If someone asks to name a place that defines Mahatma Gandhi as a person, a politician, a statesman, a visionary, a philanthropist, a social reformer and a freedom fighter, it will be Sabarmati Ashram.

Wikipedia

Sabarmati Ashram is the mortal reflection of Gandhian philosophy. It was on May 25, 1915, that a young barrister named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, came from South Africa after struggling against the Apartheid regime, established the Sabarmati Ashram.

1. Sabarmati Ashram, when established wasnt at the current location. Initially, it was originally established at the Kocharab Bungalow of Jivanlal Desai, a barrister and friend of Gandhi, on 25 May 1915. At that time the ashram was called the Satyagraha Ashram.

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2. But Gandhi wanted to carry out various activities such as farming and animal husbandry, which required bigger area. Therefore, on 17 June 1917, the ashram was relocated to an area of thirty-six acres on the banks of the river Sabarmati, and it came to be known as the Sabarmati Ashram.

3. In mythology, its believed to be one of the sites of Dadhichi Rishi who had donated his bone for the war against demons.

PTI

4. Mahatma Gandhi had chosen this location for three reasons: Being a Gujarati, Ill serve my country best through the use of the Gujarati language. As Ahmedabad was the centre of the handloom in early days, the work of spinning wheel (charkha) could be done in a better way, I believed. Being the capital of Gujarat its wealthy persons will also make a larger contribution, I hoped," in his own words.

5. The first struggle Mahatma Gandhi led from the Sabarmati Ashram was for the textile workers strike. There was a complete deadlock between the mill owners and the inadequately paid workers. Mahatma joined them in Satyagraha and soon their demands were met.

BCCL

6. Sabarmati Ashram rose to fame when it became the landmark on unity between Indian people when on 12 March 1930, Mahatma started his 240-mile walk to the western coast to break the salt tax imposed by the British.

7. While leaving for Dandi March, Mahatma took a pledge that he would never return to Sabarmati Ashram until India achieves freedom.

PTI

8. India did achieve freedom, but Mahatma never returned to Sabarmati as he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on 30 January 1948 in New Delhi.

9. Today Sabarmati Ashram is a museum where various things which are the souvenirs of Mahatma Gandhi and the philosophy of freedom and equality he lived for have been preserved.

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Sabarmati Ashram Was Established Today, Here's Everything About Mahatma Gandhi's Ultimate Abode - Indiatimes.com

Pune: Two brothers were arrested by the Shirur police on Thursday for allegedly molesting two minor girls of a private ashram located in Shirur, about 70km from here.

The police registered a case late on Wednesday and arrested Abaji Chalak (43) and Babaji Chalak (72), both residents of Shirur on Thursday. Babaji Chalak is a well-known kirtankar in these parts. He performs at a famous Ganapati temple here where he is known as Chalak Maharaj.

The girls, in their statements to the police,described how they were sexually abused between June 2016 and May 2017 at the ashram where they learned to be kirtankars (the art of performing religious songs and discourses).

He was arrested just after he finished performing at the temple on Thursday morning, assistant inspector Ganesh Kshirsagar of Shirur police station told TOI.

Both were produced before a city court on Thursday afternoon and remanded in police custody till Friday.

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Two held for molesting minor girls in ashram | Pune News - Times of ... - Times of India

By FPJ News Service|May 25, 2017 07:58 am

Ujjain: Thousands of devotees sought solace and blessings of the guru for 3-days at the Jaigurudev ashram. They spent their days listening religious discourses by Umakant maharaj feasting on the prashad which is claimed to protect beneficiaries from any untoward situation throughout the year. The religious festival will also be remembered for the unique world record set by the disciples of Jaigurudev, who by pledged a totally vegetarian lifestyle. On last day, Umakant maharaj remained all day amidst the devotees, who had travelled miles to attain mental peace and spiritual satisfaction in the presence of guru and showered them with blessings.

