Before Easter, Ruth and I led our annual 7 day Meditation in the Forest retreat. It caused me to reflect personally upon the 4 traditional stages of learning and practising meditation, and that ultimate goal where meditation becomes a continuous part of daily life and there is no further need for formal practise – non-meditation.
Also, the Melbourne weekend of workshops is only a few weeks away. So a friendly reminder. Most of the recent events have booked out, so if you, family, friends or colleagues are planning to attend, booking soon may make good sense.
I must say, the new cycle of workshops, focusing on research breakthroughs in the areas of neuroplasticity, epigenetics, telomeres and nutrition, coupled with plenty of time for meditating together and good conversation amidst like-minded people, has been a delight to present and well received.
Finally, powerful research exposes one of the major challenges for modern medicine, Big Pharma, balanced by an extraordinarily moving music video from Eric Whitacre.
So lets “Go out on a Limb” this week and talk about being busy, taking time out, meditation and non-meditation; but first
Thought for the Day
When you change the way you look at things,
the things you look at change
Max Planck, originator of quantum theory, Nobel Prize in Physics 1918
Fresh back from speaking at the Holistic Cancer Congress in New Zealand, and before heading off to Western Australia to present a series of workshops came our annual Pre-Easter Meditation in the Desert retreat at the Foundation’s delightful Yarra Valley centre.
Even leading a meditation retreat provides some genuine peace amidst a busy life. But it raises the question. If meditation is about learning to be more relaxed, more centred, more at peace, more calm and clear in our thinking and our very life; is there a point where we actually “get it”, and cease to need to formally meditate; where we reach the stage of non-meditation?
I have been meditating fairly continuously and seriously for nearly 40 years. I have had the best of teachers, and the good fortune to introduce and contribute to the teaching of many others.
So this seems like something it would be useful to share; what happens for me in my own meditation practice.
The bottom line is I have meditated around 500 hours each year for many years now. I like to think it is reasonably true that to some degree in my daily life I am “relaxed, centred, at peace, calm and clear in my thinking and my very life”. As a blessing of my teachers and my regular practice, it is probably fair to say that to some degree I have actually “got it”.
But being open, I need regular practice to sustain all that. My life is very busy and often productive. I am often working with people in the midst of the maelstrom of personal crisis as they face life-threatening situations. I have been a public figure for many years and faced the full range of challenges and emotions, so called positive and negative, that such a life entails.
But as the years go on, despite all this, there has been a way through, a way that has left me feeling more content, more fulfilled at a deeper level. Happily, Ruth continues to find me good company.
And how? Regular meditation has been the key. I do my practice these days because I enjoy it, but also because I know it enables my unbalanced back to remain stable and healthy atop its one leg; and I know meditation enables me to remain in a “good” state of mind amidst the ups and downs of everyday life.
So in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition I am familiar with, the 4 stages of learning meditation are
1. Calm abiding: Focusing the mind in a way that leads to a state of calm, undistracted awareness
2. Clear seeing: realizing the truth of what one is actually aware of. This is somewhat like the marriage of mindfulness and wisdom.
3. One taste: Where there is awareness of the 2 aspects of the mind, the thinking mind and the more essential, true nature of the mind; and both of them are known to be aspects of the same truth.
4. Non-meditation: Where the awareness of truth is simply there throughout the day and night and there is no need to meditate or not to meditate. The job is done. Non-meditation.
So I fantasize about reaching this point of non-meditation, but in the interim, am bloody grateful for my teachers and my own personal kindness (commonly known as personal discipline) that has me meditating every day. And gives me the opportunity to teach others.
NEWS
1. Melbourne: Weekend workshop; A New Way of Living - only a few weeks away
Saturday May 11th : Meditation and the Power of the Mind
Sunday May 12th : Living Well, Being Well
Bring the family, invite a friend or two, inform your colleagues!
Maybe you know someone living in Melbourne who would benefit/like to attend.
For full details and to book, LINK HERE
2. Blog jumps
Some of you may have noticed that a previous blog post took it upon itself to jump onto the home page. It is a mystery as yet as to how "A New Way of Living" suddenly appeared in front of last week's post on "The 2 best ways to practise mindfulness", but if you missed the mindfulness post, it may be worth scrolling down!
3. Eric Whitacre in Concert and on video.
Eric Whitacre combines ethereal “modern” (as in composed recently by himself) classical music and singing with state of the art new technologies. He is coming to Melbourne and will perform with Ruth’s brother David Berlin, principal cello at the MSO, on Sat, April 13th.
In a moving and madly viral video last year, Eric led a virtual choir of singers from around the world. He talks through the creative challenges of making music powered by YouTube, and unveils the first 2 minutes of his new work, "Sleep," with a video choir of 2,052 on this great TED talk. Well worth a few exalted minutes: Link here.
4. Undue industry influences that distort healthcare research, strategy, expenditure and practice: a review
Here is the Abstract from a major recent research paper that speaks for itself. Normally I would paraphrase research findings, but this one seems best to be reproduced as is.
Background
Expenditure on industry products (mostly drugs and devices) has spiraled over the last 15 years and accounts for substantial part of healthcare expenditure. The enormous financial interests involved in the development and marketing of drugs and devices may have given excessive power to these industries to influence medical research, policy, and practice.
