Dream: I'm at my piano teacher's house. I hear her say, "If you haven't practiced, then don't play today." (I had been lax in meditations.) I play anyway. I take some of my piano pieces out and flip through them to find an easy one to play.

My teacher plays one of mypiano pieces. The teacher says how beautiful my piece is. It is one of my music pieces. I realize the teacher's playing is beautiful, but I want to play my piece myself instead of listening to the teacher play my piece.

Step 1. Connect previous day (often the day before) events to the dream to discover this dream's theme.

I have been reading and studying wonderful writings of one of my favorite authors. Yet, now I have not been experiencing the depth of meditation as I had been. Theme: Meditation

Step 2. Connect previous day (often the day before) thoughts to your dream to detect which thoughts may have prompted this dream.

Yesterday after reading the inspiring teachings, I wondered why my lack of success with meditation. Obvious thought-question: Why my lack with successful meditation?

Step 3. Define major dream phrases and symbols from your write-up of this dream to discover the dream's personalized meanings.

Answers to my pre-dream thought of why my lack with successful meditation: Practice and listen instead of depending on surface level meditations, even inspiring readings, for effective meditation.

Media Contact: Evelyn M. Duesbury (608) 348-5925 http://www.yourguidingdreams.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/book-reveals-two-critical-parts-of-successful-meditation-300480706.html

SOURCE Evelyn M. Duesbury

See the article here:

Book Reveals Two Critical Parts of Successful Meditation - PR Newswire (press release)

One ambassador of mindfulness-through-technology is the AI powered meditation app Aura, which was voted Apple's #1 new app in February 2017 and currently has a 5/5 star rating in the iOS App store. It's available for both iOS and Android, and while it normally costs around $100 per year, Engadget readers can get a lifetime subscription today for just $60 - over 80 percent off.

While there are plenty of different meditation apps on the market, Aura stands out from the rest with a host of unique features:

1. Aura fits with your schedule and attention span.

While some competitors offer 10-30 minute meditations, Aura has options that work for anyone's schedule. Sessions last anywhere from three to ten minutes, depending on your level of comfort, making it great for newcomers and more experienced practitioners alike.

2. It uses Machine Learning to customize your meditations.

Aura is unique in that it's a personal meditation coach that learns from your sessions and customizes your future meditations. Before and after each meditation, Aura asks short questions about your current mood and uses sophisticated machine learning techniques to give you a unique experience that complements your emotional state every time you use it. It even sends you helpful relaxation reminders when you need them most.

3. You can track your progress over time.

Aura also keeps track of your data to paint a detailed picture of the patterns of your mental ebbs and flows. Just like you fitness goals, you can track your mindfulness progress with the help of Aura's gorgeous visual interface.

4. You get 24/7 access for life.

Their premium subscription gives you 24/7 access to all content, so you can have it on hand whenever you need a few moments of silence.

If you're interested in using technology to help relieve stress and anxiety, check out this offer on Aura Premium - you can get a lifetime of just $60, two years for $50, or one year for $30.

Check out these other popular offers from GDGT Deals:

Engadget is teaming up with StackCommerce to bring you deals on the latest gadgets, tech toys, apps, and tutorials. This post does not constitute editorial endorsement, and we earn a portion of all sales. If you have any questions about the products you see here or previous purchases, please contact StackCommerce support here.

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Why Aura is the one meditation app you should be using - Engadget

Living life with purpose and fulfillment that is the topic Master Wu Chueh Miao Tien, the 85th patriarch of the Taiwan-based Chan school of meditation, will tackle during his first U.S. public address, Saturday, July 1, at the Irvine Barclay Theater.

Chan,a spiritual practice that focuses on cultivating inner peace and compassion, is believed to have come to China about 1,500 years ago from India, where it was called dhyan. In an interview via Skype from Taipei, Miao Tien said Chan aims to complement and enhance any religious practice, not to replace it.

Chan now has practice and teaching centers in Irvine, Walnut and Torrance, and thousands of practitioners across the country, as well as in Taiwan, Europe, Japan and mainland China.

