Meditate To Concentrate

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070625193240.htm

ScienceDaily (June 26, 2007) — Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say that practicing even small doses of daily meditation may improve focus and performance.

Meditation, according to Penn neuroscientist Amishi Jha and Michael Baime, director of Penn's Stress Management Program, is an active and effortful process that literally changes the way the brain works. Their study is the first to examine how meditation may modify the three subcomponents of attention, including the ability to prioritize and manage tasks and goals, the ability to voluntarily focus on specific information and the ability to stay alert to the environment.

In the Penn study, subjects were split into two categories. Those new to meditation, or "mindfulness training," took part in an eight-week course that included up to 30 minutes of daily meditation. The second group was more experienced with meditation and attended an intensive full-time, one-month retreat.

Researchers found that even for those new to the practice, meditation enhanced performance and the ability to focus attention. Performance-based measures of cognitive function demonstrated improvements in a matter of weeks. The study, to be published in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, suggests a new, non-medical means for improving focus and cognitive ability among disparate populations and has implications for workplace performance and learning.

Participants performed tasks at a computer that measured response speeds and accuracy. At the outset, retreat participants who were experienced in meditation demonstrated better executive functioning skills, the cognitive ability to voluntarily focus, manage tasks and prioritize goals. Upon completion of the eight-week training, participants new to meditation had greater improvement in their ability to quickly and accurately move and focus attention, a process known as "orienting." After the one-month intensive retreat, participants also improved their ability to keep attention "at the ready."

The results suggest that meditation, even as little as 30 minutes daily, may improve attention and focus for those with heavy demands on their time. While practicing meditation may itself may not be relaxing or restful, the attention-performance improvements that come with practice may paradoxically allow us to be more relaxed.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Penn Stress Management Program.

What IS The Silva Method?

After 20 years’ experience as a Silva Method instructor the best way I’ve found to answer that question is by pointing out…

First, The SilvaMethod provides an easy, reliable process to attain the Alpha level of brainwave functioning. This is also known as the Meditative State. In Silva, we refer to it as ‘our Level’. 

This is the ‘level’ of brain/mind activity where we function at our strongest. It’s good to know that we can attain this brainwave state at will; for as long as we choose; and we leave it when we choose.

Then we have a collection of superb multi-use mental techniques - I think of them as mental tools - from which we can create our dreams and desires i.e. Manifest!

We use these mental tools while in the Alpha, or Meditative, brainwave state.  This we call  ‘programming’.

As I often say in classes, the limits of these tools are only your own needs / desires and your own creativity.

After ending a programming session, it’s time to take physical action which is in line with the programming you’ve done.

Because there are practice exercises included in the course, after taking The Silva Method you have greater skill using your meditative state – your Level – and you have a powerful set of multi-use mental tools for designing the life of your dreams.

You're going to love it!

Better Bette and Better,
Barbara Hawkins

Why Meditation?

Would you like to have more peace, health, happiness and abundance in your life?

Have you identified the things that provide or create them?

Are you doing these things yet?

Interesting questions, aren't they.

One of the things that I KNOW brings more peace, health, happiness and abundance is meditation. If you're a Silva Method Graduate, you've heard me (or another instructor) talking about this. You may sort of know that meditation does this but still not spend time regularly experiencing that quiet time...meditation.

Ask yourself "Why?" or "Why not?" What's so hard about taking 10 or 15 minutes a day to sit still, eyes closed, and experience the quiet?

Part of the answer may be that you think you have to DO something to be of value, to be of worth, to be effective and productive. Yet the 'busyness' of doing may actually repel the very things we're desiring and expecting!

But now ask yourself "If I don’t think I'm worthy of taking this time, would Source believe I truly value the things (peace, health, happiness and abundance) that I say I desire? ...things that come through meditation?" 

"Does Source believe I desire lowered stress?" "...more income?" "...solutions to problems?" "...a better life?" etc.

"By my actions, what am I showing Source I desire?"