Material and methods
Review of the literature and analysis of the multiple pathways through which the industry has directly or indirectly infiltrated the broader healthcare systems. We present the analysis of the industry influences at the following levels: (i) evidence base production, (ii) evidence synthesis, (iii) understanding of safety and harms issues, (iv) cost-effectiveness evaluation, (v) clinical practice guidelines formation, (vi) healthcare professional education, (vii) healthcare practice, (viii) healthcare consumer's decisions.
Results
We located abundance of consistent evidence demonstrating that the industry has created means to intervene in all steps of the processes that determine healthcare research, strategy, expenditure, practice and education. As a result of these interferences, the benefits of drugs and other products are often exaggerated and their potential harms are downplayed, and clinical guidelines, medical practice, and healthcare expenditure decisions are biased.
Conclusion
To serve its interests, the industry masterfully influences evidence base production, evidence synthesis, understanding of harms issues, cost-effectiveness evaluations, clinical practice guidelines and healthcare professional education and also exerts direct influences on professional decisions and health consumers. There is an urgent need for regulation and other action towards redefining the mission of medicine towards a more objective and patient-, population- and society-benefit direction that is free from conflict of interests.
Stamatakis, E et al, European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 25 MAR 2013
DOI: 10.1111/eci.12074. To link to the reference, click here.
RESOURCES
During Meditation in the Desert, ( September 5 to 15) I will be expounding on the 4 stages of meditation discussed above, along with other aspects of practical Buddhist techniques and philosophy.
06 April 2013
Ian Gawler Blog: A New Way of Living
Five new areas of research that will change our lives, and how they inform the workshops I am presenting in the next few months.
I love good research. The sort of stuff that changes the way we look at life, or what we do in life. This week let’s share 5 major breakthroughs that are changing the face of medicine and how we can look after our own health, healing and wellbeing.
It is exciting to have started to share this information in "A New Way of Living", the round of workshops I am presenting around Australia and New Zealand this year. Ruth and I look forward to being in most capital cities and some regional areas in coming months. WA is first in April, then Melbourne in May.
So here are these 5 major breakthroughs with some of their implications, along with links to the upcoming talks. But first:
Thought for the Day
Today's children may become the first generation in history
to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents
Richard H. Carmona, United States Surgeon General
1. Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity speaks of how the brain changes not only its function, but its actual structure, depending upon how we use it.
This new knowledge is revolutionising the neuro-sciences and the field of mind training.
Neuroplasticity tells us there is way more hope for brain regeneration than was previously thought following brain trauma and strokes. It helps us to understand how habits develop and what we need to do if we plan to change them intelligently. Fabulous and really significant new information.
2. Meta-inflammation
Meta-inflammation is low level, chronic inflammation. It is fuelled by poor dietary choices and unresolved stress.
It has been known for a long time that chronic stress creates biochemical changes that weaken the immune system and lay us open to most diseases.
However, new research highlights how the modern western diet is another driving force for low level, chronic inflammation that precipitates and aggravates most chronic degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, MS and cancer.
What to do? The good news is that a healthy diet and meditation are both highly anti-inflammatory and highly regenerative. So here we have another rationale as to why a healthy lifestyle makes sense for disease prevention and rapid recovery from illness.
3. Epigenetics
This new field of study relates to how our genes express themselves in daily life.
Many people still seem to be of the mistaken view that if you have bad genes, bad things will necessarily follow. What is clear now is that genes are significantly affected by the environment they exist within – physically and mentally; maybe even spiritualy.
So good genes in a bad environment; the real prospect of poor health and illness. Bad genes in a good environment; the real prospect of good health.
The implication: genetic material is not set in concrete. Like so much in life, it is what we do with what we got that is the real issue.
4. Telomeres and Telomerase
Telomeres are the “dangly bits” on the end of our chromosomes. I have written a couple of posts on these earlier as they are of great significance. Telomeres protect the ends of our DNA from fraying as they divide and replicate within our bodies.
Recent research demonstrates a clear relationship between the length of our telomeres and the risk of developing and even of dying of many illnesses including cancer. The shorter the telomeres, the greater the risk.
Also, telomeres are directly linked to aging. Longer telomeres, more youthful. Very short telomeres, death.
Happily, the enzyme telomerase protects the telomeres and can even lengthen them, so the things that do activate telomerase are certainly worth knowing about.
5. Nutritional research
It is finally happening. For years, research into the impact of nutrition on cancer survival has been like a desert; very little there. We had plenty of clinical experience, but little research evidence.
Now there is a good body of studies pointing the way. There is certainly enough to completely dismiss the tired argument that there is no evidence to support the notion that changing your diet, eating for recovery, will affect the outcome of cancer. That is simply untrue.
And happily, as the evidence accumulates, it does reinforce the clinical experience, perhaps pointing to some things to give extra emphasis, some to minimize; but overall, adds confidence to what can be recommended and achieved.
One of the best aspects of this nutritional research is that it gives the basis and the impetus for more to follow. At last, this field of study does seem to be on the move, and I love being able to share all the new developments in this and the previous 4 fields of research.
So in the workshops I am currently presenting, I have added a section where this research is detailed and what to do about it thoroughly explained. This adds to the opportunity to have a refresher, to be reminded of what is valuable for our health, healing and wellbeing, to gather with like-minded people, to feel the benefit of meditating together and to hopefully go home a little better informed, inspired, and re-invigorated.
So when we come into your area, Ruth and I hope to meet again with those who know us, to make new friends and to spread this positive message of health, healing and wellbeing.
