Copyright 2007 Dr. Josie Levine
Do you want to know more about why you think or feel the way you do? Are you curious about how your mind works? Would you like to cultivate a healthy mindset?
No matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs are (if any), developing awareness through skilled practices such as vipassana or mindfulness meditation can help reduce internal states such as ruminations, or obsessive thoughts, persistant uncomfortable feelings or judgements.
A contemplative practice helps quieten the mind, allowing insights, clarity and increased focus to then arise. This can lead to increased self-awareness, and being less emotionally reactive. Ultimately, more accurate perception, judgement and decision-making emerge.
Cutting edge research with brain imaging indicates, among other findings, that areas of the brain associated with intense or reactive emotions like fear or anxiety become inactive, or calm, during meditation, whereas centers responsible for compassion and loving feelings become more active!
Mark Epstein M.D. describes Buddhism in 'Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart' (Broadway Books. New York. 1998.), as "The most psychological of the world's religions, and the most spiritual of the world's psychologies." p.16.
No matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs are (if any), developing awareness through skilled practices such as vipassana or mindfulness meditation can help reduce internal states such as ruminations, or obsessive thoughts, persistant uncomfortable feelings or judgements.
A contemplative practice helps quieten the mind, allowing insights, clarity and increased focus to then arise. This can lead to increased self-awareness, and being less emotionally reactive. Ultimately, more accurate perception, judgement and decision-making emerge.
Cutting edge research with brain imaging indicates, among other findings, that areas of the brain associated with intense or reactive emotions like fear or anxiety become inactive, or calm, during meditation, whereas centers responsible for compassion and loving feelings become more active!
Mark Epstein M.D. describes Buddhism in 'Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart' (Broadway Books. New York. 1998.), as "The most psychological of the world's religions, and the most spiritual of the world's psychologies." p.16.
" Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I'd like to see you in better living conditions".
Hafiz (c. 1320-1389)
