Summary: Fitness, however, should be for all, says avid runner and fitness enthusiast Babita Xavier. Fitness clubs around the city are leaving no stone unturned in encouraging people to get into shape. She runs a fitness centre in the city and loves to indulge in the excercise regime even on weekends, by way of giving back to the society, especially to women. We jog or walk almost three kilometres, do the stretches, and sitting exercises, using proper techniques.The best part about this group, she says, is they may wear saris or salwars, but they understand the importance of fitness. I was so pleasantly surprised with the concept and even more surprised to know that it was all free of cost!

Fitness clubs around the city are leaving no stone unturned in encouraging people to get into shape. Fitness, however, should be for all, says avid runner and fitness enthusiast Babita Xavier. She runs a fitness centre in the city and loves to indulge in the excercise regime even on weekends, by way of giving back to the society, especially to women. Quoting the bible, Babita says, A man may be the head of the house, but it is a woman who is the neck and if the neck is not strong enough, it affects the head as well as the family. Which is why she has started a fitness group solely for ladies, who meet at the Sanjeeviah park, every Saturday morning. The group now comprises about 80 people, and every weekend, a minimum of 20 ladies are in attendance, with almost 90 per cent being housewives. Elaborating on how it all started, she says, The seed for the idea was sown two years ago when I won a few medals in the Athletics South Asian Championship.

Women would say to me, I wish I was like you! And, I would say, why not? You can be! I began the group last year in June, with just two others. We would go to the park and would run and exercise. Gradually, I started sharing our pictures and spreading the message on social media and, through word of mouth, several people joined.

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/230517/fitness-for-all.html

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Fitness for all | Hyderabad NYOOOZ - NYOOOZ

16 hours ago.

Sreehari, the 54-year-old self-proclaimed godman, whose genitals were almost severed by a 23-year-old woman whom he had allegedly been sexually exploiting for years, has political ambitions and has flaunted his association with Keralas respected Panmana Ashram, as well as the leader of the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Both have now disowned him. While the ashram said that it never had anything to do with Sreehari, the BJP leader said that the man had no connection with the party or the National Democratic Alliance.

Sreehari, alias Hareesh, is popularly known as Bullet Swamy in his home town of Kolenchery, 25 km west of Kochi, as he was often seen riding an Enfield Bullet while dressed in his saffron robes.

Sreehari associated himself with the Panmana Ashram, which was built in memory of the Hindu sage and social reformer Sree Chattampi Swamy. At some point, he changed his name to Gangesananda Theerthapadar, which indicated that he held an important position at the ashram. According to custom at the Panmana Ashram, holy men take on the Theerthapadar title only after being ordained by the head of the Vazhoor Theertha Pada Ashram, which was established by a disciple of Chattampi Swamy.

A Panmana Ashram official, however, clarified that Sreehari had not been conferred with the title of Theerthapadar. He has been deceiving the people with the title which he never got, said AR Gireesh Kumar, president of the ashram.

In 2009, Sreeharis attempts to become a public figure got a shot in the arm when he led an agitation to build a memorial for Chattampi Swamy on a piece of land bought by the Additional Director General of Police (South Zone) B Sandhya. The agitators claimed that it was the birthplace of Chattampi Swamy. However, the Panmana Ashram had denounced the agitation at that time.

During the protest, Sreehari had assaulted a police officer, but he evaded the law thanks to his influence in the administration. He is said to have escaped action after a top official personally intervened to stop him from being produced in court.

The agitation brought Sreehari into the limelight and helped him make good contacts with the Hindu Aikya Vedi, a Sangh Parivar outfit, whose former president Kummanam Rajashekharan now heads the state unit of the Bhartiya Janata Party.

In 2013, Sreehari participated in a BJP-led agitation against the Aranmula Airport Project. He was later appointed the convenor of a meeting of a group of sanyasis that was organised as part of the protest. Rajashekharan included Sreehari in a delegation of sanyasis to request VS Achuthanandan, then the chief minister, to drop the states proposed plan to take charge of 104 temples in North Kerala.

After news of Sreeharis attempted castration emerged on Saturday, Rajashekharan disowned the man. I know Hareesh [Sreehari], but he has no connection with the BJP or NDA, he said. Rajashekharan also demanded that strong action should be taken against Sreehari if he was found guilty of sexually abusing the young woman.

The Hindu Aikya Vedi too said that Sreehari was never a member of the outfit. He might have participated in the agitation against the Aranmula Airport Project, but he never took a membership in our organisation, said KN Raveendranadh, patron and former working president of the saffron outfit.

The Panmana Ashram president, AR Gireesh Kumar, said that the ashram did not ordain people and make them ascetics. We conduct classes on the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Ayurveda, said Kumar. Anyone can attend these sessions, but no one can become an ascetic by just attending the learning programme.

