Jennifer Howd, author of Sit, Walk, Don't Talk. Erin Sacco/Courtesy Jennifer Howd hide caption

Jennifer Howd, author of Sit, Walk, Don't Talk.

When we are facing a challenge in life, we're often encouraged to talk about it with a confidante, a family member or to seek professional counsel like a therapist. But some people find more comfort in silence.

In her new memoir, Sit, Walk, Don't Talk, Jennifer Howd takes readers into the world of silent meditation retreats, where, as you may imagine, there's scarcely any talking.

Howd says the practice of mediation is a viable option for pretty much anyone seeking an escape from our sometimes too-noisy world.

"You don't have to necessarily go away for days on end," she says, "but just sitting still and being quiet and being with yourself and just allowing yourself to be and not do is so beneficial on so many levels. It's kind of a radical idea to do these days you know because we're so busy."

On what prompted her to go to her first silent retreat

It was my 40th birthday and I was looking to do something that was going to really kind of honor that. ... I did have a difficult experience. I moved from New York City to Los Angeles with an ex and the relationship was a bit of a toxic one and abusive at times. And it kind of blew up in a Lifetime movie of the week type of moment. And I was kind of left standing there saying, "How, how did I end up in this position?" And I realized it was because I hadn't been paying attention to my life and that I really needed to sit with myself and get clear about who I was.

On what happens at a silent meditation retreat

A silent meditation retreat is basically a retreat where you go often to a meditation center and you are meditating in silence for days on end, days and days. ... The typical retreat experience is waking up very early in the morning ... and then going to the main center and sitting for usually around 30 to 45 minutes.

And then a bell rings and you often walk for the same amount of time. And then you kind of alternate between walking and sitting and walking and sitting and there are meals in between. And then often in the evening, there will be some sort of talk by the teachers on the subject of meditation or mindfulness.

On the goal of a silent meditation retreat

I really think it's about reconnecting. You know, we live in a world that is just so overwhelmingly loud and busy and we get so swept away by other people's opinions, all the work that we have to do. And, I really think that retreats are all about being able to kind of decondition ourselves from all of that so that we can hear the deep inner voice of who we are.

On what silent meditation taught her about herself

Mindfulness and meditation really helped me to kind of recognize that I had this really harsh inner critic, this kind of judgmental side of myself that I actually, before meditating, really just thought was me. And then I started meditating and started recognizing that perhaps I could spend more time recognizing that thought than actually being lost and caught in it. And so I will often get caught up in those thoughts, but what happens now is ... I'm able to separate myself from them.

On the retreat not being for everyone

It's a bit of a roller coaster and it isn't for everybody. You know, folks who have mental illnesses that are really quite serious, or post-traumatic stress disorder might not be the best option for them. And it's best to always kind of seek help from a professional and asking them before going on retreat to make sure that this is something that is right for you.

NPR's Sarah Handel, Acacia Squires and Maquita Peters contributed to this report.

Continue reading here:

'Sit, Walk, Don't Talk': An Author Finds Comfort At A Silent Meditation ... - NPR

Mind-body interventions (MBIs), such as meditation, yoga and tai chi, dont just relax us. According to a new study, they can reverse the molecular reactions in our DNA that cause ill health and depression.

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, reviews over a decade of studies analyzing how the behavior of our genes is affected by different MBIs, including mindfulness and yoga.

Researchers at Coventry University in the U.K. and Radboud University in the Netherlands conclude that, when examined together, the 18 studies featuring 846 participants over 11 years reveal a pattern in the molecular changes that happen to the body as a result of MBIs, and how those changes benefit our mental and physical health.

The researchers focused on how gene expression is affected in other words, the way that genes activate to produce proteins that influence the biological makeup of the body, the brain, and the immune system.

When a person is exposed to a stressful event, their sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, is triggered, which increases production of a molecule called nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), which regulates how our genes are expressed, the researchers explained.

NF-kB translates stress by activating genes to produce proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation at a cellular level, a reaction that is useful as a short-lived fight-or-flight reaction, but if persistent leads to a higher risk of cancer, accelerated aging, and psychiatric disorders like depression, the researchers noted.

However, people who practice MBIs exhibit the opposite effect a decrease in the production of NF-kB and cytokines, leading to a reversal of the pro-inflammatory gene expression pattern and a reduction in the risk of inflammation-related diseases and conditions, according to the studys findings.

The inflammatory effect of the fight-or-flight response, which also serves to temporarily bolster the immune system, would have played an important role in mankinds hunter-gatherer prehistory, when there was a higher risk of infection from wounds, the researchers said.

