This is a community calendar. To accommodate demand for the print edition, we ask that items be brief and include time, date, place, address, admission cost and a contact number for publication. Inclusion of items is at the discretion of the newspaper. Further information is available at 541-758-9524 or jane.stoltz@lee.net.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide tax preparation assistance.Individual tax returns prepared during tax season at various locations: Albany,Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, appointments: 541-917-7760; Corvallis and Philomath, Mondays through Saturdays, appointments, 541-602-5829. Free, in-person tax service is open to anyone of any age, especially those 50 or over or who can't afford paid tax preparation. Information: 888-227-7669 or http://www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Emergency food boxes,by appointment, North Corvallis Ministry Center, 5050 NE Elliott Circle. Appointments: 541-220-1040.

Screenings for Emergency Adult Dental Voucher Program eligibility,9 a.m. to noon, Benton County Health Center, 530 NW 27th St. For Benton County residents with proof of residency, such as an ID card, piece of mail or utility bill. Information: 541-207-5875.

Emergency food boxes,1:30 to 4 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Society Corvallis Conference Food Pantry, campus of St. Marys Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th St. No appointment needed. A thrift store is in the same building; proceeds help support the pantry. Information: 541-757-1988, ext. 317.

Stone Soup dinner,5:30 to 6:30 p.m., McLean Hall,First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave. Free meal for those in need.

Morning meditation circle,8:45 a.m., Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. Each week includes a yoga- or spirit-based idea to weave into participants' practice. No experience necessary. Donation: $7. Information: 541-224-6566 or http://www.livewellstudio.com.

Academy for Lifelong Learning,9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. At 9:30: Olena Taratula presents "Multifunctional Nanomedicine for Cancer Imaging and Phototherapy." At 1:30: Ismail Warsame presents "Islamic Reformation vs. Islamic Revival (Tajdeed vs. Islah)." Information: 541-737-9405, admin@academyforlifelonglearning.org or http://www.academyforlifelonglearning.org.

Strength and Endurance,10:30 a.m., Recreation Room, North Star Manufactured Housing Community, 2601 NE Jack London St., Corvallis. Full-body, gentle, effective. Cost: $20 per month, or $4 drop in; first class free. Information: 541-754-6554.

"Raising a Canine Good Citizen," 12:30 p.m., Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW. The workshop will cover the basics of what it means to have a well-mannered dog.

Chair yoga,3 p.m., Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. Suited to those with medical or physical limitations. By donation. Information: 541-224-6566 or http://www.livewellstudio.com.

Cannabis Horticulture Q & A,6 p.m., CAN! Research office, 551 SW Fourth St., Corvallis. Cost: $10.

Running and walking group,5:45 a.m., track, Corvallis High School, 1400 NW Buchanan Ave. Information: 541-754-0441 or http://www.hotvrunners.com.

Traveling Wall of Honor on display,9 a.m. to 8 p.m., American Legion Post 10, 1215 Pacific Blvd. SE, Albany. The wall is a 32-panel display representing and honoring America's military killed in action. Opening ceremony, 11 a.m.; guest speaker: Jim Willis, Commander of the American Legion Department of Oregon, retired director of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. Information: http://www.vetshelpingvetshq.com.

Infant story time,10 a.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. For children from birth through 1 year.

Art and Coffee, 10:30 a.m., community meeting room, Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St. Those 16 and up are invited to join in a morning of art, coloring, conversation, music and treats. Supplies will be on hand; feel free to bring your own.

Little Listeners Story Time,10:30 a.m., Monroe Community Library,380 N. Fifth St.

Story time with puppet show,10:30 a.m., downtown Carnegie library, 302 Ferry St. SW, Albany. Information: 541-917-7580.

"Fruit of the Loam: Gearing Up for Gardening,"noon, main meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Joseph Postman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture presents "Awesome Apples: New Varieties and Old Favorites."

"Know Your Cat Bingo!,"12:30 p.m., Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW. Test your knowledge of what it takes to make your feline companions happy and healthy; win prizes. Registration: 541-917-7760.

Genealogical library open,1 to 3:30 p.m., annex, Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main St., Philomath.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy,"3 to 5 p.m. or later, Old World Deli,341 SW Second St., Corvallis. Join in games; bring your favorites or just show up at any point. Fragrance-free, please. Information: 541-752-0135.

Read with the Beavs,4 to 5 p.m., youth activity room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Readers ages 4 to 11 can practice their reading with an athlete from Oregon State University. Bring your own book or use one from the library. Information: 541-766-6794.

Story time for infants and toddlers,5 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. SE.

Coloring for Everyone, 6:30 p.m., meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Supplies, coloring pages and relaxing music provided.

American Red Cross mobile blood drive,8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th St., Corvallis.

Rapid HIV testing,1:30 to 5:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Free testing and counseling. Information: 541-740-0405.

"Eating Your Way to Better Heart Health: The Mediterranean Diet,"6 p.m., Lebanon. The Mediterranean Diet is linked to better heart health, lower cholesterol and other health benefits. Registration: 855-873-0647 or samhealth.org/behealthy.

