Hello and my sincere apologies ...
Last week was a real blur between Christmas and the wonderful weather (said with both love and sarcasm) the week got away from me and I never got around to posting the remaining Craniosacral informational postings. I will do that this week - so double time it is!
Today my computer also decided that not only would the '9' key not work consistently but also the 'i' and the 'k' keys now are becoming tempermental. So my apologies in advance if spell check and I miss anything until we get the key board on the lap top fixed.
Just one week and the new website goes live ... be sure to check back between now and then as I give more details. Will post more this afternoon.
Until then ... embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
This blog is dedicated to my best friend whom I lost to bone cancer on May 18, 2006 and is the inspiration behind - Therapy in Transition.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas - Craniosacral week!
Good Morning Everyone,
Well in just a few short days Santa will be heading out to deliver his toys so I thought I would take a short trip down Craniosacral lane with you and give you an idea of what it is, how it works, training & education and the benefits of it.
Just like last week we focused on Reiki and received quite a few nice comments regarding them so this week will be just as good.
Side note ... Today is Tucker's 2nd birthday - he is our Rottie/Lab mix pup weighing in at 90lbs. We found out with all the snow that he loves it ... loves the snow which gives me a reason to get out and play in it since my son is too small to enjoy it as of yet.
Craniosacral is a portion of our unique Holistic Life Coaching practice and brings many benefits to not only the embracing of one's inner wisdom but also a physical feeling of well being. I have been receiving Craniosacral Therapy for almost 14 years and have been taking courses as a practitioner for the last two years. My perspective brings both what a client may experience as well as a practitioner's experience during sessions. Very different yet oddly some similarities.
Looking forward to sharing with you. Until next time ... embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Well in just a few short days Santa will be heading out to deliver his toys so I thought I would take a short trip down Craniosacral lane with you and give you an idea of what it is, how it works, training & education and the benefits of it.
Just like last week we focused on Reiki and received quite a few nice comments regarding them so this week will be just as good.
Side note ... Today is Tucker's 2nd birthday - he is our Rottie/Lab mix pup weighing in at 90lbs. We found out with all the snow that he loves it ... loves the snow which gives me a reason to get out and play in it since my son is too small to enjoy it as of yet.
Craniosacral is a portion of our unique Holistic Life Coaching practice and brings many benefits to not only the embracing of one's inner wisdom but also a physical feeling of well being. I have been receiving Craniosacral Therapy for almost 14 years and have been taking courses as a practitioner for the last two years. My perspective brings both what a client may experience as well as a practitioner's experience during sessions. Very different yet oddly some similarities.
Looking forward to sharing with you. Until next time ... embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Labels:
craniosacral,
Karen Kleinwort,
pet therapy,
reiki,
therapy in transition
Friday, December 19, 2008
Reiki ~ Benefits
Good Morning Everyone,
I haven't heard the saying TGIF as much as I have this morning. Here in the NW we are getting hit with an Arctic Blast as the news reporters have dubbed this latest winter storm. Arctic is right with temperatures staying at and below freezing. But it looks like there will be snow for Christmas which is always fun!
Okay, onto today's focus ... the benefits of Reiki. Here at Therapy in Transition we have heard numerous different types of results and outcomes from clients after their sessions. Some of these benefits have lasted hours, days and weeks. As we stated in our post from very early this morning, all of the sessions are unique to each individual and the same individual may have completely different experiences from one session to the next.
Benefits as we have heard them ...
~ increase in energy,
~ increased clarity on life's mission,
~ ability to balance themselves and their surroundings,
~ decrease in stress levels,
~ decrease in physical pain associated with different physical ailments,
~ increase in feelings of peace and acceptance,
~ increase in creative passion
~ increase in stamina
~ improved sleeping habits,
~ increase in ability to 'feel' their body's needs and make better choices surrounding nutritional and exercise decisions, and
~ increase in the feelings of self love.
Any of these benefits resonate with you? Then possibly a Reiki session is just what your inner wisdom is guiding you to embrace.
Hopefully this posting will help give a better understanding how Reiki can support you in your life's mission and journey. Until next time ... embrace your inner wisdom.
Namaste,
Karen
I haven't heard the saying TGIF as much as I have this morning. Here in the NW we are getting hit with an Arctic Blast as the news reporters have dubbed this latest winter storm. Arctic is right with temperatures staying at and below freezing. But it looks like there will be snow for Christmas which is always fun!
Okay, onto today's focus ... the benefits of Reiki. Here at Therapy in Transition we have heard numerous different types of results and outcomes from clients after their sessions. Some of these benefits have lasted hours, days and weeks. As we stated in our post from very early this morning, all of the sessions are unique to each individual and the same individual may have completely different experiences from one session to the next.
Benefits as we have heard them ...
~ increase in energy,
~ increased clarity on life's mission,
~ ability to balance themselves and their surroundings,
~ decrease in stress levels,
~ decrease in physical pain associated with different physical ailments,
~ increase in feelings of peace and acceptance,
~ increase in creative passion
~ increase in stamina
~ improved sleeping habits,
~ increase in ability to 'feel' their body's needs and make better choices surrounding nutritional and exercise decisions, and
~ increase in the feelings of self love.
Any of these benefits resonate with you? Then possibly a Reiki session is just what your inner wisdom is guiding you to embrace.
Hopefully this posting will help give a better understanding how Reiki can support you in your life's mission and journey. Until next time ... embrace your inner wisdom.
Namaste,
Karen
Labels:
benefits,
Karen Kleinwort,
reiki,
therapy in transition
Reiki - So what is a session experience like?
Good Morning,
This is a few hours late, well let's just say almost a day late but definitely not a dollar short :)
I thought this morning I would walk you a through a session so you would have an idea of what to expect when deciding to treat yourself. Remember this is what it would be like if you were having a session with Therapy in Transition/me and please also remember each experience is personal to you. The following is a general outline of what happens and not what you personally will experience emotionally, physically or spiritually.
When choosing a time to come for a session remember to book a time where you know you will not have to do any tasks which entail major mental focusing. Also, I highly recommend to reduce or eliminate if possible caffeine, sugar and increase the intake of your water the day of and before a session.
Prior to arriving the Reiki Practitioner will have already 'cleansed' the treatment room. What does this mean? Well, it basically means they have set the energy of the room back to neutral from any previous clients allowing the room to be energetically available for you to do the work your mental, emotional and physical bodies are wanting to receive.
The sessions will last anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 minutes in length unless you have specified something different. As a client you will remain fully clothed during the session. The practitioner will most likely use a standard massage table covered in cloth with a blanket. Doing this type of energy work some clients tend to run on the chilly side.
There are different hand positions taught through different teachers but all start with working from the head down the body. Some will be guided to have their clients remain on the backs facing up and some will be guided to have their clients turn over part way thru. This is to allow the practitioner to work with the full spectrum of each chakra.
To see the different hand positions you can view our slide presentation by clicking here: hand positions
The work uses a very light touch and in some instances there is no body contact made by the practitioner at all.
When the session is over you will be told to take your time getting up and when leaving you hopefully will be told to continue to increase your water intake. The healing that has occurred requires the use of extra fluids to rid the body of toxins from your system.
I hope you find this helpful. Tomorrow ... or I should say later today we'll focus on the benefits some of our Reiki clients have reported.
