As the weather begins to warm up, there are plenty of ways to stay in shape and shake things up by getting outdoors.

Its important to never have a zero-day when it comes to physical activity, Mitchel Black, owner of STRONGSIDE, a gym wth locations in Woodstock, Canton, and Roswell told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Black stresses doing anything above the minimum can count as exercising, even outside.

Park far away, walk up a hill, take the stairs, get out of breath for about 20 minutes each day, Black said.

Black offers a Legends program at STRONGSIDE specifically for people 55 and older. Each class has a warm-up, strength session, and workout with a special coach trained to work with this age group. They take their workout outside when the weather permits.

If the gym isnt your speed, an easy way to get outdoors and get the body moving safely is to go for a long walk. There are plenty of easier trails around Atlanta for those who want distance over difficulty. If you want more of a workout for your heart, try out trails that offer a little more diversity in terrain.

Credit: Courtesy of Mitchel Black

Credit: Courtesy of Mitchel Black

If you prefer exercising outdoors by playing a sport and havent tried pickleball yet, it might be time to look for a local league. The popularity of this sport has continued to grow.

As a person who has always enjoyed and played a variety of sports, pickleball sparked my interest, and I have enthusiastically encouraged people to give it a try, Mike Levin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

At 74, Levin considers himself to be in the best physical condition of my life, and plays pickleball at least three times a week.

Among the reasons Levin gravitates toward the sport, he cites its health benefits, how easy it is to learn, the low-pressure stakes of playing, and that its a fun way to meet people while being active.

I get a full-body workout that provides pleasure and rewards. It makes me feel energized, happy, and excited, Levin said.

Yoga is yet another way to exercise indoors or out.

Seniors can gain both flexibility and mobility from practicing yoga, depending on which specific practice they choose, Alena Levine, E-RYT 500, YACEP, lead yoga trainer told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Levine is an instructor at Peach Out Power Yoga in Marietta and the owner of Heartwell Retreats, which combines yoga practice with the sanctity of nature.

Credit: Courtesy of Alena Levine

Credit: Courtesy of Alena Levine

Yoga is all about finding the right type of movement and setting a personal intention at the start of each practice, Levine said.

Its also about finding an instructor who offers positivity and shows compassion. Class choice should depend on your personal history and what daily activities you already do, says Levine. If youre looking for a flow that focuses primarily on muscles, try a yang class. Yin classes work on muscles, too, but also bring in a focus on the connective tissues in the body.

Levin includes yoga in his workout routine in addition to pickleball because of the opportunity to take classes outdoors.

Being outdoors helps release stress levels and helps me stay focused, Levin said.

Look for classes held in parks or near lakes around Atlanta for a quieter way to connect your yoga practice of mind and body with a natural setting.

Whether its a more active workout or something that helps you find calm while moving, you can find additional benefits to taking that exercise outside.

Being outside gets you to connect with you, Black said. It gives you that mental clarity thats a big piece to being successful in exercise.

More here:
Yoga, pickleball and more ways to enjoy the outdoors - The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Ask most yoga students what they want to practice during class and chances are theyll tell you hip openers. As with anything we feel overly enthusiastic about, the human tendency is to equate bigger and more dramatic with better. (Yes, were also talking aboutStanley cups.) But thats not accurate when it comes to most of our yoga practice, including hip flexor stretches.

When we continue the fetishization of hip openers, as New Zealand-based yoga teacher and Yoga Medicine podcast co-host Rachel Land refers to them, we overlook other, more subtle, aspects of hip opening. The hip flexors comprise several muscles, including the psoas major and minor, rectus femoris, iliacus, iliocapsularis, and sartorius. Each of these muscles and related tendons cross the front of the hip joint. When they contract, they draw your chest and legs closer to one another. Stretching these muscles means lengthening the muscle, and thats achieved by taking it in the opposite direction.

Each hip flexor stretch you practice is going to land a little differently for each of those muscles. The more different poses you practice, the more likely youll experience significant change in your flexibility.

Land and others who have spent years studying, practicing, and teaching an array of hip flexor stretches consider some of the less theatric hip flexor stretches to be the ones they most appreciate. And when we recently inquired which they consider the most beneficial, many couldnt contain their hip flexor favoritism to any single pose and shared several less common yet essential poses.

As you try to shift your approach to hip opening, consider that no single component of your yoga practice will instantaneously make your life better. If your backbends are getting deeper and your hip opening more dramatic, yet you still have the same arguments with your partner or simply arent that nice to the people you encounter, then you need to readdress the way you engage with your yoga practice, explains London-based teacher Adam Husler in a recent Instagram post. The asana (physical pose) is a vehicle for self inquirywith the side benefit of getting more bendy and strong.

Following are some areas of inquiry for you to explore.

Some of the following hip flexor stretches will be familiar. Others less so. Youll quickly notice which ones feel like theyre exactly what youve been lacking in your life but didnt know it.