So help to change someone’s life. Please do share the links to the coming talks with your friends and colleagues. Come to a workshop yourself, bring the family, bring a friend, come with a colleague. Who knows, between us all, we may just help someone to find better health, a better level of wellbeing; maybe even save a life.
COMING WORKSHOPS with links to their details
Perth
April 13 – 14; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Denmark
April 5; Evening dinner and conversation for health professionals
April 6; Day workshop: Creating Health & Preventing Disease
Shepparton
May 4; Day workshop: Medicine of the Mind
Melbourne
May 11 – 12; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Brisbane
June 27; Evening Public Lecture: Health, Healing and Wellbeing
29 – 30; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Coffs Harbour;
July 6; Day workshop: Medicine of the Mind
Katoomba
July 9; Day workshop: Health, Healing and Wellbeing
Sydney
July 13 - 14, Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
NEWS
1. A reminder; early bird payment for Meditation in the Desert closes at the end of March.
Meditation in the Forest starts this week and is fully booked, so reserve a place or take advantage of the cheaper rates if you want to come and pay in full now.
While in New Zealand, Ruth and I are visiting the Mana retreat centre where the New Zealand meditation retreat, Meditation Under the Long White Cloud, will be held December 2 - 8.
2. New Zealand Cancer Congress in Auckland a great success
It was a pleasure to be speaking at this Congress last weekend. Over 250 people attended, apparently over twice as many as last year, and a good indicator of the interest in a broader, more engaged and integrated way of managing cancer.
Mostly doctors and other health professionals in attendance, but some people dealing with cancer and they were all at risk of being overwhelmed with the bulk and high quality of information on offer.
A treat for me was to hear Bruce Lipton speak for the first time. Bruce gave a masterful introduction to the field of epigenetics, and certainly added to my own knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.
3. Open Meditation in SYDNEY Monday March 25th, 6.30 – 8.30pm
provided by the Australian Teachers of Meditation Association
Meditate, Network and Support Each Other. ATMA is holding another free meditation and connection evening for all members of ATMA as well as other meditation teachers and interested people including beginners. The President of ATMA, Pauline McKinnon is planning to attend.
VENUE: Awareness Institute, Suite 1/20 Clarke St, Crows Nest, Sydney
DATE: Monday 25 March 2013
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm in the Blue Room
COST: Free
4. The Gawler Foundation has a new website – check it out.
However, the on-line bookshop will not be operating for another week or two, so be patient or telephone them directly on 03 59671730.
5. As Ruth and I are leading Meditation in the Forest next week, there probably will not be a new post for 2 weeks. Enjoy the break!
I love good research. The sort of stuff that changes the way we look at life, or what we do in life. This week let’s share 5 major breakthroughs that are changing the face of medicine and how we can look after our own health, healing and wellbeing.
It is exciting to have started to share this information in "A New Way of Living", the round of workshops I am presenting around Australia and New Zealand this year. Ruth and I look forward to being in most capital cities and some regional areas in coming months. WA is first in April, then Melbourne in May.
So here are these 5 major breakthroughs with some of their implications, along with links to the upcoming talks. But first:
Thought for the Day
Today's children may become the first generation in history
to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents
Richard H. Carmona, United States Surgeon General
1. Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity speaks of how the brain changes not only its function, but its actual structure, depending upon how we use it.
This new knowledge is revolutionising the neuro-sciences and the field of mind training.
Neuroplasticity tells us there is way more hope for brain regeneration than was previously thought following brain trauma and strokes. It helps us to understand how habits develop and what we need to do if we plan to change them intelligently. Fabulous and really significant new information.
2. Meta-inflammation
Meta-inflammation is low level, chronic inflammation. It is fuelled by poor dietary choices and unresolved stress.
It has been known for a long time that chronic stress creates biochemical changes that weaken the immune system and lay us open to most diseases.
However, new research highlights how the modern western diet is another driving force for low level, chronic inflammation that precipitates and aggravates most chronic degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, MS and cancer.
What to do? The good news is that a healthy diet and meditation are both highly anti-inflammatory and highly regenerative. So here we have another rationale as to why a healthy lifestyle makes sense for disease prevention and rapid recovery from illness.
3. Epigenetics
This new field of study relates to how our genes express themselves in daily life.
Many people still seem to be of the mistaken view that if you have bad genes, bad things will necessarily follow. What is clear now is that genes are significantly affected by the environment they exist within – physically and mentally; maybe even spiritualy.
So good genes in a bad environment; the real prospect of poor health and illness. Bad genes in a good environment; the real prospect of good health.
The implication: genetic material is not set in concrete. Like so much in life, it is what we do with what we got that is the real issue.
4. Telomeres and Telomerase
Telomeres are the “dangly bits” on the end of our chromosomes. I have written a couple of posts on these earlier as they are of great significance. Telomeres protect the ends of our DNA from fraying as they divide and replicate within our bodies.
Recent research demonstrates a clear relationship between the length of our telomeres and the risk of developing and even of dying of many illnesses including cancer. The shorter the telomeres, the greater the risk.
Also, telomeres are directly linked to aging. Longer telomeres, more youthful. Very short telomeres, death.
Happily, the enzyme telomerase protects the telomeres and can even lengthen them, so the things that do activate telomerase are certainly worth knowing about.
5. Nutritional research
It is finally happening. For years, research into the impact of nutrition on cancer survival has been like a desert; very little there. We had plenty of clinical experience, but little research evidence.