Miao Tien, 84, spoke to the Register about his message and the essence of Chan practice:

Members of the Chan Center listen to Chan Master Wu Chueh Miao Tien on the television Friday at the Chan Center in Irvine. ///ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 7/19/13 MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER 01.chanmeditation.ml Chan is an ancient form of meditation, which orginated in India and was then exported to China and later to Japan (Zen). This is a story about the Chan Center in Irvine and about the practice, its benefits, etc.

Donna Feng leads the meditation ritual before listening to Chan Master Wu Chueh Miao Tiens video Friday at the Chan Center in Irvine. ///ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 7/19/13 MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER 01.chanmeditation.ml Chan is an ancient form of meditation, which orginated in India and was then exported to China and later to Japan (Zen). This is a story about the Chan Center in Irvine and about the practice, its benefits, etc.

Q: What is the goal of this spiritual practice?

A: The ultimate purpose of practicing Chan is for our spirit to be with God. In the process, through this practice, we are also making our physical body healthy, and our hearts and minds joyful. When we gradually purify our body and mind, we can practice Chan in its true sense. This helps connect us with the sacred spirit (God) and enables our spirit to witness God, and that is the highest spiritual state.

Q: What role does kindness and compassion play in Chan practice?

A: It plays a significant role and it starts with cultivating ones heart. We need to cultivate a very beautiful world in our hearts, where we are joyful every day, respect each other and do not create conflicts. Even when conflicts arise, we need to continue to be courteous to others and not get angry. If you can develop this habit through Chan practice, you will cultivate loving kindness, which will help elevate your spiritual practice to a higher level.

Q: What is the key to cultivating this joyful heart?

A: Most importantly, you need to realize life is short at most, 100 years. Within this time, you need to realize the meaning and value of this life. The purpose of life is not to feed our own desires. We need to learn how to contribute our heart and our abilities to benefit mankind. When that realization dawns, naturally, you will be joyful every day and find life to be very fulfilling.

Q: What message do you hope to convey to your audience in the U.S.?

A: I will talk about the difference between religious and spiritual practice. When conflicts arise between different religious groups, it causes war. But, spiritual practice is not about religions. It is about the sacred spirit. Religions are interpreted in different ways according to peoples understanding and perspectives. On the contrary, everyone has the same sacred spirit. What we pursue in Chan is this sacred spirit, not religions. This has the potential to bring peace to the world and end wars.

In the eastern world, people read and recite scriptures. In the western world, you listen to sermons, read the Bible or listen to hymns. These religious practices bring peace to peoples hearts. However, they are not enough to witness God because these are all practices that exist in the conscious mind. The sacred spirit can be reached only by transcending the conscious mind and by entering that spiritual realm through Chan. When you start the practice you will see right away that your body becomes healthier and your mind gets clearer.

Wu Chueh Miao Tien, the 85th patriarch of Chan, will discuss The Secret of Life from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 1, at the Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Information: 714-699-3188 or info@heartchan.org.

Original post:

Taiwanese meditation master visiting Irvine to teach approach to living a life of purpose - OCRegister

By 42, life had caught up with Sha Roehm.

"I had to start going to a cardiologist because I thought there was something internal going on. I hit a wall," said the wife and mom who struggled with anxiety.

She's not alone.

According to the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month.

"If your mind is unhealthy, your physical body is going to be unhealthy," said Chelsey Charbeneau of Mastermind in Dallas.

Mastermind is a relatively new concept in boutique fitness: a studio that exclusively offers guided meditation. There are no treadmills or pilates reformers. This is a gym for your brain, designed to quiet your relentless mental chatter.

Meditation classes are guided by trained instructors. You can choose to sit or recline -- whatever is more comfortable for you. There are no phones allowed in the meditation room. No shoes allowed, or talk about religion or politics. All that's required is breathing.

"Even if they know they can do this at home, on an app or with a video, they may not have the peace and quiet that they need or the environment set up to make them feel comfortable," said Charbeneau, 34, who moved from Los Angeles to Dallas to help get the Mastermind concept off the ground in Texas.

"It kind of clears the space a little bit," said Hal Penchan, 32, after his second meditation class.

The husband and father of two young children works in real estate and comes to Mastermind with colleagues from work.