Kumar said that he remembered Sreehari from 2002, when he used to visit the ashram regularly for a period of about two years. He said that Sreehari spent most of his time in the kitchen. He was a good cook, said Kumar. He left the place as he wanted to set up a restaurant business in Kochi. I have not heard from him after that.

Sreehari had studied in different educational institutions in Kolenchery until his graduation. One of his classmates remembered him as a quiet person.

I was shocked when heard about his sexual exploits,said Congress leader NN Rajan, who is the block panchayat member from Vaduvankode in Ernakulam district. We studied at a private college in Kolenchery for a pre-degree [equivalent to Class 12] course, he said.

Rajan said that Sreehari joined the Central Industrial Security Force after completing his graduation from St Peters College in Kolenchery We hardly met after he got a job, he said.

On Saturday, after his genitals were almost severed, Sreehari tried to evade the law when he told the police that he had done so himself, as penance. However, the woman he has allegedly been exploiting for the past eight years called out his lies.

A report in the Indian Express quoted a social activist who visited the girl as saying: She said she did not want to be another rape victim. She wanted the rapist to suffer throughout his life.

See the article here:

Meet 'Bullet Swamy', the self-styled godman whose genitals were severed by a woman in Kerala - Scroll.in

Youve heard it before and youll probably hear it again: Avocados are an incredibly nutrient-rich source of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Vegans, whose diets are often lower in fats than their meat-eating friends, would do well to eat avocados frequently and with gusto, as theyll provide healthy monounsaturated fat and nutrient-filled calories.

But if youre getting sick of avocados (or you never really liked them in the first place), dont worrythere are plenty of ideas for fat-rich vegan alternatives. Heres what to sub in for avocado in some of todays most popular dishes.

Cashew Queso for Guacamole

Not interested in chips and guac? Dip your tortilla chips in a homemade cashew-based queso instead! All youll need are some raw cashews, a little salsa, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic and nutritional yeast. Combine these healthy, hearty items in a blender or food processor and soon youll have a cheesy, healthy alternative to guacamole.

Related: Had Enough Hummus? 5 Vegan Dip Recipes

Mermaid Toast for Avocado Toast

It seems like everyone is munching on avocado toast these days, and for good reason. Its healthy, super delicious and quite filling. But you know what else people are loving these days? Mermaid toast! This aptly named, somewhat trendy meal idea features vegan cream cheese, blue-green algae and any other toppings you like (strawberry jam perhaps)?

Apples Coated In Almond Butter for Avocados In Salad

Finally, it can be really delicious to add avocados to salads, especially if your salad is otherwise vegan. The avocado will give your meal an element of healthy fats and also make it significantly more filling. Another fruit that can do the trick: Apples coated in almond butter to give them some healthy fats.

This is incredibly easy to do. Just chop your apple into small squares, place the squares in a bowl, add a couple tablespoons of almond butter and mix to coat. A couple sprinkles of cinnamon can add a ton of flavor as well.

Related: 5 Delicious Vegan Sandwich Recipes25 Vegan Sources for ProteinVegan Fat Bombs Recipe

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Sick of Avocados? Try These 3 Similarly Healthy Vegan Swaps - Care2.com

By David KelleyGuest column

Making a recent surprise birthday visit to my dad involved spending eight hours of driving in one day. Eight hours driving to South Arkansas and back. Not bad really, as the trip involves driving through some quite beautiful country forests, some pasture land, more forests, and a lot of pine trees. A lot of pine trees. Not too bad of a trip, though, when there is Sirius Radio and the 70s on 7 Channel to bring back all those wonderful (?) memories of high school and the beginning of college.

Listening to one hit wonders and bands that have continued into this century got me doing some thinking about music in general. Hearing Neil Sedaka do Laughter in the Rain, followed by Billy Preston, followed by someone who I thought was dead (pretty much all the female disco singers), followed by ABBA (laugh if you will but their vocal harmony is superb), impressed upon me the importance, the value, the significance of music in our lives.

I associate so much of my lifes actions with songs or bands. One of my chief recollections of my senior year in high school is the fact that I had more Deep Purple tapes than anyone else. Eight track tapes to those interested in ancient history. Ah, the joy of having a song interrupted halfway through while the track changed!

As the years went by and I entered this realm called Professional Life, my musical tastes went through an evolution, just as I did. Teaching in various schools, working in a psychiatric facility and several substance abuse facilities all made an impact on my musical interests. One thing I noticed early on was the influence music had on the environment, the classroom. I began playing Classical, specifically the Baroque, for my students and I was impressed by the effect. They would listen, attend to the music, ask questions about the composer, the instruments. This lead to discussions about the history of era, the culture, other aspects. We would talk about Bach, about Handel, about Mozart, about the different styles within Classical. Amazing what playing one of Bachs Orchestral Suites can provoke.