Today, however, where stress is increasingly psychological and often longer-term, pro-inflammatory gene expression can be persistent and more likely to cause psychiatric and medical problems, they noted.

Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like yoga or meditation, but what they perhaps dont realize is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business, said lead investigator Ivana Buric from the Brain, Belief and Behavior Lab in Coventry Universitys Centre for Psychology, Behavior and Achievement.

These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. Put simply, MBIs cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our well-being.

She added that more needs to be done to understand these effects in greater depth,for example how they compare with other healthy interventions like exercise or nutrition.

But this is an important foundation to build on to help future researchers explore the benefits of increasingly popular mind-body activities, she concluded.

Source: Coventry University

APA Reference Wood, J. (2017). Meditation, Yoga Can Reverse DNA Stress Reactions. Psych Central. Retrieved on June 19, 2017, from https://psychcentral.com/news/2017/06/18/meditation-yoga-can-reverse-dna-stress-reactions/122064.html

Read more:

Meditation, Yoga Can Reverse DNA Stress Reactions - Psych Central - PsychCentral.com

CHENNAI: Tension prevailed at Zamin Pallavaram on Sunday as an angry crowd ransacked an ashram of the controversial godman Swami Nithyananda alleging the ashram had been built by encroaching the street used by locals. They also alleged that a few Nithyanandas followers were passing lewd comments on local women. The local residents ransacked the premises and even toppled a car belonging to the ashram at Pachaiamman Nagar near Tirusulam.

Based on the complaint by both sides, police arrested C Gopi, a Nithyananda follower, and nine others on charges of damaging the ashram property. Police said the crux of the dispute was over a piece of land measuring around 2.15 acres, donated by Valli, a devotee of Nithyananda, to set up the ashram. However, the particular land is said to be under a property dispute since another person also claimed ownership of it.

Even as the dispute was pending, the ashrams followers allegedly fenced off the land and portions of the street passing near it causing hardship to local residents. What triggered the attack on the ashram was the comments allegedly made by a Nithyananda follower against a woman when she was crossing the ashram on Sunday. On getting information about the attack, police questioned three of Nithyanandas followers and 15 local residents. After enquiries, police have arrested Gopi and nine local residents.

View original post here:

Locals attack Chennai ashram of godman Nithyananda alleging encroachment, lewd remarks - The New Indian Express

Written by Lakshmi Ajay | Ahmedabad | Published:June 18, 2017 5:51 am Besides places related to Mahatma Gandhis freedom struggle, the train connects cities like Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad. (Express Photo by Javed Raja)

It was more aastha (spiritual immersion) than an acquaintance with Gandhian ethics and values that spurred several of the 623 people to take the inaugural journey of the Aastha Special Tourist Train (Gandhi Darshan) on Saturday morning from Sabarmati station here. Besides places related to Mahatma Gandhis freedom struggle like Sevagram Ashram (Wardha), Champaran Satyagraha Memorial at Bettiah and Motihari, the train will connect cities such as Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad popular pilgrimage destinations.

The special train was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the morning with Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu, who joined in via video conferencing from Bandra. Ahmedabad based businessman Ramesh Dhanwani (58), said that his keenness to visit the places on the itinerary made him book his tickets. I am particularly interested in visiting places like Sangam in Allahabad and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya, he said.

Another Ahmedabad resident, Preeti Patel (65), said she paid Rs 7,320 per person for the tour and is travelling with a group of 11. I am keen to visit the Kashi-Vishwanath temple at Varanasi located on the ghats of the river Ganga where the last rites among Hindus are usually done and the Hanuman temple at Triveni Sangam. I am told that the river that merges here travels all the way to the holy spot of Kailash Mansarover, which is good for me to visit at my age. We will also be taken to places of religious importance like Vishwanath temple in Allahabad and few places relating to Gandhiji in Wardha. This train has good facilities.

The train is being operated by the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), a PSU of the Indian Railways. The Gujarat tourism department and Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara and Ahmedabad collectorates came together to bring in 300 passengers for the inaugural journey. The train is carrying tourists from Gujarat in 10 sleeper coaches, arranged solely to commemorate the centenary day of the Sabarmati Ashram and to mark 100 years of the Champaran Movement. After travelling through major landmarks of the Champaran movement, the train in the last leg of its tour will move to spiritual places like the Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple in Gaya, Sarnath and Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Triveni Sangam in Allahabad.

The train, with the last of its passengers boarding from Surat on Saturday evening, has 19 students on board from an orphanage in Anand and senior citizens from an old age home in Surat rushed in through collector offices. The tour package for nine nights and 10 days costs around Rs 8,720 including tickets, vegetarian meals, stay at dharamshalas, transfers to tourist spots, travel managers and an unarmed security guard in each coach, with IRCTC also offering 20% discount on bulk bookings.