Most teachers refer to shapes that invite external hip rotation hip openers, but my go-to hip openers encourage gentle length along the front line of the body, explains Phoenix-based yoga teacher Kimberlee Morrison. She practices High Lunge or Crescent Lunge as an excellent counter movement for the sitting I do during the day.

Although teachers used to cue students to bend the front knee until the thigh is parallel to the mat, whats most important is that you simply feel a stretch without allowing it to become so intense that you to hold your breath. Morrison adds a reach up and over with the arm opposite the bent knee to bring another dimension to the stretch. You can feel the difference.

Another hip flexor stretch Morrison relies on is what she calls Pinwheel Twist and its essentially a moment frozen in time during Windshield Wipers. Youre sitting on the mat, your knees are bent, your feet are on the floor wider than your hips, and your knees go in one direction as your gaze goes the other way.

She appreciates its multitasking ability to stretch not only the hip flexors but also the quadriceps, and the outer hip and glutes. This one is also a little gentler on the low spine than most twists that focus on spinal rotation, since the rotation here is mostly in the hips, as the pelvis stays relatively level, explains Morrison.

People may fight me on considering this a hip opener, but I have to say Dancer Pose, or Standing Bow Pulling Pose as we call it from my lineage, says yoga teacher Kate Herrera Jenkins, founder of Native Strength Revolution and member of the Pueblo of Cochiti in New Mexico.

Although many students find the pose to be an intimidating balancing pose, Herrera Jenkins found it to be an elegant recovery stretch. I suffered a super painful, torn labrum from a trail run fall in August. My injury caused pain to simply stand upright, she explains.

Her approach to coming into Dancer works well for anyone unfamiliar with the balancing pose. Her first step was being able to simply stand Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and slowly regain the stability of the hip flexor and hip joint. Her next focus was on being able to bend her knee and, not long after, grab her foot behind her in the hip flexor stretch runners commonly practice. From there, she was able to press her foot into her hand and bring her upper body forward and down for a beautiful stretch along the hip flexors. You can practice this near a chair or alongside a wall so that the arm opposite your bent knee can reach out for support.

We focus so much on outer and inner hip openers and hamstring stretches that we sometimes forget how influential quad and hip mobility can be on not just our hips but low back, too, says Land.

She favors Half Saddle Pose (Ardha Supta Virasana). The half in the name refers to bending just one leg at a time, rather than the traditional ask to bend both. Unlike in the photo above, you can extend the other leg straight in front of you or bend the knee and place the foot flat on the mat. Land also practices it with the support of a bolster beneath her back.

Once you find the position, theres a subtle but essential movement in this pose thats often overlooked. Land suggests you lengthen your spine, as teachers say. That essentially means reach your sacrum toward your knees, which enhances the stretch in the hip flexors and minimizes compression in the lumbar region. She notes that some people are more comfortable with padding, like a folded blanket, under the front of their ankle.

I love love love a yin pose that I personally call the Lazy Lizard, says Leta LaVigne, yoga teacher and founder of yogaROCKS studios in Finland. Maybe its a species of Half Frog? LaVigne explains that the pose begins with lying on your stomach. Bend one knee and take that leg out to the side at approximately a right angle from your body, with a bend in your knee creating another right angle. Feeling for the stretch along the inner thigh. If you dont feel a stretch, try elevating the knee and shin on a folded blanket, bolster, block, book, you get the idea. You can either rest your upper body on the floor or prop yourself up on your elbows or a bolster.

Theres just something really calming about lying prone and being invited to release your entirety into contact with the earth, says LaVigne. Its like a big sigh for your body.

More than one teacher mentioned their affinity for the stretch thats known in yin yoga as Deer Pose and moonlights as the exercise known as 90/90. The name 90/90 comes from the fact that youre trying to create two right angles with your legs and the shape is essentially a seated cousin to Lazy Lizard Pose.

I love this one because it also lengthens the internal rotators on my back leg, which are notoriously tight from long hours of sitting while I write, says yoga teacher and author Sarah Ezrin. I notice a huge difference in my strides or gait and breathing when I do this consistently.

The name is perhaps the simplest cue for coming into the pose. You basically come to a seated position, shift your weight onto one hip, and then bend both knees approximately 90 degrees, while noting what works best for your body and adjusting accordingly. The thigh of one leg will be approximately parallel to the shin of your other leg. You can remain upright, start to lean forward, bending at the hips, or lean yourself backward and perhaps come onto your forearms, depending on which stretch you prefer.

Several yoga teachers expressed a tendency to linger in a pose thats not exactly a pose but may as well be for all the relief it brings. Its the moments you linger in between Three-Legged Dog in which you extend one straight behind you, bend your knee, and let it fall open behind you in a blissful state of being unconstrained.