Significance of guru narrated

In the concluding discourse, Umakant maharaj threw light on the importance of the guru in life and narrated examples of how his life was shaped under the guidance of Jaigurudev. He said, the guru instills values in his disciple which shape their family and spiritual life. Guru leads a follower towards salvation, he concluded. The next gathering of Jaigurudev disciples will be held on the occasion of guru-purnima in Rajasthan.

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Ujjain: 3-day festival at Jaigurudev ashram concludes - Free Press Journal

VICE	How to Make a Vegan Meal That'll Get You Blazed VICE On a new episode of VICELAND's BONG APPTIT, James Beard Awardwinning chef Bryant Terry joins Abdullah Saeed to whip up the show's first completely vegan dinner. Bryant's a pioneer of the Afro-vegan movementcooking traditional dishes of the ...

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How to Make a Vegan Meal That'll Get You Blazed - VICE

Are you currently looking for a good excuse to be vegan? Before you go any further, we want to say something very important, and we want you to take this to heart: You dont need a reason to make a positive change for your body and your well-being.

The only person you need to answer to in that regard is you so please, really, keep that in mind and take a look at these 10 purely selfish reasons to be vegan. Sometimes there is more than enough reason to be selfish.

Vegetarian men lived up to 83 years while non-vegetarians lived to about 73.

1.) Reduce your risks.You hear this on television all the time: Reduce your risk of and its always followed by a laundry list of conditions. Today isnt going to be too much different, as were going to say that going vegan can, in fact, reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and even help to lower your chances of migraines and allergies. There are so many reasons to start the vegan lifestyle, but once again, its all up to you. If you need even more reasons, however, were going to give them to you right now.

2.) Lose the constipation or bloating.Heres a fun fact that you probably didnt know: Many of us actually lack the enzyme needed to digest cows milk. If you have digestive issues, such as constipation or bloating, then it could be traced right back to something as simple as milk consumption. You might not be lactose-intolerant, but that doesnt mean you can handle it.

3.) Clear up your skin.Who doesnt want clear skin? Dairy productshave been linked to acne (and digestive problems, as we mentioned before), and at the end of the day it does a fantastic job of stimulating the hormones linked with acne. Cut out the dairy, and you might just find yourself with clear skin.

Related: The Stress Fighters That Can Save Your Life

4.) Be less resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics are often our last ditch effort to feel better, but you probably know that your body builds up a resistance to them after a while. If you want to slow down your bodys unfortunate but inevitable adaptation, you might want to cut out the meat, because most factory farms breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria not to mention the horrific conditions that the animals are kept in just before they die.

5.) Lower your risk of food poisoning. The USDA has definitively stated that 70 percent of food poisoning is the direct result of contaminated animal flesh, responsible for 76 million illnesses every single year. If you dont want to be among them, going vegan might just be the best decision youve ever made.

6.) Prolong your life. No one lives forever, but you dont have to die anytime soon. A study performed with more than 70,000 people once showed that vegetarians were 12 percent less likely to have died during the following six years than meat eaters.

Related: The Health Bar Youre Better Off Without

Vegetarian men lived up to 83 years, while non-vegetarians lived about 73. It doesnt seem like a long time or a big difference, but thats up to a decade more you can spend with your friends and family, and that makes it worthwhile.

7.) Improve your PMS. A low-fat, vegan diet can actually reduce pain and PMS for women. It doesnt work for everyone, but its definitely worth a try, as your monthly will remind you.

8.) Improve you relationship with food. Do you ever feel guilty after you visit the kitchen? I know I used to, but after going vegan, I dont think of food as something thats going to make me fat anymore. Instead I think of it as something thats going to make me healthy, and quite frankly, I enjoy knowing Im eating something that wasnt spawned from cruelty.

9.) Know youre going to be happier. By eating natural foods, youre going to find that you can avoid illness, obesity, and a pile of chronic health issues that plague manyAmericans.