Now there is a good body of studies pointing the way. There is certainly enough to completely dismiss the tired argument that there is no evidence to support the notion that changing your diet, eating for recovery, will affect the outcome of cancer. That is simply untrue.
And happily, as the evidence accumulates, it does reinforce the clinical experience, perhaps pointing to some things to give extra emphasis, some to minimize; but overall, adds confidence to what can be recommended and achieved.
One of the best aspects of this nutritional research is that it gives the basis and the impetus for more to follow. At last, this field of study does seem to be on the move, and I love being able to share all the new developments in this and the previous 4 fields of research.
So in the workshops I am currently presenting, I have added a section where this research is detailed and what to do about it thoroughly explained. This adds to the opportunity to have a refresher, to be reminded of what is valuable for our health, healing and wellbeing, to gather with like-minded people, to feel the benefit of meditating together and to hopefully go home a little better informed, inspired, and re-invigorated.
So when we come into your area, Ruth and I hope to meet again with those who know us, to make new friends and to spread this positive message of health, healing and wellbeing.
So help to change someone’s life. Please do share the links to the coming talks with your friends and colleagues. Come to a workshop yourself, bring the family, bring a friend, come with a colleague. Who knows, between us all, we may just help someone to find better health, a better level of wellbeing; maybe even save a life.
COMING WORKSHOPS with links to their details
Perth
April 13 – 14; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Denmark
April 5; Evening dinner and conversation for health professionals
April 6; Day workshop: Creating Health & Preventing Disease
Shepparton
May 4; Day workshop: Medicine of the Mind
Melbourne
May 11 – 12; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Brisbane
June 27; Evening Public Lecture: Health, Healing and Wellbeing
29 – 30; Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Coffs Harbour;
July 6; Day workshop: Medicine of the Mind
Katoomba
July 9; Day workshop: Health, Healing and Wellbeing
Sydney
July 13 - 14, Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
NEWS
1. A reminder; early bird payment for Meditation in the Desert closes at the end of March.
Meditation in the Forest starts this week and is fully booked, so reserve a place or take advantage of the cheaper rates if you want to come and pay in full now.
While in New Zealand, Ruth and I are visiting the Mana retreat centre where the New Zealand meditation retreat, Meditation Under the Long White Cloud, will be held December 2 - 8.
2. New Zealand Cancer Congress in Auckland a great success
It was a pleasure to be speaking at this Congress last weekend. Over 250 people attended, apparently over twice as many as last year, and a good indicator of the interest in a broader, more engaged and integrated way of managing cancer.
Mostly doctors and other health professionals in attendance, but some people dealing with cancer and they were all at risk of being overwhelmed with the bulk and high quality of information on offer.
A treat for me was to hear Bruce Lipton speak for the first time. Bruce gave a masterful introduction to the field of epigenetics, and certainly added to my own knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.
3. Open Meditation in SYDNEY Monday March 25th, 6.30 – 8.30pm
provided by the Australian Teachers of Meditation Association
Meditate, Network and Support Each Other. ATMA is holding another free meditation and connection evening for all members of ATMA as well as other meditation teachers and interested people including beginners. The President of ATMA, Pauline McKinnon is planning to attend.
VENUE: Awareness Institute, Suite 1/20 Clarke St, Crows Nest, Sydney
DATE: Monday 25 March 2013
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm in the Blue Room
COST: Free
4. The Gawler Foundation has a new website – check it out.
However, the on-line bookshop will not be operating for another week or two, so be patient or telephone them directly on 03 59671730.
5. As Ruth and I are leading Meditation in the Forest next week, there probably will not be a new post for 2 weeks. Enjoy the break!
01 April 2013
The 2 top ways to develop mindfulness in daily life.
We all notice how good it feels when someone gives us their full and undivided attention. This is mindfulness. Really being interested, really giving our full attention to someone or something; and doing it non-judgementally.
This week, the 2 best ways to develop mindfulness, news of next week’s workshops in Perth and Denmark, breaking news on soy and cancer, and some great other events. But first
Thought for the week
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green earth,
Dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness is a particular state of mind that is easy to learn, relevant to everything we do, alleviates stress and generates joy! No wonder it is becoming trendy. And being easy to research, the scientists love it. There is now good science to support the claims that mindfulness will enhance your health and wellbeing, and support healing in general.
How then to best develop mindfulness? There are two great ways; both relatively simple, both of great benefit to practise.
Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American who has helped popularise this way of training our minds. He defines mindfulness as focussing our attention on our current moment experience, deliberately and non-judgementally.
By contrast, being mindless is when we are doing something and our mind is elsewhere; thinking of someone or something else, dwelling on the past or fantasising about the future.
Now of course, mindlessness is pretty normal – as in very common! This is why most of us benefit from training to be more mindful; more focussed, more present.
Step 1: Focussed mindfulness
To learn to become more mindful, we begin by practising what we call focussed or deliberate mindfulness. This is where we focus our attention on just one thing, deliberately and with no judgement.
So this can be as simple as formally paying attention to the sounds around about us, to our breath, our body; whatever one thing we choose to focus upon with our attention, while at the same time, we aim to remain like a non-judgemental observer; as much as possible, free of internal commentary, free of judgement.
There is a natural peace in simply being mindful. We practice and begin to appreciate this. With our minds open, curious, aware; we notice whatever it is that we have chosen to focus upon. No need to force anything, or deny anything. Open. Aware. Free of judgement. Mindful. So easy.