Takena Kiwanis Club of Albany,7 to 8 a.m., Elmers Restaurant, 2802 Santiam Highway SE. West Albany High School Athletic Coordinator Pat Richards presents "Upcoming Bond Measure for Albany Schools." Information: 541-619-9730.

Willamette Weyerhaeuser Coffee Group,9 a.m., Jack in the Box, 2020 S. Santiam Highway, Lebanon. No-host coffee hour.

Albany Optimist Club,noon to 1 p.m., Sizzler, 2148 Santiam Highway SE. Information: Ray Hilts, 541-928-0951.

Corvallis Bicycle Collective,noon to 4 p.m., 707 NW 11th St. Fix up your bicycle with free use of tools and advice; affordable used bicycles and parts. Information: 541-224-6885 or http://www.corvallisbikes.org.

Philomath Rotary Club,noon, Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St. Cost: $10 for lunch; no charge for first-time guests.

Rotary Club of Albany,noon, Pops Branding Iron, 901 Pacific Blvd. SE.

Sweet Home Rotary Club,noon, Sweet Home Linn-Benton Community College Center, 1661 Long St.

Walking group,noon; meet in front of Running Princess Apparel, 351 SW Madison Ave. Information: 541-602-5057 or http://www.runningprincess.com.

Toast of Corvallis Toastmasters,12:10 p.m., Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, 420 NW Second St. Improve your public speaking skills and confidence. Information: 541-760-4361.

Corvallis Bridge Club,1 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Heart of the Valley Bridge Center, 1931 NWnCircle Blvd. Sign up 20 minutes before game. Partners/information: 541-740-1072 or http://www.corvallisbridge.org.

Pages,4 p.m., community room, Lebanon Public Library,55 Academy St. Book club for children ages 10 to 14. Meetings will include discussions and craft projects based on "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker. Registration: at the circulation desk or 541-258-4926.

Rotary Club of Corvallis After Five,5:15 p.m., downstairs, Tommys 4th St. Bar & Grill, 350 SW Fourth St. Information: 503-559-0971.

Corvallis Meditation Community,5:30 p.m., 3311 N.W. Polk Ave. Information: 971-218-6798, or on Facebook at Corvallis Meditation Community.

Cribbage Club,6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1469 Timber St., Albany. Information: 541-928-9893.

Jacks and Queens Pinochole Club,6 p.m., Sweet Home Senior Center, 880 18th Ave. Dinner at 5:15 p.m. Cost: $2. Information: 541-409-0869.

Chintimini Kennel Club, 7 p.m., Carriage House, Benton County Fairgrounds, 109 SW 53rd St., Corvallis. Natjional Animal Interest Alliance Founder Patti Strand will present "Current Dog-Related Legislative Issues, and More." Dogs welcome.

Corvallis Community Choir,7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 NW Circle Blvd. Cost: $50 per term. Information: 541-740-6068 or nonandjay1@gmail.com.

Gospel Choir,7 p.m., social hall, College United Methodist Church, 1123 Main St., Philomath. Information: 541-929-2412.

Scio Historical Society,7 p.m., Scio Depot Museum, 39004 NE First St.

Society for Creative Anachronism,7 p.m., Avery Park Boy Scout Lodge, Southwest Allen Avenue, Corvallis. Information: 541-754-2372 or http://www.shireofcdv.org/.

Sons of Legionnaires,7 p.m., Albany American Legion Hall,1215 Pacific Blvd. SE.

Albany Elks Lodge 359,7:30 p.m., Albany Golf and Event Center/Spring Hill Golf Club,155 NW Country Club Lane. Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Information: 503-997-5690.

Eagles Auxiliary,7:30 p.m., 127 Broadalbin St. NW, Albany.

St. Johns Lodge No. 17,7:30 p.m., 431 First Ave. NW, Albany. Information: 541-928-3145.

Application forms for the 2017 Young Women in Public Affairs Award are available from the Zonta Club of Corvallis by emailing erin@reynoldslaw.us. The goal of the award program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young woman's commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women. Applications are due by Friday to Erin Duncan, the Reynolds Law Firm, PC, PO Box 1183, Corvallis, OR 97339.

Corvallis School District Board of Directors, 6:30 p.m., administrative offices, 1555 SW 35th St. Special meeting.

Scio School Board, 6 p.m., library, middle school,38875 NW First Ave. Training work session presented by the Oregon School Board Association.

Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW 9 a.m., blood pressure screenings; 9 a.m., Stitchers; 1 p.m., Scrabble; 1 p.m., game afternoon.

Lebanon Senior Center,80 Tangent St. 8 a.m., billiards, snooker and shuffleboard; 9 a.m., knitters and crocheters; 11 a.m., tai chi; noon, senior meal served; 1:30 p.m., Caregiver Support Group; 1:30 p.m., line dancing; 2 p.m., billiards for the disabled; 6:30 p.m., country dance.

Sweet Home Senior Center,880 18th Ave. 8:15 a.m., senior quilters; 6 p.m., Jacks and Queens pinochle.

