In a recent post I discussed how social interaction or close companionship and engaging in a pastime that brings you joy and allows an outlet for frustration can greatly improve mental wellbeing and immune function when stress, anxiety, depression or social phobia set in. While who and what you interact with – and to what degreeContinue reading “The Keys to Life for Improved Mood, Creativity and Cognition”
Tag Archives: meditation
Emphasizing the Extremities in Practice, Breathing
Most times, the Dantian, (the body’s energy/gravity center) is the predominent area of breathing emphasis in most Tai Chi and Qigong exercises, including silk-reeling, the principle movement in Chen-style Tai Chi, among many others. Though heavily-centered on the Dantian (forgive the pun), my staple practices (Hun Yuan and Wudang Qigong and Tai Chi) all containContinue reading “Emphasizing the Extremities in Practice, Breathing”
Eating as a Tool for Self-Cultivation
“Lately, I’ve been rethinking my relationship with food.” A friend Over the last several years, I’d devoted a good deal of consideration to food. As I lost balance in my life, more and more of the thoughts and impulses occupying my mind space would revolve around eating. I’m extremely fortunate that these concerns are entirelyContinue reading “Eating as a Tool for Self-Cultivation”
Stillness: The Key to Success
For the sake of examining both sides of the coin, this post is meant to be complimentary to one I published previously, advocating for action-taking. Here I am championing non-action and introspection. Both have their place in the life of a balanced, centered individual. The key is to be a go-getter, but also pick andContinue reading “Stillness: The Key to Success”
Looking Inward (To Serotonin) and Beating Dopamine Addiction
There is a common misconception among the general public that dopamine is the pleasure and reward hormone. And while it is true that it plays an essential role in the reward system (instant gratification) – a group of brain processes that control motivation, desire and cravings – it is actually more complicated than that. To beContinue reading “Looking Inward (To Serotonin) and Beating Dopamine Addiction”
The Dangers of Thriftiness and the Slippery Slope of Attachment
For a long time, I had prided myself on my thriftiness. If you’re familiar with the blog, you probably have come across a post or passage somewhere that is specifically about or at least mentions frugality, finding value or supporting independent business. Up until recently, I thought my tendency towards penny-pinching was to the benefitContinue reading “The Dangers of Thriftiness and the Slippery Slope of Attachment”
Sinking the Qi
“Qi is very important for good health and we would die without it and its flow.”
The Physiology of Relaxation and Breathing
If you’re reading this blog, chances are good you’ve heard of the multitude of health benefits that can be gained through practicing yoga. Increased mindfulness, mental clarity, more energy, increased circulation and cardio health, and better flexibility, athletic performance and muscle strength and tone have all been touted as benefits of yoga in recent years.Continue reading “The Physiology of Relaxation and Breathing”
Conscious Consumption 