What I Believe and Why

The true nature of reality is unknowable

Descartes defined the limits of certain knowledge with 'I think. therefore I am.' Beyond this all is speculation. My entire experience of reality is mediated by the senses, I experience nothing that doesn't enter by these channels, including my study of accumulated knowledge. Perceived reality behaves extremely consistently, suggesting the likelihood that it exists independently of the perceiver, but there is no certainty. I could be a brain (of some kind) in a vat, fed perceptions by something entirely unknowable.

Science postulates a material universe operating in accord with rigid laws could theoretically explain all that exists including consciousness. There is no meaning, everything is essentially the product of blind chance. However, there is an abundance of EVIDENCE from parapsychology, numerous accounts of spontaneous anomalous phenomena (including several experiences of my own) as well as compelling cases in the domains of 'near death experience', reincarnation and spiritualism. But might these be explained by delusion, the law of large numbers (coincidence) or even fraud? There is no definitive answer. (more…)

How to Overcome Anxiety

Anxiety is an irrational and debilitating feeling of fear that may be triggered by specific life events or may occur without apparent reason.

The symptoms of anxiety are wide-ranging, but may include avoidance of previously enjoyable activities (eg social events), poor concentration, rumination (mentally going over things repeatedly), restlessness and poor/disturbed sleep. Physical symptoms may include vertigo/dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dry mouth, shortness of breath, palpitations among others.

In short, for sufferers, anxiety is no less than a living hell. (more…)

6 Yoga Pose Transitions for Beginners

by Bipin Baloni

Summary: Explore the blog to find some of the finest transition poses while practicing Yoga.

Yoga poses are called the heart of Yoga. Poses are an integral part of the ancient discipline, which has been prevalent on the planet since time immemorial. Those who practice Yoga on a regular basis for improvement of their personal health take part in long sessions. Practicing multiple asanas needs a lot of care during changing to the next exercise. The process of transition is as important as the Yoga poses are. Since you are changing the state of your body and mind, corrective measures should be adopted while transitioning into the next pose.

Here are some of the easiest and most astonishing pairs of Yoga transition that you should include in your Yoga practice. (more…)

Why Mindfulness?

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Viktor E. Frankl

Mindfulness, at essence, means being focused on the present. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), defines it as: “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally"

There has, in recent years, been a surge of interest in the practice of mindfulness as being therapeutic for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well a valuable contributor to general wellbeing.

This post considers the origins of mindfulness, its potential benefits, and how it may be incorporated into busy modern life. (more…)

5 Yoga Poses for Confidence and Inner Strength

by Bipin Baloni

Summary: The blog explains the five best Yoga poses for enhancing the inner strength and self confidence of a person.

Self-confidence is one of the most important elements of a person. In every walk of this amazing journey of life, one faces with situations that need to be faced with valor, for which confidence is of immense significance. According to the philosophies of ancient Yoga, inner strength is a crucial element in the path of one’s personal development and for attaining the height of any sort of success in life, self-belief is must to have. Since the beginning of the yogic era, the knowledge of science has been blessing humans with self-confidence and mental power. Practicing the beautiful art of Yoga every day in the morning and evening is one of the finest ways to attain perfection in your life. Have a look at these Yoga poses that are of tremendous importance when it comes to augmenting trust in your abilities. (more…)

Yoga and Heartfulness Meditation to Help You Beat Depression

by Manmohan Singh

Neurologically speaking, depression is an outcome of decrease in two neurotransmitters decisive for a healthy functioning of the mind-body. These are - serotonin and norepinephrine. If the chemical imbalance in your brain gets critical with serotonin and norepinephrine hitting the lows, there is going to be a deep sense of engulfing sadness.

On close examination, there is a variety of biological, psychological, as well as sociological contributing factors in relation to an individual, found interwoven in the onset of depression. Any of these factors can cause or continue the bout of typical behavioral change towards—apathy, hopelessness, mood swings, sleep disorder, or social isolation.

While you cannot make an instant alteration in your external situation to shoo away depression, engineering of your inner self to immunize against these factors is always possible. Meditation and yoga provide an important solution in this very regard revealing clearly how integrally the body and mind are connected, especially in relation to the heart which is situated vulnerably and comes under attack quite easily during emotional stress. (more…)

Rapid, Side-effect Free Ways to Reduce Depression

Yes, There are Rapid, Side-effect Free Ways to Reduce Depression.

By: Dr. Scott Terry​, clinical psychologist​;​ David Shapiro, M.A. Founding President of Alliance for PTSD Recovery​

For Michael Phelps, depression is both a problem that many athletes face and also a personal challenge. Despite being the world’s most decorated swimmer and the Olympian with the most medals of all time, with 28 Olympic medals (23 gold), he has faced depression over and over. (more…)

It's ALL In The Believing

by Cheri L. Neal

Growing flowers from seed is a LOT of work. Not physical work exactly, but more of a discipline. One must care for the seeds, making sure they get water on a regular basis and that weeds don't take over. If you aren't invested in the flowers growing, if you don't believe that they will actually bloom into gorgeous specimens, you are less likely to remember to take care of them. Not believing they will bloom leads to not taking care of them, which leads to them not blooming - a self-fulfilling prophecy. (more…)

Rx against trauma

By William T. Hathaway

We live in traumatic times. The shock waves from wars, terror attacks, and spree shootings reverberate through our society and impact us all. For the direct victims and their family and friends this can be life shattering. Many of them suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that can last for decades unless properly treated. (more…)

Manchester: Now Is the Time to ​Take Action and ​Heal

by David Shapiro

The May 22 bombing in Manchester has left many dead and more wounded. The short and long-term traumatic stress on Ariana Grande Concert participants and their friends and families may also be horrible and extensive. Everything should be done to support their physical and mental healing.

This is the time to do everything possible to reduce the anguish, traumatic stress and anxiety among survivors and their friends and families, both to reduce their suffering and to prevent them from developing post-traumatic stress disorder from the horror of the event.

But what are the symptoms that may lead to post-traumatic stress if left unchecked? (more…)