Related: Why Happier People Life Longer

10.) Connect with like-minded individuals. Becoming vegan is about more than just feeling good; its about connecting with other, like-minded individuals who have tons in common with you. Youre going to meet some great people, and youre going to feel great overall.

You dont need anyones permission to become vegan. Its a liberating feeling, and honestly, if youre going to do it do it for you.

This article originally appeared in VivaGlam Magazine.

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10 Seriously Selfish Reasons to Be Vegan - LifeZette

Observer

Meet the Female Founder Battling Food and Gender Stereotypes to Build a Vegan Empire Observer Then she opened another, then four more and then even a vegan chocolate shop. She had no restaurant or professional cooking experience when she launched one of New York City's first gourmet vegan eateries, Blossom, in 2005, yet she's turned her ...

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Meet the Female Founder Battling Food and Gender Stereotypes to Build a Vegan Empire - Observer

TAPAteria Restaurant Patatas Bravas (no aioli) - potatoes, smoked paprika, tomato sauce, served with membrillo aioli Thursday May 18, 2017. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

As I was plotting my move from New York to Colorado five years ago, I researched Colorado Springs restaurants known to be vegan-friendly. One of the first hits was TAPAteria, then one of the few eateries with the word "vegan" on the menu.

Today the laminated table cover listing small plates has been upgraded to a printed menu, and the "v" word is no longer there - but the vegan options are. The TAPA in TAPAteria is for tapas, Spanish for appetizers or snacks. Tapas restaurants and bars are great places to nosh on a variety of plates, ordering until full, and to mix and match glasses of wine to the food. Think of it as the theater of fare with several acts - and vegans will want to focus on the first and third acts.

First up: bocados, or bites. Eight of the 10 items are vegan, with something for everyone. Olives, $5.50, and almonds, $2.50, are fast to the table and great to nibble while sipping wine.

But the gazpacho, $3.50, and white bean hummus, $5.95, are the flavorful standouts. The chilled soup is served in a dainty cup perfect for sipping. The blended fresh vegetables and fruits offer a citrusy fragrance. The broth combines beautifully with the far heartier and dense white bean hummus.

The citrus - likely lemon juice - ties the soup and bean dip together, but the generous garlic pureed with gigande beans deepens the earthy flavor. Served with toast points and large cucumber slices, one order is plenty for lunch for one. Amp up flavor by ordering the garlic bulb, $5.25, and adding the cloves to the tiny sandwiches.

Leap over the seafood to the menu's verduras, or vegetables, section, where umami - the fifth flavor, savory - rounds out rich, plant-based bites. The mushroom toast, $4.50, is meaty, earthy and not at all for those on the fungi fence. The finely chopped mushrooms deliver a texture that borders meatless crumbles and chopped pate.

Team the toast with patatas bravas, spicy potatoes, for $4.95 - hold the nonvegan aioli - for a peppery balance to the mushrooms.

The savory cremini garlic mushrooms, $4.95, are filled with roasted garlic and lightly seasoned with truffle salt, a tasty mushroom alternative.

Most tapas restaurants offer a wine list as varied as the plates, and TAPAteria is no exception. Almost all whites and reds are available by the glass for $7.50 to $12 or by the bottle, $26 to $44. Reserve bottles range from $35 to $50. For a notable occasion, check out the special reserves, $65 to $220.

The fruity overtones of the $9 white Calcada Vinho Verde offset the depth of flavor in the umami-rich plant-based fare.

TAPAteria is a cozy Old Colorado City treasure where savory small plates and flowing wine are served for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Be sure to check out the patio for a leisurely al fresco nosh.

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TAPAteria offers vegan variety of small plates, tasty wines - Colorado Springs Gazette

The following programs will be offered through Carroll County Public Library. Registration is required only where noted. For more information, call 410-386-4488. Visit http://www.library.carr.org for more program information.