Until then ... embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
This is a few hours late, well let's just say almost a day late but definitely not a dollar short :)
I thought this morning I would walk you a through a session so you would have an idea of what to expect when deciding to treat yourself. Remember this is what it would be like if you were having a session with Therapy in Transition/me and please also remember each experience is personal to you. The following is a general outline of what happens and not what you personally will experience emotionally, physically or spiritually.
When choosing a time to come for a session remember to book a time where you know you will not have to do any tasks which entail major mental focusing. Also, I highly recommend to reduce or eliminate if possible caffeine, sugar and increase the intake of your water the day of and before a session.
Prior to arriving the Reiki Practitioner will have already 'cleansed' the treatment room. What does this mean? Well, it basically means they have set the energy of the room back to neutral from any previous clients allowing the room to be energetically available for you to do the work your mental, emotional and physical bodies are wanting to receive.
The sessions will last anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 minutes in length unless you have specified something different. As a client you will remain fully clothed during the session. The practitioner will most likely use a standard massage table covered in cloth with a blanket. Doing this type of energy work some clients tend to run on the chilly side.
There are different hand positions taught through different teachers but all start with working from the head down the body. Some will be guided to have their clients remain on the backs facing up and some will be guided to have their clients turn over part way thru. This is to allow the practitioner to work with the full spectrum of each chakra.
To see the different hand positions you can view our slide presentation by clicking here: hand positions
The work uses a very light touch and in some instances there is no body contact made by the practitioner at all.
When the session is over you will be told to take your time getting up and when leaving you hopefully will be told to continue to increase your water intake. The healing that has occurred requires the use of extra fluids to rid the body of toxins from your system.
I hope you find this helpful. Tomorrow ... or I should say later today we'll focus on the benefits some of our Reiki clients have reported.
Until then ... embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Labels:
Karen Kleinwort,
reiki,
therapy in transition
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Reiki - Training and Education
Good Morning,
Thanks for making us part of your morning. I wanted to focus a today on the training of Reiki Practitioners which hopefully will enable you even if Reiki is not new to you to understand what the education and training of a Reiki Practitioner.
There are three levels of practitioner training; these are:
Level 1 ~ First Degree or Shoden: First degree teaches you how to heal yourself, creating balance between your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. At this level an individual is not truly a practitioner but is definitely in a place of self learning and self healing. My Reiki Master Teacher believes from Level 1 we are ready to work on others but we need to be sure we have a routine in life which incorporates Reiki into it daily and as we become more confident with hand positions etc our soul will be guided as to when is the right time to begin sharing this gift with others. There are a few Reiki Master Teachers which offer Level 1 and Level 2 together.
Level 2 ~ Second Degree or Okedun: Completion of the Second degree an individual is considered to be a Reiki Practitioner. It is at this level a practitioner learns Distance/Time-altered Healing.
Level 3 ~ Third Degree or Shinpiden: The third degree is for Reiki Practitioners who, having completed the second degree, wish to become Reiki Masters and Teachers. In most situations individuals wishing to move forward in their training wait at least 12 months prior to taking Third Degree. The reason for this is to allow ample time for Reiki Practitioners to embody the healing as part of their ongoing life's journey.
There are many places, organizations and individuals who offer Reiki training. The best advice when choosing to work with a Reiki practitioner or when choosing to embrace the knowledge of Reiki is to follow your heart. It will truly guide you to the right practitioner and/or training facility that is right for you at this time in your life.
Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Thanks for making us part of your morning. I wanted to focus a today on the training of Reiki Practitioners which hopefully will enable you even if Reiki is not new to you to understand what the education and training of a Reiki Practitioner.
There are three levels of practitioner training; these are:
Level 1 ~ First Degree or Shoden: First degree teaches you how to heal yourself, creating balance between your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. At this level an individual is not truly a practitioner but is definitely in a place of self learning and self healing. My Reiki Master Teacher believes from Level 1 we are ready to work on others but we need to be sure we have a routine in life which incorporates Reiki into it daily and as we become more confident with hand positions etc our soul will be guided as to when is the right time to begin sharing this gift with others. There are a few Reiki Master Teachers which offer Level 1 and Level 2 together.
Level 2 ~ Second Degree or Okedun: Completion of the Second degree an individual is considered to be a Reiki Practitioner. It is at this level a practitioner learns Distance/Time-altered Healing.
Level 3 ~ Third Degree or Shinpiden: The third degree is for Reiki Practitioners who, having completed the second degree, wish to become Reiki Masters and Teachers. In most situations individuals wishing to move forward in their training wait at least 12 months prior to taking Third Degree. The reason for this is to allow ample time for Reiki Practitioners to embody the healing as part of their ongoing life's journey.
There are many places, organizations and individuals who offer Reiki training. The best advice when choosing to work with a Reiki practitioner or when choosing to embrace the knowledge of Reiki is to follow your heart. It will truly guide you to the right practitioner and/or training facility that is right for you at this time in your life.
Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reiki ~ a little history lesson
Hi Everyone,
I thought a good place to start on this theme today is to go over the history of Reiki. The link from the title is a slide presentation which is also found on our website. When we launch the new site this presentation will also be updated.
Reiki was originally founded by Mikao Usui who lived from 1865 until 1926. Mr. Usui was a lifelong practitioner of Tendai Buddhism. He was a dedicated spiritual aspirant and through his spiritual journey he formulated the roots of what has come to be called Reiki in early 20th century Japan.

Mr. Usui was trained in a monastery as a young boy and began practicing martial arts from the age of 12. Mr. Usui achieved mastery in several disciplines and referred to himself as the founder of Reiki.
The following are a few other websites which go over the history of Reiki and as one indicates there is not definite record or documentation of the history but if we read enough we are able to glean the basic ideaology and philisophy of Reiki from these pages:
http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/HistoryOfReiki.html
http://www.reiki.nu/history/history.html
Enjoy and until next time, embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
I thought a good place to start on this theme today is to go over the history of Reiki. The link from the title is a slide presentation which is also found on our website. When we launch the new site this presentation will also be updated.
Reiki was originally founded by Mikao Usui who lived from 1865 until 1926. Mr. Usui was a lifelong practitioner of Tendai Buddhism. He was a dedicated spiritual aspirant and through his spiritual journey he formulated the roots of what has come to be called Reiki in early 20th century Japan.

Mr. Usui was trained in a monastery as a young boy and began practicing martial arts from the age of 12. Mr. Usui achieved mastery in several disciplines and referred to himself as the founder of Reiki.
The following are a few other websites which go over the history of Reiki and as one indicates there is not definite record or documentation of the history but if we read enough we are able to glean the basic ideaology and philisophy of Reiki from these pages:
http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/HistoryOfReiki.html
http://www.reiki.nu/history/history.html
Enjoy and until next time, embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Labels:
Karen Kleinwort,
reiki,
therapy in transition
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas is approaching ... a little to quickly I think
I can hardly believe it is the 15th of December already and Christmas is just 10 days away. I think I am done Christmas shopping; I say I think because until the morning I am never really sure if I am complete or not.
Today was a snow day here in Wilsonville. We got dumped with a whopping 2 inches of snow last night but the roads are covered in ice and the ODOT required chains on the major roadways on all vehicles. I thought about heading to Target to purchase a few last minutes items like lights for our tree and an anniversary card for my husband tomorrow but thought better about it and decided I'll wait until he comes home from work and we will all go together.