"Whether its the middle of the day or morning or middle of the week its a good reset, refresh," he said.

The effects of meditation on the brain are undisputed.

"It actually stimulates or increases the vagal nerve tone, and it naturally will lower heart rate. It will naturally lower your blood pressure, and it will naturally lower those cortisone levels and bring things back into a normal state," said Dr. Melita Williams of Texas Health Plano.

Roehm has it figured out. She's made meditation a daily habit. Her health has improved and so have her relationships.

"My husband has seen changes in me, my daughter -- Im not yelling or screaming or anything like that now," said Roehm, who is finding time to do everything she wants by setting aside a little time -- first-- for herself.

For more information on meditation classes at Mastermindgo here.

Nicole Cross - Evening News Anchor/Health Correspondent

Read more:

The first 'brain gym' in the ArkLaTex teaches meditation techniques - KTBS

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to catch Lavendra, a show by Philadelphia visual artist E. Jane. The solo exhibition turned a Brooklyn gallery space into an immersive, purple-tinted sanctuary in which to honor black women. On the walls hung lovingly crafted collages of R&B stars, including Aaliyah and Whitney Houston, while the floors were dotted with screens showing videos of the artist in fantastical digital environments. It felt like stepping inside a music video mood-board, and in a way it was, for E. Jane's alter-ego is Mhysa, and electronic artist and one-half of SCRAAATCH.

This July 21, Mhysa will release her debut album fantasii on Rabit's label Halcyon Veil, and today you can hear a brand new track from it called "Bb." Produced by lawd knows, Mhysa's partner in SCRAAATCH, "Bb" is an aural rendering of Lavendra, all swathes of silken synths and tactile percussion. The spacious sonics center sensual vocals: "Touch me/ And kiss me/ Love me/ Still love me," she sings over drums that don't so much beat, but lounge. A whisper over six minutes long, it's less of a ballad and more like a meditation on the healing power of R&B.

"With 'Bb,' I wanted to make a full-on RnB song," Mhysa told The FADER over email. "I wrote the lyrics and did the arrangement and lawd knows produced the beat. Being a Black American woman from the American south, I wanted to draw on my roots and my history and engage the genre that feeds me so much. This is the only RnB song on the album and it's special to me because it allowed me to be vulnerable in a way I'm usually not in my music."

"I'm used to being vulnerable about my feelings on Black death but not my feelings about wanting to be desired, longing things that I and many other Black women and femmes still think about and need," she continued. "I'm not letting go of my rage, but I also need joy, desire really to experience the full range of emotions because I am human and those feelings are inside of me, as they are inside of all of us. We are still living even as we mourn, and some of us don't have the time to even mourn because capitalism keeps us so burdened with alienated labor."

Listen below, and check out some beautiful images from photographer Naima Green's fantasii album cover shoot.

Read the original here:

Mhysa's Bb Is A Sensual Meditation On The Healing Power Of R&B - The FADER

BJP national president petting a cow at the Arunachalaswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai on Tuesday. Minister of State Pon Radhakrishnan, BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan, Minister Sevur S Ramachandran and others are also seen | Express

TIRUVANNAMALAI, VILLUPURAM: Amid tight security, BJP national president Amit Shah offered worship at Arunachalaswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai on Tuesday. Around 10:20 am, Shahs helicopter landed at a temporary helipad set up at Tiruvannamalai Government Arts College in Tiruvnanamalai. He was received by AIADMK MLAs representing three factions and BJP cadres.

Representing Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy, HR and CE Minister Sevur S Ramachandran, while on behalf of TTV Dhinakaran, AIADMK MLAs Panneer Selvam, Thoosi MLA Mohan and other office-bearers welcomed him.

Tiruvannamalai MP Vanasaroja, who said to be O Panneerselvams supporter was denied permission to enter into the helipad as her name was not listed in the visitors list inside the college campus. Later, she was allowed after she picked up a quarrel with the police. Union Minister of State Pon Radhakrishnan and BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan were also present.