Some people feel that spending time in meditation is selfish yet taking care of yourself assures that you have the ability to share more with others. Remember: the more abundance we have, the more we can share with others...the more time we have to be with family and friends...and the more adventures we may experience. 

So let's think about what meditation really is.  It's a quiet time, usually with eyes closed. 

Seems simple to me. How about you?

But is there more to it?  Well, there may be. It depends on what form of meditation you're using as well as what your intentions and expectations are.

Many people meditate to enhance spiritual growth and deepen inner peace.

They listen for the 'still, soft voice' of their Guidance/Source. Ask a question...receive an answer.

By the way, 'voice' may suggest you could be 'hearing voices' like a mentally ill person. Not so. Some people may seem to hear something but it's almost always 'inside their head' not in their ears. Most often, it's a thought or series of thoughts on the same or similar theme.

Some people use this quiet time to 'program' for specific manifestations such as improved health, a life partner, a new job...in other words, a specific outcome.

Other benefits would be managing stress, energize, center and balance the physical, emotional and mental bodies. No matter why you take this quiet time - meditation - you benefit.

I'd like to remind you of the saying “energy flows where attention goes.” 

Every time you have a thought - no matter what the topic - you've turned on a magnet that draws it to you. Certainly if you have few thoughts on one topic, it's a very weak magnet. Lots of thoughts means a strong magnetic attraction.

Lots of thoughts on your desired outcome or goal, makes a strong attraction. If your thoughts are fearful, then you're attracting situations which cause you to feel more fear! 

Whenever you repeatedly think of the same thing, you're drawing it to you. 

Whether you're a Silva Graduate or not, you can take a few minutes, a few times a day, to just sit with your eyes closed. Follow your breath and let your mind grow quieter. Know that on the in-breath you're experiencing healthy energy. On the out-breath, you send out worry, stress, tension and limiting beliefs. Doing this slows the mind-chatter.

Sitting quietly for 15 minutes, three times a day improves health - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

This can make a powerful difference in your life...even if all you do is take time to breathe.

Have questions? Email me at Barbara.SilvaStars@gmail.com

Better & Better,

Barbara Hawkins

What is the Alpha State?

Alpha is the 'key' to the meditative state, effective meditation.

How can you get there?

How do you know you're there?

 

For more information contact me at Barbara.SilvaStars@gmail.com

Earthquakes Within and Without – 7 Steps For Changing Beliefs

Ever think about changing your beliefs? Think it's impossible? Or nearly?

It's not!

The Silva Method provides a great system to do this very effectively. If you're a Graduate of one or more of the Silva courses, probably you quickly

BTW the bold and italic fonts are mine.

by Dawn DelVecchio  March 13, 2011


If you’ve been feeling on edge lately but can’t really put your finger on why – let me assure you: you’re not alone. A lot of us are starting to realise that something is going on. There’s some big changes happening here on planet Earth – both geologically and metaphysically – and it doesn’t always feel good.

As earthquakes literally rock our world, we humans are being rocked by an internal upheaval just as life-transforming. What is it?

Changing Beliefs

You see, we’re undergoing a shift in human consciousness. And that shift has got a lot of us feeling like the very ground beneath us is rocking and swaying – not unlike the earth quakes that are getting more intense and frequent all around our planet.

This is a time when our ‘higher selves’ are asking us to make some radical changes in our beliefs, because the beliefs we once thought stable and certain are now shifting like so much sand under our feet.

But how do we go about changing beliefs? How do we stay clear and strong even as all we once knew is in flux? First, let’s have a look at what beliefs are, (or more importantly, what’ they’re not), and then look at what to do to make this transformation as smooth as possible.

1. You’re NOT your Beliefs

Here’s the dilemma: we think our beliefs define who we are. Then, when life offers us information that clearly challenges those beliefs, we tend to get angry, scared or shift into denial, feeling as if our very life is threatened. Sounds irrational, doesn’t it? But think about how many times you’ve experienced or observed hostility, resentment and even the loss of friendships (to say nothing of war and abuse) all because someone said you were wrong, or because you told someone they weren’t right.