I have been thinking of a 'theme' for this week's focus of blog postings and I believe a little energy work would be perfect. For the next four days I will post information regarding Reiki. What it is, how it works, the benefits and a little bit of history. I had posted information regarding Reiki on July 22 but feel with the winter solstice fast approaching it would be great timing.
Until tomorrow ... have an amazing day, enjoy the snow and embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Today was a snow day here in Wilsonville. We got dumped with a whopping 2 inches of snow last night but the roads are covered in ice and the ODOT required chains on the major roadways on all vehicles. I thought about heading to Target to purchase a few last minutes items like lights for our tree and an anniversary card for my husband tomorrow but thought better about it and decided I'll wait until he comes home from work and we will all go together.
I have been thinking of a 'theme' for this week's focus of blog postings and I believe a little energy work would be perfect. For the next four days I will post information regarding Reiki. What it is, how it works, the benefits and a little bit of history. I had posted information regarding Reiki on July 22 but feel with the winter solstice fast approaching it would be great timing.
Until tomorrow ... have an amazing day, enjoy the snow and embrace your inner wisdom!
Namaste,
Karen
Labels:
holistic,
Karen Kleinwort,
life coaching,
reiki,
therapy in transition
Friday, December 12, 2008
What happens in the end? Dealth is definitely difficult!
Another week is coming quickly to a close and I thought it would be appropriate to find an article that discusses a harder topic when it comes to our beloved furry friends. Death is not an easy subject whether it be our own passing, a relatives, or our four-legged buddies. Which is why the following article is something important to read and to begin to consider. My husband and I are working on updating our wills and this never even crossed our minds until I came across this article. I definitely got a lot to think about from it and hopefully you will too. Have an amazing weekend and we'll see you next week. Enjoy!
What Happens to Tiger if You Die?
By Colleen Patrick
Introduction:
Colleen is a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter, and has been involved in animal care for more than 20 years, including taking care of a farm and all its animals while the owners were away for several months. She also is the creator of Peaceable Pets, a petcalming tape/CD in which she actually talks to the animals in a calm, soothing voice.
The Older Ones are Heartbreaking
One of the real heartbreakers I experience as a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter is seeing older pets, cats and dogs, ten years and more, whose owners have died - usually unexpectedly. The older cats with whom I work who are suddenly without their attached humans become despondent and in some cases stop eating and drinking water because they are so sad, disoriented and of course miserable in the frightening environment of a shelter. Whenever we have such bereft cats in cages, we check them for dehydration regularly so they can be treated medically or put in a foster home if they become too depressed.
Never Enough Homes
Some wonderful people come in looking for older animals to whom they can give comfort and love for the remaining years they have left. But there are not enough of those kind folks, unfortunately. I always wish these cat owners had made arrangements for their cherished pets when they had the opportunity. It would prevent the suffering an animal endures in shelter situations. Worse, Seattle has a no kill police for healthy pets, but most shelters do not. They only keep animals for a certain period of time before they're put down.
Covering the Bases
I have made arrangements in my will for my pets, so they don't end up in a shelter if anything should happen to me - and I'm in the best of health! Each of my pets goes to an individual whom I know and trust will care for the dog or cat properly.
Although it would be ideal to have all three animals go to the same home, that would be a difficult situation to find realistically. Further, each pet is so fraught with individual idiosyncrasies that he or she will need a specific type of care or attention.
I've actually "trained" one person how to care for my 3 year-old Pomeranian, Oscar, so he will be treated in a way best suited for him. Being a rescued dog, his attitudes and aptitudes are different from a dog like my other one year-old Pomeranian, Missy, who has been hand raised before coming into my life. They can both be very well behaved, but need to be approached differently.
Likewise, my 13 year-old cat Cagney was brutalized as a young kitten (children set off firecrackers next to the mother cat while her kittens' eyes were still closed, for example), so it has taken virtually years to get her socialized to be an affectionate, loving cat who adores being held and petted now. So approaching her requires some knowledge - of her personality, problems and methods of continuing her sense of security.
I hope you will make some arrangements for your cats, no matter your age, no matter their age, so they don't end up alone, shuddering in a scary shelter, if something unexpected should happen to you.
Likewise, if you know you will be gone for a very long period of time - for reasons ranging from jail to business to extensive traveling - that you will make sure your pets will be provided for with a new home and some money for their ongoing care.
There is the mistaken notion about cats being able to easily cope with being left alone because they are normally not high maintenance animals. But as you know, they become very attached to their caretakers and revel in the affection they come to rely upon for their security and happiness. Believe me, if you saw these shelter refugees, you would make sure your cat has a good home waiting for him or her in the unlikely event you were unexpectedly taken out of the picture.
Put Together a "Care Kit"
In addition to making sure your cat is provided for in your will, specifically stating who should care for him or her, you might want to prepare a complete "How to care for my cat" kit. This would include things like:
• Inoculation records
• Recurring medical conditions
• Medications to be taken regularly
• Spay/neuter certificate
• Favorite food, amounts
• Whether or not the pet can eat table scraps
• Favorite type of petting, hugging or cuddling
• Fears that spark aggressive behavior
• How to calm your cat if s/he becomes frightened or aggressive
• A day schedule - what time s/he gets up, all activities during the day, and bed time.
• Where they sleep - in a crate, on the bed, on the floor, on a pillow
• Do they travel well in cars
• Do they walk well on a leash
• Special activities - like Cagney and I love to play "fish" with a stick, shoe lace and cork at the end. Even at 13, she loves to chase the cork.
• A scarf or handkerchief with your smell on it that the cat can sleep with after you are gone.
• Photographs from the cat's past. I think this helps a bonding process with the new caretaker.
Of course, the hope is that you never have to use this. But in the event you do, you know your cats will be properly cared for, and that can give you peace of mind whether you're among the living or if you unexpectedly become their guardian angel.
What Happens to Tiger if You Die?
By Colleen Patrick
Introduction:
Colleen is a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter, and has been involved in animal care for more than 20 years, including taking care of a farm and all its animals while the owners were away for several months. She also is the creator of Peaceable Pets, a petcalming tape/CD in which she actually talks to the animals in a calm, soothing voice.
The Older Ones are Heartbreaking
One of the real heartbreakers I experience as a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter is seeing older pets, cats and dogs, ten years and more, whose owners have died - usually unexpectedly. The older cats with whom I work who are suddenly without their attached humans become despondent and in some cases stop eating and drinking water because they are so sad, disoriented and of course miserable in the frightening environment of a shelter. Whenever we have such bereft cats in cages, we check them for dehydration regularly so they can be treated medically or put in a foster home if they become too depressed.
Never Enough Homes
Some wonderful people come in looking for older animals to whom they can give comfort and love for the remaining years they have left. But there are not enough of those kind folks, unfortunately. I always wish these cat owners had made arrangements for their cherished pets when they had the opportunity. It would prevent the suffering an animal endures in shelter situations. Worse, Seattle has a no kill police for healthy pets, but most shelters do not. They only keep animals for a certain period of time before they're put down.
Covering the Bases
I have made arrangements in my will for my pets, so they don't end up in a shelter if anything should happen to me - and I'm in the best of health! Each of my pets goes to an individual whom I know and trust will care for the dog or cat properly.
Although it would be ideal to have all three animals go to the same home, that would be a difficult situation to find realistically. Further, each pet is so fraught with individual idiosyncrasies that he or she will need a specific type of care or attention.