Support group for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.Information: Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence hotline, 541-754-0110.

7 a.m., noon, room 11, First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis.

6:30 p.m. (open meeting), basement, New Life Fellowship, 1412 Applegate St., Philomath.

7 p.m., Alsea Community Library, 19192 Alsea Highway.

7 p.m., Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 2555 NW Highland Drive, Corvallis.

Narcotics Anonymous,noon to 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m., room 11, First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Information (24 hours): 877-233-4287 or http://www.lblna.org.

Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group of Corvallis and Albany,2 p.m., Elmer's Restaurant,1115 NW Ninth St., Corvallis.

Albany Celebrate Recovery,6 p.m., family center, Albany First Assembly,2817 Santiam Highway SE. For those dealing with any kind of hurt, habit or hangup, not just drugs or alcohol. Dinner for $1 donation; children eat free. Large-group meeting, small groups. Child care available.

Support group for family and friends of those dealing with addictions,6:30 p.m., Room 7, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 N.W. Circle Blvd. Support, hope, sharing, listening. Information: 541-231-9598.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid-Valley Support Group,7 p.m., conference room, fourth floor, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 3600 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. Information: 541-745-2064 or http://www.namimidvalley.org.

Al-Anon,7:30 p.m., room 2, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th St., Corvallis. Support group for families and friends of alcoholics. Message center: 541-967-6262.

Corvallis Mens Support Group,7:30 p.m., 1975 SE Crystal Lake Drive, No. 131. Information: 541-752-6261.

Read more:

Calendar (Feb. 20) - Albany Democrat Herald

In growth terms, organic is now outperforming the non-organic grocery market. Photograph: Richard Drury/Getty Images

So much for the view that organic food is just a navel-gazing lifestyle preoccupation for the neurotic rich. The latest UK market figures show that sales for organic produce are booming at their strongest in a decade with a 15% hike last year at Tesco alone.

In growth terms, organic is now outperforming the non-organic grocery market, contradicting cynics who said that at the first whiff of austerity we would ditch high-minded concerns about animal welfare, pesticides and the planet, and join the cheap food scrum.

In anticipation, UK supermarkets cut back on shelf space allotted to organic food to compete with German discount chains. But organic continued to thrive from independent retailers, home-delivery schemes, farm shops and in restaurants. Thoughtful chefs increasingly give organic a big thumbs-up; sales to caterers also shot up by 15% last year. And guess what? Aldi and Lidl shoppers also prefer not to eat pesticide residues or meat from GM-fed livestock that have never seen a green field.

Organic loyalists have developed a shopping strategy that makes organic food accessible, even if youre on a tight budget: organic fruit, vegetables and herbs bought from growers, or at farmers markets, are regularly cheaper than the conventional equivalent from supermarkets, which routinely profiteer on fruit and veg. Equally, never make the mistake of popping into your local small-format supermarket for organic eggs because you will pay around 2.49 for six, as opposed to the wholefood store/market/box scheme price of 1.65-1.99.

In the dry goods department (staples such as flour, oats, rice and peanut butter), the price differential between buying organic and non-organic is often slim. Once again, organic can actually be cheaper, particularly if minimally packaged in a wholefood shop. Happily, organic chocolate costs the same as good-quality non-organic.

There is excellent British beef and lamb from non-organic animals that have had a decent life, so there is less reason to pay a premium for organic red meat. Organic poultry and pork are always significantly more expensive than non-organic 12 as opposed to 3 for a chicken but free-ranging, organic pigs and poultry are reared in a measurably more humane way and usually taste discernibly better. Knowing this, you might decide to eat poultry and pork less, but stick with organic.

Organic milk and yogurt are more expensive than supermarket equivalent economy lines, but not necessarily than their mid-range or premium ones, and the cows are happier: no zero grazing allowed.

Perhaps the trick is to be pro-organic without making a religion out of it. Buy organic in the categories that matter most to you, but regularly test any presumption that it is costing you more. You could get a pleasant surprise.

Read the original:

How to surf the organic food boom on the cheap | Life and style | The ... - The Guardian

Chicagos suburbs have famously already seen the launch of one fast-food giant thanks to Ray Kroc and McDonalds in Des Plaines. The very first Nics Organic Fast Food opens sometime this month in Rolling Meadows and their ownership team hopes the debut of Chicagolands first organic fast-food chain will also lead to success at 2101 S. Plum Grove Road. Theyre attempting to create a recognizable brand that includes a mascot.

Farmer Nic wants to tell customers about the virtues of eating organic foods. If a cartoony mascot isnt credible enough, perhaps seals of approval will help. Throughout the restaurant theres stamps that read USDA Organic and Quality Assurance International Certified Organic. QAIs approval meant a lot to CEO Benjamin Brittsan, as it should tell customers how serious Nics is when it comes to serving food without pesticides and chemicals.

