Introducing a Medical Breakthrough: Meditation
Scientific inquiry is said to be common to the western mind, and this scientific approach is evolving slowly in the field of Yoga and meditation, from Zen to Mindfulness and now to Heartfulness. Heartfulness ushers in a whole new way of looking at the heart-brain and heart-mind interaction, from thinking to feeling and acting, in cognitive behavioral tools and interventions. In this context, we invite you to read the articles on consciousness and the qualities of the heart by Mr Kamlesh D. Patel, also known as Daaji. These can be found at www.daaji.org and www.heartfulnessmagazine.com. Over the past 30 years, we have given mental well-being much more importance in science and medicine, and also in the arena of public policy. Today, developments in positive psychology and neuroplasticity are making an enormous contribution to our overall approach to wellness. Scientists and authors such as Bruce Lipton, Gregg Braden and Rupert Sheldrake are exploring the body-mind connection, which consists of beliefs and practices, interconnectedness and the source of all of what we manifest. Stephen Hawking says, “If we do discover a theory of everything... it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason — for then we would truly know the mind of God.” According to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an action or behavior that produces a consequence becomes the new input for the next cycles of thinking, feeling, and acting. Introduction 1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy introduction introduction 6 7 This approach states that what we think is as important as what we do. How we feel, what we think and the way we act are critical aspects of our level of wellness. When we speak of wellness today, we speak of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. It is gratifying to see the growing integration of all fields of medicine in many places and cultures. This kind of integration yields to traditions that are rational, while being skeptical about science where it is totally commercial, and this is heartening!
THE TOOLS OF HEARTFULNESS The practices of Heartfulness relax the body and mind, center the mind by tuning into the heart, and remove the inner clutter. Participants feel rejuvenated, joyful and calmer. Breathing with awareness of purpose is a technique to connect within and relieve tension. Attendees are taught to breathe in what is needed and positive for oneself, and breathe out what is good for others. Heartful affirmations build positivity, enabling participants to feel deeply connected with everyone and everything around them. The Heartfulness techniques help us discover ourselves. Self-compassion can then expand to compassion for others. The approach helps by allowing us to take a step back, tap into our inner reserves, look beyond prejudices and have the courage to connect with the heart. For more info e-mail cme@heartfulnessinstitute.org