Eldersburg

6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg

410-386-4460, 410-795-3520

Thursday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Independent Exploration: 10 a.m. For ages 3-adults. Drop in for self-directed use of our makerspace resources during Independent Exploration, our unstaffed open lab hours. Check library.carr.org/explorationpoint for a full list of the equipment and software available. For staff assistance with a project or piece of equipment, please speak with a librarian to schedule a 1-on-1 tech appointment.

Twos and Threes Together: Shapes: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Friday

Tinker Tots: 10 a.m. For ages 2-5. A little push, a twist, a turn. Keep those little fingers busy and experimenting in our library Tinkertown. Fun, playful activities will engage the mind and body as your child builds his/her fine motor skills and creativity. Refreshments will be served. Only kids need to register.

Saturday

Saturday Storytime: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Read and Play: 9:15 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Read and Play: 10:15 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Wednesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Ducks: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Deep Relaxation Class: 7 p.m. For ages 13-adults. Register for this event. Join us and experience the benefits of a deep relaxation session, in this inward focused yoga class. Through gentle asanas (comfortable stretching), yoga nidra (deep relaxation), an introduction to pranayama (breathing practices), and meditation we work from the physical body to the subtle bodies, restoring and inviting peace to our being. No experience necessary. Please bring a mat and a blanket. All attendees need to register..

Finksburg

2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg

410-386-4505

Thursday

Twos and Threes Together: Outer Space: 9:45 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Read and Play: 11 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Friday

No special programs listed.

Saturday

No special programs listed.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Friends: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Ready, Set, School: Friends: 1:30 p.m. For ages 3-6. An independent storytime that prepares children for school. Fun, hands-on activities will teach listening, pre-reading, math, movement, music, and art skills. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Wednesday

Family Storytime: Friends: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Pajama Party Storytime: Friends: 6:30 p.m. For ages birth-8. Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Mount Airy

705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy

410-386-4470, 301-829-5290

Thursday

Tape Town Play: 10 a.m. For ages 2-5. Create a whole town out of tape and blocks. We'll put down tape roads to drive on and we'll build our town with blocks. Then we can play. This fun, playful activity will engage the mind and body as your child builds their fine motor skills and creativity.

Mount Airy Senior Book Discussion Group: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot: 12:30 p.m. For adults. Join us at the Mount Airy Senior Center for a discussion of this month's book.

Friday

Ready, Set, School: Bugs: 10 a.m. For ages 3-6. An independent storytime that prepares children for school. Fun, hands-on activities will teach listening, pre-reading, math, movement, music, and art skills. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Family Storytime: Bugs: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Saturday

Family Music/musique joyeuse Class Demonstration: 11 a.m. For ages 1-6. Using the Musikgarten whole-child approach, the youngest musicians explore the wonder of music while expanding their self-awareness and experiencing social action. Parents and caregivers participate with your child in singing, listening, instrument exploration, and movement activities. This class is provided by Children's Chorus of Carroll County. Only kids need to register.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Family Storytime: Mice: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Family Storytime: Mice: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

VR Open House: 3-7 p.m. For ages 8-adults. Still wondering what's all the hype about Virtual Reality? Come in and find out for yourself. Come try out CCPL's HTC Vive virtual reality headset. We'll have the Vive set up for drop-in exploration, with a staff member on hand to answer questions. Step into the future and experience technology that's changing the way we work, play, and learn.

Wednesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Mice: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement..

North Carroll

2255 Hanover Pike, Greenmount

410-386-4480

Thursday

Thursday

Family Storytime: Fish: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Friday

Read and Play: 10:30 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Saturday

No special programs listed.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Move & Learn: Sheep: 10 a.m. For ages 2-6. A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.

Move & Learn: Sheep: 11 a.m. For ages 2-6. A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.

Color Yourself Relaxed: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Come relax by coloring-a big adult trend. Join us for this drop-in series on the fourth Tuesday of each month to color your stress away. No devices, wires, or instructions are needed. Materials will be provided, as well as conversation, and relaxing music. You are welcome to bring your own materials, if you prefer.