One of my obsessions in life is Tailgating. And one of the critical aspects of Tailgating is the music. Yes, the music. At our gatherings at Arrowhead Stadium we have been serenaded with Classic Rock, with Heavy Metal, with some stuff I really cant label as I have no idea what it really is, although I have a secret hope that it is never played again. One of the best and most enjoyable discussions at a game was which was Led Zeppelins best album. Forget the politics and alleged important issues of the day, Led Zeppelins best album was debated for about an hour. Personally, I voted for their third. But we all did agree that each album had its own merits.

Music. Incredible the memories it can recall. The experiences in our lives associated with a song, a band, a particular melody.

I have this fervent desire that the entire world be presented with the playing of Air on the G String, the second part to Bachs Orchestral Suite Number 3. Just think of what it would be like, all over the world, the entire population hearing what I consider the most soothing, the most relaxing, the most comforting piece of music ever composed. For those few glorious minutes everyone stop, listen, and enjoy. Such is the power of music.

David Kelley lives in Fort Smith. He is founder, and sole member, of The Grill Party, is a Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder and is the Official Grill Master for his regular tailgating crew at Arrowhead Stadium. He is currently working on a degree in Rhetoric/Creative Writing from UAFS. To participate as a columnist in the Times Records Community Matters series, email Executive Editor Mardi Taylor, mtaylor@swtimes.com.

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Community Matters: Music provides us with so much - Times Record

Quick Take: While not for everyone, Eventide: Slavic Fable fills a niche market and does it well. Interfaces provide easy to learn play and puzzles that are just challenging enough without going overboard.

Eventide: Slavic Fable, from developer Artifex Mundi, is their latest entry in a long line of puzzle and hidden object games. Based in Poland, the developer has made these types of games their focus and many players of all ages enjoy them throughout the world. This time, players take the role of a young botanist whose grandmother has requested her help at Heritage Park, where she has been caretaker for years. Heritage Park is a very special place where humans and mythical creatures live in harmony. Full of incredibly painted and beautiful scenes, and an interesting story, Eventide: Slavic Fable is a must for gamers who just want to relax and take their time.

Set in a world full of actual Slavic mythology, Eventide: Slavic Fable can even be called a teaching tool in many ways. I know I learned much about the stories and characters of a culture that I honestly knew very little of beforehand. The story is driven by the player characters grandmother being abducted before her arrival. The fairy tale creatures your grandmother took care of and supported are unsure what to do, and it falls on you to put the pieces together and solve the mystery. Find your Baba (grandma) and save the creatures of Heritage Park.

The gameplay is simple in Eventide: Slavic Fable. Players should have no problem using the controller like a mouse to point and select various objects, opening and closing things, looking for keys and other items, anything you can pick up can eventually be useful. There are varying degrees of difficulty though if you are hunting for a challenge. Players are provided a hint flower on a timer; this item will tell you where to go next every few minutes if you are stuck. It can help to solve puzzles or just get you back on the right path for the story to progress. Checking the provided map is always useful if you want to avoid cheating with the flower. Not just a scavenger hunt, there are many different types of puzzles throughout Eventide: Slavic Fable. Some of them were a real brain bender for me. There are also collectible cards, with fun information about the many mythical creatures to find scattered about. Also keep an eye out for hidden collectible flowers.

The graphics in the many painted screens are, as I said, very artistic and beautiful. The high detail made item hunting a great challenge at times. The cut scenes are not as well done; the graphics are older looking, the movements are very basic and low quality, but they do the job of progressing the story well enough. The music in Eventide: Slavic Fable is relaxing and fits the scenes, but voice audio is lower quality than some may be used to. Given that the puzzles and item hunting is the core draw, this was acceptable to me and didnt put me off of Eventide: Slavic Fable. I really enjoyed the great characters, and the fact that they are based on actual mythology is even better. The story of the kidnapped grandma isnt very original, but Artifex Mundis writers did a great job keeping it interesting and flowing well. I was very satisfied by the end of the tale.

While not for everyone, Eventide: Slavic Fable fills a niche market and does it well. Interfaces provide easy-to-learn play and puzzles that are just challenging enough without going overboard. Eventide: Slavic Fable isnt very long, at about 6-7 hours to complete, depending on how well you are at finding hidden items and solving the puzzles. Most of the time is spent going screen to screen, backtracking to use an item you just found. A players memory must be solid to avoid using the hint flower. This item does allow anyone of any skill level to enjoy Eventide: Slavic Fable though. At a MSRP of $9.99, pick up Eventide: Slavic Fable and enjoy a relaxing day of learning and hunting, see how good your eyesight and puzzle solving skills are. Be a detective and save your Baba. You may just learn something too.

Eventide: Slavic Fable is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. This review is based on a PS4 code provided by that purpose.

