidence of heart disease.[163] This link had not previously been noted and was later confirmed by other researchers.

Physical exercise has been shown to benefit a wide range of other mammals, as well as salmon, juvenile crocodiles, and at least one species of bird.[164]

However, several studies have shown that lizards display no benefit from exercise, leading them to be termed "metabolically inflexible".[165] Indeed, damage from overtraining may occur following weeks of forced treadmill exercise in lizards.[165]

A number of studies of both rodents and humans have demonstrated that individual differences in both ability and propensity for exercise (i.e., voluntary exercise) have some genetic basis.[166][167]

Several studies of rodents have demonstrated that maternal[168] or juvenile access to wheels that allow voluntary exercise can increase the propensity to run as adults.[169] These studies further suggest that physical activity may be more "programmable" (for discussion, see Thrifty phenotype) than food intake.[170]

Read the original here:
Physical exercise - Wikipedia

How I understand the philosopher -- as a terribleexplosive, endangering everthing... my concept of the philosopheris worlds removed from any concept that would include even a Kant,not to speak of academic "ruminants" and other professors ofphilosophy...

from Nietzsche's Ecce Homo, s 3.2.3, WalterKaufmann transl.

Knapsack of the Metaphysicians.-- Those whoboast so mightily of the scientificality of their metaphysicsshould receive no answer; it is enough to pluck at the bundlewhich, with a certain degree of embarrassment, they keep concealedbehind their back; if one succeeds in opening it, the products ofthat scientificality come to light, attended by their blushes: adear little Lord God, a nice little immortality, perhaps a certainquantity of spiritualism, and in any event a whole tangled heap of'wretched poor sinner' and Pharisee arrogance.

from Nietzsche's Assorted Opinions andMaxims,s. 12, R.J. Hollingdale transl.

Even today many educated people think that thevictory of Christianity over Greek philosophy is a proof of thesuperior truth of the former - although in this case it was onlythe coarser and more violent that conquered the more spiritual anddelicate. So far as superior truth is concerned, it is enough toobserve that the awakening sciences have allied themselves point bypoint with the philosophy of Epicurus, but point by point rejectedChristianity.

from Nietzsche's Human, all too Human, s.68,R.J. Hollingdale transl.

Socrates.-- If all goes well, the time willcome when one will take up the memorabilia of Socrates rather thanthe Bible as a guide to morals and reason... The pathways of themost various philosophical modes of life lead back to him...Socrates excels the founder of Christianity in being able to beserious cheerfully and in possessing that wisdom full ofroguishness that constitutes the finest state of the humansoul. And he also possessed the finer intellect.

from Nietzsche's The Wanderer and hisShadow,s. 86, R.J. Hollingdale transl.

Read more:
Nietzsche Quotes: Philosophy

Youll find a peaceful retreat from the everyday at our quiet yoga center at the Baba Siri Chand Ashram. A peaceful meditation pagoda is nestled in the midst of a bamboo forest and rock garden surrounded by inspiring sculptures. Breathe deeply in this quiet space as you pass the bubbling fountain and then enter our beautiful 1,000 sqft yoga room. Look carefully at the walls to see the beauty of the hand-painted murals filled with inspiring images and mantras.

Our top notch Kundalini Yoga teachers will leave you floating after a class and our Hatha and Vinyasa teachers will stretch and challenge you find that peaceful place within. Come experience the evening meditation classes, weekend workshops and vegetarian cooking classes. Look around to find information about our classes, teachers and practices. Give us a call if you have any questions, we welcome students of all levels.

Monday: 7:30pm-8:30pm: Hatha Yoga,Tuesday: 10:30am-12:00pm: Kundalini Yoga / 7:30pm-9:00pm: Kundalini YogaWednesday: 10:30am-12:00pm: Kundalini Yoga / 7:30pm-9pm: Kundalini YogaThursday: 10:30am-12:00pm: Kundalini Yoga/ 7:30pm-9pm: Kundalini YogaFriday: 10:30am-12:00pm: Kundalini YogaSaturday: 10:30am-12:00pm: Kundalini Yoga

Continue reading here:

The Kundalini Yoga Center | The Kundalini Yoga Center

Self-Improvement - Free Books at EBDBreak The Rules: 50 Smashing Ways To Be More Creativeby James Hegarty - Smashwords , 2015Hegarty's detailed analysis provides a foundation for the development of individual creativity. Break The Rules is a loud and effective call to anyone to be more creative. The book gives anyone the tools and confidence to be more creative right away.(550 views)Your Life: The Popular Guide to Desirable Livingby Wilfred Funk - The Kingsway press, inc. , 1937Your greatest asset in the world is your personality. The rich man is unhappy because of the lack of it; the poor man is convinced he would make good if he possessed it. Women realize its golden value, for it more than compensates for any handicap.(1264 views)Productivity for Creative Peopleby Mark McGuinness - Smashwords , 2016If you're excited by the opportunities of the creative age, but worried about the effect of all those interruptions and digital distractions on your creative work, 'Productivity for Creative People' has been written for you.(1018 views)Mind Hackingby John Hargrave - mindhacki.ng , 2015Have you ever wished you could reprogram your brain, just as a hacker would a computer? In this 3-step guide to improving your mental habits, learn to take charge of your mind and banish negative thoughts, habits, and anxiety -- in just 21 days.(3190 views)How to Overcome Procrastinationby Paul Newton - Bookboon , 2014This book provides practical and usable tactics that control and overcome one's tendency to procrastinate. It helps you to identify which of the seven triggers cause you to put off important tasks. You can also pass on these tactics to help others.(1793 views)The Creative Edge: The Art of Making Ideas Workby James Hegarty - Smashwords , 2014How to discover extraordinary ideas and bring them into reality. This book explains creativity as a practical process - the methods and abilities - that applies to any discovery and development situation. It's practical, hip, and entirely real-world.(5054 views)The 25-Hour Dayby Jenna Meyerson - Bookboon , 2013This manual gives practical tips and instructions to help you understand time management. You will discover how to utilise the technology available to you, how to make the most of your own productive cycles, and how to make your life more efficient.(2858 views)Emotional Intelligenceby MTD Training - BookBoon , 2010This textbook introduces readers to what Emotional Intelligence is and how they can improve their own. Being 'bright' is not enough in today's modern society. You need to understand how to manage your emotions and those of others to get on.(5856 views)How to Analyze People on Sightby E. L. Benedict, R. P. Benedict - Roycrofters , 1921The fundamental traits of every individual are stamped in the shape of his body, head, face and hands. From this book you will learn which type of car you are and the main reasons why you have not been getting the maximum of service out of yourself.(8640 views)The Science of Getting Richby Wallace Delois Wattles , 1910The book is about getting rich - not only in terms of money but in every possible way, including relationships and health. The book is quite short and the language is simple. The author doesn't get into philosophies or theories.(20021 views)How to Make a Complete Map of Every Thought you Thinkby Lion Kimbro , 2003This book is about how to make a complete map of everything you think for as long as you like. Keeping a map of all your thoughts has a freezing effect on the mind. It takes a lot of (albeit pleasurable) work, but produces nothing but SIGHT.(11670 views)Interesting pagesMore sites like thisFollow us 2008 - 2018 by E-Books Directory

Originally posted here:
Self-Improvement - Free Books at EBD - E-Books Directory

Healing is one of the Greatest Acts of Divine Service

For those who are committed to deepening their spiritual growth and to helping others heal, The Direct Divine Light Healing Program is a two-year certification training in Direct Divine Light Healing, a full-spectrum aura therapy and one of the most dynamic and effective spiritual healing modalities. This program empowers you to help others to heal and accelerate your spiritual growth by deepening your own direct connection to the Divine.

Second in the Institutes three-level training, this program trains students in the sacred art of administering of Divine Light to others, and how to build up their own healing power to be able to facilitate the exhilarated healing currents. Regardless if the goal is to become a professional healer, this program will take participants to greater spiritual heights and exhilarate their Divine unfoldment.

Ideal for doctors, holistic practitioners, massage therapists, and nurses who wish to enhance their healing skills or anyone who wishes to delve deeply into their spiritual nature. A certificate is awarded on completion.

Offered by invitation only. Prerequisite: Certification in Seven Spiritual Arts Training Program.

Go here to read the rest:
Direct Divine Light Healing Program | Spiritual Arts Institute

This website is operated and maintained by Betterment LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Terms & Legal Privacy Policy Trademark. How Betterment calculates "better returns". Unless otherwise specified, all return figures shown above are for illustrative purposes only, and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market circumstances.

Brokerage services provided to clients of Betterment LLC by Betterment Securities, an SEC registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC.