But dont mistake organic for fat free. This isnt a place to come to lose weight. Theres burgers, fries and chicken nuggets on the menu. However, there are options like a veggie burger and salad. The aim is a cleaner version of the fast food many Americans grew up eating. Burgers cost about $5. Add fries and a drink and the meal costs under $8.

Interior wise, check out the LED menu screens. They picked a simple and clean look. Nics is also the countrys first organic fast-food drive-thru, which is a boon for the car-centric suburbs.

Both Brittsan and his wife, Nicolette Brittsan, have dreams of expanding all across the country. Check out the photos below of their first restaurant in the Northwest Suburbs, a 10-minute drive north from Woodfield Mall.

Read more from the original source:

Tour The Very First Nic's Organic Fast Food in Chicago's Suburbs - Eater Chicago

"Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mall ..." (With apologies to The Beatles)

Youre sitting in the middle of Southgate Mall at lunchtime, right next to the clock tower, and youre told to close your eyes, take a deep breath and focus on yourself, allowing all the noise to pass through your mind.

Meanwhile, shoppers stream past talking loudly on their phones or with each other, ordering coffee, pretzels or smoothies, shushing crying babies, scraping chair legs as they sit down or stand up from tables at the nearby cafe.

One child blows up a balloon, releasing the air with a high-pitched squeal. Then he does it again and again.

Its a good thing meditation doesnt require you to tune all that out completely.

To meditate you need no concentration, Laura Bender said. Thats the beauty of it.

Bender, who is certified as a personal trainer and a meditation teacher, combines the two at her downtown studio, Bodies by Bender.

Monday, she partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and Red Willow Learning Center to host the Mindful Mall Meditation, giving people a chance to relax and be in the moment during the turbulent start to 2017.

Though Bender and Nic Wilson, with the Boys and Girls Club, made sure to say there was no political bent to the event rather the opposite the two wanted peoples minds to be elsewhere for a while.

We want to take a step back a little bit and use peace and quiet rather than loud and angry, Wilson said. Just be thankful a little bit more than thinking about all the chaos.

And so a little after 1 p.m., Bender plonked herself down cross-legged in the center of a semi-circle of chairs, Himalayan singing bowl on the floor in front of her.

Bender led the group of about 15 people through a mindful meditation, starting with hands in lap, feet flat on the ground, eyes closed. First she told them to take in the surrounding noise, before taking a few deep breaths and focusing instead on their bodies where their feet touched the floor, their thighs touched the chair, all the way up to their heads.

Some meditators sat perfectly still, while others crossed and uncrossed their legs, took sips of water, or opened their eyes and glanced around.

Passerby gave curious glances, conversations halting between pairs of friends carrying shopping bags as they both watched the group sit slack-faced and quiet. None opted to join, though a few stopped and observed.

I was surprised that I was actually able to really feel centered in that moment, one of the participants, Sonia McLain said. 'Cause I was skeptical with all the noise at first.

It almost felt more peaceful than when I was in a completely silent room trying to meditate.

Her friend Christopher Morucci agreed, saying the point of mindfulness meditation is not to ignore noise, but acknowledge it as part of the brains distractions.

After about 10 minutes, Bender rang her singing bowl and told the group to slowly open their eyes. Some smiled, some stretched, rubbing their eyes like theyd just taken a nap.

Wasnt that fun? she said.

Bender has taught meditation for about eight years and is certified by the Chopra Center and the center's David Ji. She called the idea of a meditation flash mob hilarious, but not pointless.

Were in a community thats full of wonderful, loving people and we want to celebrate community, Bender said. Its really powerful when you get a group of us together.

Read more here:

Taking a moment to meditate in Southgate Mall - The Missoulian

Can a mouse meditate? A new study suggests the answer is ...kind of.

Researchers from the University of Oregon in Eugene have replicated some of the same brain patterns exhibited by human meditatorsin the brains of mice no tinymeditation cushions or squeaky oms required.

Still, experiments show that the meditating mice were more relaxed and less stressed than those with no rodent meditation training.

The authors say the work, published Monday in PNAS, provides aproof of concept that will allow them to learn more abouthowmeditation affects the brain.

Previous research has shown thatjust one month of mindfulmeditationcan have a significant impact on humans both physically and psychologically.

Itreduces self-reported anxiety and decrease the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in theblood.

Imaging studies of meditators brains also have detectedincreased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC. This areaof the brain is involved in a wide variety of functions, including emotional regulation and cognitive control.

Scientists also have seen an increase inwhite matteraround the ACCof meditators. Thats important because white matter serves as a kind of insulator, enablingelectrical impulses to move more easilybetween neurons.

Although scientists have observed these positive physical effects of meditation on the human brain, they still dont know what causes them.

We think of meditation as a human thing, a high-level thing, but we want to examine the low levelbiology of it, said Cris Niell, a neuroscientist at the University of Oregon who co-led the study.

The teams first step in this quest was to create a mouse model that could replicate a human meditators brain.

Theycalled it, jokingly, the mouse meditation project.

Training mice to focus on thebreath, orspend 20 minutes on abody scan was obviously not an option, but the scientists had another plan up theirsleeves.