But the thing is – you’re not your beliefs. Not at all. A belief, as Abraham-Hicks explains, is simply “a thought you keep thinking.” No matter how long you’ve held a belief, no matter how much you’ve invested your life, time and energy into a belief, you are much, much more than that. Let’s take an example to illustrate …

Let’s say you lived during the 15th century, and you grew up believing that the world was flat. Then this guy Columbus comes along and willy-nilly, the world becomes round and your beliefs are wiped aside like a silly bit of nonsense. Does this change change you? Does it reduce you, limit you or in any way diminish you? Of course not! In fact, if you lived during such an era of sweeping change (and believe me – you do!), the discoveries that demand an instantaneous change in your beliefs would have rocked your world – for the better.

2. Ask for Guidance

Whether you ascribe to a higher Self, higher power, deeper knowing, angelic forces or ultimate God/Source energy, during this time of change, calling upon that which is most sacred to you will help you find ease with this personal and planetary transition. This is because when we ask for guidance we reach beyond the ego-based personality, a structure founded on the very beliefs we may now be called to change.

3. Breath

Sounds simple – is mighty. Breath is Life, and bringing your attention to it during times of stress can actually assist your physiological functioning as well as calm your mind. So when changing beliefs is feeling so painful that it’s more like cutting off a limb, breath and breath and breath.

4. Face your Fears

Take some time to look with courage at the beliefs you cherish most, then ask yourself the scariest question of all: “What would happen if this belief were wrong?” Scary, eh? I understand. But the strange thing is, when you actually face your greatest fears surrounding your beliefs, you open the door to mental and emotional liberation. Don’t believe me? Try it and see.

5. Forgive

Forgive yourself, forgive others, forgive your fears, your doubts, your disbeliefs. Forgive anyone and anything – including those who taught you any beliefs that now seem false. The more your forgive, the freer you’ll feel. Promise.

6. Meditate

In order to really begin to feel that you are not your beliefs, you have to get some mental ‘space’ from them. And there’s no more powerful, efficient way to get some space between your self-beyond-your-beliefs and your thoughts is through meditation. Meditation creates spaciousness in the mind. Allowing you to recognize – as Eckhart Tolle would say – that your thoughts and beliefs are no more than “content in the NOW.”

7. Choose Love

I’m not just talking about romantic love. And I’m definitely not talking about conditional love of any kind. I’m talking about love as the opposite of fear. I’m talking about loving acceptance for self, for others and for the earth, no matter what changes come. I’m talking about dropping judgement, drama and fear and committing yourself to a higher, deeper presence – no matter how tumultuous life feels.

Are you feeling a tumult of changes in your life that are demanding you reevaluate your beliefs? If you are, please share your story with us in the comments section below. This way we can help to support each other during these changing times.

Dawn DelVecchio is the author of ...The Healers Way. The mission of the Healer’s Way is to be a resource for healers and all others. This healing community of over 25,000 healers engage in dialogues to explore the latest information on alternative healing, energy healing, and the healing of humanity.

David Morelli

This video just gets better and better and you listen and experience it. I encourage you to take the time...experience the meditation...think of his suggestions...and think about how this relates to what you've learned in Silva. You already have the tools - and more! - that he's talking about.  Blessings...

taken from the FinerMinds blog...by FinerMinds Team February 23, 2011

As many of you might know, last December, we hosted a personal growth getaway on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica called AwesomenessFest. About 200 people passionate about self development and spirituality came together, connected, and shared their learnings.

So for those who couldn’t join us, I wanted to share one of the best rated speeches at AwesomenessFest. It’s by psychic, David Morelli. He’s incredibly successful, having hit 2 million-dollar businesses over the past couple years and his radio show podcast, Everything Is Energy (hosted by him and his wife, Kristin) is the #3 show on iTunes just behind Oprah Winfrey and Marianne Williamson.

And he achieved all this using his intuition. Check out this video and if you want to skip straight to the meditation at the end, fast forward to the minute 22:33.