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'Eventide: Slavic Fable' Review: Relaxing Scavenger Hunt - TheHDRoom (blog)

Amy Sowder, For the Poughkeepsie Journal 12:03 p.m. ET May 20, 2017

The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY, April 30, 2017. Video by Adam McIe for lohud

Amy Reyer, who leads meditation classes at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center in Garrison, is pictured at the top of the "Holy Mountain" on the property April 25, 2017. (Photo: Mark Vergari/Poughkeepsie Journal)Buy Photo

Next Saturday, you could find yourself staring up at a 55-foot ivory Buddha as you chant, barefoot and perched on a floor cushion.

You might be slamming a tennis ball with all your might at a former adult summer camp or inhaling to a count of three and exhaling to a count of three from a mountaintop as your gaze drifts over the Hudson River Valley.

All of these activities are within reach in an hour or two at meditation getaways that last a day, a weekend or much longer, if you have time.

Your meditative moment could be contemplating the sparkling river from a gazebo atop a bluff, meandering a lush garden labyrinth, sweating in a woody sauna, folding yourself into a downward-dog position, meditative kayaking,or learning how to run in a meditative state.

Its a self-care kind of vacation, but it involves internal work with long-lasting payback.

You dont have to have your eyes closed and sitting on a cushion to exercise these tools. Thats good, but what makes meditation practice great is what it does for us the rest of the time, says Amy Reyer, mindfulness and meditation educator.

Shes the founder of the Art of Living Slowly and leads a compassion meditation class in Croton-on-Hudson. She also leads a meditation class at Graymoor Spiritual Life Center in Garrison using the Tergar philosophy, which translates the ancient practice of meditation for a modern world for people of all backgrounds.

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The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, photographed April 9, 2017.(Photo: Adam McIe for The Journal News)

But you dont have to be a teacher or go out of state to take a breather in Buddhist monk fashion. You can reap the benefits of meditation anywhere in everyday life.

It's not about getting away from real life but making friends with yourself so you can be more present in your life, says Ethan Nichtern, a shastri (or senior teacher) in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, and an award-winning author. He leads weekend retreats at the Shambhala Center of New York, where theres no cloistering away from reality.

An urban retreat is a good middle ground between a 10-minute practice in the morning at home and a full-on, deep retreat.

It's not that people are trying to be yogis living in caves and all that. But we want to learn how to apply compassion and mindfulness in everyday life, Nichtern says.

For an experience closer to monastic living for a few days, that is thats available at Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, the Shambhala Center at Sky Lake in Rosendale, and Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper. Those who are really serious can take a year-long residency at Zen Mountain.

But if youre just starting out, you may want to try an evening or a day at one of these retreats:

Steps leading up to The Sanctuary, a quiet space for contemplation and daily meditation classes at Omega.(Photo: Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck, New York, eOmega.org)

Offerings: Choose from more than 390 workshops, retreats and professional training opportunities in 2017; the curriculum spans six learning paths: Body/Mind/Spirit, Health & Healing, Creative Expression, Leadership & Work, Relationships & Family and Sustainable Living; there are at least 20 programs specific to meditation and mindfulness, but hundreds of the workshops offered have a meditative component within the program; attend a workshop or visit as getaway for a rest and rejuvenation retreat; there are daily open (optional) classes in meditation, yoga, tai chi and movement; there will be four silent retreats in 2017.

Did you know?: Founded in 1977, Omega Institute is celebrating 40 years; more than 23,000 people visit each year; most people stay for a weekend retreat or a five-day weekday retreat, but commuting is possible.

Accommodations: A former summer camp, Omegas 250-acre campus restored the dining hall, main hall, and guest lodging, adding a library, wellness center, and sanctuary; lodging ranges from cabins with private baths to camping sites with shared baths.

Choose from dozens of meditation workshops at Omega from beginners courses, to advanced professional training.(Photo: Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck, New York, eOmega.org)

Cost: Overnight rates range from $236 for camping two nights to $1,883 for a single room in Cabin A for seven nights, which includes three meals a day, open classes, the sauna, lake (in season), basketball and tennis courts and trails; in May theres a special R&R getaway deal including a free massage and discounted rates.

Go: 150 Lake Drive, Rhinebeck,877-944-2002, eomega.org.

Offerings:Located in the Shawangunk Mountains, Sky Lake is a Shambhala contemplative center for meditation, arts and community. It is part of an international community of meditation centers founded by Chgyam Trungpa Rinpoche and now led by his son and lineage holder Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Guests at the center canwalkin the woods, hiketrails at nearby Mohonk Preserve, scale the Gunks or take a stroll around thespring-fed pond.Meditation instruction is available, from free introductory instruction and follow-up instruction to guided programs that incorporate nature such as a Mindfulness Kayaking program (May 24-25). The center'sSpring Kado Retreat: The Way of Flowers (June 2-6)is an an intensive 4 day program including flower arranging demonstrations, sitting, Dharma talks, Kado practice, outside walks, and evening events.

