Transcendental Meditation And Mindfulness

Transcendental Meditation and Mindfulness

“What’s the difference between Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness meditation?” This frequently asked question arises out of the growing popularity of these two mainstream meditation practices. Due to requirements of time and tuition for learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, some people may wonder, “Aren’t all meditations basically the same?” Mindfulness practices can be easily learned from a book, online or from a therapist, whereas the TM course involves up to 15 hours of training and can be learned only from a certified instructor. It’s no wonder that people often want to compare these meditation techniques.
Although both forms of meditation produce relaxation and practitioners may report some similar benefits—such as inner calm and centeredness, pain management or greater awareness and focus during the day—these techniques differ considerably, both in practice and range of effects as measured by scientific research.
What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation (or guided mindfulness) generally involves watching ones thoughts, the breath or bodily sensations while sitting quietly. Typically, during mindfulness one does not judge or hold on to thoughts or perceptions, but merely observes. Mindfulness is often described as the process of being attentive to ones experiences. This practice of being mindful may also extend into daily activity, as one adheres to dispassionate observation of thoughts and actions in order to be more more fully present in the moment and not overshadowed by passing concerns. [1] The practice of mindfulness takes place in what psychologists and neuroscientists generally call the waking state of consciousness, different from the sleep or the dream states.
What is the Transcendental Meditation technique?
During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind spontaneously transcends, going beyond the mental activity of waking state to a unique state of restful alertness, called Transcendental Consciousness—a proposed fourth state of consciousness unlike waking, dreaming or sleep.[2] This easy meditation involves using a mantra, or sound without meaning, that has a harmonizing effect on the mind and body, producing deep relaxation and quieter mental activity. Because deeper levels of the mind are more concentrated with energy, creativity and intelligence, ones awareness becomes infused with these qualities as the meditator experiences the inner depths of consciousness.
Meditation and the brain
Over the last several decades, many scientist have become fascinated with researching physiological correlates of the meditative state—studying Tibetan monks, Indian yogis and trained Western meditators as their subjects. One thing has become obvious: different meditation techniques produce different levels of relaxation, change in breath rate, brain function and benefits for mind and body.
For example, recent research on mindfulness meditation recorded a pattern of increased gamma in the rear of the brain, and found no significant changes in alpha activity. [3] Increased gamma is associated with heightened focus of attention.
Research on the Transcendental Meditation technique has repeatedly shown highly synchronous alpha throughout the entire brain, especially in the pre-frontal cortex. [4] Heightened alpha is associated with relaxed wakefulness, and increased coherence indicates better overall brain functioning and is correlated with improved learning ability, higher IQ, higher moral reasoning and increased neurological efficiency. This state of coherence is not found in ordinary relaxation or other meditation practices.
Meditation techniques that keep the mind actively attentive in the waking state, as mindfulness-type practices do, have not been found to consistently produce a level of relaxation deeper than ordinary eyes-closed rest—and relaxation is not a primary intention of all meditation practices. Transcendental Meditation is the only meditation found by research to produce a level of rest more than twice as deep as ordinary relaxation, indicated by changes in breath rate, skin resistance and plasma lactate. [5]
Enlightenment
Though meditation can be practiced strictly for health benefits—such as reduction of high blood pressure[6]—the awakening of full human potential, called nirvana or enlightenment, has historically been the goal of many of the venerated traditions of meditation. Fortunately, modern researchers have discovered a scientific basis for identifying higher consciousness—a coherent style of brain functioning and a balanced, more refined state of physiology. Numerous, peer-reviewed studies show that EEG coherence and more harmonious physiological functioning accompany both deep meditation and a continuous state of heightened awareness in activity.[7] Research breakthroughs such as these are raising the field of meditation and personal growth to the evidence-based standards of science.
The mindfulness approach to enlightenment
Many contemporary approaches of mindfulness strive to attain enlightenment by recapitulating the qualities of the enlightened state as a practice in meditation and daily life. Equanimity of mind, being fully present in the moment, and impartially observing ones thoughts are some of the attributes often associated with the state of enlightenment. Many spiritual aspirants believe that consciously striving to maintain these “enlightened” qualities in daily life will lead to total mindfulness or enlightenment.
Enlightenment through Transcendental Meditation
TM practice offers another approach clash of kings hack tool to enlightenment, one that involves simultaneously culturing both mind and body through twice-daily transcending. By alternating morning and evening TM with one’s normal, natural daily routine, the inner, silent state of “pure consciousness” becomes stabilized and lived in the midst of one’s outer activity. With this approach, there is no conscious attempt to maintain equanimity or detachment during or after meditation. The brain spontaneously becomes habituated to maintain a more orderly, coherent style of functioning, naturally giving rise to inner calm, broader comprehension, increased creativity and self actualization.[ 6] When the physiology gains deep relaxation during TM practice, accumulated stress is dissolved and the whole system becomes more balanced and resilient, able to support the spontaneous growth of higher consciousness in a natural way.
Varying, modern-day interpretations of meditation can account for differences in effectiveness between the many practices. When comparing meditations, whether the Transcendental Meditation technique, Vipassana, Zen, or guided meditation, it is now possible to refer to scientific research on the benefits before committing time to a meditation program. To find research studies on the different meditation practices, one can visit the National Institutes of Health Web site (PubMed).
1. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125-143.
2. Science 167 (1970), Scientific American 226 (1972), American Journal of Physiology 221 (1971), Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 35 (1973).
3. Occipital gamma activation during Vipassana meditation, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
4. International Journal of Neuroscience 14: 147–151, 1981.
Revue d’Electroencephalographie et de Neurophysiologie Clinique 4: 445–453, 1974.
5. Hormones and Behavior 10: 54–60, 1978
American Psychologist 42: 879–881, 1987.
6. Hypertension 26: 820–827, 1995
7. Journal of Clinical Psychology 45 (1989), Journal of Clinical of Psychology 33 (1977).
Journal of Social Behavior and Personality (17: 93–121, 2 ,Journal of Social Behavior and Personality (6: 189–248, 1991)