According to Gujarat tourism officials, the train received 252 bookings from Ahmedabad, 40 from Anand, 111 from Vadodara, 20 from Bharuch, 111 from Surat and more than 70 through the IRCTC portal. Brushing aside claims that the marketing and planning of the train was rushed, Dr A K Manocha, CMD of IRCTC, said it was delayed due to weather. The Gandhi Darshan tourist train was organised to make people aware about Gandhijis values and ethics and to commemorate the Champaran Satagraha and 100 years of Sabarmati Ashram.

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App

See the original post:

100 years of Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi Darshan tourist train flagged off with 623 onboard - The Indian Express

They ate meat all their lives until about five minutes ago, and now Im not allowed a tiny bit of butter. Photograph: Alamy

My four grown-up children are political, passionate about justice and the state of the planet. So I wasnt surprised when Megan announced she was vegan. Lily and I were alreadyvegetarian; it didnt seem a bigdeal to factor in another dietary requirement. There was also apart of me that wondered if the veganism was a phase.

I underestimated my daughter. Not only did she remain vegan, but her siblings were swiftly converted, too. Edand I lagged behind. But after Megan made us watch Cowspiracy and Earthlings, reaching for dairy would never again be a simple act. We had the information and couldnt un-know it.

We are now, in effect, a vegan household. I have given up my daily dose of bio-yoghurt. Ed has even given up his beloved strong cheddar. But toast and honey is my go-to comfort food, and has been for as long as I can remember. I cant sacrifice honey there is no debate on that but, as a goodwill gesture, I have switched from cows to goats butter, although I am probably kidding myself that goats butter is acquired in a kinder manner.

My offspring cannot forgive this weakness. Particularly the butter. When they berate me for eating it, I am in turns angry, defiant and depressed. Ifeel hounded in my own home, and when Im cornered, I resort to lashing out. After one particularly heated argument, Ed and I escape to the pub to recover. Ed orders scampi fries. I eat one and feel like a rebellious teenager. Iknow my feelings do not make sense.

Where did I go wrong? I wonder bitterly. Why do they think they can bully me? They ate meat all their lives until about five minutes ago, and now Im not allowed a tiny bit of butter.

Im aware that I sound like a petulant child. But it feels good to moan. Ed nods. We pay the food bills, we enable them to be vegan, and yet we end up looking like the bad guys.

Exactly. Its easy for them to be perfect, I say. They dont have to worry about council tax and mending the washing machine. Theyre still protected in their bubble at home.

Yes, says Ed sadly. But they do have the moral high ground. I think thats whats so difficult to accept.

Heis right. Im angry about being made to feel guilty. And that is a very uncomfortable place to be.

I try vegan margarine, but it is not for me. I have a solution. It is not grown-up or noble, rather born of desperation (and greed). I pretend to give up butter, but hide it in plain sight in a honey jar. The vegan children never touch honey. So they wont know that Im actually spreading butter on to my toast.

This works for some weeks. Peace reigns. I almost forget there is a problem. As far as the children are concerned, Im eating the disgusting margarine. What could go wrong?

A friend of Jakes stays the night. Inthe morning, while Im out walking the dogs, he requests honey on his breakfast toast.

Returning from my dog walk, I am met with a frosty silence.

Whats the matter? I ask, a little nervously.

Then it starts. A barrage of anger, disappointment and righteousness. The friend is curled up on his chair in mortification. Of course, I go off on one, as they would say. Ibring up all the points that Ed and I discussed and throw them in their faces. I tell them they cant accuse me of not being an animal-lover when Ikeep three dogs and two cats, when Im 99% vegan. Iam not a bad person, I wail. Leave me alone.

We do not speak for several days. And then we do. There is forgiveness. They agree that as Im old and stuck in my ways, it might take me longer to be a purist.

But what we cant forgive, they say sternly, is that you lied to us.

Anger bubbles up again. I have to swallow it. They are right. I lied. But being scolded like a child by your children is not something I relish.

Unlike butter.

Names have been changed.

Saskia Sarginson is the author of TheStranger (Piatkus, 7.99).

Read more:

When my vegan children berate me for eating butter, I lash out - The Guardian

A look at the latest in local food, dining and drinking news

Jessica Rine

Photos courtesy of The Burger Patch

The Patch Burger features a Beyond Meat vegan patty on a Truckee Sourdough Company vegan bun.