Accommodations:There are a few different overnight options including a fewprivate rooms, shared room, shrine room or tent camping in summer.Rates are per person andinclude three meals a day for 1-2 week programs and breakfast and lunch only for Shambhala training weekend programs. Rates differ for each program.

Go:22 Hillcrest Lane, Rosendale, 845-658-8556,skylake.shambhala.org

Amy Reyer, who leads meditation classes at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center in Garrison, is pictured with the historic St. Francis Chapel on the property April 25, 2017. (Photo: Mark Vergari/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Offerings at Graymoor Spiritual Life Center: Discover days of renewal and recollection, meetings, events, conferences, retreats and mini-retreats; there are a bunch of themed retreats such as addiction recovery, women-only and men-only; Tergar-philosophy guided meditation classes held7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays.

Offerings at Garrison Institute: Many themed retreats are available, like the Personal Retreat Weekend July 14 -6, a silent, unstructured personal retreat for meditators with a developed practice and those seeking renewal in the serenity of a contemplative environment; many 2017 retreats focus on the arts and The Atlas of Emotions.

Did you know?: Garrison Institute is a castle that was the former Capuchin monastery overlooking the east bank of the Hudson River across from West Point. Its on 95 acres of Glenclyffe property, formerly the estate of Hamilton Fish, New York governor and President Grants secretary of state.

The historic St. Francis Chapel on the grounds of Graymoor in Garrison, April 25, 2017.(Photo: Mark Vergari/The Journal News)

Accommodations: Located on a mountaintop overlooking the Hudson River Valley, Graymoor is open dawn to dusk year-round to the public to enjoy the miles of expansive, picturesque grounds with trails, a labyrinth, three chapels, shrines, library, dining room and meeting rooms. There are bedrooms for single and double occupancy with towels, linens and one pillow per bed. Meals are included for retreats; Garrison institute offers single and double bedrooms, along with vegetarian meals, walking trails, a gazebo, gardens, and a labyrinth. Theres internet access, theater, library, and more meeting rooms.

Prices and packages: Graymoor has one-day mini retreats 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays for $35, weekend retreats with two-night stays and five meals vary, but can be between $150 and $225; at the Garrison Institute, rooms are $290 to $330 with partial scholarships available.

Addresses: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Kennedy Lounge, 4th floor, 1320 Route 9, (40 Franciscan Way for GPS navigation) Garrison; and The Garrison Institute, 14 Mary's Way, Route 9D at Glenclyffe, Garrison.

Contact: Amy Reyer and Joy Baum co-lead Tergar Hudson Valley meditation sessions at Graymoor; Baum also organizes Inhabit Retreats, such as one coming up this summer at Garrison Institute; for Reyer, 914-373-9234 and amy@artoflivingslowly.com; for Baum, 914-980-9545 and inhabitretreats.com;garrisonistitute.org.

The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, photographed April 30, 2017. (Photo: Carrie Yale/The Journal News)

What's there:Great Buddha Hall, Kuan Yin Hall, Dining Hall, Gift Shop, Thousand Lotus Terrace, Seven Jewel Lakes, Garden, and Woo Ju Memorial Library.

Offerings:A 10-Day Insight through Satipatthna Meditation Retreat, in which you must follow the eight traditional precepts including silence, vegetarianism, abstaining from food after the midday meal and more; Summer Camp starting June 30, for adults, teens, and children who are able to maintain silence.

Anuruddha Thera is a cousin of the Buddha and one of the five head disciples of the Buddha. He ranked foremost among those who had obtained the divine eyes. Being an affectionate and loyal monk, he was foremost in consoling the monks with divine eyes. He was photographed at The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, April 30, 2017. (Photo: Carrie Yale/The Journal News)

Did you know?:This Buddhist temple is home to the largest indoor statue of a Buddha in the western hemisphere. Its 55 feet, including the pedestal and base.

Accommodations:Expect monastic accommodations; bring a sleeping bag, toiletries, and loose, modest clothing with long sleeves and long pants/skirts, shoes with no laces, and warm outerwear. Bring no valuable jewelry, cell phones, or other electronics.

Cost: Some classes havea suggested donation; donations are accepted also for other programs; registration for overnight retreats is dependent on acceptance as space is limited; register for summer camp before June 11.

