Meditation Helped Heart Disease Patients Lower Cardiac Disease Risks by 50%

By Science Daily/ (Nov. 17, 2009) — Patients with coronary heart disease who practiced the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation® technique had nearly 50 percent lower rates of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to nonmeditating controls, according to the results of a first-ever study presented during the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando, Fla., on Nov.16, 2009.

The nine-year, randomized control trial followed 201African American men and women, average age 59 years, with narrowing of arteries in their hearts who were randomly assigned to either practice the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation technique or to participate in a control group which received health education classes in traditional risk factors, including dietary modification and exercise.

All participants continued standard medications and other usual medical care.

The study found:
• A 47 percent reduction in the combination of death, heart attacks, and strokes in the participants
• Clinically significant (5 mm Hg average) reduction in blood pressure associated with decrease in clinical events
• Significant reductions in psychological stress in the high-stress subgroup
The trial was sponsored by a $3.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health-National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and was conducted at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in collaboration with the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa.

According to Robert Schneider, M.D., FACC, lead author and director of the Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention, "Previous research on Transcendental Meditation has shown reductions in blood pressure, psychological stress, and other risk factors for heart disease, irrespective of ethnicity. But this is the first controlled clinical trial to show that long-term practice of this particular stress reduction program reduces the incidence of clinical cardiovascular events, that is heart attacks, strokes and mortality."

"This study is an example of the contribution of a lifestyle intervention -- stress management -- to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients," said Theodore Kotchen, M.D., co-author of the study, professor of medicine, and associate dean for clinical research at the Medical College. Other investigators at the Milwaukee site included Drs. Jane Kotchen and Clarence Grim.

Dr. Schneider said that the effect of Transcendental Meditation in the trial was like adding a class of newly discovered medications for the prevention of heart disease. "In this case, the new medications are derived from the body's own internal pharmacy stimulated by the Transcendental Meditation practice," he said.

Fast Facts on Coronary Heart Disease
• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States
• There are nearly 1.5 million heart attacks per year in the US, according to the American Heart Association
• An American will suffer a heart attack every 34 seconds
• Coronary heart disease is also the leading cause of health care costs. More than $475 billion is spent annually on treating CHD, including:
o $100,000 for each coronary bypass surgery
o $50,000 for each angioplasty
o $30,000 for each diagnostic cardiac catheterization
• There are nearly 500,000 coronary artery bypass grafts and 1.3 million angioplasties performed every year
• Stress is thought to contribute to the development of CHD

Adapted from materials provided by Medical College of Wisconsin .

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The Top 10 Steps to a Successful Life

by Lynn A. Robinson

1. Make your intuition your ally.
How does your intuition speak to you? Do you receive information in words, feelings, a body sensation? Do you just know? Ask your intuition questions and pay attention to the answers and act on the information you receive.

2. What are you enthusiastic about?

The root of the word enthusiasm is entheos. It literally means "God Within." Just think, when you feel enthusiastic about your dreams it means that God is speaking through you and saying "yes" to your goals! The feeling of enthusiasm is one of the ways your intuition speaks to you. What makes you excited, happy, delighted? What do you look forward to each day? Do more of it!

3. Be clear about your goals.

We are often quite clear about what we don't want. Spend time thinking about what you do want. What does your ideal life look like? Draw pictures or cut out scenes from magazines that illustrate the life you want to create. Write in your journal, envision. Spend time each day imagining your ideal life. Envision the details of that life. Imagine you are living it now. What are you wearing? What are you feeling? Who are the people around you? The power is within your mind and heart to bring forth the new life you want.

4. Spend time in prayer and meditation.

Answers often come to life's questions through self-reflection. Prayer and meditation are two ways we have of slowing down enough to listen to the still, quiet voice of our Higher Self. Remember that the answers don't always pop into your mind fully formed as you meditate or pray. You may find them slowly evolving into your consciousness over several days or weeks as you ask for insight.

5. Create positive self talk.

Pay attention to what you tell yourself about yourself and your life. If the general tone is hopeful and positive you feel better and are more optimistic. William James said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." It's easier to create a life you love when you give yourself affirmative message.

