Katy Perry hasRussell Brand to thank for a wellness practice that changed her life.

E! News' Zuri Hallsat down with the "Chained to the Rhythm" pop star to learn about how meditation has reshaped Perry's songwriting process, an activity first introduced to her by the English comedian she was married to between 2010-2012.

"[Russell] is an avid meditator and I learned when I was in India getting married," Katy explained, referencing famed meditation teacherBob Roth from the David Lynch Foundation. An admitted skeptic, Perry said that because of her conservative upbringing, she held many preconceived notions about meditation and its purpose.

"My parents are both born again Christians and I love them," she shared. "I love how I was raised and I don't regret anything. I'm not dismissing it. I respect all religions, but I did think that meditation was more of a religion. Transcendental meditation is not a religion."

Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester

The 32-year-oldcredited meditation as the "biggest help in my life" when it comes to disconnecting from the chaos. She added, "Life can get a little crazy, and I am always juggling a thousand balls at once."

"I'm just like anyone else. I'm addicted to my phone. I have my phone next to my bed. I would say that especially when I'm single, but even in a partnership, I'll look at my phone before I look at my partner," Perrywho last datedOrlando Bloomadmitted.

From a musical standpoint, Perry said that meditating aids creativity. "When I meditate, I get to the real well of creativity. It stirs up all of these creative juices and I get my best ideas," the chart-topper offered.

It also lifts the celeb's mood when she's feeling down. "I have been crabby many times and I'll just say, Look, I'm in a really bad mood. I need 20 minutes to reset,'" Katy recalled. "I come back; my mood has changed 100 percent."

For more about Katy's quest to reach spiritual enlightenment, watch the video above!

Katy Perry: Witness World Wide is streaming on YouTube. Pick up Perry's albumWitness out now before her tour kicks off Sept. 7.

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Katy Perry Credits Ex-Husband Russell Brand for Inspiring Her Passion for Meditation - E! Online

In this busy life for many, a weeklong retreat is offering people the chance to clear their minds.

Clarifying Meditative Work An Extended Retreat is weeklong retreat in the East Mountains from June 24 to July 1. Jay Cutts said the retreat is in its 12th year and gives people the space to practice meditation in a lightly structured setting.

While there will be points of time that participants can check in, the retreat is mostly about giving people a peaceful and quiet space for meditation. People can sign up for one day, several days or the whole week, but Cutts said the more time people give themselves to meditate, the more beneficial it will be to addressing issues that havent been dealt with before.

The basic thing is that youre taking time to just work on whats going on under the surface, he said.

Held at a lodge in the Cibola National Forest in Tijeras, fees range from $60 to $290, depending on the number of days participants stay. The fee covers the cost of lodging and other general expenses for putting on the retreat, Cutts said. Advance registration is required.

Each retreat day will include quiet sitting, group discussion, a short talk and some time to meet one-on-one. The day is held in silence, without talking, except for the morning talk, the afternoon discussion and one-on-one meetings. None of the activities are required and participants are free to find their own way. People can practice whatever form of meditation they choose Tibetan, Zen, Vipassana, Hindu, Western or meditation without a traditional context.

Cutts said the spirit of the retreat should appeal to people who enjoy the writings of Pema Chodron, Toni Packer, Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Adyashanti, and Krishnamurti, among others.

Meditative work is, in its deepest sense, not theoretical, not goal oriented, not a matter of time or progress, Cutts said. It is the direct opening, fully complete in this moment now, to a simple, compassionate, open awareness that allows the myriad fears, clingings, confusions of the mind that we all suffer from to be revealed in a new way and at the same time brings us intimately, undividedly and lovingly in touch with the wide universe in all its profound stillness. I feel that, in our deepest hearts, it is the possibility of this openness that we come together to clarify.

He said both experienced sitters and those newly interested in meditation will have a chance to explore directly what meditative work is and how it sheds light on the concerns of our lives. The retreat does not focus on teaching techniques or spiritual theory, although Cutts said it will be fine if these topics come up for discussion.

For those new to meditation, it is a way to calm the nervous system in order to become more aware, Cutts said.

We have all these thoughts that are fighting each other, he said. This is an opportunity to clear away all the stuff that builds up in life.

For reservations or more information, or to be on the mailing list for future workshops, call Cutts at 281-0684 or visit meditationnm.wordpress.com.

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Retreat opens up time to meditate more deeply - Mountain View Journal

No question about it: meditation can be challenging. For many people, sitting calmly and letting go of negative thoughts comes totally naturally. But for others, clearing the brain of daily chaos and stress can be nearly impossible. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to consider using a mantra.