Theres a reason you typically see students stay in the stretch for several beats even after the teacher cues the next pose. The stretch reminds us of the truth in the quote from French composer Claude Debussy in which he expressed, Music is the space between the notes. Lets not become so preoccupied with the specific notes that we overlook our unique beat.

Model: Christina Muruato is a yoga teacher and founder of De La Sol Yoga.

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Hip Flexor Stretches That Yoga Teachers Swear By - Yoga Journal

In the latest episode of Shark Tank India 3, pitchers Shreya Bansal and Prateek Kedia who own a yoga mat brand. Prateek talks about how they make non-toxic, eco-friendly and pocket-friendly mats. Their ask is for Rs 60 Lakhs for 2% equity. Ritesh praises them for coming barefoot. Aman then asks Ritesh whether he does yoga, Ritesh said, "A bit, my wife is a Yoga trainer." Namita says, "I regularly do it and it has changed my life." Shreya and Prateek further talk about their lifestyle struggles. Anupam then talks about LuluLemon and how the brand makes a huge difference in athleisure wear. Namita then talks about facing challenges while finding the right yoga pants. Prateek and Shreya share their vision with the company which impresses the Sharks. They say, "We are going slow with our products, once we scale we will introduce apparel and other things." The sharks then saw the products and were quite impressed with their designs, prints for the products and more. After understanding the unit economics, profits, burn and further analysing their business, Aman and Namita give an offer. Namita says, "Two chartered accountants giving an offer to two chartered accountants." Prateek says, "Valuation bhi aapka fair hi hoga I am assuming." The offer is Rs 60 Lakhs for 3% and 2% Royalty till Rs 60 Lakhs are recouped. Anupam then asks what is their plan how they are looking to grow with their brand and what is their vision. Prateek says, "Humein jitni marketing mile utna kam hai. The more we market the sooner our product scales. We are self-taught, and we don't have any mentor to guide us so we would want to learn from you all and understand your secret sauce to success. We had decided that till we don't cross Rs 1cr revenue per month, we won't bring in any external party. So after doing the gross, this is the first time we are talking to any investor formally for funding." Anupam says, "Let me give you an offer, and I don't think you'll need to consider royalty. That happens when your business is extremely profitable. Right now you guys are breakeven and then if you take a little more capital then it won't hurt. It will only help you." His offer is Rs 90 Lakhs for 4%. Namita revises the offer and gives a dream deal at a Rs 30 cr valuation. Anupam again revises and comes down to 3%. Ritesh comes up with a completely new deal revealing that his hotels have yoga studios which would be extremely beneficiary for the pitchers to expand their business in no time. Ritesh is ready to deal with both offers made by Namita and Anupam. Amit further asks a few more questions to the pitchers and Aman taunts, "There is no need for technology here." Amit says, "Jisko samajh mein nahi aati technology woh aise hi bolte hai." Aman says, "I have a good tech brand bros." Amit taunts, "We wonder how, apni boat pe break lagao."

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Read more here:
Shark Tank India 3: Aman Gupta and Amit Jain crossfire taunts over technology while cracking a deal with - The Times of India

TN Lifestyle Desk, Times Now Digital

Feb 19, 2024

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For Todays Quote, we have picked Chapter 17, Verse 3. This verse talks about how a persons faith makes them what they are, and it says, sattvnurp sarvasya hraddh bhavati bhrata hraddh-mayo ya puruho yo yach-chhraddha sa eva sa

The faith of all humans conforms to the nature of their minds. All people possess faith, and whatever the nature of their faith, that is verily what they are.

Where we decide to place our faith and what we choose to believe in practically shapes the direction of our life. Those who develop the conviction that money is of paramount importance in the world spend their entire life accumulating it. Those who believe that fame counts more than anything else dedicate their time and energy chasing political posts and social designations. Those who believe in noble values sacrifice everything to uphold them.

"It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver." Betty White.

Send this Gita Quote to your family and friends on WhatsApp, Facebook and positivity and motivation.

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Morning Messages from Bhagavad Gita about Human Faith Conditioning Them - Times Now

At the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair, visitors are encountering a colorful wall adorned with bright yellow post-it notes, each bearing a handwritten answer to a simple yet profound question: Which book has changed your life?

This imaginative display, located at a Bengaluru-based booksellers stall, has captured the attention of many. From whimsical answers to profound ones, the wall boasts a diverse array of responses, showcasing the impact of literature on peoples lives.

Some visitors have reminisced about their school days, crediting textbooks like the 10th NCERT Maths for being life-changing. Others, in a lighter vein, have simply scribbled Jai Shri Ram, a phrase often associated with devotion and optimism.

At the inauguration ceremony, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had called for a need to nurture a book-loving society, saying books alone will help us define our identity.

Bhim Singh Chauhan, an event manager at Bookchor, said the purpose of this wall is to engage the readers as well as know their thoughts to make better business decisions going forward.