6. Practice an attitude of gratitude.

Research has shown that the happiest people are the ones who have gratitude for all that they have despite their circumstances. You don't have to postpone happiness until you have achieved all your goals. Joy is an inside job. In the Talmud it says, "In the world to come each of us will be called to account for all the good things God put on this earth which we refused to enjoy." Learn to appreciate the unfolding process of your life, not just the realization of your dreams.

7. Take action.

People often get stuck because they can't figure out how to get from Point A to Point Z. What is one thing you could do that would be a next step? Take a class, talk to a friend, read a book on a topic of interest, learn a new skill. Take action on what feels exciting to you.

8. Look for coincidences and synchronicities.

It has been said that coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous. We often have serendipity occurring in our lives as a way to show us we are on the right path. As you trust your intuitive knowing you'll find these synchronicities occurring more often.

9. Know that there will be ebbs and flows.

We often reach success through a series of ups and downs. When you are in a "down" place and feeling stuck, know that it won't last forever. Find some ways to enjoy your life despite the lull and continue to focus on what you want.

10. Trust in divine order.

Maybe you're beginning to feel as Mother Theresa once did when she said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." The Universe has a perfect plan for your growth and unfolding as a human being. As you learn to be guided by your intuition you're beginning to act on this wisdom from the Universe.

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Eavesdrop on Richard Branson and Dr. Stephen Covey

My friends, Alex Mandossian and Greg Habstritt, are holding an incredible series of training calls starting Wednesday. They will be featuring interviews with not just Richard Branson and Dr. Stephen Covey, but 10 other world experts and authorities!

You’ll hear directly from people like Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos.com, who just sold for over $900 million to Amazon .. it’s obvious that there ARE people doing well even when the media is reporting gloom and doom!

In all, you’ll learn from 12 of the greatest minds in the world today. Best-selling authors, incredible business visionaries, and some of the most insightful experts are going to share their secrets with you. People like Bill Phillips (Body-for-LIFE), Janet Attwood (The Passion Test), Bill Harris (star of ‘The Secret’), Marci Shimoff (Happy For No Reason), and the list goes on!

And if you can’t make the live call each time, you’ll ALSO be able to access the replays of the calls – all at no cost!

You’ll get access to this exclusive program, both the live calls and it won’t cost you anything.

To get all the details, go to this link right now: http://www.engagetoday2009.com/cmd.php?af=1049778

The 9 Timeless Secrets to be Happy

A great video!

Can't We All Just Get Along?

"These very words have gone through my head since I was a little girl.
Hopefully the shift that is taking place is leading us all in that
direction. Thanks for the article." Earthywoman

Can't we all just get along?
August 28, Chicago Infidelity Examiner
Julie Troob
How breathtaking is this sky? And its gorgeous sunset? Look at the perfect simplicity of this humble road! And the beautiful mountains... Why isn't society as peaceful as the rest of nature? What is wrong with our society? What is wrong with our relationships? Why can't we all just get along? What is wrong with us? Here is my basic theory about relationship issues and what we can do about it.

We are all full of fear. We are all trying to survive. We think that the next person is going to pull the rug from under us, or we always perceive that others are treating us wrongly. How can this be? It is true that there are many harsh critics, and much injustice. We all have basic instincts and most of us do not know how to regulate them without reacting from fear.

How do we get rid of the fear? Soul searching, therapy, meditation, experience, eventually, I believe we will rid ourselves of fear, after many more generations. I think we are on an evolutionary path toward morality. It is a slow one, but happening, if we do not kill ourselves before we can reach that place.

We need to forgive and forget. We are going to be wronged. We need to forgive, let it go, and then get close to people who will not do this to us, or give second and third chances when warranted. Letting it go, however, does not mean being walked on, it just means not hurting the other person back. Two wrongs do not make a right. We can more easily forgive by remembering who the enemy is....

IGNORANCE is the enemy, the enemy is IGNORANCE. So, in this case we try to lower ignorance, which creates fear, by teaching morality and things like the Law of Attraction to others. However, many people do not want to listen, or do not care at all. In fact, many people, including me, must reap the effects of our actions karmically in order to learn. In my book, with respect to all beliefs, I feel strongly about the nature of Karma and reincarnation. This makes everything equal.

So, why can't we all get along? Ha. One day we will, my friends. In the meantime, look at your part, work on yourself, as I do as well, and try to remember, it takes ignorance and fear to hurt another. Like so many great heroes have said in so many words, Love your neighbor and live a life of Charity.