I've actually "trained" one person how to care for my 3 year-old Pomeranian, Oscar, so he will be treated in a way best suited for him. Being a rescued dog, his attitudes and aptitudes are different from a dog like my other one year-old Pomeranian, Missy, who has been hand raised before coming into my life. They can both be very well behaved, but need to be approached differently.
Likewise, my 13 year-old cat Cagney was brutalized as a young kitten (children set off firecrackers next to the mother cat while her kittens' eyes were still closed, for example), so it has taken virtually years to get her socialized to be an affectionate, loving cat who adores being held and petted now. So approaching her requires some knowledge - of her personality, problems and methods of continuing her sense of security.
I hope you will make some arrangements for your cats, no matter your age, no matter their age, so they don't end up alone, shuddering in a scary shelter, if something unexpected should happen to you.
Likewise, if you know you will be gone for a very long period of time - for reasons ranging from jail to business to extensive traveling - that you will make sure your pets will be provided for with a new home and some money for their ongoing care.
There is the mistaken notion about cats being able to easily cope with being left alone because they are normally not high maintenance animals. But as you know, they become very attached to their caretakers and revel in the affection they come to rely upon for their security and happiness. Believe me, if you saw these shelter refugees, you would make sure your cat has a good home waiting for him or her in the unlikely event you were unexpectedly taken out of the picture.
Put Together a "Care Kit"
In addition to making sure your cat is provided for in your will, specifically stating who should care for him or her, you might want to prepare a complete "How to care for my cat" kit. This would include things like:
• Inoculation records
• Recurring medical conditions
• Medications to be taken regularly
• Spay/neuter certificate
• Favorite food, amounts
• Whether or not the pet can eat table scraps
• Favorite type of petting, hugging or cuddling
• Fears that spark aggressive behavior
• How to calm your cat if s/he becomes frightened or aggressive
• A day schedule - what time s/he gets up, all activities during the day, and bed time.
• Where they sleep - in a crate, on the bed, on the floor, on a pillow
• Do they travel well in cars
• Do they walk well on a leash
• Special activities - like Cagney and I love to play "fish" with a stick, shoe lace and cork at the end. Even at 13, she loves to chase the cork.
• A scarf or handkerchief with your smell on it that the cat can sleep with after you are gone.
• Photographs from the cat's past. I think this helps a bonding process with the new caretaker.
Of course, the hope is that you never have to use this. But in the event you do, you know your cats will be properly cared for, and that can give you peace of mind whether you're among the living or if you unexpectedly become their guardian angel.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Pet Therapy Calms the Heart
I found the following article really interesting and very applicable in my own life. I know when I seem to get stressed about something and it feels more serious than the usual little life stresses I automatically spend more time interacting with my dogs. I spend much more time snuggling and hugging them which of course they can't seem to get enough of anyways so it really works out for all involved. Enjoy!
Pet Therapy Calms the Heart
Source: About.com
Friday November 18, 2005
Visits by a human and a dog decreased anxiety 24% in critically ill heart patients. Anxiety fell 10% when visited a human alone. The difference could save lives.
The study is billed as the first controlled study of the effects of pet therapy in a random sample of patients hospitalized with heart failure. Researchers also found changes in several physical measures. One example: levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped 17 percent when visited by a person and a dog, and only 2 percent when visited by a person alone. Epinephrine is also known as adrenalin.
This study joins others that demonstrate that pets are good for our mental health as well as our physical health.
Study Identifies Heart Patient's Best Friend
By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN
Published: November 16, 2005
Source: NY Times
DALLAS, Nov. 15 - For people hospitalized with advanced heart disease, it is better to have visitors than to lie quietly alone. But one type of visitor seems to be especially beneficial, researchers reported on Tuesday. That visitor is a dog.
In the first controlled study of the effects of pet therapy in a random sample of acute and critically ill heart patients, anxiety as measured on a standard rating scale dropped 24 percent for those visited by a dog and a human volunteer, by 10 percent for those visited by a volunteer alone and not at all for those with no visitors. Similar results were found in measures of heart and lung function.
In a separate study reported here on Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association, German scientists found that riding roller coasters may set off dangerously abnormal heart rhythms in people with heart disease.
The senior author of the pet therapy study, Kathie M. Cole, a nurse at the University of California, Los Angeles, said 76 patients with heart failure, a condition that affects an estimated five million Americans, were randomly assigned one of the three visit types. The dogs, from 12 breeds, were screened for behavior and disease before participating in the study.
Some patients in the first group, Ms. Cole said, "began to smile and immediately engaged in conversation with dog and volunteer." Their worries seemed to vanish from their faces, she said.
The researchers examined the patients three times: right before the 12-minute visit, eight minutes into it and four minutes after it was over.
Besides the anxiety measurement, researchers found, patients' levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped 17 percent when visited by a person and a dog, and 2 percent when visited by only a person. Epinephrine levels rose an average of 7 percent in the unvisited group in the study, which was financed by the Pet Care Trust Foundation, a nonprofit group.
Pressure in the heart's top left chamber dropped 10 percent after a visit by volunteer and dog. The same pressure rose 3 percent for those visited by a volunteer and 5 percent for the unvisited group. Pressure in the pulmonary artery dropped 5 percent during and after a visit by volunteer and dog, but rose in the other two groups.
Ms. Cole recommended further studies to determine how long the benefits lasted.
"Dogs are a great comfort," she said. "They make people happier, calmer and feel more loved. That is huge when you are scared and not feeling well."
The roller coaster study, conducted in Hassloch, Germany, involved 55 adults and Expedition GeForce, a 120-second ride that starts with a 203-foot ascent followed by a free fall. The coaster has changes in gravity of six G's in four seconds, and a maximum speed of 75 miles an hour.
The author, Dr. Jürgen Kuschyk, a cardiologist at the University of Mannheim, found that one participant's heart rate reached 200 beats a minute, which could cause dangerous rhythm abnormalities.
All participants were screened for heart disease before the experiment, and their heart rates were monitored throughout the ride. Heart rates appeared to rise more from psychological stress and fear at the beginning of the ride, rather than from the increased G force, Dr. Kuschyk said. After the ride, about half the participants had abnormal heartbeats even though their heart rates had returned to a normal range.
Dr. Kuschyk, whose main research field is sudden death, said his interest in roller coasters began when a journalist asked about their dangers on the heart. When he searched databases, he found no studies in scientific journals. His concerns rose as he learned that more roller coasters were being built in many countries to be taller and faster.
One potential danger is a coaster's magnetic brakes, which can interfere with the function of pacemakers and defibrillators, Dr. Kuschyk said. He said he knew of one heart-related roller coaster death, a man in Germany who was initially resuscitated but died three days later.
"Individuals who have suffered a heart attack, have heart disease or irregular heart rhythms should not ride a roller coaster," Dr. Kuschyk said in an interview. "For healthy people, I don't see any problem."
On Tuesday, the medical examiner's office in Orange County, Fla., attributed the death of a 4-year-old boy to an abnormal rhythm from a congenital heart condition after he went on a rocket-ship ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, The Associated Press reported.
The boy, Daudi I. Bamuwamye, of Sellersville, Fla., died in June after riding Mission: Space, which spins riders in a giant centrifuge and subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity.
Pet Therapy Calms the Heart
Source: About.com
Friday November 18, 2005
Visits by a human and a dog decreased anxiety 24% in critically ill heart patients. Anxiety fell 10% when visited a human alone. The difference could save lives.