Meatless Monday will become Meatless Thursday next week in midtown when The Burger Patchwhich took the Handle District by storm at its one-day event last month returns to the neighborhood on June 22 to dish out tasty vegan eatsfor the Kings' NBA Draft 2017 Block Party.

Co-owned by husband-wife team Phil and Danea Horn, The Burger Patch held its first pop-up in May, in the space that formerly housed Saddle Rock at 1801 L Street, and people flocked to partake of the plant-based fast food. Think In N Out served up veggie style: the burgers feature a Beyond Meat meatless burger patty (largely comprised of peas), the chickn strips are made from soy protein courtesy of Gardein, the bacon is made from beans, and the shakes get their creamy thicknessfrom blendedcashews.

The first pop-up was hugely popular, resulting in a three-hour-long wait time for some patrons: We had a line of 200-plus people before we even took our first order, says Phil Horn, so there was going to be a wait there. But as far as the food goes, [the feedback] was overwhelmingly positive.

At the upcoming block party on June 22, The Burger Patch will inhabit the same space from 4-9 p.m., and offer a similar menu to the one they served up in May. Signature items include the popular Patch Burger with a Beyond Burger patty, lettuce, tomato, grilled onion and (secret recipe) Patch sauce on a vegan bun from Truckee Sourdough Company, and the Earth Quake, a chocolate or vanilla shake made from cashews, agave and soy milk. (Phil says to get there early for the shakeit was the one menu item they ran out of last month.)

The Horns, who live in the Pocket area, devised these pop-ups as a way to gauge the community's response to meat-alternative dishes in anticipation of opening a brick-and-mortar fast-casual joint by the end of the year. The couple eliminated animal products from their own diet nearly a decade ago, but only recently felt that food science had achieved the flavors and textures they were looking for.

We definitely think the time is right and the appetite is there for it, says Phil. Sacramento [has] such a progressive food scene that theres room for something new like this.

June 22. 4-9 p.m. 1801 L St. theburgerpatch.com

You Might Also Like First Look: Oak Park's new Bavarian-inspired Oakhaus Canon in East Sacramento unveils all-star chef team, readies to open in July Casual Mexican bar to open in Dos Coyotes space on R Street

More here:

The popular, all-vegan Burger Patch returns to midtown for its second pop-up event - Sactown Magazine

Metro

Vegan vandals spray offensive graffiti on nature reserves Metro A group of 'extreme' vegans are being hunted by cops after spraying offensive graffiti on park signs and equipment. The vigilante 'Vegan Vandals' have been targeting family beauty spots in a bizarre stand over people eating meat and products from animals. 'Vegan Vandals' who have defaced parks and public spaces with graffiti meet their match in politely-written response ...Daily Mail all 2 news articles »

Go here to see the original:

Vegan vandals spray offensive graffiti on nature reserves - Metro

A year and a half after opening in Watertown, Wild Rice Vegan Cafe (71 Elm St.) is closing this weekend, reports Boston Restaurant Talk. Chef-owner Pankaj Pradhan is also behind Red Lentil, which will remain open at 600 Mt. Auburn St. in Watertown.

Wild Rice Vegan Cafe will close after service on Sunday, June 18, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant thanking loyal patrons and promising to continue to provide Watertown with the very best in vegan cuisine via catering and at Red Lentil.

Wild Rice serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with global influences Tex-Mex enchiladas, garbanzo bean burgers, South Indian upma, oat bowls, crepes suzette, and more, all vegan.

The restaurants big sister, Red Lentil, opened in 2009 and has a fully vegetarian menu with numerous vegan options. Its open for daily dinner as well as weekday lunch and weekend brunch.

Wild Rice Vegan Cafe Coverage on Eater [EBOS] Wild Rice Vegan Cafe in Watertown Is Closing [BRT]

Originally posted here:

Watertown Loses a Vegan Restaurant This Weekend - Eater Boston

By Steve Gust For The Oklahoman Published: June 17, 2017 5:00 AM CDT Updated: June 17, 2017 5:00 AM CDT

The Rev. Dale Petley

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Rev. Dale Petley took his lifelong hobby of singing and songwriting to the next level by putting on a fundraising concert at All Souls' Episcopal Church.

Petley's recent concert introduced his first CD, "Life by Rivers," a collection of a dozen of his songs. Most of the songs he has written in the past four years, but a few date back 25 years.

The relaxed setting in the parish hall, with a five-piece ensemble, gave Petley a chance to visit with the audience while playing guitar and providing background on his life and songs. It was the first time he had performed with a band, having only practiced with them for one day.

His music featured an upbeat folk tempo and at times drifted into country music. He said normally his music is a private matter. He would sing at dinners but never in such a public format. Copies of the CD were available for sale after the concert.