Investments: Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee May Lose Value. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and Betterment's charges and expenses. Betterment's internet-based services are designed to assist clients in achieving discrete financial goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client's financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2 and other disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and the likelihood of investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature. Not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities in jurisdictions where Betterment is not registered. Market Data by Xignite.

See how we determine the largest independent online financial advisor.

The information provided by Betterment Support is educational only and is not investment or tax advice.

Betterment Holdings Inc.

Read more:
Betterment | Rethink What Your Money Can Do

Fast FactsEssential FactsInteresting Facts

Buddhism facts reveal that Buddhism is defined as a nontheistic religion, but the relationship of Buddhist teachings and god(s) is a complicated one. Buddha himself rejected the existence of a creator deity, but the notion of divinity is not incompatible with his teachings. In fact, there are gods found in Buddhist teachings, but these are considered to be inferior to Buddha and not necessarily wiser than us.

In conclusion, the concept of god(s) exists in Buddhism, but is not central to the religion, in contrast to Christianity, for example. While most experts agree that this makes Buddhism a nontheistic religion, there are also some who believe that naming Buddhism nontheistic is overly simplistic

According to the Buddhist teachings, we are all prisoners of samsara, the continuing cycle of death, re-birth and suffering. The highest goal is to end this suffering by extinguishing three fires (passion, ignorance and aversion) and thus attaining Nirvana. There are differences among different schools of Buddhism in understanding Nirvana, but all hold up the concept as one worth following.

In the first teaching following his awakening, the Buddha revealed the Noble Eightfold Path (the Middle Way) as the way to achieve Nirvana. The Middle Way is a path of moderation, avoiding the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification, consisting of eight factors: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

Buddhism facts show that Buddhists account for about 6% of the worlds population, making this the 4th biggest (in terms of followers) religion in the world, following Christianity with 2 billion followers, Islam with 1.3 billion followers and Hinduism with 0.9 billion followers. It is also interesting to note that if the group of nonreligious people (including agnostics) is added to the statistics, Buddhism falls to 5th place.

There are two traditional schools of Buddhism: Theravada (The School of the Elders) and Mahayana (The Great Vehicle). They each interpret certain aspects of Buddhas teachings in their own way. While these two branches of Buddhism are widely known, many people dont know that there is a third branch: Vajrayana (also known as Tantric Buddhism or the Diamond Way). This is sometimes considered a part of Mahayana, although its very different in various concepts.

Theravada is nowadays most popular in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, and is considered to be the largest branch, followed by approximately 56% of all Buddhists. Mahayana is most popular in East Asia, including China and Japan, and is followed by roughly 38% of all Buddhists. Vajrayana is practiced in Mongolia and Tibet and represents about 6% of followers of the Buddhas Way.

The Bodhi Tree was a large sacred fig tree in India where Siddhartha Gautama, on whose teachings Buddhism is founded, is believed to have achieved enlightenment regarding the true nature of things (Bodhi). Although the original Bodhi Tree doesnt exist anymore, there are three other holy Bodhi Trees that are believed to be propagated from the original tree: Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti, India, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Sacred fig trees are usually planted in the vicinity of all Buddhist monasteries.

The main pilgrimage sites are places where Gautama Buddha resided during the most important periods of his life: Lumbini, Nepal (his birthplace), Bodh Gaya, India (the place of his enlightenment), Sarnath, India (the place of his first teaching) and Kusinara (the place of his death).

These 4 pilgrimage sites are also the first 4 of the 8 Great Places, joined by the ancient cities of Sravasti, Rajgir, Sankassa and Vaishali, where special historical miraculous events are reported to have taken place.

Buddhism facts reveal that Gautama Buddha has inspired many filmmakers over the last century, starting with Dadasaheb Phalkes Lord Buddha (originally Buddhadev) in 1923. The most famous of them, at least to the Western audiences, is Bernardo Bertoluccis Little Buddha from 1993, featuring Bridget Fonda, Keanu Reeves and Chris Isaak.

Most religions are known for their central holy text, such as the Bible for Christianity and Judaism, and the Quran for Islam, but Buddhism has no such single writing. Instead, Buddhists consider the buddhavacana (the Word of the Buddha), works believed to be original Buddhas teachings, as holy. Pali Canon, Kangyur, Taish Tripiaka, Mahayana Sutras, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and others thus all serve as sacred texts of Buddhism for the various schools of Buddhism practiced around the world.