Drop-In Crafts for Adults: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Stop in between 6:30 and 8 p.m. to relax and make a fun craft. All supplies provided

Wednesday

Family Storytime: Sheep: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Pajama Party Storytime: Sheep: 6:45 p.m. For ages birth-8. Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Taneytown

10 Grand Drive, Taneytown

410-386-4510

Thursday

Family Storytime : Chicks & Chickens: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children

Drop-In Knitting: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Please join us to share ideas, patterns, books, and projects.

You're a Wonder, Wonder Woman: 6:30 p.m. For all ages. Are you excited about the new Wonder Woman film? Join us as we celebrate our favorite Amazon with crafts, games, and other activities. All superheroes are welcome.

Friday

ABCs and 123s: 11 a.m. For ages 2-5. Join the fun as we explore letters and numbers. We'll offer lots of engaging, hands-on activities to make learning fun. Only kids need to register.

Saturday

Sloppy Saturday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For all ages. Need something fun to do with the kids? Like to create and express yourself with art? Drop in and join the fun making crafts with leftover bits and pieces from storytime.

Sunday

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Carroll County Public Library schedules (May 25-31) - Carroll County Times

As the first 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar stadium opened its gates for the Emir Cup final to widespread acclaim a pilot sensory room project also kicked off, potentially changing the way that people with cognitive disabilities experience football. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has partnered with the Ontario Centre for Special Education (OCSE) to develop Qatars first stadium-based sensory room, which will provide a space where people with cognitive disabilities can feel comfortable as they enjoy live sport. The room, which is located at Khalifa International Stadium, benefits from noise cancellation, soft furnishings, mood lighting, relaxing music and brightly coloured sensory toys and equipment. These features are designed to manage a persons anxiety and allow them, as well as their families and friends, to watch football matches in a welcoming, calming and inclusive environment. Mariam al-Rashdi, founder of the OCSE, was inspired by the work of the SCs Accessibility Forum and decided to donate resources from the OCSEs sensory room for the pilot. An environment was required which can help those with additional needs to cope with the excitement and stimulation happening at a football game, she said. What we are doing is historic, not just in Asia and the Middle East, but in terms of the whole world. Qatar is building history. This sensory room was never a FIFA requirement; it was Qatar saying that we have thought about people with cognitive disabilities who require extra support to watch football. The SC has clear inclusivity goals, which are embodied by the new facility at Qatars first completed stadium for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. It is our ambition to ensure that football can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of ability, said Samantha Sifah, head of community outreach at the SC. Football is more popular than ever in Qatar and across the region, and fans should be able to watch their favourite team play, with equal opportunity to attend, participate and contribute to the atmosphere. Accommodating the needs of people with disabilities is a reflection of the countrys ambition to prioritise accessibility throughout every sector. As we look to create new sensory rooms in the stadiums we are building, it is only a matter of time before these spaces are as commonplace in football stadiums as bathroom facilities or food concessions. (SC.qa)

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Khalifa stadium pilots the first stadium-based sensory room in Qatar - Gulf Times

A new study reveals that mindfulness training, but not relaxation training, benefits college athletes' attention. Practice engagement and program adherence are key.

Its no secret that performance excellence in sports requires dedicated practice and physical training. Much less is known about mental training to deal with the psychological pressures of competitive athletics, the mental game.

A recent University of Miami study conducted in the laboratory of neuroscientist Amishi Jha, asked if mental toughness and resilience can be trained in collegiate football players. Results suggest that just like physical training, practice is key for mental training. Jhas team found that greater practice and program adherence in a mindfulness training program, but not a matched relaxation training program, led to more stable attention and fewer attentional lapses in football players.

Mindfulness involves focusing attention on present-moment experiences and observing one's thoughts and feelings without emotional reactivity or judgment.