How to Exercise Your Brain

taken from "How God Changes Your Brain" by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman

This information is both beneficial for our brain and is consistent with the ideals and goals most of us have for our lives, spiritually and otherwise.  How to Exercise Your Brain may seem very familiar to Silva Method Graduates!

There are eight ways we can exercise our brain...I'll follow the authors' lead and list these in reverse order:

8)  Smile
      Thich Nhat Hanh suggests we do a 'smiling meditation' throughout the day. It's not necessary to stop, sit or lie down, close your eyes and go into the meditative state...just smile. Smile at other people and smile because it feels good!
       However don't go into laughter....totally different experience with very different outcomes.

7)  Stay intellectually active
     No surprise here...we've been hearing for years that intellectual activity is a deterrant to alzheimer's disease. Memory and mnemonic exercises (Silva Memory Pegs!) strategy games such as chess, read books (fiction or non-fiction) educational TV programming, problem solving and quick reasoning are great. Really get into these activities and challenge yourself.
       Note: the authors say that crossword puzzles and math exercises don't work.
       Make sure you're enjoying yourself!

6)  Consciously relax
     Deliberate relaxation of areas of your body...sounds like the Silva Long Relax is perfect for this. They also recommend calming music.  All reduce stress and that's beneficial 'across the board'.

5)  Yawn
      Yes, yawn benefits your brain! Yawning relaxes you and brings you into a state of awareness, alertness. On page 158 of "How God Changes Your Brain" the authors list 12 essential reasons to yawn!  There are so many ways yawning is beneficial that it's probably best you look into yourself.

4)  Meditate and Intensive Prayer
     Benefits body and mind as well as the spiritual self.  Even 10 - 15 minutes is enough to make a significantly positive effect. Are you in school now? Meditation before testing can significantly improve your score!
     Guided visualization and self-hypnosis are in this category too.

3)  Aerobic exercise
     Not only is exercise beneficial to maintain health it helps in the healing process, including rebuilding damage caused by brain lesions and strokes.  Among other physical benefits the immune system gets a boost. The authors note that exercise "can be used to treat clinical depression and it is just as effective as antidepressants."
     Exercise can even be considered a form meditation because of the focus involved in using your body. It also enhances relaxation and your spiritual life.
     Some researchers believe yoga is as beneficial as more strenuous movement.
     You'll want to check the last paragraph on page 161!

2)  Talk with others
      Social interaction is very important...as we are with others, we talk. The topic here is intellectual conversation, abstract ideas. Discuss ideas and concepts that don't come up at work very often such as the Big Bang theory. Make sure that these conversations are positively stimulating and don't deteriorate into upsetting 'conversations'.

1)  Faith
     No matter what, we need to trust ourselves. We rely on faith in ourselves, in God, our intuition to go through life. Faith includes or equates with optimism, the trust that a good future awaits us.

Are You a Victim of Your DNA?

With an active interest in science, particularly biology, I've always read everything I could get my hands on about DNA.  In fact in college I considered a career in genetics.

Certainly we were taught that whatever our DNA legacy was we could, would and MUST fulfill it.  That perspective is almost a 'sentence', isn't it!

Take a few minutes to listen to this video with Dr. Lipton and Dr.Wayne Dyer.  It may be quite surprising to you.

Kindness

A nice video.  Deep thoughts if you want them.

Benefits of Meditation

Many people tell me they have no time to meditate, no time to "go to their level". Perhaps you believe you're too busy to take the time for meditation.

If you're busy busy busy, it may surprise you to know that when you take time for meditation

• you get more accomplished in your day
  
• your mental abilities are sharper


• you're more relaxed


• you get along with others more easily and work more effectively


• you're more perceptive about what needs to be done and what others expect of you and


• you feel a lot better - mentally and physically - than days when you leave meditation out.
  

Sounds like a good investment to me!

Remember: 3 times a day is best (soon after arising in the morning, after lunch, soon before going to bed. Even a few minutes is good and 15 minutes is an excellent use of your time.