Readers have a memory, say, of which was the first book they read and what changes books have brought to their lives. They write the names of books and share their experiences. We also get an idea about which kind of books are in demand in which city, he told PTI.

A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor is that its inclusive, with responses in both English and Hindi, and a few in Punjabi. This aligns well with the book fairs overarching theme: Bahubhashi Bharat Multilingual India.

Responses range from classical masterpieces such as The Lord of the Rings and Bhagavad Gita to contemporary works like Harry Potter and Fifty Shades of Grey. Autobiographies, motivational books, and rare literary gems also find their place on the wall.

Additionally, theres a playful interaction with famous titles, with some visitors associating Fight Club with personal growth and others cherishing childhood reads like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

For the organizers and participants, this wall is more than a mere spectacle. Its an opportunity to understand readers preferences, their connection with literature, and the role books play in shaping their lives. With over 1,000 publishers showcasing their works, the fair stands as a testament to the enduring love for books in India.

From a practical standpoint, the wall helps the bookseller gather valuable insights into market trends and popular demand. Its also a testament to the communal power of literature, where visitors collective experiences and memories converge in a shared space.

As the fair draws to a close, one cant help but reflect on the profound impact books have on society and individuals. They not only educate and entertain but also inspire, comfort, and connect us in a way few other things can. The wall of post-it notes, though temporary, serves as a lasting reminder of this enduring bond between people and books.

(with PTI inputs)

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Beyond The Lord of the Rings and Bhagavad Gita, Bookchor stealing attention at World Book Fair - The Patriot

Success often seems just out of reach. No matter how hard you work, that next accomplishment feels elusive. What mysterious factor allows some people to translate big dreams into reality? The answer lies within our minds. Mastering your thoughts through discipline is essential for motivation and achieving your goals. This ability to direct thoughts is the something extra that propels people up the ladder of success.

Cultivating thought discipline requires understanding the power thoughts wield over results. From influencing emotions and actions to reshaping neural pathways, thoughts are the control center governing outcomes. Disciplining them takes concentrated effort, but doing so pays enormous dividends. Developing thought mastery enhances focus, perseverance, and decision-making to turn ambitions into tangible successes.

Before detailing how to master thoughts, it is essential to spotlight their underrecognized power. Every result experienced first begins as a thought. The minds operation seems intangible, but it wields immense influence. Unmanaged thoughts manifest in chaotic actions, undermining focus and discipline. Alternatively, controlled thoughts promote behaviors sustaining motivation.

Your thoughts govern how you interpret situations and determine responses. For example, seeing a tight deadline as either paralyzing or energizing dictates different outcomes. Thoughts even influence physiological reactions, like muscle tension and hormone production. Stress from negative thoughts creates bodily responses that inhibit thriving. The mind and body are intrinsically linked; uncontrolled thoughts trigger biological chaos, obstructing success.

Trailblazers throughout history emphasize the role of thought mastery in their achievements. Albert Einstein credited imagination and curiosity in his scientific advancements. Oprah Winfrey maintains her media empire through unrelenting positivity and vision. Olympic athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists underscore the impact of thought discipline on actualization. How you harness the direction of your thoughts profoundly influences outcomes.

Why do some thoughts enhance outcomes while others impede progress? Examining how the brain processes information reveals why thought discipline matters. When you strengthen positive neural pathways through consistent affirmative thoughts, favorable responses become automatic. Alternatively, negative ruminations carve pathways prompting fight-or-flight responses that are counterproductive for thriving.

Repeating optimistic thoughts forms connections between neurons, solidifying constructive pathways. The more you cultivate positive thinking, the faster your brain accesses those circuits. Studies even detected increased cognitive function in people exhibiting high optimism. Thought discipline grows connections, improving brain operations critical for achievement.

Brains exposed to chronic negative input activate fear centers and produce excessive cortisol, diminishing function. Extended pessimistic thoughts impair decision-making, memory consolidation, and literacy aptitude. People exhibiting habitual negative mindsets display measurable cognitive declines and mental health disruptions. Unchecked toxic thinking slows the neurological processing speed necessary for optimal performance.

Managing thoughts requires concerted effort, but research shows change is possible at any age. Adequate mastery depends not on thought suppression but on redirection. The key is recognizing unfavorable rumination and consciously shifting attention to affirmative narratives. Strategies for enhancing thought discipline include mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and environmental control.

Meditation helps increase presence with thoughts rather than reacting automatically. This awareness allows the examination of thought patterns to determine beneficial and harmful narratives. Identifying and processing unhelpful rumination diminishes its disruptive power. Studies confirm meditation physically changes the brain by reducing gray matter density associated with anxiety and negative emotional processing.

Catching negative self-talk and purposefully adjusting it rewrites mental narratives. For example, countering thoughts like Im not smart enough to excel at this job with I have untapped potential to leverage promotes empowerment. Evidence shows cognitive behavioral therapy strengthens positive narratives and elevates confidence and performance. Thought discipline involves consciously disputing disempowering mindsets.