"I'm very grateful the proceeds will be going to the Bishop McAllister College in Uganda," Petley, 59, told the audience. The college, as explained by the Rev. Patrick Bright, All Souls' rector, is a school for youths and a Christian charity outreach supported in part by All Souls'.

The CD was the vision of two All Souls' parishioners, Steve Knox and Kent Hoffman.

"About a year ago, we had a dinner party and after dinner, Father Dale sang," Knox said. "After hearing how wonderful it was, we decided it should be on a CD."

Hoffman said Petley's work "is such a relaxing sound. The world needs more music like this."

Knox and Hoffman connected Petley with Dave Copenhaver and Lunacy Records in Oklahoma City. Knox said the musical compilation was completed during the recent religious season of Lent.

Hoffman said he and his wife were amazed by the finished product.

"She kept listening to it and telling me how good it was," Hoffman told the audience.

Much of the music was inspired by Petley's time in Canada and New Brunswick, where he grew up. Nearly each song featured a river theme as Petley linked the imagery to life itself.

"Rivers have always been important to me, even the Oklahoma River and how it's revitalized downtown," he said.

One selection, "Bury Me By the Cimarron River," paid homage to his 20 years in Oklahoma.

Petley is currently associate rector at All Souls'.

He gave the crowd something to laugh about in "Tomorrow is Another Day." His encore and only non-original song was "Oklahoma Hills" by Woody Guthrie, an artist who Petley said inspired him.

"You know the words, please sing along," he said.

Many did, as the concert ended with a standing ovation and people buying CDs to support mission work in Uganda.

View post:

Concert by Episcopal priest raises money for charity in Uganda - NewsOK.com

In one week, we will be packing up our vehicles and heading out towards Browns Mountain for the long anticipated TALL TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL! This years set to be the best yet, as our multiple articles on the subject would lead you to believe, but believe it or not, theres more! This year theyre expanding on their massively popular theme days from the last couple years (like Zoolander last year? The best!) with three brand new themes, and a whole pile of activities to keep you entertained throughout the weekend!

On Friday, get ready to blast off into space with a GALACTICtheme! Get your space helmets, throw on your galaxy prints, and grab your Tang because were going to space for a Friday adventure! Saturday, test the theory that all that glitters really isGOLD with the official Tall Tree gold day. Shimmer, sparkle, but dont leave a mess behind (For more info on environmentally conscious glitter options, pop on over to our Festival Fashion serieshere)! Last, but not least, channel your inner Ariel and goUNDER THE SEA for the wettest Sunday funday on the west coast!

Beyond that, weve got a full schedule of activities with special guests of the festival! If youre into yoga, head over to the main stage at 10am for some relaxing yoga Saturday and Sunday morning! BYOM (bring your own mat) and good vibes! Maybe the comedyis what catches your eye, which you can catch Saturday and Sunday at the Stump and Stone stage (download the Tall Tree app for the full schedule!). Now who could resist theZoolander Fashion Show,which you can pre-register throughDo250.You can also register on the mountain at the info booth before 4pm on Saturday. Winners get passes to Tall Tree 2018, so throw on your most impressive threads and dont forget to learn how to turn left!

Next up, some musical adventures with some island favourites! Come check outMt Doyles Pizza PartySaturday, 2pm, on the Main Stage. Bring a drink or a food ticket and grab a slice with your favourite pizza enthusiast, while getting some dancing in while youre at it! You can also grab some breakfast withNeon SteveSunday at 9am at the Stump and Stone stage, or check out theChampagne and Pool Floatyparty with our dudes Illvis Freshly! Once again, grab a drink or food ticket, come have some champagne, and celebrate the last day of Tall Tree in style! Dont forget your floaty!

So, this is gearing up to be the best year yet, do you have your tickets?! There are still some floating around, so grab them quick on the Tall Tree website!

Whats your favourite addition this year? Let us know in the comments!

26 years old, with a voracious appetite for bass, dancing, all things art, and a flair for the dramatic, Jamie Gib grew up in the rave scene, having been introduced to electronic music in the late 90s as a small child from his cousin and he joined the rave scene in 2004, and never looked back, A DJ, Promoter, Go-Go Dancer, and writer, Jamie has made his mark on the Vancouver Island scene and beyond, having worked or attended 90% of the festivals on the Pacific North West and has no plans on stopping there. If there's dirty house, drum n bass or glitch to be heard, you can bet he's not far behind.

Read the rest here:

Tall Tree Announces Theme Days, Activities, and a Pool Floaty Party - Dance Music Northwest