A mantra is a word or phrase that helps you stay centered and refocus your attention. Watch this video as Suze Yalof Schwartz, CEO and founder of Unplug Meditation and author of Unplug: A Simple Guide To Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers ($23; amazon.com) demonstrates how to use a mantra to boost your daily meditation practice.

Watch the video:A 5-Minute Meditation to Help You Find Your Calm Now

For this specific technique, she asks you to begin by closing your eyes and thinking of a single word that describes how you want to feel in that moment. As you inhale, silently repeat to yourself the phrase I am. And as you exhale, say whatever mantra youve chosen. Then slowly let it slip away as you fall into full meditation mode.

Any time you notice that your mind begins to wander, use your mantra to re-focus the meditation. Try doing this for three minutes to start out. With practice, this technique can gradually increase the duration of your meditation.

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How to Use a Mantra to Make Meditation Way Easier - Health.com

1. HARRY CHAPIN TRIBUTE: 8-10 p.m., June 9, Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. Harry Chapins incredible storysongs come to life, including Taxi, WOLD, Better Place to Be, 30,000 lbs of Bananas, Circle and more. This show features Howard Fields, an original member of Harrys band, on drums along with members of Satinwood performing fully arranged versions of Chapins legendary music. Satinwood is a unique seven-piece group that serves up the best tunes of the 1970s ala Harry Chapin. For more information, visit amazingthings.org.

2. COMEDY NIGHT WITH STEVE SWEENEY: 9-10:30 p.m., June 9, China Gourmet, 1583 Worcester Road, Framingham. Sweeney, a well-known Boston comedian, performs at the restaurant's weekly comedy show. Tickets cost $35 and include admission to the dinner buffet. For more information, call 617-771-2668 or visit larryleelewis.com.

3. THE POWER OF MEDITATION: 10-11 a.m., June 10, Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham. Please join us for a discussion of the book "Real Happiness: the Power of Meditation." A short meditation will follow the book discussion. Participants will discuss the best way to incorporate meditation into, and perhaps beyond, the book group. eBook and downloadable audiobook versions of "Real Happiness" are available through Hoopla.

4. BALL IN THE HOUSE: 8-10:30 p.m., June 10, Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. Following in the path of classic harmony groups like Boyz II Men, The Temptations, and Take 6, while incorporating the pop and neo-soul influence of artists like Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, and Pharrell Williams, five-member vocal band Ball in the House moves audiences with its music. Over the years, the group has performed with The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Kool & the Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, Jessica Simpson, and Smokey Robinson. Tickets cost $23, $22 for seniors and students and $20 for members. For more information, visit amazingthings.org.

5. SESSION AMERICANA: 8-10 p.m., June 15, Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. If you havent heard, Session Americana is a rock band in a tea cup, or possibly a folk band in a whiskey bottle. This band/collective of talented musicians craft a musical experience unlike any other. On stage is a collapsible bar table wired with microphones, a vintage suitcase recast as a kick drum, an old Estey field organ, a pre-war parlor guitar, a mandocello and all of its smaller siblings. For more information, visit amazingthings.org.

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5 things to do in Framingham: Harry Chapin tribute, meditation talk, Ball in the House - Wicked Local Framingham

How to find happiness? Raja Yoga Meditation teacher will give insights at workshop Fresno Bee A free workshop on happiness will be held 3 to 5:30 p.m. June 18 at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, 7319 N. Fourth St. Mohan Jain, teacher and practitioner of Raja Yoga Meditation, will speak on happiness: what happiness is, how it can ...

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How to find happiness? Raja Yoga Meditation teacher will give insights at workshop - Fresno Bee

Fort Worth Star Telegram

Swarovski heiress to auction off Westlake mansion next door to the Jonas Brothers Fort Worth Star Telegram It has been on the market for over a year after originally being listed for $3.69 million. The estate features five bedrooms, eight full and one half bathrooms, including a steam shower in the master bath, a separate guest house, an excercise studio ... and more »

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Swarovski heiress to auction off Westlake mansion next door to the Jonas Brothers - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 9: The annual feast of St Anthony of Padua will be celebrated on the June 13. St Anthonys Ashram Jeppu whose Patron is St Anthony is in preparation mood. Tredecina (thirteen days novena) already started on the May 31. Devotees of St Anthony have been attending this Novena Mass in large numbers which is held at 12 noon at Jeppu Ashram.

As a remote preparation for the feast, Triduum (three days novena) will be held on June 10, 11 and 12 at Milagres Church at 6 pm. Fr Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD of Mulki Divine Centre will be the chief celebrant on Triduum days.