Of course, when we aim to be mindful our mind can wander; we can become distracted or simply “space out”. Again, we benefit from noticing this. Whenever necessary, we bring our mind back to the focus of our mindfulness.
Remember too the benefits of relaxation. Everything is easier in a relaxed body. So as we practise mindfulness, we will benefit from consciously relaxing our bodies.
Step 2: Open mindfulness
Open mindfulness is the next step. This is as simple as being fully aware of whatever comes into our awareness at this particular moment. No more, no less. Rather than choosing to focus on something in particular as we do with focussed mindfulness, now we simply notice whatever it is that comes to our attention.
Maybe it is the sounds around about us, maybe our own thoughts, some sensations from our body. We simply notice whatever it is that does come to our awareness and we aim to do so free of any commentary, free of any judgement.
First we practise open mindfulness formally, sitting as we would for meditation. Then we experiment with open mindfulness in the course of our normal day. Mindfulness teaches us to be more present, more in the present moment and soon we begin to notice a wonderful thing.
There is actually no stress in the present moment. No anxiety either. We create stress and anxiety by excessive, unhelpful thinking and this necessitates that we are "out of time". To be stressed we need to think about and be affected by the past or the future; we need to be out of time. In the present there is only peace.
As we practise and learn to be more mindful, we learn to give more attention to the present moment. Of course memories from the past are still useful and planning for the future makes good sense. But now we do not dwell on them. We remember the past with an increasing fondness. We do all we can towards an ideal future, and we learn to combine this with going with the flow.
The bonus: Mindfulness in daily life
The formal practice of mindfulness translates directly into daily life. The more we learn to give our full attention to whatever or who ever we are engaged with, the better everything flows. This is why mindfulness is such a good practice to learn and develop in formal sessions, and then to take with you into daily life.
Of course, mindfulness also quite naturally leads into the deeper stillness of meditation. So many good reasons to develop mindfulness.
NEWS
1. COMING WORKSHOPS with Ian and Ruth; and links to the details
Perth
April 4; Evening dinner and talk with Verity James and Ian, along with Ross Taylor launching You Can Conquer Cancer in the West.
13 – 14: Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Denmark
April 5; Evening dinner and conversation for health professionals
April 6; Day workshop: Creating Health & Preventing Disease
2. H.H. THE DALAI LAMA COMING to AUSTRALIA in JUNE
BEYOND RELIGION, THE BENEFITS OF LIVING ETHICALLY
How fortunate are we! This will be the Dalai Lama’s ninth visit to Australia and this time His Holiness will provide thought provoking scope to explore the positive impact of ethical behaviour on ourselves, our loved ones, fellow human beings, communities, countries and ultimately our shared global community.
Based on His Holiness book, Beyond Religion, Ethics for a Whole World, His Holiness will discuss how to put ethics into practice in everyday life.
THE VISIT SCHEDULE
14th – 16th June – Sydney Teachings: Jewel Lamp: A Praise of Bodhichitta
16th June – Sydney Public Talk: Ethical Mindfulness in Everyday Life
18th June – Melbourne Public Talk: Compassion, the Foundation of Wellbeing
19th June – Braybrook, Vic; Teachings: The Heart Sutra and Eight Verses for Mind Training
21st June – Adelaide Public Talk: The Quest for Happiness
23rd June – Darwin Public Talk: Ethics in Our Shared World
23rd June – Teachings: The Four Noble Truths
Visit the website for further information and to book tickets: www.dalailamainaustralia.org
3. Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness and their connection to corporate America's Bottom Line
Arianna Huffington discusses the growing trend in corporate America to take steps -- meditation, yoga, mindfulness trainings -- to reduce stress and improve health and creativity.
Arianna comments “Even a quick look at what's happening in the American workplace shows that it's a seriously split-screen world. On the one hand, there's the stressful world of quarterly earnings reports, beating growth expectations, hard-charging CEOs, and focusing on the bottom line -- the world that is the usual focus of CNBC and Squawk Box.
On the other hand, there's the world populated by the growing awareness of the costs of stress, not just in the health and well-being of business leaders and employees, but on the bottom line as well.
Interested? Link here.
4. COMMUNITY and SUSTAINABILITY in the YARRA VALLEY
I have been asked to speak on Meditation and Sustainability in my local community in a few weeks. A nice opportunity if you care to visit the Upper Yarra Valley, meet some of the locals and learn more about sustainability.
Yarra Valley ECOSS: Community Festival - Celebrating Sustainability in the Yarra Valley
10 - 4 pm Sunday 21st, April 2013; Yarra Junction Parklands. Including the Upper Yarra Museum and The Sport and Aquatic centre (Mel ref 288 D7)
Workshops and speakers Great live music Market stalls
Butter making, hay baling, blacksmithing and old time children games
Open day at the Sports and Aquatic centre
Scooter & BMX Demonstrations Scrumptious food Woman's Red Tent
Recycled Fashion parade Alternate transport Display Solar and pedal powered stage
5. Breaking research news
Soy Products Improve Survival in Women with Lung Cancer - March 27, 2013
Soy products can improve survival from lung cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, 444 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. Researchers examined the women’s diets before and after their cancer diagnosis. Those who ate the most soy products cut their risk of dying by nearly half, compared with women who ate the least amount of soy.