Go:Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1 to Dec. 31; library is open 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 2020 Route 301, Carmel,845-225-1819,baus.org/en/visit/chuang-yen-monastery

The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, photographed April 30, 2017. (Photo: Carrie Yale/The Journal News)

Offerings: All programs fall into the monasterys training schedule, which is highly structured; the Sunday morning program is a good way to first experience the monastery, learn to meditate and discover the offerings. There is no need to pre-register, but arrive by 8:45 a.m. for the chanting and bowing service, then beginner instruction in zazen (Zen meditation), formal discourse, and then lunch until 1 p.m.; wear loose, comfortable, modest, non-bright clothing; no shorts, leggings or tanks; then there are weekend, weeklong, one-month and year-long residential retreats. Themes vary from Running as Meditation and Family Camping and Storytelling Retreat to Dreaming to Wake Up and Introduction to Zen Meditation.

Accommodations: Dormitory bedrooms are separated by gender with bunk beds for six to eight people; bed linens are provided and vegetarian meals included, as well as coffee and tea in the early morning.

Cost:$5 suggested donation for the Sunday session; prices vary for retreats, but for example, one weekend retreat is $250; financial assistance is available.

Go: For GPS navigation, search for the intersection of Plank Road and Miller Road in Mount Tremper; it should take you to the monasterys front gate.845-688-2228, zmm.mro.org.

The historic St. Francis Chapel on the grounds of Graymoor in Garrison, April 25, 2017.(Photo: Mark Vergari/The Journal News)

Why bother with all this anyway?

Meditation reduces stress, depression and anxiety. It improves your health, well-being and resilience to the struggles life throws at you, says Chrissa J. Pullicino, external communications manager at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck. Oh, is that all?

Of course theres more. There are four components of well-being supported by neuroscience in the 2015 World Happiness Report a document backed by institutions such as Columbia University. The components a positive outlook, rebounding from negative emotion, mindfulness and mind wandering, and caring for others can be developed and improved with training and experience. Happiness and well-being are best regarded as skills that can be enhanced through training, according to the report.

Yes, you can train yourself to be happy and feel a sense of well-being (most of the time).

Meditation is the training, and it can take many forms: breathing, visualization, chanting, sound, compassion, moving, gratitude and mantras. Its really a matter of taste and finding what suits you.

And where it suits you.

I feel most drawn to nature mediation. I feel most connected and alive when Im in the beauty of nature, Pullicino says. I find having a gratitude practice can be really helpful. On your commute to work, or before bed at night, even on your worst day, theres always some blessing in your life you can feel thankful for.

I genuinely do feel more of a sense of well-being and trust in life that everything will work out.

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Meditation retreats in the Hudson Valley - Poughkeepsie Journal

Maybe Im a little late to the hashtag-mindfulness movement, but I just recently started using a meditation app. There are plenty of articles touting the supposed benefits of meditation practices ranging from from charting new pathways in the brain to remaining in a zen-like state when having a conversation about politics and in recent years the market for mental wellness and meditation services has grown to more than $1 billion. But for me the impetus was convenience: my gym app started offering meditation practices for free, and for awhile they were shoved in my face every time I opened the app.

Whats surprised me more than my almost-immediate taking to this new feature in the app (which the gym has labeled Headstrong, not to be confused with the wildly popular Headspace), is how much I like wearing Apples wire-free AirPods while Im using it. I know, I know: fetishizing an Apple product while trying to achieve mental clarity, through a practice that at its roots is supposed to help quell earthly desires, is borderline ridiculous. Also, big caveat! AirPods dont fit everyone well, and ill-fitting headphones are just as irritating as having Donald Trumps tweets read aloud to you while trying to meditate (good luck with that).

But unlike my Verge colleague Sean OKane, the AirPods feel good in my ears, and when I wear them I can pretty much forget theyre there. I can sit up, or lie down, or lie down and then sit up, and theyre there, but I dont realize theyre there. Theres no neckband behind my head or cables snaking over my ears or tiny shark fins poking my ear cartilage; and theres no dangling wire tickling the side of my face and keeping me leashed to my smartphone. Im completely unencumbered for six or ten or fourteen minutes, or at the very least, able to convince myself Im unencumbered, since the whole thing is still powered by a smartphone.

Somehow, they stay in my ears

Since theyve come to market Ive worn the AirPods during a variety of activities, and in general Ive been impressed by their staying power. Ive walked, hiked, run, jumped rope, and lifted weights while wearing them. Somehow, they stay in my ears. The only time Ive been in danger of losing the tiny ear dongles was when I pulled a sweatshirt over my head and one got caught in its laundry-bound path.

But during almost every activity Im still very much aware of them, whether its because Im consciously listening to a music playlist, or because someone comments on them, or because Ive caught a glimpse of myself in a gym mirror and thought, Oh god, Ive become one of the AirPods people.

When Im sitting there attempting to use the meditation app, the AirPods become one less thing I have to remember to forget. I can still hear ambient noise from the outside world, but theres also a voice whispering directly into my ears, one that feels like its curling up along the edges of my brain. If youve ever used headphones to fall asleep, you know the sensation: theres the low hum of a TV, maybe, or the murmur of voices from another room or in the car, just enough to keep you aware of whats going on around you, but your attention is focused on the thing youve chosen to listen to.