Later, Amit Shah went to Ramana Maharshi Ashram located on Girivalam path. There he spent some time in mediation. After about 40 minutes, he left to the Arunachalaswarar temple for worship. He was given Poorana-Kumba respect in the temple by the priests. He entered into the temple through Ammani Amman tower and worshiped at Arunachalaswarar temple.

Earlier, Tamilisai Soundararajan tried to conduct a two-wheeler rally from Ramana Maharishi ashram to Arunachalaswarar temple marking a grand welcome for him. However, police denied permission citing security reasons. Over this issue, Tamilisai picked up a quarrel with the Superintendent of Police, R Ponni, and raised slogans demanding the police to allow them to take out a bike rally. Later, Amit Shah left to Delhi by 11:30 am.

Interaction with cadre BJP national president Amit Shah, who visited Puducherry on Monday as a part of his nation-wide tour to strengthen his party base, also paid a visit to the world famous Matrimandir Meditation Chamber in Auroville on Tuesday. Despite the venue being temporarily closed from June 5 to July 5 for renovation work, special arrangements were made for the BJP leader to meditate inside the chamber.

Upon reaching the meditation chamber at 8:50 am, Shah was accorded welcome by president of Auroville Foundation Mohan Varghese IAS. According to sources, Amit Shah also discussed with the chamber authorities, matters regarding the preparatory works for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Matrimadir next year. Following his mediation at Matrimandir, Shah held discussion with his functionaries from both Puducherry and Villupuram.

See the rest here:

Amit Shah visits ashram, meditates and worships at temple- The ... - The New Indian Express

GANDHINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the Sabarmati Ashram on June 30 to take part in the centenary of the ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, is likely to announce a Rs 287 crore 'Revitalization Plan for the Gandhi Ashram Area'. Modi, as the chief minister of Gujarat, had demanded funds for the project from the Manmohan Singh government. According to sources familiar with the plan, Modi is likely to announce an allocation of Rs 40 crore for the first phase of the redevelopment of the ashram. The Gujarat government, which restored the historic Dandi Bridge after a high court order, had submitted the revitalization plan for the ashram area in July 2009 to the Union tourism ministry. The plan was not approved by the UPA government. Gujarat had re-submitted the plan to the Government India after Modi took over as the Prime Minister. The Gujarat government had demanded Rs 287 crore. The Centre, even with Modi at the helm, showed little interest and Gujarat took no further steps either. But now, the Centre has agreed to allocate the funds. A key official said: "We have received communication from the Government of India that PM Modi will announce the launch of the revitalization project." The plan was prepared by CEPT University under the direction of B V Doshi, the famed architect. Under this project, Gujarat plans to declare the Sabarmati Ashram area a silent zone. At present, the ashram is surrounded by heavily congested and polluted roads and commercial and residential areas. The plan will tackle problems such as the disuse of the heritage structure and infrastructure deficiencies.

Continue reading here:

Gandhi Ashram Area: PM Narendra Modi, to announce revitalization ... - Times of India

New Delhi, June 28: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will be visiting Gujarat from June 29, 2017 to June 30, 2017.

In a series of tweets from his twitter account Prime Minister said:

Will be in Gujarat for a two day visit starting tomorrow. I will join programmes in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Modasa and Gandhinagar.

My first two programmes will be in Sabarmati Ashram. I am looking forward to taking part in the centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram.

The 2nd programme at Sabarmati Ashram is a programme to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, a Guru to Mahatma Gandhi.

I will then travel to Rajkot, where I will join the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir and interact with my Divyang sisters and brothers.

I shall attend a programme at the Aji Dam, where there will be irrigation & water related initiatives that will be dedicated to the nation.

On 30th morning, there would be the dedication of water supply schemes based on Vatrak, Mazum and Meswo Dams at Modasa.

Government of India is undertaking several initiatives to support the textiles sector, which is a source of employment for several Indians.

On 30th evening, I shall inaugurate the integrated sports & entertainment Arena Project.