Previous studies have shown that soy products reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, and have a similar ability to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Yang G, Shu XO, Li HL, et al. Prediagnosis Soy Food Consumption and Lung Cancer Survival in Women. J Clin Oncol. Published online on March 25, 2013.
Yang G, Shu XO, Chow WH, et al. Soy food intake and risk of lung cancer: evidence from the Shanghai Women's Health Study and a meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2012;176:846-855.
RELATED BLOG
Meditation in 4 easy steps
RESOURCES
BOOK: Meditation - an In-depth Guide
CDS: Meditation - a complete path
Mind Training
Meditation in the Desert - come to Central Australia and experience the heart of mindfulness and meditation
This week, the 2 best ways to develop mindfulness, news of next week’s workshops in Perth and Denmark, breaking news on soy and cancer, and some great other events. But first
Thought for the week
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green earth,
Dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness is a particular state of mind that is easy to learn, relevant to everything we do, alleviates stress and generates joy! No wonder it is becoming trendy. And being easy to research, the scientists love it. There is now good science to support the claims that mindfulness will enhance your health and wellbeing, and support healing in general.
How then to best develop mindfulness? There are two great ways; both relatively simple, both of great benefit to practise.
Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American who has helped popularise this way of training our minds. He defines mindfulness as focussing our attention on our current moment experience, deliberately and non-judgementally.
By contrast, being mindless is when we are doing something and our mind is elsewhere; thinking of someone or something else, dwelling on the past or fantasising about the future.
Now of course, mindlessness is pretty normal – as in very common! This is why most of us benefit from training to be more mindful; more focussed, more present.
Step 1: Focussed mindfulness
To learn to become more mindful, we begin by practising what we call focussed or deliberate mindfulness. This is where we focus our attention on just one thing, deliberately and with no judgement.
So this can be as simple as formally paying attention to the sounds around about us, to our breath, our body; whatever one thing we choose to focus upon with our attention, while at the same time, we aim to remain like a non-judgemental observer; as much as possible, free of internal commentary, free of judgement.
There is a natural peace in simply being mindful. We practice and begin to appreciate this. With our minds open, curious, aware; we notice whatever it is that we have chosen to focus upon. No need to force anything, or deny anything. Open. Aware. Free of judgement. Mindful. So easy.
Of course, when we aim to be mindful our mind can wander; we can become distracted or simply “space out”. Again, we benefit from noticing this. Whenever necessary, we bring our mind back to the focus of our mindfulness.
Remember too the benefits of relaxation. Everything is easier in a relaxed body. So as we practise mindfulness, we will benefit from consciously relaxing our bodies.
Step 2: Open mindfulness
Open mindfulness is the next step. This is as simple as being fully aware of whatever comes into our awareness at this particular moment. No more, no less. Rather than choosing to focus on something in particular as we do with focussed mindfulness, now we simply notice whatever it is that comes to our attention.
Maybe it is the sounds around about us, maybe our own thoughts, some sensations from our body. We simply notice whatever it is that does come to our awareness and we aim to do so free of any commentary, free of any judgement.
First we practise open mindfulness formally, sitting as we would for meditation. Then we experiment with open mindfulness in the course of our normal day. Mindfulness teaches us to be more present, more in the present moment and soon we begin to notice a wonderful thing.
There is actually no stress in the present moment. No anxiety either. We create stress and anxiety by excessive, unhelpful thinking and this necessitates that we are "out of time". To be stressed we need to think about and be affected by the past or the future; we need to be out of time. In the present there is only peace.
As we practise and learn to be more mindful, we learn to give more attention to the present moment. Of course memories from the past are still useful and planning for the future makes good sense. But now we do not dwell on them. We remember the past with an increasing fondness. We do all we can towards an ideal future, and we learn to combine this with going with the flow.
The bonus: Mindfulness in daily life
The formal practice of mindfulness translates directly into daily life. The more we learn to give our full attention to whatever or who ever we are engaged with, the better everything flows. This is why mindfulness is such a good practice to learn and develop in formal sessions, and then to take with you into daily life.
Of course, mindfulness also quite naturally leads into the deeper stillness of meditation. So many good reasons to develop mindfulness.
NEWS
1. COMING WORKSHOPS with Ian and Ruth; and links to the details
Perth
April 4; Evening dinner and talk with Verity James and Ian, along with Ross Taylor launching You Can Conquer Cancer in the West.
13 – 14: Weekend workshop: A New Way of Living
Denmark
April 5; Evening dinner and conversation for health professionals
April 6; Day workshop: Creating Health & Preventing Disease
2. H.H. THE DALAI LAMA COMING to AUSTRALIA in JUNE
BEYOND RELIGION, THE BENEFITS OF LIVING ETHICALLY
How fortunate are we! This will be the Dalai Lama’s ninth visit to Australia and this time His Holiness will provide thought provoking scope to explore the positive impact of ethical behaviour on ourselves, our loved ones, fellow human beings, communities, countries and ultimately our shared global community.
Based on His Holiness book, Beyond Religion, Ethics for a Whole World, His Holiness will discuss how to put ethics into practice in everyday life.