External influences also govern thoughts, making environmental management critical. The people, media, and activities you expose yourself to shape thinking patterns and attitudes. Consider an intervention that restricts access to technology to increase present-moment awareness. Be deliberate regarding information sources to limit negativity funneled into your mind. The inputs allowed into your mental ecosystem determine its output.

Amanda always had big wellness business dreams but struggled consistently in executing her goals. She frequently shifted focus, derailed by self-doubt and perceived constraints like tight finances. Her mind constantly generated thoughts emphasizing obstacles thwarting success.

After another unsuccessful venture, Amanda decided to change her mindset fundamentally. She committed to mindfulness training to grow awareness of negative self-talk patterns undermining progress. Amanda set triggers to pause when destructive thinking began and consciously recentered her mindset on constructive narratives. She visually displayed uplifting mantras in her office, reinforcing positive messaging.

Amandas conscious efforts to override negativity with empowering thoughts built momentum for pushing forward confidently. Redirecting mental focus heightened motivation, sustaining consistency in practicing disciplines supporting her wellness business. As she strengthened her thought discipline, Amanda began experiencing personal accomplishments like securing high-profile media features. Her increasingly affirmed mindset helped her persist through challenges. Within two years, Amanda became a premier wellness entrepreneur featured in magazines and a consultant for Fortune 500 companies. She continues crediting thought mastery as the catalyst for her meteoric rise.

Cultivating thought discipline is no easy feat; it necessitates concerted investment to monitor mental processes and actively redirect wayward thinking. However, those undertaking this essential work unlock unparalleled potential for realizing their visions. It comes down to recognizing destructive narratives dragging you down and building up affirming messaging that lifts your sights to new horizons.

While refining thought mastery requires toil, the payoff makes the effort worthwhile. Harnessing your minds power positions you to accomplish more than imagined possible. You hold supreme authority to author the narrative of your life journey. Seize that control by mastering your thoughts and writing yourself an astonishing story rife with vision Actualized and goals achieved. The only limits are those the mind permits; decide now to amplify your success by disciplining your thinking. It all begins with the simple act of mastering your thoughts.

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Master Your Thoughts: The Key to Success is Discipline (Powerful Motivation) - New Trader U

In 1987, Ferreira told the Globe that through Christianity, I could love for the first time.

In a way, I am as free as I will ever be, he added.

More than 35 years later, however, hes preparing to petition the state to set him free from prison.

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Governor Maura Healey said in October that her office will use new guidelines to grant pardons and commutations that favorably consider petitioners ages if they are over 50, health issues, and exceptional strides in self-development. Advocates have responded by championing lifers with similar backgrounds to Ferreira as ideal candidates for a reduced sentence.

Supporters say this small group of older lifers should be at the top of Healeys list, citing their model behavior as mentors and students and a track record of contributing positively to the community during the old furlough program.

Theres no way some of these men, who are 60, 70, 80 years old, should be in prison, said Wayne Sorel, who spends hours in conversation with inmates each week as part of his work with the prison ministry at the Christian Fellowship Center in New Bedford. Some of these crimes are very heinous, but that doesnt mean character is not built up along the way if they have the proper facilities to [rehabilitate themselves].

While there were only 24 pending applications for commutation as of last month, Massachusetts could see those numbers rise as Healey joins a national tide of governors who are beginning to embrace pardons and commutations for the first time in decades. Nearly 60 percent of the pending applications were submitted by people serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. And close to half of petitions were from people 60 and older, according to the states parole board.

About a third of all 805 people serving life without parole in Massachusetts are Black, according to Department of Correction data from late 2022. Nearly 20 percent are Hispanic, while close to 3 percent are Asian and about 1 percent are Indigenous.

Healey told the Globe her goal in revamping the eligibility requirements for commutations and pardons was to directly address issues of disparities and of systemic race bias in the system.

Weve got a lot of people who are in the system who are incarcerated, who are there because of serious issues with substance use disorder, with mental health, with trauma, she said, pointing specifically to people incarcerated for offenses they committed as young adults. We know through science now, their brain wasnt fully developed.

Youve got people whove been serving their time, who in some instances have gotten themselves further education, who are ready to contribute and want to contribute, whose families want them to contribute, she added. Lets give them that opportunity.

Ferreiras attorney, Tim Foley, said hes hopeful that Ferreiras time spent preaching and mentoring youth while on furlough will give him a better position with the board of pardons, particularly given the new guidelines focus on self-development.

Its just such a long history of being outside in the community, actually helping the community . . . and doing very well, Foley said. Hes done nothing but try to improve himself from where he was when he was first incarcerated.

Foley said he believes that commutation petitions will really pick up steam with Healeys new guidelines and become the norm rather than extraordinary. Foley said he anticipates that the Governors Council, which must approve all requests for commutation, will serve as a check and balance to the new guidelines.