Original post:

PM Modi to visit Gujarat on June 29, will take part in centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram - India.com

Vegan burgers

18 servings

7 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large onions, chopped (4 cups)

2 pounds white or cremini mushrooms

4 cups cooked black (preferably) or brown rice (use vegetable broth homemade or store-bought, not water)

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons white miso

1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

3 to 3 cups vital wheat gluten (see tips)

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 4 tablespoons of the oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and well browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the onions to a large mixing bowl. Wipe out the skillet but no need to wash it; youll be using it again soon.

Rinse the mushrooms and use dish towels to dry them thoroughly. Trim and coarsely chop them, then transfer to a food processor. Puree, working in batches, and add them to the onions as you work.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Add the rice, soy sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, white miso, dried basil, pepper, thyme and liquid smoke to the mixing bowl, blending them in thoroughly with your clean hands. Sprinkle the wheat gluten evenly over the mix. Immediately and vigorously work in the gluten, again using your hands. (Gluten starts to set up almost instantly when it comes into contact with moisture, so work as fast and as thoroughly as you can.) The mixture will very quickly change texture and become stretchy. If the mixture seems too wet and not stretchy enough, sprinkle on a more wheat gluten, 1/4 cup at a time, and knead it in until the desired texture is achieved.

Use a heaping 1/2 cup of the mixture to form patties about 1/2 inch thick, arranging them on baking sheets as you work. Bake until they firm up slightly, about 20 minutes (see tips).

Set your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil shimmers, use a spatula to gently transfer three or four patties to the pan (working in batches, as needed) and cook until the undersides are dark brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip them carefully and repeat.

Note: Vital wheat gluten, by companies such as Bobs Red Mill and Arrowhead Mills, can be found in natural foods stores and some Whole Foods Markets, or online.

Tips: In testing, we found that the burgers held better together when baked first, then pan-fried, but you can skip the pan-frying step for the burgers you want to make immediately, then bake the remainder before refrigerating or freezing for another time.

Make ahead: The uncooked burger mixture can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. The formed, baked patties can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 year; reheat them in the microwave or pan-fry them.

Nutrition per burger: 260 calories, 18 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 350 mg sodium, 3 g dietary fiber, 4 g sugar

Adapted from Vegan Food for the Rest of Us Recipes Even You Will Love, by Ann Hodgman

More here:

The reluctant vegan - Marin Independent Journal

It seems increasingly obvious that thefuture of foodisplant-based, and many consumers are making a switch toplant-based dietsfor bothhealthand ethical concerns. Businesses are catching on to thegrowing demand for vegan options, and even severalfast food restaurantshave added plant-based alternatives to their menus. Restaurants with entirely plant-based menus, like the hugely popular California chain,Veggie Grill, have also been sprouting up like wildflowers, providing healthy options for the 30 percent of Americans who are trying to leave meat off the menu more frequently.

Now, the restaurant chain,BurgerFi, is joining the trend by adding the world-famous Beyond Burger, the vegan burger that bleeds, to eight of their locations, including in Malibu, Philadelphia, and New York City. BurgerFi already carries aveggie burger, but theBeyond Burgeris no ordinary veggie burger it sizzles on the grill and changes from a light pink color to a crispy brown when cooked. Those who have tried itsayit is like biting into a beef burger, in both texture and flavor.

The new Beyond Burger option will be available at BurgerFi beginningJuly 3, 2017, and the chain is planning to add it to all of its locations by the end of summer.Corey Winograd, chief executive of BurgerFi, explainedto the NY Times why they chose to make this addition, stating, Ive now come to understand that theres a growing number of semi-vegetarian people who want a primarily plant-based diet, and since we want to appeal to 100 percent of consumers out there, we have to have something for them.

We are thrilled to see a large burger chain add a vegan option to their menu that will appeal to a broad array of consumers. With delicious meat-alternatives like the Beyond Burger (and the rest of theBeyond Meatproducts and other brands like Gardein) readily available to consumers, its quickly becoming clear that meat doesnt have to be made with animals.

If youre looking to cut back on your meat consumption for the benefit of the planet, animals, and your own health check out One Green Planets #EatForThePlanet campaign.

Image Source: Beyond Meat/Facebook

See the rest here:

The Vegan Burger That Cooks Like Meat is Coming to NYC and Philadelphia Restaurants This Summer - One Green Planet