THE VISIT SCHEDULE
14th – 16th June – Sydney Teachings: Jewel Lamp: A Praise of Bodhichitta
16th June – Sydney Public Talk: Ethical Mindfulness in Everyday Life
18th June – Melbourne Public Talk: Compassion, the Foundation of Wellbeing
19th June – Braybrook, Vic; Teachings: The Heart Sutra and Eight Verses for Mind Training
21st June – Adelaide Public Talk: The Quest for Happiness
23rd June – Darwin Public Talk: Ethics in Our Shared World
23rd June – Teachings: The Four Noble Truths
Visit the website for further information and to book tickets: www.dalailamainaustralia.org
3. Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness and their connection to corporate America's Bottom Line
Arianna Huffington discusses the growing trend in corporate America to take steps -- meditation, yoga, mindfulness trainings -- to reduce stress and improve health and creativity.
Arianna comments “Even a quick look at what's happening in the American workplace shows that it's a seriously split-screen world. On the one hand, there's the stressful world of quarterly earnings reports, beating growth expectations, hard-charging CEOs, and focusing on the bottom line -- the world that is the usual focus of CNBC and Squawk Box.
On the other hand, there's the world populated by the growing awareness of the costs of stress, not just in the health and well-being of business leaders and employees, but on the bottom line as well.
Interested? Link here.
4. COMMUNITY and SUSTAINABILITY in the YARRA VALLEY
I have been asked to speak on Meditation and Sustainability in my local community in a few weeks. A nice opportunity if you care to visit the Upper Yarra Valley, meet some of the locals and learn more about sustainability.
Yarra Valley ECOSS: Community Festival - Celebrating Sustainability in the Yarra Valley
10 - 4 pm Sunday 21st, April 2013; Yarra Junction Parklands. Including the Upper Yarra Museum and The Sport and Aquatic centre (Mel ref 288 D7)
Workshops and speakers Great live music Market stalls
Butter making, hay baling, blacksmithing and old time children games
Open day at the Sports and Aquatic centre
Scooter & BMX Demonstrations Scrumptious food Woman's Red Tent
Recycled Fashion parade Alternate transport Display Solar and pedal powered stage
5. Breaking research news
Soy Products Improve Survival in Women with Lung Cancer - March 27, 2013
Soy products can improve survival from lung cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, 444 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. Researchers examined the women’s diets before and after their cancer diagnosis. Those who ate the most soy products cut their risk of dying by nearly half, compared with women who ate the least amount of soy.
Previous studies have shown that soy products reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, and have a similar ability to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Yang G, Shu XO, Li HL, et al. Prediagnosis Soy Food Consumption and Lung Cancer Survival in Women. J Clin Oncol. Published online on March 25, 2013.
Yang G, Shu XO, Chow WH, et al. Soy food intake and risk of lung cancer: evidence from the Shanghai Women's Health Study and a meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2012;176:846-855.
RELATED BLOG
Meditation in 4 easy steps
RESOURCES
BOOK: Meditation - an In-depth Guide
CDS: Meditation - a complete path
Mind Training
Meditation in the Desert - come to Central Australia and experience the heart of mindfulness and meditation
26 March 2013
Ian Gawler blog: The Wellness Warrior does it again!
Ruth and I are leading Meditation in the Forest this week and I planned a week off from the blog. But I just cannot resist sharing this – short and sweet.
Jess Aiscough is the Wellness Warrior and if you have not visited her website as yet, do yourself a favour. Full of vitality, freshness, optimism, down to earth common good sense, and the occasional (or is that regular?!) good recipe.
This post Jess shares her account of speaking at the recent Surviving Cancer evening and has links to the very inspiring speakers who shared their recovery stories that night. Well worth taking the time to listen. Link here
Next week I will share some reflections from the retreat; it is a true delight to be a part of such a meeting.
Thought for the Day
"Dance, my heart! dance today with joy.
The strains of love fill the days and the nights with music,
and the world is listening to its melodies.
Mad with joy, life and death dance to the rhythm of this music.
The hills and the sea and the earth dance.
The world of man dances in laughter and tears.
Why put on the robe of the monk,
and live aloof from the world in lonely pride?
Behold!
My heart dances in the delight of a hundred arts;
and the Creator is well pleased."
Kabir
04 March 2013
Meditation in the Desert
PLEASE NOTE: This blog relates to Meditation in the Desert 2013. For details of retreats Ruth and I present currently, please go to our website : iangawler.com : CLICK HERE
For thousands of years, deserts have been places of inspiration for those on the spiritual journey. To enter into the central Australian desert is like entering into a “meditative field”. There is something about this place; maybe it is the fact that the land here is so ancient, maybe it is the vast blue sky, the incredible array of stars at night.
Maybe it is the fact that the Indigenous Australians survived here for tens of thousands of years, imbuing their country with their rituals and respect and knowledge. In this way, maybe going into the Australian desert is like going to India, where the atmosphere of the spiritual focus in life is palpably in the air; in the ground itself.
Ruth and I have the good fortune of a long and close connection with this central desert. Ruth lived in Alice Springs for 10 years, working in Aboriginal health and then a community general practice. I seem to have been magnetically drawn there on a regular basis for 25 years.
So after many requests it is on again! For the fifth time, Meditation in the Desert will provide the opportunity to share a unique meditation experience in the remarkable Central Australian landscape. An opportunity to unwind, reconnect with your own true nature, and experience something of Australia’s ancient land and culture. Seven days of meditation will be followed by an extraordinary time sitting with traditional elders, the indigenous custodians of this unique environment.
Overseas visitors could find this a great addition to an Australian tour and there is an early bird discount available for everyone if you book and pay before the end of March.
But first, before more details:
Thought for the Day
You must train the mind like a muscle.
If you want to train your body you must practise exercise regularly.