The new guidelines cast a wide net in order to address long-existing inequalities, he said. However, accountability, self-development, and post-offense behavior are still balanced against the facts and circumstances of the crime.

Among the nearly two dozen people whose commutation petitions are currently pending, several acknowledged the role substance use played in their criminal behavior, while others described growing up in homes where violence and incarceration were the norm a pattern that traces the lives of many men and women who themselves are in prison for violent crimes.

Lewis Dickerson, 75, also intends to make another petition to have his life sentence for first-degree murder commuted. When Dickerson went before the Governors Advisory Board of Pardons in 2005, he told Boston Magazine that his father beat him with belts, cords, and fists before dying in a fight, and that he grew up into a young man who was periodically arrested for property crime and experimented with heroin.

His 2005 request for pardon was denied. Nearly two decades later, Dickerson, who killed a young woman during a liquor store robbery in 1975, said in an email that his years spent working outside the prison at several hospitals around the state taught him patience and discipline and matured him.

This exposure and experience, it kept me from becoming involved in the negativity of prison life and has resulted in the healthier, kinder, more generous person that I am today, he told the Globe.

At the State House, Representative Russell Holmes of Boston is the lead lawmaker pushing for the return of furloughs. In addition to filing a bill to restore the program, Holmes said he also continues to lobby Healey directly to bring the initiative back.

Ive met with the governor multiple times, and my number one ask is to begin furloughs again, Holmes previously told the Globe. Im trying my best to get folks [who are incarcerated] connected to their families again, and if I can remove any barrier to that, Im going to do it.

As someone who struggled with substance abuse for years before becoming a Christian, Sorel, the New Bedford prison ministry worker, said he knows what its like to have a bad record, and can relate to the ones . . . who care to be changed. He said any inmate who has worked consistently to grow and mature while in prison has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society upon release, as long as he has a safe place where he can go to continue rehabilitation and where people can watch out for him.

Sorel, who recently started working with Dickerson as part of his prison ministry, described Dickerson as an honorable man whose whole demeanor [is] to do everything good that he could for his community. He said Dickerson reflects often on his time spent outside the prison walls, and sees the new commutation guidelines as a potential pathway home.

The end of the furlough program shot him down and put him in a sad place, Sorel said, but now he has renewed hope.

Matt Stout of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

Ivy Scott can be reached at ivy.scott@globe.com. Follow her @itsivyscott.

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Aging lifers in Mass. look to self-improvement as a pathway to release from prison - The Boston Globe

Lets talk about MASTERY.

I use the word quite often. Mastery is an obsession for me.

My upcoming Masterclass is called,How to Become a World Class Transformational Coach,which means,How to be a Master at what you do.

What does Mastery mean in aVUCAworld? VUCA is a term that meansvolatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Its a good description of the constant and unpredictable change thats now the norm.

What skills do you need to masterin order to navigate a churning ocean, or a hurricane, or our social-political-economic-cultural-environmental war- ground?

Here are my conclusions. Id love to hear yours.

This is the ability to keep your head on straight while others around you are losing theirs. Its the stand you take in the eye of the hurricane, watching the chaos without getting caught up in it or reacting to it. It gives you more options for responding appropriately when difficulties arise. Staying awake means being aware of ALL aspects of yourself physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, energetic, relational, and worldly (as an economic and political citizen in the larger social structure).

It means knowing your needs, wants, and desires, your moods and your intentions, your place and your identity as a complex every-changing force of nature. It means knowing your environment and the humans around you, understanding your philosophy, psychology, and physiology. Its being observant and caring in your relationships, and remaining grounded in the shifting reality of this world.

It means remembering who you are beyond this one short physical life, as an evolving soul, and the true purpose youre here for.

Oscar Wilde said,The only thing I cannot resist is temptation.Today, temptation is everywhere all the time, 24/7/366. There is a constant flow of emails, social media, junk food, reality shows, 500 channels of crap on TV, news feeds and the news itself, and that supercomputer you can slip into your pocket. Our brain-mind is an addiction-based machine. We are easily addicted to substances, ideas, traumas, relationships, pleasures the list is endless.

Mastery is remembering whats important to you, what you value, and which virtues you are actively practicing.* When you use your principles as the foundation of your choices (rather than the latest dopamine syringe), you can stay healthy and happy rather than sick and lonely. This means saying No to the endless parade of temptations. That ability is usually called willpower, but a better way to think about it is virtue-power, value-power, and purpose-power. Youre here on Earth to accomplish something important. Let that purpose be your guide when you choose where to place your attention.

If you decide to climb a great mountain or explore a jungle, you first do a lot of research. You consult with experts, gather the right companions, and make sure you have the maps, tools and equipment you need to make the long journey and deal with unknowns.