The study is billed as the first controlled study of the effects of pet therapy in a random sample of patients hospitalized with heart failure. Researchers also found changes in several physical measures. One example: levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped 17 percent when visited by a person and a dog, and only 2 percent when visited by a person alone. Epinephrine is also known as adrenalin.
This study joins others that demonstrate that pets are good for our mental health as well as our physical health.
Study Identifies Heart Patient's Best Friend
By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN
Published: November 16, 2005
Source: NY Times
DALLAS, Nov. 15 - For people hospitalized with advanced heart disease, it is better to have visitors than to lie quietly alone. But one type of visitor seems to be especially beneficial, researchers reported on Tuesday. That visitor is a dog.
In the first controlled study of the effects of pet therapy in a random sample of acute and critically ill heart patients, anxiety as measured on a standard rating scale dropped 24 percent for those visited by a dog and a human volunteer, by 10 percent for those visited by a volunteer alone and not at all for those with no visitors. Similar results were found in measures of heart and lung function.
In a separate study reported here on Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association, German scientists found that riding roller coasters may set off dangerously abnormal heart rhythms in people with heart disease.
The senior author of the pet therapy study, Kathie M. Cole, a nurse at the University of California, Los Angeles, said 76 patients with heart failure, a condition that affects an estimated five million Americans, were randomly assigned one of the three visit types. The dogs, from 12 breeds, were screened for behavior and disease before participating in the study.
Some patients in the first group, Ms. Cole said, "began to smile and immediately engaged in conversation with dog and volunteer." Their worries seemed to vanish from their faces, she said.
The researchers examined the patients three times: right before the 12-minute visit, eight minutes into it and four minutes after it was over.
Besides the anxiety measurement, researchers found, patients' levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped 17 percent when visited by a person and a dog, and 2 percent when visited by only a person. Epinephrine levels rose an average of 7 percent in the unvisited group in the study, which was financed by the Pet Care Trust Foundation, a nonprofit group.
Pressure in the heart's top left chamber dropped 10 percent after a visit by volunteer and dog. The same pressure rose 3 percent for those visited by a volunteer and 5 percent for the unvisited group. Pressure in the pulmonary artery dropped 5 percent during and after a visit by volunteer and dog, but rose in the other two groups.
Ms. Cole recommended further studies to determine how long the benefits lasted.
"Dogs are a great comfort," she said. "They make people happier, calmer and feel more loved. That is huge when you are scared and not feeling well."
The roller coaster study, conducted in Hassloch, Germany, involved 55 adults and Expedition GeForce, a 120-second ride that starts with a 203-foot ascent followed by a free fall. The coaster has changes in gravity of six G's in four seconds, and a maximum speed of 75 miles an hour.
The author, Dr. Jürgen Kuschyk, a cardiologist at the University of Mannheim, found that one participant's heart rate reached 200 beats a minute, which could cause dangerous rhythm abnormalities.
All participants were screened for heart disease before the experiment, and their heart rates were monitored throughout the ride. Heart rates appeared to rise more from psychological stress and fear at the beginning of the ride, rather than from the increased G force, Dr. Kuschyk said. After the ride, about half the participants had abnormal heartbeats even though their heart rates had returned to a normal range.
Dr. Kuschyk, whose main research field is sudden death, said his interest in roller coasters began when a journalist asked about their dangers on the heart. When he searched databases, he found no studies in scientific journals. His concerns rose as he learned that more roller coasters were being built in many countries to be taller and faster.
One potential danger is a coaster's magnetic brakes, which can interfere with the function of pacemakers and defibrillators, Dr. Kuschyk said. He said he knew of one heart-related roller coaster death, a man in Germany who was initially resuscitated but died three days later.
"Individuals who have suffered a heart attack, have heart disease or irregular heart rhythms should not ride a roller coaster," Dr. Kuschyk said in an interview. "For healthy people, I don't see any problem."
On Tuesday, the medical examiner's office in Orange County, Fla., attributed the death of a 4-year-old boy to an abnormal rhythm from a congenital heart condition after he went on a rocket-ship ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, The Associated Press reported.
The boy, Daudi I. Bamuwamye, of Sellersville, Fla., died in June after riding Mission: Space, which spins riders in a giant centrifuge and subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity.
Labels:
Karen Kleinwort,
pet therapy,
therapy in transition
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Healing Power of Pets ~ Pet Therapy
Krista Mifflin writes another great article on the healing power of our pets and outlines some of the positive impacts they have in our lives and our physical well-being. Enjoy!
The Healing Power of Pets ~ Pet Therapy
by Krista Mifflin
Source: About.com
Gaining recognition as a successful therapuetic program, Pet Therapy animals and handlers have been welcomed into hospitals and long-term care facilities all across North America. Health studies have shown how having a well-loved pet can lower a person's blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, but what can they do for long-term patients?
• The soft touch of an animal can bring joy to a person who's lost a beloved pet. People in long-term care facilities have often gone a long time without a gentle touch.
• Animals are non-judgmental, forgiving of mistakes and offer unconditional love where a human being may not.
• Animals offer entertainment, a willing ear, and tend to increase social interaction.
• A patient who is in pain or can not speak will not feel pressured to interact with an animal.
• Animals accept the patient for what he or she is, and will not stare or ask awkward questions regarding any disabilities.
• Having an animal present can often focus a patient on itself rather than the patient's current infirmity.
• Pets help people to relax, thus lowering blood pressure.
Animal Assisted Therapy is a great way to become more active in your community as well as bringing joy to dozens of other people.
The Healing Power of Pets ~ Pet Therapy
by Krista Mifflin
Source: About.com
Gaining recognition as a successful therapuetic program, Pet Therapy animals and handlers have been welcomed into hospitals and long-term care facilities all across North America. Health studies have shown how having a well-loved pet can lower a person's blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, but what can they do for long-term patients?
• The soft touch of an animal can bring joy to a person who's lost a beloved pet. People in long-term care facilities have often gone a long time without a gentle touch.
• Animals are non-judgmental, forgiving of mistakes and offer unconditional love where a human being may not.
• Animals offer entertainment, a willing ear, and tend to increase social interaction.
• A patient who is in pain or can not speak will not feel pressured to interact with an animal.
• Animals accept the patient for what he or she is, and will not stare or ask awkward questions regarding any disabilities.
• Having an animal present can often focus a patient on itself rather than the patient's current infirmity.
• Pets help people to relax, thus lowering blood pressure.
Animal Assisted Therapy is a great way to become more active in your community as well as bringing joy to dozens of other people.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Human-Animal Bond ~ How Pets Help Us
The following is another article I found which give a bit of a description on how pets, of all sorts, can help us bi-peds. Enjoy!
The Human-Animal Bond ~ How Pets Help Us
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Source: About.com
We love our pets. That is why we have them, right? Did you know that there are actual health benefits for people living with pets? Studies have shown real health benefits - lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and better mental health for those living with pets.
Pets require our attention. Going for a walk, dropping everything for a game of Frisbee or hide and seek, going on a trail ride, and providing the everyday pet care encourage owners interact and to get out. We benefit from the exercise and fresh air that we may not seek out on our own. This does wonders for our health and emotions.
