Comments (7)

• Thomas Byrnes Jr., D.O. 19 Mar

  If 5 to 10 minutes is too long at the beginning of your exploration of this beneficial exercise, try a variation proposed by Andrew Weil, M.D. at a recent employee wellness presentation sponsored by Gulfstream in Savannah GA. Dr. Weil reported he picked up the exercise from Robert Fulford. D.O. in the 1990's. First, Start in a comfortable postition as described in the initial post above, touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth right behind your upper teeth. (Something to do with Chi circuts?), then breath in through your nose for a count of 4, hold the breath in for a count of 7 then exhale through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat four times. Do not do this more than twice daily. You should be able to detect internal personal benefits after two weeks practice. Enjoy!

• DCoE Public Affairs 20 Mar

  Thank you for sharing that tip, Thomas!

• Jill Bormann, PhD, RN, FAAN 30 Apr

  Those who have a hard time sitting to meditate or believe they cannot concentrate due to a distracted mind may find "mantram repetition" helpful. Silently repeating a mantram (sacred word or phrase) is a portable form of training attention that leads to relaxation. Mantram repetition, not the same as Transcendental Meditation (TM), can be practiced while walking, waiting in line, at a stop light, before sleep or anywhere. Mantram, a self-selected word or phrase, is to be repeated silently to replace unwanted thoughts.The key, however, is to practice during times when you are calm and relaxed to create a mind-body connection. Then, later, it can be used to replace unwanted thoughts or manage feelings during times of stress or in anticipation of a stressful event. The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) has been empirically studied and found effective for reducing hyperarousal in veterans with posttraumatic stress.  It can also be taught to children. They can learn to use it for calming themselves when agitated or upset. Some teach it to children calling it a "special word".  More information can be found on the internet.

• DCoE Public Affairs 07 May

  Thanks, Jill for sharing with us the benefits of a different type of meditation!

• Kathleen Suneja 17 Sep

  Hi there! Great article you have, I would also want to share my thoughts that Meditation indeed has positive effects not only in the body but also in the mind, a total holistic wellness that brings us to know our inner-self better. It gives us a peace of mind that helps us have a much better perception about our lives.

  Our advocacy is to promote the positive effects of meditation, yoga and inner wellness.

  Help us, visit our website at http://www.iamthechangeiseek.org and also www.goodreads.com/kathleensuneja

  Thank you and have a great day!

• Guy C. Lamunyon 08 Jan

  For beginners I suggest guided mindfulness exercises. These can be found on YOUTUBE, the Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention website, iTunes or from Jon Kabat Zinn website.
  Guy C. Lamunyon MSN, RN
  Lieutenant Colonel
  Army Psych Mental Health Nurse, Retired
  Combat Medic - 101st Vietnam

• DCoE Public Affairs 19 Jan

  Thank you, Guy, for your contribution to the discussion! As you note, there are additional  mindfulness resources on the internet. As with all internet-based resources, we urge you to use good judgement to ensure that you are accessing reputable sources of information and not jeopardizing your safety by disclosing personal information.