Although Buddhism is based on his teachings, Buddhists believe there were other Buddhas before him. Theravada Buddhism teaches of 28 Buddhas (the last being Gautama Buddha, another 27 coming before him), while Mahayana Buddhism also recognizes various other Buddhas of celestial origin. However, they both believe that the next Buddha will be the one named Maitreya (Metteyya).

These were not monasteries as we know them today, but sacred caves, found in the Deccan Plateau area of India. But, by the 2nd century AD, Buddhist monasteries, known as Viharas in India, already had a standard structure, consisting of a walled quadrangular court that was surrounded by small cells.

The Truths are: all life is marked with suffering (the Truth of Dukkha), suffering is caused by desire and attachment (the Truth of the Origin of Dukkha), suffering can be eliminated (the Truth of the Cessation of Dukkha), and following the Noble Eightfold path eliminates suffering (the Truth of the Path of Liberation from Dukkha).

And yes, the term Dukkha means the all-present suffering that is the main antagonist in Buddhist teachings.

Although it is one of central concepts in Buddhism, Karma is not exclusive to the teachings of Buddha. It is also one of the key concepts in Hinduism, Taoism, Jainism and Sikhism. And what does it mean? It means action, work or deed, but in relation to religious teachings, it means the spiritual principle of cause and effect, in which intents and actions of an individual influence that individuals future. In plain terms: the more good one does, the better his life will be, and the more evil one does, the worse his life will be.

Practically all Westerners know the Christian concept of the Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, but a similar concept is also present in Buddhism a religion that is often understood as being nontheistic. The Buddhist trinity refers to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddhas teachings) and the Sangha (the community of Buddhists). Buddhism facts also reveal that people have been known to notice some similarities between the two

In the first 400 years after Gautama Buddhas life, they were preserved only orally. They were first written down during the Fourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka in 29 BC, and are nowadays known as the Pali Canon or the Tipitaka.

Buddhism facts show that the father of Buddhism was born either in 536 BC or in 480 BC. Similarly to his teachings, the details of his life were also passed orally from generation to generation for the first few centuries, and that is why there are no completely reliable sources regarding the date of his birth. What is known for certain is that he was born in Nepal.

This also explains the fact that Buddhists believe there were many Buddhas prior to Siddhartha Gautama. The term can be applied to anyone who has awakened and realized the true nature of things, but according to Buddhist teachings there have not been that many, since Gautama was the last Buddha among us

According to Buddhism facts, Friedrich Nietzsche, the famous German philosopher from the 19th century, has referred to Buddhism more than a hundred times in his works. His main criticism was that Nirvana, the ultimate goal of traditional Buddhist philosophy, is actually a form of nihilism.

According to Buddhism facts, they are based on the Five Precepts of Buddhism, which constitute the basic ethics of the belief system, and are designed to avert the monks from: killing living creatures, stealing, unchastity, incorrect speech, taking intoxicants, eating at inappropriate times, indulging in any forms of popular entertainment (singing, dancing, etc.), wearing decorative accessories (perfume, cosmetics, fashion accessories etc.), sitting on high chairs, sleeping on soft beds, and accepting money.

One of the most interesting Buddhism facts reveals that the religion is nowadays considered very fashionable in Western societies, and many top celebrities are known to follow (or try to follow) its teachings. Kate Bosworth, Steven Seagal, Richard Gere, Tina Turner, Orlando Bloom, Tiger Woods, Steve Jobs, Naomi Watts, Jack Kerouac and Sharon Stone are just a few names on the very long list of American celebs who follow (or have followed) the path to Nirvana

Buddhism is a 2,500-year-old religion and philosophy that originated in India, but has spread through most of Asia and to a lesser degree to other parts of the world. The fourth biggest religion in the world (by number of followers), Buddhism is split into different schools, of which Theravada and Mahayana are the most popular and wide-spread. The center of Buddhism are the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, which see Nirvana as the ultimate goal of existence. Nirvana is the stillness of mind, devoid of cravings and delusions, which ends the suffering otherwise present in all we do in life.

See original here:
Top 20 Buddhism Facts - Types, History, Beliefs | Facts.net

Meditation is a word that has come to be used loosely and inaccurately in the modern world. That is why there is so much confusion about how to practice it. Some people use the word meditate when they mean thinking or contemplating; others use it to refer to daydreaming or fantasizing. However, meditation (dhyana) is not any of these.