Lots of people use meditation apps without AirPods. Lots of people meditate without the use of any kind of app or guide at all. You dont need AirPods to meditate. But for me theyve become the surprisingly perfect accessory.

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Apple's AirPods are the perfect accessory to meditation apps - The Verge

New York Daily News

Chris Cornell reportedly used exercise band to commit suicide New York Daily News Chris Cornell reportedly used an exercise band and a clip device to take his own life. The famous rocker allegedly obtained a red elastic excercise band and attached it to a carabiner a clip device commonly used by mountain climbers, according to TMZ. and more »

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Chris Cornell reportedly used exercise band to commit suicide - New York Daily News

A scene at a goshala-cum-fodder camp; volunteers registering the farmers at the camp | Express

TUMAKURU: Villagers of Pavagada, an arid region in Tumakuru district, have faced drought over 50 times in the last six decades. Every time drought hits the region, farmers are left to fend for themselves with little support from the government. With them their cattle too suffer, either left to die or sold at throwaway prices in nearby villages due to lack of fodder. But one man's vision has alleviated that suffering to a great extent.

Swami Japananda and his fodder camps have ensured that cattle and humans dont stay hungry. Veerabhadrappa will vouch for this. During last year's drought, the debt-burdened farmer was staring at crop loss. The worry was how to feed his family of four and provide fodder for his 60 sheep.

"By doing menial jobs and taking more money on loan, I could somehow feed my family. But providing fodder to 60 sheep under such circumstances was impossible. Letting them die or selling them for almost free were the only two options available," says Veerabhadrappa.

So he decided to contact Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama at Pavagada, where he could get fodder for free. "Without wasting a day, I rushed to meet the chairman Swami Japananda, and he obliged me with both fodder and words of consolation. He assured me of support until the next rain and my joy knew no bounds," says the farmer, adding had the Swamiji not supported them in those tough times, their cattle would have died.

The Sevashrama has been organising two-month long fodder camps for the needy farmers for the past three years. "This year, we started soon due to the early onslaught of drought," says the chairman.

At the ashram, fodder is procured from Kumbakonam and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu and Vijayawada and Anantpur of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The jowar comes from Ballari. Over 1,500 farming families in Pavagada and their cattle have survived the severe drought, courtesy this ashram.

"Forget about poor, even landlords with over 100 desi cows too got support from the ashram," points out councillor Vasantha Kumar.

Abuzz with activities

The ashram remains flooded with farmers and abuzz with activity during the fodder camps. On a dry Saturday when Express visited the ashram, Ramanaika (65) was seen loading hay on his bullock cart. Braving the scorching sun and playing the second fiddle were his wife and schoolgoing grandson and grand daughter. Every alternate day, he carries a load to Chinnappaiahna thanda hamlet to distribute it among six of his relatives.

For Chalapathi Siddagangamma couple, their moped is enough to carry the 15 kgs of hay. Residents in the vicinity have brought their cattle to feed hay. Availability of water is an added advantage here. Kanivenahalli Govindappa is all set to take away 5 kg of jowar meant for the sheep. "We also consume the same as food", he quips.

While the fodder comes free of cost, farmers only pay Rs 50 initially for the registration charge. They get a card in return, which they can use to procure fodder.

When the government gets impressed

It was during this time in 1985, Swami Japananda was sent to Pavagada as a volunteer to look after the gruel centres (ganji kendra) by Ramakrishna Ashram in Bengaluru. The initiative was supported by the then Ramakrishna Hegde-led government.

I wanted to volunteer at Kalaburagi, but Hedge insisted that I should go to Pavagada. Seeing the plight of the people here, I chose to stay back to serve, says the Swamiji while going down the memory lane. He started to run Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre and his good works soon drew the attention of the government. He was given the responsibility of implementing the National Leprosy Eradication Programme in 1992.

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At this ashram in Karnataka, no drought of empathy for man or animal - The New Indian Express

Though she ultimately spent more time as his widow than as his wife, Alice McLeods marriage to John Coltrane was destined, as though by cosmic influence, to change both artists musical and spiritual paths. The two met in 1963; they had three children in rapid succession, John wrote his opus A Love Supreme in 1965, and by 1967, he had passed away due to liver cancer, leaving Alice to suffer insomnia, hallucinations, and rapid weight loss. Seeking strength from esteemed guru Swami Satchidananda, she bore the Coltrane legacy as an incomparable harpist, pianist and composer across 13 transcendent solo releases, but it was another name she adopted Turiyasangitananda, Sanskrit for Highest Song Of God that would define her work more clearly as a spiritual pursuit, created away from secular life on an ashram she established in the Santa Monica Mountains. With the recent release of World Spirituality Classics 1: The Ecstatic Music Of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda, David Byrnes world music imprint Luaka Bop seeks to illuminate that history and a Red Bull Music Academy presentation of the work this weekend brings it to New York audiences.