Likewise, if you want to train your mind you must practise meditation on a day-to-day basis.
You will not be able to carry a heavy load with weak muscles.
Training is a gradual process.
If you want to train your body you must practise exercise regularly.
Likewise, if you want to train your mind you must practise meditation on a day-to-day basis.
You will not be able to carry a heavy load with weak muscles.
Training is a gradual process.
Garchen Rinpoche
Meditation in the Desert will be held again at the heritage listed Hamilton Downs Youth Camp, a converted pioneer’s cattle station homestead about 120kms NW of Alice Springs.
We will be in the beautiful desert landscape north of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, with this the actual view:
While meditation is the main focus, we use the gentle sharing of our personal stories as a way of helping to deepen and integrate the experience.
The Program:
I will be providing a well structured and in depth teaching on the practice of meditation. This will be supported and extended by an exploration of Buddhist mind science and philosophy, in a way that is accessible to all. The teaching sessions will be supported by the meditation practice sessions that follow each day. Meditation in the Desert is open to anyone who is ready to deepen their meditation and spiritual growth in the context of the heart of our land and our Indigenous heritage. It is intended for people from all spiritual traditions or of no particular faith.
The structure of the retreat builds steadily with the intention of guiding both those newer to meditation and established meditators into a more direct and profound experience of meditation. Participants will find that the extraordinary spaciousness and atmosphere of the desert will support and further deepen their experience. It is a wonderful opportunity!
The retreat includes walking meditation and basic Hatha Yoga led by Ruth each day. There is a longer break in the afternoons, to rest and relax amidst the peace and silence of the meditative space this desert landscape provides.
Traditional Aboriginal Elders - a rare opportunity for an authentic cultural exchange.
The retreat includes several days being with senior members of the local Arrente and Walpiri tribes. They may teach us how to gather food, make boomerangs, dress and dance… with generosity, humor and a translator!
This provides a unique opportunity to meet and learn from a spiritual tradition that is at the heart of Australia’s history. It helps us to connect with these remarkable people, the land and ourselves in a truly unique way.
More Practical Details:
The retreat includes being picked up by bus in Alice Springs and taken to Hamilton Downs, then at the end of the retreat being returned to Alice Springs, or the airport.
Many people enjoy sleeping out in a swag (provided) amidst the beauty and spaciousness of the night sky, the desert and its magical quality. However, there is also dormitory-style accommodation for those who prefer that.
Be aware that this is a remote location with no internet or telephone access except in real emergencies, so good health and an enthusiasm to be in such an environment is a pre-requisite for attending.
Dates: Friday 6th September to Sunday 15th September, 2013
We meet informally in Alice Springs on the evening of Friday 6th September at 5pm. Then on Saturday 7th September around 8am we travel by bus to Hamilton Downs to formally begin the retreat.
The retreat concludes in Alice Springs on Sunday 15th September, when the bus returns around 4pm. The bus can then also take people to the airport after that time, after it has dropped participants in the town centre and the main hotel.
Cost: $1970 Reserve a place with a non-refundable deposit of $200, balance due 31st July 2013.
Early bird discount of $1850 if fully paid by the end of March 2013.
The cost includes transportation between Alice Springs and Hamilton Downs, the accommodation in Hamilton Downs, meals at Hamilton Downs, meditation program, a swag (if desired) and all activities at Hamilton Downs. It does not include airfares or travel to Alice Springs. We encourage you to book your airline tickets as soon as possible (we have already) as the flights and seats to Alice Springs often book up early.
Travel insurance is encouraged as we will not be able to provide refunds after 16th August 2013.
Meditation in the Forest starts in a few weeks and is fully booked, so registering early may make sense.
Tour the Central Desert
Many participants will use the opportunity of being in this part of the country to take a trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Wattaka (Kings Canyon) and KataJuta (The Olgas).
You could make your own arrangements for this, however, the same people who are providing the catering (high quality vegetarian food) at the retreat are offering a 4 day add-on tour.
The 4-day Ouback Tour needs to be booked separately through Remote Tours and departs Monday 16th September for 4 days. Passengers will be picked up from their chosen accommodation in Alice Springs.
Ruth and I intend to join in with this tour, but we will not conduct any formal program during this time.
For full details of the add on tour, click here.
PLEASE NOTE: This blog relates to Meditation in the Desert 2013. For details of retreats Ruth and I present currently, please go to our website : iangawler.com : CLICK HERE
RELATED BLOG
Reflections on a retreat
Retreat and go forwards
NEWS
1. Surviving Cancer - Public Talk in Melbourne CBD
Myself and three other cancer thrivers share their experiences. Peter Roberts joins me with his harp to lead meditation. Bring your family, friends and colleagues. Be inspired, be informed, support this work and those actively engaged with it.
Tuesday, March 5th, St Michaels on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne form 6.30 to 8.30pm; light supper at 6.30pm. No need to book, $20 and $15 concession. All procedes to the Gawler Foundation.
2. A New Way of Living - Weekend workshops around the country
My weekend workshops that will focus this year on the best ways to prevent and overcome cancer are rapidly approaching. Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and then quite a number of regional events. For full details link to my website by clicking here.
3. The tomatoes are on!
For those who remember the blog about the easy way to plant tomatoes (Back a winner), it has been a good year. Picked about 20 Kgms of lovely organic tomatoes last weekend and turned them into pasta sauce for the winter. Yummy!
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