Meditation is a precise technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. It is the means for fathoming all the levels of ourselves and finally experiencing the center of consciousness within. Meditation is not a part of any religion; it is a science, which means that the process of meditation follows a particular order, has definite principles, and produces results that can be verified.

In meditation, the mind is clear, relaxed, and inwardly focused. When you meditate, you are fully awake and alert, but your mind is not focused on the external world or on the events taking place around you. Meditation requires an inner state that is still and one-pointed so that the mind becomes silent. When the mind is silent and no longer distracts you, meditation deepens.

From childhood onward, we have been educated only to examine and verify things in the external world. No one has taught us how to look within, to find within, and to verify within. Therefore, we remain strangers to ourselves, while trying to get to know others. This lack of self-understanding is one of the main reasons our relationships dont seem to work, and why confusion and disappointment so often prevail in our life.

Very little of the mind is cultivated by our formal educational system. The part of the mind that dreams and sleepsthe vast realm of the unconscious which is the reservoir of all our experiencesremains unknown and undisciplined; it is not subject to any control. It is true that the whole of the body is in the mind, but the whole of the mind is not in the body. Except for the practice of meditation, there is no method to truly develop control over the totality of the mind.

The goal of meditation is to go beyond the mind and experience our essential naturewhich is described as peace, happiness, and bliss. But as anyone who has tried to meditate knows, the mind itself is the biggest obstacle standing between ourselves and this awareness. The mind is undisciplined and unruly, and it resists any attempts to discipline it or to guide it on a particular path. The mind has a mind of its own. That is why many people sit for meditation and experience only fantasies, daydreams, or hallucinations. They never attain the stillness that distinguishes the genuine experience of deep meditation.

We are taught how to move and behave in the outer world, but we are never taught how to be still and examine what is within ourselves. When we learn to do this through meditation, we attain the highest of all joys that can ever be experienced by a human being. All the other joys in the world are momentary, but the joy of meditation is immense and everlasting. This is not an exaggeration; it is a truth supported by the long line of sages, both those who renounced the world and attained truth, and those who continued living in the world yet remained unaffected by it.

Meditation is a practical means for calming yourself, for letting go of your biases and seeing what is, openly and clearly. It is a way of training the mind so that you are not distracted and caught up in its endless churning. Meditation teaches you to systematically explore your inner dimensions. It is a system of commitment, not commandment. You are committing to yourself, to your path, and to the goal of knowing yourself. But at the same time, learning to be calm and still should not become a ceremony or religious ritual; it is a universal requirement of the human body.

Learning how to be still is the method of meditation. The process of cultivating stillness begins with the body. In the yoga tradition, you are guided by a competent teacher to keep your head, neck, and trunk straight while sitting in a meditative posture (asana). When you have learned to be comfortable in this posture, you should form a regular habit of practicing in the same posture at the same time and at the same place every day.

Find a simple, uncluttered, quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Sit on the floor with a cushion under you or in a firm chair, with your back straight and your eyes closed. Then bring your awareness slowly down through your body, allowing all of the muscles to relax except those that are supporting your head, neck, and back. Take your time and enjoy the process of letting go of the tension in your body. Meditation is the art and science of letting go, and this letting go begins with the body and then progresses to thoughts.

Once the body is relaxed and at peace, bring your awareness to your breath. Notice which part of your lungs are being exercised as you breathe. If you are breathing primarily with your chest you will not be able to relax. Let your breathing come primarily through the movement of the diaphragm. Continue to observe your breath without trying to control it. At first the breath may be irregular, but gradually it will become smooth and even, without pauses and jerks.

Meditation is a process of giving your full attention to whatever object you have chosen. In this case you are choosing to be aware of the breath. Allow yourself to experience your breathing in an open and accepting way. Do not judge or attempt to control or change it. Open yourself so fully that eventually there is no distinction between you and the breathing. In this process many thoughts will arise in your mind: Am I doing this right? When will this be over? Perhaps I should have closed the window. I forgot to make an important call. My neck hurts. Hundreds of thoughts may come before you and each thought will call forth some further response: a judgment, an action, an interest in pursuing the thought further, an attempt to get rid of the thought.