The main festive Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop Dr Aloysius Paul DSouza at 6 pm along with the priests from and around the city at Milagres Church. Earlier during the day, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8.15 am for the elderly and sick people with a special prayer for them. At 4 pm, Holy Mass will celebrated in Malayalam. Fr Jestin James from Thrissur will be the main celebrant. At 11 am, a Holy Mass will be celebrated by Msgr Denis Moras Prabh, the Vicar General of the Diocese for the inmates and special invitees at the Jeppu Ashram.

This year on June 12, the devotion to St Anthony completes 119 years and steps into 120th year. To mark this occasion, the director along with his team has planned activities related to St Anthonys devotion and charity works. The brochure containing the list of programmes will be released by the bishop at the end of the solemn Holy Mass at Milagres.

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Mangaluru: St Anthony's Ashram Jeppu gears up for annual feast - Daijiworld.com

Kerry Washington revealed on Tuesday that her go-to pregnancy workoutwas water aerobics and she may be onto something.

When youre pregnant, you feel heavier. But in water, you get to feel lighter again, CeCe Marizu, an Equinox Sports Club instructor and group fitness ambassador for their H20 workouts, tells PEOPLE.

When you get pregnant, you also tend to swell and water takes that pregnant feeling away. A lot of pregnant women have pain in their low back, and a water aerobics class can correct your pelvic tilt. And as far as modifications, you dont have to do a million modifications.Swimming is one of the safest sports.

It also allows pregnant women to be in positions that are not safe for them on land.

When youre pregnant, you can be on your back in the water, says Marizu. You have more freedom to mix up your workouts when youre in water versus when youre on land.

RELATED VIDEO:People Scoop: Celebrity Workouts

Whether or not youre pregnant, water aerobics can provide an effective workout without putting impact on your joints like many traditional workout classes do.

Water gives you a natural resistance that still lets you build up your strength without causing injury to your body, says Marizu. Anything you can do on land, you can kind of do in the water. You can do squats, you can do a high-knee march, you can do a run.Well do stuff with your arms where you pull the water down, and then you might grab that buoy as a weight where youre also adding some curls or some tricep extensions.

Being in the water allows people to have a range of motion they cant have on land.

The thing that makes water so special is you can move around all planes, she says. Youre working on rotation, youre working with each sagittal plane, the frontal plane.

It also adds more natural resistance to each move to build strength: a simple kicking move when done in water can work your quads and hamstrings.

You work muscle groups that I dont think people realize that youre working in the water, adds Marizu. Your forearms are a really hard area to target, but even if youre just standing in the water, and you start to move your arms in a figure-8 motion, youre working your shoulders, your delts and your forearms at the same time.

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Why Kerry Washington's Water Aerobics Pregnancy Workouts Are So Effective - PEOPLE.com

The Morris does lunch

The Morris, opened by sommelier Paul Einbund and chef/partner Gavin Schmidt last fall in the Missions former Slow Club space, is now expanding to weekday lunch. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., grab fare like smoked trout salad or the restaurants aged beef burger (with a Chartreuse slushy, if its that sort of day). [EaterWire]

Model Bakery spawns Mini Model Yountville

The Model Bakery, a St. Helena staple with a second outpost at Napas Oxbow Public Market, is taking over the former Coffee Caboose at 6523 Washington Street in Yountville. There, Mini Model as its dubbed, will open on June 10 with free English muffins to the first 200 customers. [EaterWire]

Jai Yun goes pop-up

Chef Chia Ji Nei, whose Chinatown mainstay on Clay Street closed this spring, isnt done cooking. Hell be popping up in the New Sun Hong Kong space (Broadway and Grant) starting on June 14. [SFGate]

Oakland is hella vegan

Invoking restaurants like Millennium, Souley Vegan, and Timeless Coffee, VegNews declared Oakland, California the number 5 best Vegan City in the country. Speaking of which, those three destinatinos and more are on Eaters 18 Essential East Bay Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants map. Missing from the VegNews top 10, which was dominated by Los Angeles in the top spot? San Francisco. Also: Animal byproducts. [VegNews]

301 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607 510-393-9186

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Oakland Named a Top City for Vegan Dining and More AM Intel - Eater SF

Fresno Bee

Fresno grows a lot of food, but will we ever make the list of vegan-friendly cities? Fresno Bee Fresno may be smack dab in the middle of the most productive food growing region in the world, but we are no where near the Top 10 Vegan Cities list recently compiled by Veg News. Truth is, we probably wouldn't even make the top 50. On the list are ...

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Fresno grows a lot of food, but will we ever make the list of vegan-friendly cities? - Fresno Bee