In addition to being a major health benefit just for being a pet, pets also actively help and assist humans in many ways. Below are just some of the ways that pets are formally helping humans live richer and fuller lives.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is something I have been involved with since an early age, and I have witnessed the the health effects; both for those receiving therapy and those who bring in their animals to hospitals and nursing homes. To see a nursing home patient light up when they see you and your dog or cat (or other approved therapy species) come through the door is an unforgettable experience. It is not uncommon for the nursing staff to remark that the patient hasn't spoken for some time or only speaks to some people - yet totally relaxes, talks to, and interacts with your pet. A current trend in nursing homes is to adopt a cat or small dog to live in the facility. This is a wonderful experience for the residents on a daily basis.
Hospitals, and children's hospitals in particular, usually allow pet therapy visits too, with amazing benefits for the sick and terminally ill. There are also pet therapy animals helping autistic humans interact and live fuller lives.
To get involved in pet therapy, please refer to some of the links below. There are national and local organizations. It is best to be affiliated with a therapy organization, as there are health and temperament requirements that need to be met by the pet therapists before visiting health care facilities.
Horse Therapy
Horses and horse riding is also part of pet therapy. Riding horses teaches balance and flexibility to the handicapped, and gives a sense of accomplishment and companionship to those involved. Some programs are related to the care of horses as well, teaching responsibility and horsemanship skills.
Service Dogs
Dogs are amazingly adaptable to the needs of humans. Services provided by dogs for humans include: dogs that guide the blind, assist the deaf, assist the mobility-impaired, even alert epileptic owners that a seizure is imminent, so the owner can sit down/take their medications before the seizure strikes. Dogs can be trained to turn on/off lights, pick up objects, even pull wheel chairs for those who are handicapped.
Police and Search & Rescue Dogs
Police dogs serve as protection for officers, as well as sniffing out drugs, explosives, and other dangerous chemicals long before a human can. Search and Rescue dogs use their powerful sense of smell to locate people lost or injured.
The Human-Animal Bond ~ How Pets Help Us
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Source: About.com
We love our pets. That is why we have them, right? Did you know that there are actual health benefits for people living with pets? Studies have shown real health benefits - lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and better mental health for those living with pets.
Pets require our attention. Going for a walk, dropping everything for a game of Frisbee or hide and seek, going on a trail ride, and providing the everyday pet care encourage owners interact and to get out. We benefit from the exercise and fresh air that we may not seek out on our own. This does wonders for our health and emotions.
In addition to being a major health benefit just for being a pet, pets also actively help and assist humans in many ways. Below are just some of the ways that pets are formally helping humans live richer and fuller lives.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is something I have been involved with since an early age, and I have witnessed the the health effects; both for those receiving therapy and those who bring in their animals to hospitals and nursing homes. To see a nursing home patient light up when they see you and your dog or cat (or other approved therapy species) come through the door is an unforgettable experience. It is not uncommon for the nursing staff to remark that the patient hasn't spoken for some time or only speaks to some people - yet totally relaxes, talks to, and interacts with your pet. A current trend in nursing homes is to adopt a cat or small dog to live in the facility. This is a wonderful experience for the residents on a daily basis.
Hospitals, and children's hospitals in particular, usually allow pet therapy visits too, with amazing benefits for the sick and terminally ill. There are also pet therapy animals helping autistic humans interact and live fuller lives.
To get involved in pet therapy, please refer to some of the links below. There are national and local organizations. It is best to be affiliated with a therapy organization, as there are health and temperament requirements that need to be met by the pet therapists before visiting health care facilities.
Horse Therapy
Horses and horse riding is also part of pet therapy. Riding horses teaches balance and flexibility to the handicapped, and gives a sense of accomplishment and companionship to those involved. Some programs are related to the care of horses as well, teaching responsibility and horsemanship skills.
Service Dogs
Dogs are amazingly adaptable to the needs of humans. Services provided by dogs for humans include: dogs that guide the blind, assist the deaf, assist the mobility-impaired, even alert epileptic owners that a seizure is imminent, so the owner can sit down/take their medications before the seizure strikes. Dogs can be trained to turn on/off lights, pick up objects, even pull wheel chairs for those who are handicapped.
Police and Search & Rescue Dogs
Police dogs serve as protection for officers, as well as sniffing out drugs, explosives, and other dangerous chemicals long before a human can. Search and Rescue dogs use their powerful sense of smell to locate people lost or injured.
Monday, December 8, 2008
New week ~ new focus ... Animal Assisted Therapy
Pet Therapy was the main reason for beginning this whole journey ~ Therapy (pet therapy) in Transition (motion - going to a client's home/residence); as well the month of December holds a special place as it is the month of Tito's birthday, December 18th to be exact we are going to be focusing on animal therapy or pet therapy this week for topic of conversation. Enjoy!
Animal Assisted Therapy
by Krista Mifflin
Source: About.com
About Animal Assisted Therapy:
Animal Assisted Therapy is the use of therapy dogs and cats through structured organizations. Officially, dogs are certified and used to promote mental stimulation in patients requiring long-term care. The programs work closely with health care officials, often pairing up a single animal and handler to a patient.
Getting Started:
The very first step in getting started in Animal Assisted Therapy is to evaluate your dog's personality. Your dog must be confident, not hyper, and tolerant of surprising noises, and groping hands. A high tolerance to pain is also essential. Elderly people and young children may trip or stumble onto your dog, or may not be as gentle as they should be. A dog who will not tolerate these mishaps can easily lawsuit for the owner, facility, or organization.
Your dog must be friendly, to both complete strangers, and other animals. Others involved in Animal Assisted Therapy may also be present, and a dog who has a taste for cats will a be a large liability. Your dog must also be well-acclimatized to being passed around, left with a stranger, and touched continuously without preliminary greeting rituals.
While it is hoped that any patient you may end up with has been briefed accordingly in pet etiquette, it is also entirely possible that the patient will know nothing about approaching strange dogs.
Find an organization to join that is willing to help and work with you and your dog and has a program in place to certify your dog. Certification programs may vary, organization to organization, but the basic tenets should be identical (obedience training, Canine Good Citizen may be a required title). Check for liability insurance, and the overall reputation of the organization according to listed facilities.
Animal Assisted Therapy
by Krista Mifflin
Source: About.com
About Animal Assisted Therapy:
Animal Assisted Therapy is the use of therapy dogs and cats through structured organizations. Officially, dogs are certified and used to promote mental stimulation in patients requiring long-term care. The programs work closely with health care officials, often pairing up a single animal and handler to a patient.
Getting Started:
The very first step in getting started in Animal Assisted Therapy is to evaluate your dog's personality. Your dog must be confident, not hyper, and tolerant of surprising noises, and groping hands. A high tolerance to pain is also essential. Elderly people and young children may trip or stumble onto your dog, or may not be as gentle as they should be. A dog who will not tolerate these mishaps can easily lawsuit for the owner, facility, or organization.
Your dog must be friendly, to both complete strangers, and other animals. Others involved in Animal Assisted Therapy may also be present, and a dog who has a taste for cats will a be a large liability. Your dog must also be well-acclimatized to being passed around, left with a stranger, and touched continuously without preliminary greeting rituals.
While it is hoped that any patient you may end up with has been briefed accordingly in pet etiquette, it is also entirely possible that the patient will know nothing about approaching strange dogs.
Find an organization to join that is willing to help and work with you and your dog and has a program in place to certify your dog. Certification programs may vary, organization to organization, but the basic tenets should be identical (obedience training, Canine Good Citizen may be a required title). Check for liability insurance, and the overall reputation of the organization according to listed facilities.