Jha is an associate professor in the UM College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. Her lab has partnered with mindfulness expert and University of Miami Law School professor, Director of the Mindfulness in Law Program, and co-author, Scott Rogers, to develop, deliver, and evaluate the impact of short-form mental training programs involving mindfulness and relaxation for professionals who have high-stress careers from all walks of lifefrom military personnel and firefighters, to teachers and accountants.

Back in 2014, the University of Miami Hurricanes football program partnered with Jhas lab for a first-of-its-kind research study, documented by the Miami Herald, to investigate how mindfulness vs. relaxation training can help student-athletes cope with the high demands of collegiate athletics. The study, We Are Talking About Practice: the Influence of Mindfulness vs. Relaxation Training on Athletes Attention and Well-Being over High-Demand Intervals, was recently published online in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement.

The studys first author, UM psychology Ph.D. candidate Joshua Rooks, knows first-hand how demanding the life of a football player can be. Rooks, a former college football player who practiced mindfulness during his time as a tight end for the Northwestern University Wildcats, joined Jhas lab in 2012.

In the current study, Rooks monitored the attention and emotional well-being of student-athletes on the UM football team over a 4-week interval, during which Rogers delivered two matched training programs to subgroups of players.

One group, consisting of 56 players, received mindfulness training (MT), while the other group, consisting of 44 players, received relaxation training (RT). The players in the MT group participated in breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful awareness sessions, while the RT group partook in muscle relaxation exercises, place-guided imagery, and listening to relaxing music. Players attention was measured using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), a test designed to promote mind wandering and measure attentional performance lapses. Their emotional well-being was measured by questionnaires accessing mood, anxiety, and depression levels.

The 4-week interval of this project occurred while players faced intensive demands, both academically and physically, as part of their pre-season training. Prior research has found that high demand intervals, such as the academic semester and military pre-deployment training, degrade attention and emotional well-being in students and military service members. Here too, football players attention and emotional well-being degraded from the beginning to the end of the 4-week interval. Yet high adherence to the MT program, but not the RT program, protected athletes sustained attention. The study also found that greater engagement in both MT and RT protected against a decline in well-being. Thus, practice is paramount for program benefits.

Professional sports teams have long used relaxation training with players. Recently, some teams have also introduced mindfulness training. High performance psychology coach, Dr. Michael Gervais, who serves as an advisor to Jhas lab for their work with military cohorts, has offered mindfulness to pro-athletes, such as the Seattle Seahawks, with success. He says, This is the type of research that moves the needle from theory to application. The hallmarks of elite performance within the most hostile environments are the ability to be tough minded, adjust to unpredictable demands, and to properly attend to the task at hand.

In addition to its potential to help athletes attention and well-being, mindfulness training has been examined in military service members during their high-demand predeployment training intervals. Prior studies have found that these intervals deplete attention and degrade emotional well-being.

"Research like this is very important as the Army explores mindfulness training as a possible enabler to Soldier readiness," said Major General Walter E. Piatt, who is on the Advisory Committee for the Mindfulness Based Attention and Training (MBAT) Project in Jhas lab, which is supported by Department of the Army Medical Research and Material Command.

MG Piatt is uniquely aware of the importance of readiness for Soldiers as the Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division, which has been nearly continuously deploying Soldiers since 2001.

Thus, the results of this study suggest that more time spent engaging in mindfulness exercises may help build both cognitive and psychological resilience. At its conclusion, the findings of this Department of Defense funded study reveal that training the body and mind may be quite similar for just as physical exercise must be performed with regularity to train the body for performance success, mental exercises must be practiced with regularity to benefit the athletes attention and well-being.

The study titled We Are Talking About Practice: the Influence of Mindfulness vs. Relaxation Training on Athletes Attention and Well-Being over High-Demand Intervals, is published online ahead of print by Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. Additional authors who contributed to the study are: Alexandra B. Morrison, Ph.D. and Merissa Goolsarran of the University of Miami.

Link:

Building Mental Toughness Off the Field - University of Miami