Michael Posner, a psychologist at the University of Oregon, had shown in earlier work that another effect ofmeditation in humans was achangein the rhythms of the brain. Specifically, he found that particular oscillations near the ACC became louder after a meditation session.

Everyone has these oscillations in their ACC, but they are stronger and more powerful in people after they do meditation, said Aldis Weible, a researcherat the University of Oregons Institute of Neuroscience and thefirst author on the study.

The authors knew they couldnt get mice to meditate in a traditional way, but they wondered if they could make the mouses ACC oscillate in the same rhythm as human meditators.

To do this, they genetically engineered mice that have a special protein in their brains that causes neurons to fire when they areexposed to light. The researchers were able to put the genetic code for these proteins exclusively in the neurons of the ACC.

Next they connected a light source to the mices brains so they could expose these proteins to different patterns of light. By flashing the light, theywere able to make the ACC neurons fire at the same pace that they saw in human meditators.

We are not necessarily making the mice meditate, but we are changing the pattern of activity in the brain region,Niell said.

Tests revealed that mice that were exposed to the same patterns exhibited by human meditators were more relaxedthan those that did not get the meditation treatment.

When placed in a box that had a dark side and a light side, the meditating mice were more likely to explore the light side, and to rear up on their little hind legs and look around than other mice.

Both these behaviors indicate a de-stressed mouseand suggest that the behavioral effects of meditation in humans can be recreated in mice.

The authors also experimented with getting the ACC to oscillate at different frequencies, but they saw the most calming effects when the mouse brain was set to oscillate at the same pace as a human meditators brain about eight times per second.

Niell said the work is significant because it gives researchers a scientific tool to study how meditation works in the brain, and it suggests that periodic stimulation could be used to affect change in the brains of people who dont want to meditate.

The researchers wonder if one day a similar protocol could be used to help people recover from stroke or post-traumatic stress disordermore rapidly.

This first publication is a proof of principle, he said. But hopefully in six months or a year, Ill be talking to you about what it is that actually changes in the brain as a result of meditation.

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

Do you love science? I do! Follow me@DeborahNetburnand "like" Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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Read the original here:

Can a mouse meditate? Why these researchers want to find out - LA ... - Los Angeles Times

Many people avoid meditation simply because they think it is all about oms and crunchy mantras. But, at its core, meditation is something so natural and innate that your dog/cat definitely knows how to do it better than you.

Have you ever watched your dog or cat closely? They can sit for great lengths of time, and just stare. They have endless patience with themselves. They arent thinking, I should go run a little bit to work off my breakfast, or You know, I should really finish tearing up that stuffed hedgehog, or Did I poop in the right place this morning? Where should I poop later? What if I dont poop in the right place?! These thoughts would be completely absurd. But, these are the types of thoughts that plague our minds day after day.

Meditation is about quieting the minutia of the mind and existing without judgement in the moment; letting go of that report that is due at the end of the week; letting go of the worry about who will feed the cat while youre away; letting go of working out financial tactics for next month. It is about bathing your mind in a few moments of rare serenity a lot like your dog/cat does every single day.

Sure, they dont have as many responsibilities as you do, but that doesnt mean you cant learn a lesson from them. Here are 6 signs you should follow your pets lead and start meditating:

You are anxious. Anxiety is essentially a misfired thought that proceeds to ricochet aggressively against the walls of the skull, gaining power and momentum with each collision. It is a spiral of questions, insecurity, fear and self-doubt that becomes more of a reality with every minute it swirls inside your head. How can we calm this storm of the mind? Meditation, of course. Does your pet overthink things? Of course not, that would be silly So why is it okay for you to?

You cant sleep. When you cant sleep, you feel absolutely dreadful. Your brain feels sluggish, you feel unproductive and often dietary choices arent the most nourishing. To get that relaxation response your body needs to fall asleep, try mindfulness meditation. It has been shown to improve sleep quality, lower stress and reducedepression. Go ahead, show me a dog or cat who has trouble sleeping.

You are absurdly busy. When you dont think you have time to eat a quality meal, never mind meditate, that is precisely the time you need meditation the most. Okay, your pet really isnt that busy, but if they were, you know they would still take the time to have a nice nap or take a little quiet space. Or, at the very least, they would go to bed early so that they feelready to slay the next day! Do you do these things? Even if you are busy, maybe taking a 10 minute meditation break isnt so impossible to squeeze in. Youll feel so much better as a result and be more productive during the rest of your busy day, so it pays off.

You have low self-confidence. If you dont think youre worthy of what you have, or what you could have, its time to spend a little more time with yourself. Meditation is the practice of being with yourself and accepting yourself simply as you are, without judgement. With practice, meditation can help you to realize that you are enough, and that you deserve to be truly happy and confident in who you are. Your dog has no self-doubt and is confident in both of you. Emulate that sort of enthusiasm for yourself.

You feel tired all the time. Maybe you get plenty of sleep, but you still wake up tired. Whether it is stress, anxiety, depression or something else, you need to find a way to let your mind reset. Taking some time to meditate in the morning, during the day or before bed could help unlock the pressure release valve on that big brain of yours. Then, when it is time to play ball, youll be ready to go all in.

