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Mantra Repetition Increases Well-Being
Teaching your clients how to begin a mantra practice may offer them a simple tool to relieve stress and anxiety and to improve quality of life. Certain meditation techniques use repetition of a word or phrase, known as a mantra (or mantram), to aid in quieting the mind and restoring calm. Mantra repetition requires no special equipment and can be used anywhere; the practice is done silently, does not disrupt others and costs nothing.
In this high-tech age of modern medicine, could it be possible to treat the leading cause of death in the U.S. through the power of meditation? According to a first-of-its-kind randomized study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, a widely practiced, stress-reducing meditation technique can significantly reduce the severity of congestive heart failure. The study appears in the Winter 2007 issue of Ethnicity & Disease.
by Kelly McGonigal, PhD
This is the second of a three-part sample lesson plan series that will provide both a physical focus to guide your choice of postures, and a practice focus to help students explore an important yoga principle. The intention is to present guidelines for creating a coherent and thoughtful class experience. The suggestions are broad enough to allow you to choose poses that are appropriate for your students.
by Mary Monroe
In Chicago you can reserve a “wellness suite” at the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites, complete with organic cotton bedding, aromatherapy dream sachets and a healthy minibar. If you’re in danger of defaulting on your student loan, you can participate in American Student Assistance’s “wellness” program for repayment. And if your dog’s coat is a little dull, you can get Old Mother Hubbard® Wellness® Pet Food supplements (with broccoli, cauliflower, kelp and garlic?yum yum!).
by D. Milton Stokes, MPH, RD
Staying abreast of emerging nutrition research studies can be a real challenge for busy wellness professionals. Half the battle is making sense of the terms used to describe new scientific findings. One day “genetics” is making headlines, while the next day everyone is talking about the “glycemic index.”
In the last issue of Inner IDEA Body-Mind-Spirit Review, we asked Do you teach a different style of yoga than you personally practice? What is your philosophy on fusing yoga styles? Here’s what you had to say.
by Kerry Silverstone
As body-mind fitness has evolved over the past few years, many creative opportunities have opened up for managers to offer programs designed to soothe members and counteract the stressful effects of their demanding lives. When you create your schedule, think of making your facility a destination resort by offering a variety of multidimensional courses with a broad range of yoga- and Pilates-inspired formats. Ask yourself what types of programs could most help people find balance and lifestyle strategies that would help them meet their needs and desires.
For decades, recovering alcoholics and those who treat them have incorporated spirituality into the recovery process — whether or not it’s religious in nature. But few research studies have documented if and how spirituality changes during recovery, nor how those changes might influence a person’s chance of succeeding in the quest for sobriety.