Friday, December 5, 2008
How to Erase Negative Influence ...
Today's focus on erasing negative thoughts and living positively is definitely another area in which the general population needs extra support especially during these difficult economic times. Enjoy!
How to Erase Negative Influence and Live Positively
Source: Wikihow.com
All of us have at a time lived negatively or as I should say are still living negatively. There is a lot of negativity within us where people are afraid to express themselves as to being afraid of negative response. Every thing that we as human being do is for ourselves and I cant afford to make anyone happy if I am not. It has to start with me first and what I want in my life nobody can take away from me.
Steps
Tips
Warnings
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Erase Negative Influence and Live Positively. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
How to Erase Negative Influence and Live Positively
Source: Wikihow.com
All of us have at a time lived negatively or as I should say are still living negatively. There is a lot of negativity within us where people are afraid to express themselves as to being afraid of negative response. Every thing that we as human being do is for ourselves and I cant afford to make anyone happy if I am not. It has to start with me first and what I want in my life nobody can take away from me.
Steps
- Anything that happens in my life affects me not anyone else.
- Although anyone is affected the results pair on how I choose to overcome the situation. And nobody can make me happy either than myself.
- Everything I do i do for myself.
- If I dont believe im stupid the no-one can convince me otherwise.
- I must set my own goal and dreams and live to achieve them.
- I must learn to take all the advices I get from people whether negative or positive and use it in a positive way.
- Never underestimate the power of positive thinking!
Tips
- Forget about anybody else and think about yourself.
- Nobody is going to make sure im sorted if I dont sort myself out.
- Everything I do I do for myself and everyone is for themselves so even if I do things to please other people I wont be happy in the end.
- For me to have a fruitful and happy life I have to make myself happy and thats all that matters.
- NOBODY CAN TAKE YOUR HAPPINESS AWAY.
Warnings
- People that always pull you down
- People that add negativity to your life
- Lastly people that never give you valuable advice.
- Attempting to satisfy immediate desire by compromising your integrity
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Erase Negative Influence and Live Positively. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities
This is another area which people allow themselves to get caught up in the negative self talk which can eliminate any possibility of achieving and manifesting your full potential and desires. Enjoy!
How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities
Source: Wikihow.com
Negative thoughts make a person dull and unable to function properly. Malefic thoughts spread laziness, procrastination, etc. Ample time can be wasted with useless thoughts. A person with no control over his / her thoughts has no control over his / her life. Thoughts lead to actions, actions become habit, habits form one's behaviour, behaviour builds character, and character ultimately makes one’s personality. If we don’t do the things which we ought to do, then we have wasted that particular moment which would remain a permanent loss of time from our life which would never come back. This precious time could have been spend for the other daily chores which we had to do anyway or something productive.
Steps
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities
Source: Wikihow.com
Negative thoughts make a person dull and unable to function properly. Malefic thoughts spread laziness, procrastination, etc. Ample time can be wasted with useless thoughts. A person with no control over his / her thoughts has no control over his / her life. Thoughts lead to actions, actions become habit, habits form one's behaviour, behaviour builds character, and character ultimately makes one’s personality. If we don’t do the things which we ought to do, then we have wasted that particular moment which would remain a permanent loss of time from our life which would never come back. This precious time could have been spend for the other daily chores which we had to do anyway or something productive.
Steps
- Identify the different thought threads
- Allow a particular time period for it
- Keep doing your essentials which you were in the middle of doing
- Keep a running list of the thoughts which keeps pestering between your work
- Think about all those on your allowed time
- Make a list of things which you have to do anyway
- Keep a running list for it too
- The sooner you finish those things which you have to do anyhow, the more time you get to think about those thoughts listed
- Talk with someone about it! Talking about things puts a little distance between you and your thoughts so they aren't so consuming.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
How to do a Concentration Meditation
Another area of focus which you might be interested in considering regarding meditating and bringing this stress reducer into your daily life. Enjoy!
How to do a Concentration Meditation
Source: Wikihow.com
This type of meditation can really help you focus. It will take time to get into the correct mental state, but once you do, you'll be able to improve your life.
Steps
Tips
Sources and Citations
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Do Concentration Meditation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
How to do a Concentration Meditation
Source: Wikihow.com
This type of meditation can really help you focus. It will take time to get into the correct mental state, but once you do, you'll be able to improve your life.
Steps
- Sit down or stand very still.
- If you choose to sit put your palms on your lap or knees. If you are standing, let your arms fall naturally at your side.
- Relax.
- Breathe naturally, but deeper than normal.
- Be attentive to your breath, in and out.
- Count your breath from one to ten (Don't count loudly. Just count in your mind). Example: Breath in, count one; Breath out, count two; Breath in, count three.
- When you have counted to ten, repeat counting from one to ten.
- Think nothing. If thought enters your mind, acknowledge it, then go back to become aware of your breath.
- Relax.
- Continue.
- Stop your meditation when you want to.
Tips
- Benefits: Your concentration will increase; You will develop self-confidence; You will develop reflex skill in your martial art training.
- Breathe with your stomach. When you breathe in make sure your stomach goes out. When you breathe out make sure your stomach goes in.
- If you try to think of nothing you will be thinking. Try not to think of not thinking anything.
- It helps to concentrate on a single very simple thing in your mind such as a plain white circle with a black outline. You could also concentrate on the sound of yourself breathing.
- It is recommended that you obtain direct instruction from a meditation teacher.
Sources and Citations
- 5min - A great video about how to meditate 5min is a videopedia for instructinal videos. Source of images in this article, shared with permission.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Do Concentration Meditation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
How to do an Awareness Meditation
Passing along knowledge is very important and it because of this personal philosophy I chose to do these "how to's" postings. Enjoy!
How to do an Awareness Meditation
Source: Wikihow.com
Steps
Tips
Warnings
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Do Awareness Meditation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
How to do an Awareness Meditation
Source: Wikihow.com
Steps
- Sit down or stand still. Sitting in a lotus position is usually quite stressing on your legs unless you know how to do it very well.
- Rest your palms on your lap or knees. If you are standing, let your arms fall naturally at your sides. Just don't collapse!
- Breathe slightly deeper than normal.
- Be aware of your breath.
- If you notice that you are thinking, acknowledge it. Then let it fade away.
- Return to awareness of your breath.
- Repeat steps 4-6. Once you are done that, repeat this step. This step is an infinite loop.
- Stop your meditation any time if you want to.
- If you have back problems you may want to sit on a pillow.
Tips
- The Benefits: You will become calmer; you may have insight; you will increase your level of martial art skill; you can get along with people easily.
- If you count your breaths for the first few tries it will become easier to think of nothing. Beginners should try in for the count of 5 hold for 5 and out in 5. Get slower as you go but only up to 7.
- It is recommended that you obtain direct instruction from a meditation teacher.
- Meditation may be prayer, and you may believe in meditating, or praying, "through," perhaps for hours to find, "peace" (a quiet place).
- Some believe in an unknown meditational language, "glossolalia" - lingua - tongue (or tone) with which the "Holy Spirit" may groan to the heavenly Father in "charmistic" meditations.
- Charisma has an attribute of the unseen leading of the Holy Spirit in personal relationship with the Father (discerning the Spirit).