At this point, if you simply remain aware of this process instead of reacting to the thought, you will become aware of how restless your mind is. It tosses and turns like you do on a night when you cannot fall asleep. But that is only a problem when you identify with the mind and react to the various thoughts it throws at you. If you do, you will be caught in a never-ending whirlwind of restless activity. But if you simply attend to those thoughts when they arise, without reacting, or if you react and attend to the reaction, then they cannot really disturb you. Rememberit is not the thoughts that disturb you, but your reaction to them.

Meditation is very simple. It is simply attending. You can begin by attending to your breath, and then if a thought comes, attend to it, notice it, be open to itand it will pass. Then you can come back to the breath. Your normal response is to react to all your thoughts, and this keeps you ever busy in a sea of confusion. Meditation teaches you to attend to what is taking place within without reacting, and this makes all the difference. It brings you freedom from the mind and its meandering. And in this freedom you begin to experience who you are, distinct from your mental turmoil. You experience inner joy and contentment, you experience relief and inner relaxation, and you find a respite from the tumult of your life. You have given yourself an inner vacation.

This inner vacation is not a retreat from the world but the foundation for finding inner peace. You must also learn to apply the principle of attending in your worldly activities, so that you can apply yourself in the world more effectively. Through practicing meditation you can learn to be open to what comes before you in your daily life and give it your full attention.

Ordinarily, you react to the experiences that come before you in much the same way that you react to your thoughts. If someone says something negative to you, you become angry or depressed. If you lose something, you become emotionally upset. Your mood depends on what comes before you, and, as a result, your life is like a roller coaster ride. You react before you have fully experienced what you are reacting to. You immediately interpret what you see or hear according to your expectation, fears, prejudices, or resistances. You short-circuit the experience, and thus limit yourself to one or two conditioned responses instead of responding to a situation openly and creatively.

But if you apply the principle of meditation to experiences that come before you, you can fully attend to what is taking place. You can attend to your initial reaction without reacting to your reaction: Oh, look how threatened I feel by that. Let yourself be open to experiencing your reaction and it will move through you and allow other spontaneous responses to also come forward, so that you can select the one that is most helpful in that particular situation.

In this way meditation is very therapeutic. It not only leads to inner balance and stability, it also exposes your inner complexes, your immaturities, your unproductive reflexes and habits. Instead of living in these complexes and habits and acting them out, they are brought to your awareness and you can give them your full attention. Only then will they clear.

Have patience and do your practice systematically. Every action has a reaction. It is not possible for you to meditate and not receive benefits. You may not notice those benefits now, but slowly and gradually you are storing the samskaras (impressions) in the unconscious mind that will help you later. If you sow a seed today, you dont reap the fruit tomorrow, but eventually you will. It takes time to see results; be gentle with yourself.

Meditation means gently fathoming all the levels of your being, one level after another. Be honest with yourself. Dont care what others say about their experienceskeep your mind focused on your goal. It is your own mind that does not allow you to meditate. To work with your mind, youll have to be patient; youll have to work with yourself gradually.

At first you may see progress in terms of physical relaxation and emotional calmness. Later you may notice other, more subtle changes. Some of the most important benefits of meditation make themselves known gradually over time and are not dramatic or easily observed. Persist in your practice and you will find that meditation is a means of freeing yourself from the worries that gnaw at you. Then you are free to experience the joy of being fully present, here and now.

See the rest here:

The Real Meaning of Meditation | Yoga International

We are delighted to invite you to a rare and transformational evening with Eckhart Tolle. Join us for this unique opportunity to sit with Eckhart as he points you to spiritual awakening and the transformation of consciousness. With his hallmark warmth, humour and compassion, this evening will connect you with the peace and serenity that arises from living in the moment.

Eckharts profound, yet simple teachings have helped countless people from around the globe awaken to a vibrantly alive inner peace in their daily lives. The New York Times has called Eckhart Tolle the most popular spiritual author in the United States, and the Watkins Review named him as the most spiritually inuential person in the world. Eckhart Tolles writings and life-changing public events have touched millions of lives, garnering fans to the likes of Oprah, the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra.

He is the best-selling author of The Power of Now and A New Earth that are widely regarded as the most transformational books of our time, selling over 8 million copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow this link:
An Evening with Eckhart Tolle in Calgary - Eventbrite

There are plenty of options for living a life of luxury after 55 and we have them all! Featuring some of Americas best active adult homes; we make it possible for you to spend the best years of your life by the beach or in the city, in the home of your dreams in one of our active living communities.