Your back hurts. Your pet has impeccable posture. Why? Because they use their limbs, they stretch and they dont sit hunched over in chairs. As I sit here, hunching my shoulders to navigate a relatively narrow keyboard, I feel grateful knowing I have a ballet class tonight and a yoga class tomorrow. Its the only way I know how to undo the effects of sitting for long swaths of time. But, if you do not currently have a physical wellness routine thatactivates the sleeping muscles of the spine, abdominals and buttocks, you may be suffering from seat-induced back pain. And as back pain is notoriously tricky to healsince, you know, your back is pretty much involved in all basic movementsthe injury and its limitations can feel incredibly discouraging.

However, studies have shown that meditation can be a powerful source of pain relief. Meditating can help manage pain and even encourage the body to heal faster, without drugs. With such a problem with opioids in the nation, drug-free pain relief isundervalued.

Meditation is so important for our mental wellness. Go sit alone in a quiet room for twenty minutes. Close your eyes and focus on breathing deeply and regularly. Meditation doesnt have to be a crunchy practice for the yoga elite. Everyone could use some mindfulness. Our pets live in the moment, why cant we?

Related:Heres How to Get Yourself to Workout When Netflix Is Slowing You DownThis Cannabis Compound Eases Pain and Anxiety (and Wont Get You High)Get Sick Less After Winter Workouts by Eating Carbs

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

See more here:

Your Pet Is Better At Meditating Than You | Care2 Healthy Living - Care2.com

These tinymeditation shelters offer protection and a place to rest forhikers exploring the Lithuanian forests. The shelters are a placewhere people can find solitude to reconnect with nature and find harmony with the environment. A slithering stone pathway that weaves throughout the forest garden was inspired by a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

The project, named Gapahuk, is part of a larger Meditation Garden designed by Bjrndal Arkitektstudio which won the American Architecture Prize 2016. Used for individual meditation and as a place where hikers can rest and get warm, this cluster of shelters was built during the Human Birdhouse Workshop in Lithuania last August. The team cleared a forest clearing and shaped pathways that naturally weave in and around the garden. Two fireplaces installed in front of the shelters are surrounded with sitting areas. Holy stones added to the site look like totems of masculine and feminine origin, while a symbolic stone pathway represents a Lithuanian fairy tale about serpents.

Related: FORT II is a Meditation Pavilion Made from 810 Reclaimed Shipping Pallets

The workshop took place on the property of famous Lithuanian children books author, poet and film/theatre director Vytautas V. Landsbergis. The idea was to design and build architecture in the style of Constructive Shamanism, which brings together architects, builders and spiritual practitioners to strengthen and reveal the connection between humans and nature. References to Lithuanian mythology dominate the project, with visitors participating in spiritual ceremonies and singing mantras around a bonfire.

+ Bjrndal Arkitektsudio

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Lead photo by Lidija Kaleinikovaite

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Tiny meditation shelters are the perfect place for hikers to connect with the forest - Inhabitat

Mindfulness and meditation techniques are being used in schools across the country.

A recent study by the University of California-Davis and the non-profit organization Mindful Schools shows mindfulness triples students ability to focus and participate in class activities.

Fourth graders meditating? Kindergarteners practicing mindful breathing? Its not a big deal at Harris Hill Elementary School. Every class here has students doing the same thing.

Theyre less impulsive with each other, they think about their words before they speak. So it definitely spills into the daily routines," says Heidi Palmeiro-Potter, a 4th grade teacher at Harris Hill Elementary School.

Mindfulness can be different things like meditating, deep breathing, says Adam Elbousty, a 4th grader who participates in the meditation practices.

School psychologist at Harris Elementary Michelle Braun-Burget began testing these techniques three years ago with students.

What Im finding is there are a lot of students even at this age, which is K through fifth grade, five-year-olds to ten, and eleven-year-olds, who are anxious and nervous and have trouble focusing," says Michelle.

If someones having a hard time they give them the strategies also. Ive heard students say do your breathing. Heidi says.

The point behind the techniques that mindfulness brings is helping those children learn coping strategies no matter what their circumstances are," Michelle said.

Michelle also added that now students are more self-confident.

Theyre just more aware of themselves and what makes them upset, what makes them nervous and they have better control now of how to deal with it," Michelle points out.

MindfulSchools.org says its trained teachers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries so far, helping more than 750-thousand students.

MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM REPORT #2397

BACKGROUND: Meditation is an activity where a person learns to focus their attention, and becomes less stressed and calmer. Statistics have shown that people who meditate in groups have seen a decreased crime rate in the area. Furthermore, stress is a risk factor for coronary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes and high blood pressure. Since meditation reduces stress, meditation also reduces the risk of suffering from these diseases. According to one article, those who meditate can reduce their risk of being hospitalized for a coronary disease by 87%, and reduce the possibility of getting cancer by 55%. Most of the meditation techniques started with Eastern religious or spiritual traditions; but in the present, many of the people who meditate dont use it for religious or spiritual reasons. Meditation includes: * Mantra meditation * Mindfulness meditation * Spiritual meditation * Meditation used as part of other practices like yoga, tai chi and qui gong (Source: https://www.project-meditation.org/a_wim1/statistics_on_people_who_meditate.html & https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012/mind-body/meditation)

MINDFUL SCHOOLS STUDY: A study conducted by the University of California, Davis, in conjunction with the non-profit organization Mindful Schools, wanted to see how mindfulness meditation affected students. The study involved 937 students and 47 teachers in 3 Oakland school districts. The study was divided into a control group and a mindful group. Those in the mindful group would use the mindful schools curriculum that contained the mindful educator essentials; whereas, the control group would only contain 4 hours of mindfulness instructions for the students. The study found statistically significant improvements in the mindful students ability to pay attention and participate in class, compared to other students who were in the control group. The educators who participated in the study said they saw in their students: * 83% improved focus * 89% better emotional regulation * 76% more compassion * 79% improved engagement (Source: http://www.mindfulschools.org/about-mindfulness/research/)

MINDFULNESS IN EDUCATION & EARLY IN LIFE: Mindfulness meditation in the classroom can help both the teacher and the student. By implementing meditation, teachers benefit from reduced stress and burnout. They perform better in their jobs, have more emotionally-supportive classrooms, and develop better classroom organizations. Students also benefit in their education, as well as their human and personal development. With meditation, they improve in their cognitive outcomes, social-emotional skills, and well-being. These improvements lead to long-term benefits in life. Having good social skills from a small age predicts education, employment, and less crime, substance abuse, and mental health outcomes in adulthood. (Source: http://www.mindfulschools.org/about-mindfulness/research/)

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Meditation techniques now being used in schools across the country - WNDU-TV

PUNE: When a former monk with strong connections in the music world, and a former corporate executive get together, the resulting venture is likely to be unique, to say the least.

Ashwin Srisailam, a former monk turned entrepreneur, who has hung out with Michael Jackson in the past and counts AR Rahman among his friends, and Diane Bacchus-Quddus got together to set up Ahhaa in 2015. The app, launched by AR Rahman, was then a platform for inner growth and fulfilment. After being selected for acceleration at Pune-based Edugild in 2016, it has since undergone a change in what it is doing. Srisailam told ET that the focus has now shifted to creating 'Ahhaa spaces' or meditation zones in corporate and educational campuses.

"The aim is to help with inner growth using content for inner well-being. The first such space is coming up at Avantika University in Ujjain, followed by one each at the HCL campus and at Cambridge University Press campus in New Delhi," he said. This would be a light design lab geared towards immersive content using virtual reality.

Bacchus-Quddus said, "While the content has been created based on insights from us (the founders), the music for the Ahhaa Space has been specially licensed by AR Rahman himself. The content will focus on four key areas, insights, inspiration, music and meditation."

The trigger for setting up this venture was the realisation that most people working corporate jobs, and students, face a high degree of stress in their daily lives, which impacts both their personal and professional life. These spaces would use virtual reality, audio and video content presented over small three-five minute capsules on specific topics, aimed towards inner growth and 'feeling awesome'.

The plan is to expand this over time to other educational institutes, as well as collaborate with other people, including celebrities, to create content. According to the founders, the world has 3.2 billion workers, and the expected market opportunity is pegged at $320 billion and growing at 12.2% if one is to take an average spend of $100. Ahhaa pegs the available market for this venture at $16 billion if it takes 50% of the available market as its target at $169 billion annually.

At present, it has Ajay Malik on board as an investor, along with ex-Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, and Richard Ross, Partner at Perkins Coi as advisors, among others. Over time, the company will create more content as it expands to other places as well.

To start with, the spaces would be 1000 sq ft, but will move to smaller caf-like formats as well over time.

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A startup that focuses on creating meditation zones in corporate campuses - Economic Times

Before the All-Star festivities this past weekend, BSN Denver had a chance to sit down with Jamal Murray for a discussion on everything but basketball. T.J. McBride and Murray talked everything from hip-hop,meditation and Murrays family, to growing up in Canada, Kentucky and Coach John Calipari. Heres part one:

T.J. McBride:Lets start with music. I saw that you were a big J Cole fan and that is something I have identified with and something that people have not really talked about much. What is it about hip-hop and J Cole in particular that has really grabbed ahold of you and something that has been instrumental going forward for you?

Jamal Murray:Heis a lyricist. He is deep. He has a good vibe and flow and he is more rapping about real stuff and real situations than just the typical stuff. I listen to his words a lot and write a lot of it down on whatever to kind of find the perspective that he comes from.

T.J.:So you are more of a 90s hip-hop guy, right? A little more old school stuff? Because you were listening to Busta Rhymes back at Kentucky all the time. What is some other 90s hip-hop stuff that you listen to?