The music director of the first part of RBMAs event, Surya Botofasina, refers to Alice Coltrane simply and respectfully as Swamini, his spiritual grandmother. Raised on Coltranes Shanti Anantam Ashram, Botofasina followed in Coltranes musical footsteps by studying the piano, and is slated to lead the ashram singers in a series of bhajans collected on World Spirituality Classics 1 for the RBMA presentation at Knockdown Center in Queens. These are not solely Vedic chants; Coltranes compositions weave complex jazz modes, her roots in Motor City gospel, and Egyptian mysticism into the mix as well.

She left us this very clear roadmap of these recordings, preserved over time, says Botofasina of the bhajans, originally released on private press cassette intended only for her ashram community. This wasnt just some average musician sitting down; this was a true master at the craft. That vast, endless amount of spirituality she infused into every note, you cant fake that. So we pay homage, thats the best we can do. We do it from the heart, we do it with devotion, we do it with passion, and with joy.

Botofasina remembers pursuing music initially to make an impression on Coltrane (as well as his parents, who were also musicians), a kind of innocent yearning for attention and approval, he explains. Though he did not study piano with Coltrane directly, she spent Sundays with the young adults in the ashram, illuminating the musical components associated with the Bhagavad Gita, which Botofasina was often asked to play for his peers. Though it was easy to recognize her genius, Botofasina says he was in his teens before he felt the weight of Swaminis importance outside the ashram.

The name Coltrane isnt just a name in jazz music, he says. Its like, on Mount Rushmore.

Botofasina recalls a service that took place in his early twenties when Coltrane indicated that he should accompany her during a devotional hymn. She was calling out the chords A flat, B flat, G flat as it was going. Then at a certain point I look over for the next chord and she looked at me and said, Just play. Botofasina recalls. That really felt like a graduation.

Meanwhile, across the country, a teenager named Brandee Younger whod been studying classical harp came across Blue Nile (from Coltranes 1970 LP Ptah, The El Daoud) on a jazz compilation given to her by her father.

When I got that CD from my dad, I was like, oh, I wanna do what [Coltrane] was able to do with the harp, Younger recalls. She was unapologetic with it. She wasnt worrying about what other musicians thought of her, what other harpists thought of her, other pianists or organists. She was doing her. She was able to play this instrument on a spiritual level and speak to a sixteen year old kid.

As an undergraduate at the Hartt School of the University Of Hartford, Younger continued classical studies but sat in on jazz master classes; during this time, she wrote fan letters to Coltrane that she never sent. Growing up I was the only person of color in sight [in the harpist community], she says. [Coltrane] inspired me and helped me to feel a little more comfortable in my skin as a harpist.

Younger went on to earn a graduate degree in Music Performance and Composition at the Steinhardt School of New York University, where she was studying in 2007 when Coltrane passed away. In the wake of Coltranes death, a bittersweet opportunity presented itself, thanks to Ravi Coltrane John and Alices saxophonist son and their mutual friend Antoine Rooney.

Ravi actually called me to play this huge memorial at Saint John the Divine in New York, remembers Younger. I knew her music in my head, but I had never played it, so I was a little nervous. I maybe did a couple backflips.

Taking a note from Coltranes playbook, Younger has created her own hybridized harp style, and in 2016 released her sophomore album Wax & Wane. Younger often pays homage to Coltrane with covers and tribute shows, and will reunite with Ravi Coltrane, as well as bassist Reggie Workman and a cast of all-star musicians, to bring Coltranes solo work back to the stage in a separately-ticketed RBMA performance to directly follow the ashram singers devotional set.

Both the RBMA event and Luaka Bops re-release of Coltranes Ashram music serve to highlight her unique vision and singular talent a decade after her passing, as well as the vast reach of her continued influence. Beyond that, her amalgamated spirituality makes a compelling case for universal divinity; from the death of her husband onward, Coltranes work centered not on mortality, but on some eternal life beyond it.

Botofasina is quick to point out that no matter what ones religious beliefs, Coltrane made this music to inspire positivity in everyone. We dont own the rights for the soul of this music, he says. Im glad that others will have the opportunity to experience [it], because this music was such a positive experience for myself. Its home. Shes my family. I miss her a lot, and I know Im not alone in that. He adds, She gave our ashram family a mission, and these bhajans have continued to be chanted every week for the last 10 years and beyond. Now theres a chance for folks to participate in this positivity and deepness that we are all connected to, and for that Im very happy.

In her soaring body of work, Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda sings the highest song indeed, and lives forever in the musicians she inspired.

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Inside The Ecstatic World Of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda ... - Stereogum