Take a look at our selection of luxurious homes and find a home thats absolutely perfect for you!

Buying or Selling, Youre Covered

Finding the ideal home in a great Virginia active adult community doesnt have to be complicated. Like anything else in life, a little guidance can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable and in the best position to take the next step.

Hi, Im Peggy Lasater, Realtor. I dont work for builders or the developersI work for the folks dreaming about the perfect home in a 55+ community, people like you.

As Virginias top active adult community specialist, I specialize exclusively in representing buyers and sellers of homes in 55 plus active adult senior retirement communities in Virginia. And why wouldnt I? Virginia is a beautiful state. I should know. Its my home, too.

So whether youre just browsing available homes, ready to buy, or simply want answers to your many questions, take a look around the site. Youll find critical information you need to know before making the next move.

And when youre ready to make a changeor if you just want to talk about your optionsbe sure to contact me. My wonderful clients are sure glad they did!

Peggy was there every step of the way for Tony and myself. Moving across the country is not easy and Peggy made it a much easier transition for us. She was on top of everything that had to be done when there were problems. I highly recommend Peggy to anyone who wants a great realtor to work with.

Rita & Tony CytrynFalls Run (Buyers)

More Client Testimonials

Here are some quick links to get you started.

Everything on my Website is freely available with no requirement to sign up or provide personal information. The Site Map presents the extensive content of OWL55.com.

As an Active Adult Community Specialist, my job is to help you answer these questions:

I do NOT work for or represent developers or builders; I work for the individual buyers or sellers of Active Adult Community homes.

If you are planning to buy an Active Adult Community home very soon, please consider getting on the Fast Track.

When you are ready to buy or sell an Active Adult home new construction or existing please consider having me represent you. As a buyer, there is no cost to you; the seller pays all commissions. See my Active Adult Community Buyer Representation and Active Adult Community Seller Representation pages for more information.

My depth of knowledge of the Virginia Active Adult real estate market will help you get the best price buying or selling. You can learn more about me and the brokerage I am affiliated with here.

Wed like to take this opportunity to thank you for making the sale of our home so easy. You always answered all our questions and were always accessible. We would highly recommend you for any other clients who are interested in selling their home. Thanks Again.

Dave & Pat NeamonDunbarton in Braemar (Sellers)

More Client Testimonials

Find your 55+ active adult retirement home

OWL55.com is about Active Adult communities that move beyond the old-fashioned senior housing concept and support the 55 and better quality lifestyle. All of them meet most or all OWL55.com Criteria for 55+ Active Adult VA Retirement Communities.

These age-restricted communities are not for people who think of themselves as senior citizens ready to retire from life. They are for people intent on an active lifestyle in a community of friends with similar life experience and interests.

On my Active Adult Communities pages, you can compare the best Active Adult Over 55 Retirement Communities in Virginia from builders like Del Webb, Centex homes, Ryan, Beazer, Toll Brothers, K. Hovnanian, Brookfield, Pulte and Lennar. Call (888 498 7455) or Email Peggy if you would like brochures from any builders.

You can see the communities here: Virginia Active Adult Retirement Communities (55 and older) [Links to builder websites and floor plans, prices, etc. and MLS resale listings

On my MLS Resale Listings pages, you will find the best single source for all MLS resale listings for Northern Virginia 55 and over Active Adult Communities. There is no need to search a Multiple Listing Service for current resale listings; you will find them all here. They are extracted daily from MRIS, the multiple listing service for Northern Virginia.

You can see the MLS listings here: MLS VA Active Adult Resale Listings [Links to descriptions and prices of active adult resale homes.]

If you dont find what you need here, I will find it for you. Email Peggy, phone me or use my FAQ Forum to learn more about the new style of senior housing in Virginias Active Adult Communities and the services I provide.

Peggys Website and the information that I was able to harvest from it led me to contact Peggy directly for assistance. Peggy was up to the task and helped me in every way that I needed in order to complete the mission. She was always timely, responsive, and thoroughly reliable. I would seek out her assistance regarding future DC real estate matters without hesitation. I would recommend her to anyone seeking a home in an active adult community in the DC area.

Paul M. RappaportSaintsbury Plaza (Buyer)

More Client Testimonials

Read this article:
OWL 55 - Virginia Active Adult Communities