Your life is an expedition, and when you take it as seriously as climbing Everest, you can be prepared for whatever happens next. What maps are you using to navigate through your life? What experts are you learning from? Have you developed the strengths and skills you need to get from here to the end of your life? Do you have companions who are mutually committed to everyones well being? Do you have the equipment and tools to deal with the many ways things can go wrong?

TheClear Beliefs Methodis a specialized tool-set for getting through the jungle of life to your destination. In a thick jungle, the tool you use the most is a machete for clearing whatever is in your way at the moment (in the jungle of your belief system). With this one tool, you can then move forward, one step at a time, and get through the entire jungle to your destination.

This may be the most difficult skill to master because it goes against our deepest programming. To our early hominid ancestors,Unknown = Danger. A rustling in the grass could be the wind, or a predator looking for a tasty snack. Our brains want to knowwhat is soandwhat it means, becauseKnown = Safe. This is one of the underlying mechanisms of our belief system. Weconstantlyidentify patterns in our environment and categorize them for survival. This means that the brain would rather have certainty than truth its better to know something that ISNT so than it is to NOT-know, because not-knowing creates the feeling of intense anxiety.

The brain is an efficient predictive machine. A lot of the brains energy is dedicated to remembering the past (especially negative experiences) and predicting or projecting what could happen in the future. This mechanism is fantastic for surviving in an environment where everything known stays pretty much the same. But thats not the environment we live in today.

Our brains and egos were not designed for a VUCA world, where everything changes all the time and information overload is always present. We need to re-design ourselves for this new environment.

To function as a Master in this world requires the ability to sit comfortably in the unknown, alert and awake, without the need toknow for sure.You stay firmly seated in the present moment, responding from your deep knowing of yourself especially when that knowing includes your chosen virtues, values, and divine purpose.

No, it requires a lot of inner work.

Is it important?Absolutely if you have the ambition to create a better future and want to thrive in this rapidly shifting world.

Is it worth the effort?Yes. Ask any Master.

Then ask if they will take you on as an apprentice.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

May you find your way to Mastery and create a great life for yourself, your loved ones, and the generations to come,

With love,

Lion Goodman, PCC

Creator of the Clear Beliefs Method & the Clear Beliefs Coach Training

PS: * Download my free guide to the Virtueshere.

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What You Need to Master to Thrive in This Crazy World - The Good Men Project

As the founder of Hack Spirit, Ive heard a good deal of advice on how to succeed in life. The most common phrase? Work really hard and youll succeed. Thats what everyone seems to believe. But as someone whos written a best-selling book on mindfulness and eastern philosophy, Ive come to realize that sheer hard work isnt the be-all and end-all.

Now, dont get me wrong hard work is important. But theres more to achieving success than just grinding away relentlessly. After countless conversations, research, and personal experiences, Ive found that there are other, often overlooked elements that play crucial roles in our journey to success.

I spent a month testing these less conventional methods letting go of the constant hustle, focusing on self-awareness, mindfulness and prioritizing personal wellbeing. The results were surprising, even to me.

Taking a step back from the societal norm of relentless hard work was not easy. But I was determined to explore a more mindful and holistic approach to success. So, I set out on a month-long journey, focusing on three key elements that often get sidelined in our quest for achievement.

While it was a significant shift from the constant hustle I was used to, these practices brought about a sense of balance and clarity that I hadnt experienced before.

The results of this month-long experiment were nothing short of transformative. Yes, it was initially uncomfortable to step away from the constant grind and hustle. But what unfolded was a renewed sense of purpose and joy that I hadnt felt in years.

Firstly, my self-awareness through journaling helped me identify what truly mattered to me. No longer was I chasing someone elses definition of success, but my own. I discovered strengths and passions that had been overshadowed by the noise of constant work.

Practicing mindfulness brought a profound sense of calm to my days. I learned to appreciate the present moment, which in turn reduced stress and anxiety. It was no longer about rushing to the finish line, but enjoying the journey.

Finally, prioritizing personal wellbeing made me realize that success isnt worth compromising health and happiness. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep and leisure time rejuvenated me. I became more productive, creative and content in my work.

In retrospect, I can see how my old belief that hard work is the sole key to success was skewed. Its now clear that a more balanced approach not only leads to success but also enriches the journey towards it.

Before this journey, I was certain that success equated to long hours, constant hustle, and an unwavering commitment to work. I believed that by pushing myself to the limit, Id reach the pinnacle of success.

But this month-long experiment turned my expectations on their head. Rather than leading to burnout and dissatisfaction, as I had half-expected, this holistic approach brought a renewed sense of fulfillment. The results were not just visible in my work, but also in my personal life and overall wellbeing.

I realized success isnt just about financial gain or professional accolades. Its also about personal growth, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on this now, it seems so obvious. And yet, it took stepping away from the traditional narrative to truly understand it.