- That word derives from the Greek charis (“grace”) and charizesthai (“to show favour”), connoting a spiritual grace for salvation granted by grace through faith for enabling good works.
- Charisma comes from the being comfortable with yourself, it comes from practicing meditation. From knowing and accepting the core human fallible and childlike part of you that connects you to all humanity. It comes from letting go of all the 'chatter' that we learn in our lives, of how we should be and what we should be. It is about being in the moment and letting go of all the external stuff.
- With meditation you can learn to let all the stuff that is other peoples frustrations and problems wash over you and stop affecting you because you are aware of the core central person you are, with all the strange feelings that this involves. These feelings are all about you being a human rather than because of external factors, it is about knowing yourself. Try to remember that others behave according to their internal stories and therefore it is not necessarily to do with you, even when it seems to be directed at you. Rise above it. do not engage in this tit for tat type stuff.you can be above it. Letting go of this is liberating and this is what meditation offers. Go for it no matter what you religious stand point is at the moment, its no other than learning about the central human self.
- When you meditate the goal is zoning out. To practically fall asleep while still staying aware or focusing on certain points. This allows your mind to revert to that relaxed, stress free mental state during stressful situations (IE taxes or work). So when you do a session, always pick really warm thoughts that help you zone out. You will go deeper when your more comfortable!
Warnings
- Don't fall asleep, especially in a large crowd.
- Don't collapse (if standing), especially in a large crowd.
- Make sure you have plenty of time. True meditation makes time seem to accelerate, and you might not notice the hours passing.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Do Awareness Meditation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Monday, December 1, 2008
New week ~ new theme? How to's ...
Last week we focused on different articles that I had read and thought were interesting regarding coaching and the articles offered some food for thought. I have been searching the 'how to' websites like Wikipedia and About.com for support regarding plain text verbiage for my new website regarding how to explain in layman's term exactly what I do. I was quite surprise at what I could find descriptions and instructions for and as a result decided to post a few of these this week. Enjoy!
How to Find the Motivation to Meditate
Source: WikiHow.com
Meditation can be a great way to relax and de-stress, as well as to create emotional and spiritual well being. With the hectic pace of life in today's society, however, even these benefits can get lost in our lists of to-do's. Fortunately, meditation may help you overcome these same scarcity conversations in your head. Now if you could just start meditating...A bigger idea: Meditation may be called prayer, perhaps for hours, to find a quiet place, "peace." Some believe in an unknown meditational tone or language ("glossolalia" - lingua) with which the "Holy Spirit" may communicate in "groanings" to the heavenly Father as in "charmistic" meditations.
Charismatic meditation has an attribute of the unseen Holy Spirit in relationship with the Father (discerning the Spirit).
Steps
Tips
Warnings
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find Motivation to Meditate. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
How to Find the Motivation to Meditate
Source: WikiHow.com
Meditation can be a great way to relax and de-stress, as well as to create emotional and spiritual well being. With the hectic pace of life in today's society, however, even these benefits can get lost in our lists of to-do's. Fortunately, meditation may help you overcome these same scarcity conversations in your head. Now if you could just start meditating...A bigger idea: Meditation may be called prayer, perhaps for hours, to find a quiet place, "peace." Some believe in an unknown meditational tone or language ("glossolalia" - lingua) with which the "Holy Spirit" may communicate in "groanings" to the heavenly Father as in "charmistic" meditations.
Charismatic meditation has an attribute of the unseen Holy Spirit in relationship with the Father (discerning the Spirit).
- Derivation: charis (“grace”) and charizesthai (“to show favour”), connoting a spiritual grace leading to salvation granted through faith into good works.
Steps
- List the reasons why you avoid meditation. Handle the problems.
- If you don't like spending an hour meditating, or you get frustrated easily, then try half an hour. Or ten minutes. One true moment in meditation will be greater than one hour spent fidgeting and grumbling.
- If you feel too busy to be still (in body or mind), then give yourself permission to be completely and totally free during your meditation time. (Yes, that means turn off your cell phone.) After all, you deserve to be peaceful as much as you deserve to eat, sleep, or breathe. It is a part of who you are. Furthermore, the world around you—your family, your friends, your companion animals, even strangers—deserve for you to be peaceful, too.
- If you are distracted by your environment, then change what you can control, wait for quietude, or find a more serene location.
- If you feel like a failure, then remind yourself that in meditation, there is no such thing as failure. Or success, really. Do not be attached to your results. They do not tell you who you are, only where you are.
- If you feel physically uncomfortable in your posture, then try sitting on a pillow or in a chair. Lie down if you have to do so. You can always try other postures later.
- If you feel emotionally or physically disturbed (other than how you're sitting), then you may have some mental or emotional issues that you need to address. Meditation may help you with your problems, but usually other techniques are quite effective too, sometimes more effective. Try for example to write your thoughts down.
- If you have other reasons for avoiding meditation, analyze them and create your own solutions. You know what you need better than anyone.
- If you don't like spending an hour meditating, or you get frustrated easily, then try half an hour. Or ten minutes. One true moment in meditation will be greater than one hour spent fidgeting and grumbling.
- Schedule meditation into your day. While it may not motivate you to meditate, at least you won't have anything else to do at that moment (it's true—check your schedule!).
- Try meditating first thing in the morning or last thing at night. At these times, you will probably be least busy, so there will be a limited number of excuses. Moreover, early morning meditation may help you focus throughout the day, and late night meditation may help you sleep deeply.
- Make meditation enjoyable rather than a chore. Perhaps you could create a "meditation zone" in your house or play soothing music.
- Find a community. You may enjoy meditating with others. If you prefer solitary meditation, you may be motivated by discussing meditation with a supportive friend that also meditates, exchanging insights and questions.
- Continually remind yourself of the benefits of meditation. (Remember that one benefit for busy people is that meditation may help you remain more aware and focused, which will make all those tasks you have to perform much easier!)
Tips
- Make sure you are comfortable while you are meditating. Full lotus position, for example, may look cool, but it may not be a comfortable position for you. If you are uncomfortable, you'll hardly be able to motivate yourself to practice meditation on a regular basis!
- Prolonged stress can result in serious health problems. Even if you are busy, make sure you take some time to relax, such as through meditation, for your own well being.
- If you find it difficult to meditate start with sitting for just 10 minutes at a time and gradually increase the time as you feel able. 10 minutes a day will benefit you as you become accustomed to your meditation.
- Try listening to your favorite music and if you can, wear headphones, this makes the music more personal to you as you sit with your eyes closed.
- If you want to, keep an area of your home just for meditating. Put crystals around the area and light candles during your meditation. Make where you meditate a special place, and in time you will be aware that the energy where you sit is far calmer, because it will become a special place to you.
- Have fun! Meditation should be fun. Put a little smile on your face to remind yourself to be happy. Smile with your heart, eyes and mind. If it doesn't go the way you want it to go, just laugh at how silly your mind is.
- There are thousands of styles of meditation. Mixing it up and finding new methods (often free, most with creative visualizations) can really keep you looking forward to the next session. Then you can stimulate your imagination a lot easier, making meditations extremely enjoyable. Ya know, the cyclic thing.
Warnings
- Be aware that circumstances (of varying importance) will arise in your life. It is up to you if you decide to follow through with your commitment to meditate. As a meditation in itself, notice when and why you decide to meditate anyway. Also, notice when and why you decide to skip meditation. There is no need to judge yourself. Simply notice and learn.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find Motivation to Meditate. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
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