Jamal: My dad raised me on it. Wu-Tang Clan, a lot of other old school groups and all of that, so I know a lot of the old school music and J Cole kind of has that newer school but old school at the same time so I like him a lot and he has been my favorite for a long time.

T.J.: So Ill put you on the spot. What is his number one album right now that is your favorite?

Jamal:Theres not. Theres not. Just every song. Just every song. I know every song by heart.

T.J.: So youve listened to 4 Your Eyez Only all the way through, Im sure, multiple times. What is your favorite track off of that album?

Jamal: Theres not a favorite track (laughs). I would probably say Immortal, Shes Mine Part Two, Change. Those are a couple of my favorites but, I mean, I like every song that he plays.

TJ: Are there any other hip-hop guys from the 90s that you like? Is it mostly East coast or West coast?

Jamal: I dont really know. Im from Canada (laughs).

T.J.:So what is the hip hop scene like in Canada?

Jamal: Drake. Drake, Drake, Drake.

T.J.: Are you a big Drake fan then because of that?

Jamal:I mean, yeah, I like Drake. I like his stuff. He has a lot of stuff out and it is really whatever you want; rap, slow, or both.

T.J.:Going off of that, is there any new age hip hop that you are into? Is it like a Kendrick Lamar type of conscious hip hop that you are into?

Jamal: I say mostly J Cole in terms of how much I listen to him. I listen to a lot of stuff. Bob Marley, Logic, anything that is a little bit soothing and a little slower.

T.J.:Is there anybody, out of nowhere, that you can just drop a name on people that they would never expect that you listen to?

Jamal: I mean, you can go through my phone (laughs). You can see these playlists. I listen to tons of music but mostly just heavily J Cole.

T.J.: So a little bit more about Canada. What is the basketball culture like in Kitchener? There has not been a lot of talk being that you played so much AAU ball against U.S. teams and there was not a whole lot of Canadian emphasis outside of the Canadian National team. What was it like growing up in Canada and, in particular, the difficulties and differences you experienced?

Jamal: Well there was not a lot of media attention the first year or second year I was at Orangeville Prep, which was not really known yet. Me and Thon (Maker) took that with us and brought it to the states and played a lot of games there but now in Canada; they have their own league for high school. So they get looks there and a couple guys have already committed to D-1 schools. It has been growing up as a program but we definitely need the states to kick it off a little bit.

TJ:Are you and Thon still tight. Like do you still talk at all and have you been watching him with Milwaukee.

Jamal:Yeah, of course.

TJ:Another thing that really gets pushed under the radar it feels like, because your dad is obviously an enormous influence in your life, but you have talked about how your mom has really held down the fort and really made things stable at home. Care to talk about your mom and give her a shout-out?

Jamal:She is always supportive and she is always there. Whatever we need her to do she is there. She is like one of those good teammates, you know? That always does the little stuff that goes under the radar. Sometimes I come home and their food is ready, the place is clean, my brother Lamar is in bed or whatever it is. It is the simple stuff that makes everything a little bit easier; she does that. My clothes are clean, she gives me calls and messages every morning. She is very supportive and she understands what Im doing and what Im trying to do. My dad has to be with me a lot of the time just to help me out and she does a great job of taking care of herself and taking care of the family.

T.J.: Is your dad still coming around and does he still come to most of your games or is he still back up in Canada?

Jamal: Its hard to be back and forth so he comes down for a long time and then goes back for a while so its back and forth. We try to balance it out.

TJ: One really cool thing that I wanted to talk about: Your dad. He even said that he stopped his life for you. To have that kind of support every single step of the way and to have someone to be in the gym with you and someone who was always pushing you and, not just there as someone who loves you and someone who cares, but hewants you to be the best you can be. How big is it to have that support system behind you?

Jamal:It is good. it is something that you need, especially someone who doesnt look at just your positives but also looks at all of your negatives and whatyou need to work on. He is very detailed about it and he is my biggest critic and my toughest critic. When he is talking to me he is yelling a lot but I listen to it to know what he is saying and how he is saying it.

T.J.: One other thing; your dad had a really cool quotethat I really liked that said: I dont want to give away all my secrets but the whole idea was to block out what he was feeling and that the pain was just temporary. Some kids get hit or cut immediately and it is worse for them than it really is. I tried to show him that pain is something that we all go through and it is a part of life. If you dont get freaked out by it then you can get past it. How much of the embodiment of that philosophy has gone into basketball for you? That seems like that is you as a person even.

Jamal:It has gone a long way. Im always up and down but there are some things, like not getting minutes or not cant make a shot, those things are all temporary. You cant make a shot? You are going to make a shot sometime. Positive thinking, you know? If you dont get minutes just make sure you make the most of your opportunity with your minutes. So when I go into a game I dont think about when I am coming out or what I did wrong. If I make a mistake I just try to make up for it, know it is my fault, and keep playing. Keep a forward mindset instead of lingering back on what happened.

Stay tuned for Part 2 on Tuesday.

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Beyond Basketball: A conversation with Jamal Murray on hip-hop, meditation, Kentucky and family - BSN Denver