Peace,

Julie

How to Turn Wisdom Into Power

August 26, Holistic Wellness Examiner

by Alice Landry

True wisdom is holistically integrated knowledge that has the potential to increase personal power as well as inspire others to use their power for good.

Transforming wisdom into personal and global power includes conscious and purposeful efforts to evolve and contribute meaningfully to the world community.

Those who are self-aware, have an interest in personal growth and development, and desire to be of service to society can use their life experiences and challenges as examples to assist others on their paths.
Wisdom can become power through the following means:

• When your personal strength comes from a source of good and love, not when the intention is abuse of power.
• When you make self-improvements daily.
• When you discover your soul's general and specific life purpose.
• When you help others without expecting anything in return.
• When you express gratitude for all that you already have.
• When you work with synchronicity and the universe to attract and manifest your goals.
• When you stay in the present moment and choose wise thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• When you consistently make healthy decisions.
• When you can appreciate the blessings in disguise and focus on the positive.
• When you continue on your personal quest despite challenges.
• When you can admit when you are wrong and not repeat self-destructive patterns.
• When you realize that you are responsible for the life you create and release a sense of victimhood.
• When you allow a healthy conscience to be your guide.
• When you learn to work smarter not harder.
• When you can combine rational thinking and intuitive wisdom into major life decisions.
• When you can detach from drama and remain calm and compassionate.
• When your mind, body, heart, and soul are balanced and aligned with good.
• When you embrace your individuality and express yourself through creativity and originality.
• When you continue to be a student in this universe/university.
• When you accept that change is the only constant and choose to evolve consciously.
• When you have respect and love for yourself and others.
• When you use what you've learned to educate, enlighten, and present opportunities for growth and development for others.
• When you feel fulfilled and satisfied with who you are and the person you've become.

Maintaining your inner power and transferring that feeling to the world can be refreshing and exciting as you increase self-awareness, network with others on a purposeful journey, and create boundaries for those who drain your energy.

Changing your knowledge into wisdom and your wisdom into power is beneficial and self-empowering. It can indicate a healthy sense of personal worth, confidence, and esteem.

When you are living holistically well and empowered, the experiences and people you attract into your life will also reflect that higher vibration.

Affirmations: I use my personal knowledge to gain wisdom. I change my thoughts, feelings, and actions into what reflects my highest good. My wisdom becomes power when I consistently and consciously evolve and by being of service to others. I use my power for good!

How Self-Aware Are You?

By Alice Landry
August 4, 2:10 PM

Self-awareness is the capability to look deeply into your own mind, body, heart, and soul and discover the underlying beliefs, values, and moral standards that influence the way you think, feel, and behave.

The only constant in life is change, and being able to adapt to the dynamic waves of life is an attribute of self-aware people. Those who resist may continue self-destructive patterns and fail to realize blessings in disguise, lessons they should have learned, or windows to new adventures.
With the desire and intention to increase self-awareness, you present yourself with the opportunity to consciously evolve and improve as an individual.

Review the following ways to become more self-aware:
• Actively listen to those who support and love you
• Develop a conscience
• Forgive yourself and others for past mistakes
• Release the need to control outcomes
• Intend for the highest and best path to unfold before you
• Keep your focus in the here and now
• Live your life from a love/Spirit-centered approach
• Look ahead to understand the potential consequences of your actions
• See the best in everyone, including yourself
• Learn to be more conscious of your thoughts and choose positive ones
• Keep your feelings in check and determine the source of negative emotions
• Avoid thinking in extremes (i.e. all or nothing)
• Release drama and choose peace
• Be responsible and empower yourself by owning your mistakes and achievements
• Be teachable and allow yourself to receive insights and epiphanies
• Know that there is always room for improvement and change is a necessary part of life

Gaining insight into yourself and why you make the choices you make can be scary - like looking in a pool of water and seeing the reflection but knowing there are secrets, fears, and murkiness that lie below.

The benefits of enhanced self-awareness include the ability to make healthier and purposeful choices, to improve the relationships with yourself and loved ones, and to reduce the negative effect of life stressors.

Affirmations: I increase self-awareness every day as I consciously monitor my thoughts, feelings, and actions. I live life from a place of love. I gain insight, learn from my mistakes, and move on. I am teachable and willing to see all sides of a situation. I am responsible for me.