Now that weve debunked the popular belief and realigned our expectations with reality, lets delve into the most valuable lesson learned from this journeya lesson that could potentially redefine your perspective on success.

Deciding to step back from the relentless hustle and embrace a more balanced approach to success wasnt easy. It required realigning my views and challenging the societal narrative. But let me tell you, it was worth it.

If youve found yourself caught in the whirlwind of constant work, feeling stressed and unfulfilled, I want to extend an invitation to you. Try stepping back. Cultivate self-awareness, practice mindfulness, and prioritize your wellbeing.

It may feel counterintuitive at first. You might worry about falling behind or not achieving your goals. But remember, real success isnt just about the destinationits also about the journey.

And in this journey, its okay to slow down. Its okay to take care of yourself. Its okay to enjoy the present moment. Because ultimately, success is not just about working hardits about working smart, living well, and enjoying life along the way.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of certain principles that have guided me throughout my life. Principles that, in retrospect, seem so relevant to what weve just been exploring. These include:

Embracing mindfulness: This journey has taught me the value of living in the present moment and appreciating the journey rather than just focusing on the destination.

Prioritizing self-improvement: This experiment was, in essence, a personal growth challenge. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and reassess my understanding of success.

Valuing mental well-being: A key part of this new approach was prioritizing my mental health. I discovered that well-being and success are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined.

Letting go of unnecessary attachments: I had to let go of the societal narrative that equates success with hard work alone. This was not easy, but it was necessary for growth and transformation.

Balance idealism with realism: Its important to aim high but also remain grounded. Success is about finding that sweet spot between aspiration and practicality.

I hope sharing my journey has given you some food for thought. Perhaps it has challenged your own beliefs and expectations about success. Remember, its okay to redefine what success means to you and seek a balance that not only brings professional achievement but also personal fulfillment and happiness.

In truth, this journey of redefining success mirrors a lot of what I discuss in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. Its about embracing a fulfilling life by living with less ego and more purpose. If youre curious to learn more about how Buddhist teachings can guide you towards a fulfilling modern life, you might find it interesting. You can check it out here.

Remember, at the end of the day, success is a personal journey. Its about finding what works for you and aligning your efforts with your values and well-being. So, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What does success mean to you? And how can you approach it in a way that brings not just achievement, but also joy and fulfillment?

In this age of information overload and pressure to meet others expectations, many struggle to connect with their core purpose and values. Its easy to lose your inner compass.

Jeanette Brown created this free values discovery PDF to help clarify your deepest motivations and beliefs. As an experienced life coach and self-improvement teacher, Jeanette guides people through major transitions by realigning them with their principles.

Her uniquely insightful values exercises will illuminate what inspires you, what you stand for, and how you aim to operate. This serves as a refreshing filter to tune out societal noise so you can make choices rooted in what matters most to you.

With your values clearly anchored, youll gain direction, motivation and the compass to navigate decisions from your best self rather than fleeting emotion or outside influences.

Stop drifting without purpose. Rediscover what makes you come alive with Jeanette Browns values clarity guide.

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Everyone said, Work really hard and you'll succeed. They were wrong. Here's what actually works. - Hack Spirit

Working on yourself is a very important thing to do to move ahead in life. It can help you realise the things where you are lacking and need to work as well as your strong points and the qualities that can help you thrive in life. Constantly working towards improving yourself can lead to emotional, and mental growth.

If you are on the journey of self-improvement and awareness, here are some podcasts on Spotify that you must listen to for assistance.

Hosted by Erik Fisher, Beyond The To-Do List is a podcast that talks about the often-shaking work-life balance. If you are having difficulties in balancing your professional and personal lives, this podcast can help you manage it better. Erik Fisher talks about how you can manage your regular tasks better.

Prerna Ke Pankh is a Spotify Podcast in Hindi which shares inspirational stories that can help you gain perspective in life. These are fictional stories that you can relate to and place in your life. The host provides solutions and suggestions through these sores to help you figure out life better.

How To Fail with Elizabeth is a podcast (Spiritual Podcasts To Listen To) show on Spotify hosted by Elizabeth. This is a motivational show which talks about self-love and self-care. In each episode, a new individual comes on board to share their journey and inspire the audience.

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Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is the holiest of all books in the Hindu dharma. This book traces to us numerous things about life. It is also believed that there are all the solutions to all your problems in this Holy book. This podcast on Spotify tells you about various instances from Gita that are beyond inspiring.

The number one podcast show host on Spotify, the Instagram celebrity Jay Shetty hosts this podcast where he inspires people through his words. He is also the author of the best-selling self-help 'Think Like A Monk'. He helps people by helping them gain confidence about themselves to fight the adversities of their lives.

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Listen to these podcasts and help yourself become a better person. If you liked this story, stay tuned to HerZindagi for more!

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5 Podcasts To Listen To On Spotify For Self-Improvement - HerZindagi