Offering a fresh perspective on immediate presence and embodied spiritual practice, The Four Dignities shows how the mindful cultivation of the four essential postures – walking, standing, sitting, and lying down – are the basis for a formal practice to develop greater vitality and spiritual awakening. The author reveals the subtle inner nuances of the four traditional meditations, and shows how they can be practiced as a unified system. Readers are given a profound understanding of correct posture, alignment, breathing, and attention, and the author explains the philosophical basis for the practice, offering a pathway toward realizing profound spiritual and energetic transformation. This accessible yet profound study will be an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of yoga, taiji, qigong, and meditation, as well as spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in Eastern philosophy or the study of movement.
Within the context of a larger discussion of Dao Yin, Damo Mitchell teaches and explains the Dragon Dao Yin exercises, a set of four short sequences designed to work with the subtle energies of the spine and lead pathogenic energies out of the body. More 'Yang' in nature than Qi Gong, Dao Yin focuses on outwards movements and strong internal cleansing. The book highlights this important distinction and covers the theory, history and development of Dao Yin exercises, as well as the relationship between Chinese medical theory and Dao Yin training. One chapter is devoted to problems related to stagnation and the flow of Qi, and explains the different causes and forms of stagnation. Later chapters look at breathing patterns and the extension of Yi, opening the joints, and rotating the bones and spine. Damo Mitchell also discusses stillness as the source of movement, the philosophical significance of the Dragon and the pearl, and the means of hardwiring Dao Yin exercises into the energetic body. Central to the discussion is the concept of the spine, and how to wake it up. For the first time in the English language, the Dragon exercises – Awakening, Swimming, Soaring and Drunken – are described in detail, with photographs and step-by-step instructions on each of the exercises as individual therapeutic exercises and as a form.
This comprehensive guide enables parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to play an active and effective role in their child's medical care from diagnosis to early adulthood. With a focus on working with health care providers to ensure the best treatment for your child's unique needs, it includes: – a description of the developmental and medical conditions faced by children with ASDs in lay terms- an explanation of common diagnostic tests- a presentation of conventional and alternative therapies and how they work- tips for managing day-to-day medical or behavioral problems- advice for parents considering enrolling their child in a research project- and all the latest medical information. This authoritative and accessible book provides parents of children with an ASD with the foundation of knowledge they need to become an active partner in the medical care of their child and the map that will allow them to navigate the complex medical world.
Based on extensive clinical research, this book sheds new light onto how Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be used with older adults as an effective complementary intervention, identifying specific ways in which MBSR programmes can be adapted and fine-tuned to meet the needs of this group. Presenting robust new evidence to support the efficacy of MBSR as a holistic therapeutic approach, the author draws interesting and original conclusions about its positive impact on older people's psychological and spiritual wellbeing, physical health, neuropsychological performance, attitudes towards death and dying and overall quality of life. The lived experiences of older adults taking part in an MBSR programme provide rich first-hand insights into the therapeutic process, and the author draws valuable conclusions about ethical considerations and the responsibilities and personal transformation of the MBSR facilitator. Professionals involved in delivering mindfulness-based interventions to older adults, including psychologists, counsellors, spiritual directors and physicians, will find this to be essential reading. It will also be of interest to students, academics and researchers wishing to keep abreast of the latest research and developments in the MBSR field.
Ged Sumner introduces the unique Body Intelligence form of meditation which creates a deeply felt connection with the physical body. The exercises and meditations inspire readers to take time out from the stresses of modern life, and helps them to tune in to subtle states of life that lie within the body. Pathways are provided to access different levels of connections, from the powerful, collective wholeness of the diaphragm to the calmness and flow of the fluid body. With a little practice a deep relationship and awareness emerges. The innovative methods Sumner describes allow practitioners to open up their awareness of the body's sensations, bringing about a powerful sense of presence and experience of the now. This can lead to remarkable meditative states of bliss, energy and trauma resolution. An original approach, this book will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in meditation, particularly practitioners of craniosacral therapy, chi kung, martial arts, shiatsu, yoga, Rolfing, massage and anyone who uses meditation to deepen and support their practice.
Meditating with colour can be a powerful way to improve health and well-being and this simple handbook provides a full spectrum of new and easy-to-use colour meditation exercises. Red can be used to improve circulation and fight infection; blue to soothe the mind and lower blood pressure. Each chapter looks at a particular colour and its associated chakra, discusses the characteristics and healing properties, and offers a series of relaxing breathing exercises and transformative visualisations for working with the colour in question. Anyone can practice these simple meditations in the home, and they are ideal for colour therapists, energy healers, yoga instructors and meditation leaders to use with clients.
Master Cherng's translation of Discourse on Sitting and Forgetting, an 8th century classic text on meditation by Si Ma Cheng Zhen, is accompanied by his extensive explanatory commentary, unique in its ability to make this complex text accessible to the Western reader. In the introduction to the text, Master Cherng explains how to practice the Purification of the Heart method of meditation and photographs clearly illustrate the correct postures. He deciphers the Chinese metaphors and abstract language of Si Ma Cheng Zhen to give a clear explanation of the processes involved and the resulting changes to mind, spirit and body. His translation and explanatory commentary present the classic text in a way that can be easily understood and applied, allowing Western students of Daoism, and anyone with an interest in meditation, direct access to the meaning of this text in practice.
Connecting to our inner lives can foster healing, self-development and self-awareness. This unique book looks in depth at ten major contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches which all use inner dialogue as a way of developing both professionally and personally. Each chapter is written by an expert in their field, some of whom were chosen to contribute by the founder of the approach. The authors include personal stories of how they have used the approach in their own lives and work as therapists, giving a deeper insight into each method. As well as developing a connection to the mind, several of the approaches focus on deepening an awareness of the body and listening to its voice. Approaches covered include the Jungian approach, Gestalt therapy, Focusing, internal family systems therapy, and Hakomi. Drawing on both Eastern and Western traditions and methods, this fascinating book will be of interest to psychotherapists, counsellors and students, as well as anyone with an interest in inner dialogue, healing and personal development.
Does your other half have Asperger Syndrome or do you suspect that he or she is on the autism spectrum? This quick and helpful relationships guide provides all the information you need for relationship success with your ASD partner. In the second edition of this best-selling book, Maxine Aston draws on over a decade of experience working with couples affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Updates include reference to recent research and information on same sex relationships, sensory issues and pregnancy. Full of bite-size tips and advice, the book explains Asperger Syndrome, discusses whether or not seeking an autism diagnosis will help, and offers simple strategies for coping with a range of relationship challenges including communication, social, and intimacy difficulties.
"The milkman cried when I told him you were dead.'Last night,' I said, 'Mark died.'" This collection brings together 30 short stories and poems about dying and bereavement. Written by mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, wives, husbands and dying people, these moving pieces talk honestly about how it feels to care for someone who is dying, to grieve for a loved one, and to face death oneself. A candid story about a daughter's relationship with her mother's carer; an internal monologue on dementia; a deeply moving poem about losing a son to cot death; and a heartfelt story about a mother's end of life are some of the poignant pieces included. This collection provides an opportunity to think and talk about death and dying, too often a taboo subject, and offers readers the rare comfort and support of shared experience.