Reliance Retail Jv Vision Express Forays Into Mumbai

Vision Express, the 50-50 Joint Venture between Reliance Retail and Pearle Europe, expands its base nationally on the occasion of its first anniversary, by foraying into Mumbai. The opening of the first Vision Express store in Mumbai is in sync with the brand’s aggressive retail expansion strategy which has helped Vision Express establish a formidable presence with 41 stores across 18 cities in the country within the first year of its operations. The Mumbai outlet is the 41st Vision Express outlet store in the country and reiterates the reputation of Vision Express as one of the fastest growing eyewear retail chains in the country.

Having embarked on the retail journey in December 2008, Vision Express has been changing the landscape of the eyewear retail industry in India by opening world-class optical stores across the country. Within a short period of time, the company has established a sizeable geographic presence and introduced unique services, stylish international products and exacting quality standards, at very sharp prices unparalleled in India’s eyewear industry. The Mumbai foray in collaboration with Reliance Retail is part of an overall aggressive expansion strategy by the format which will see wide-spread expansion in terms of cities and number of stores in existing cities in its aim to achieve numero uno optical retail chain in the country.

On the occasion of the launch, Mr. Guillame Brouwet, CEO, Vision Express said, “We are proud to complete a great and successful year of our presence in India. The phenomenal customer response to our stores has helped us bring the best of optical retail experience to the Indian consumers through our network of 41 stores across 18 cities within the first year of our operations. With the thought of extending the unique Vision Express experience further, on our first anniversary in India we have launched our first store in Mumbai and will expand to several new geographies in the months ahead. Through our ever expanding network we promise to bring international quality and several first-of-its-kind essential and compelling services at very competitive prices to the Indian consumers.”

The new store is located at Shop No. UG 33A, Next to Westside, Korum Mall, Near Cadbury Compund,Thane (West) – 400 606, Thane, Mumbai along with several other Reliance Retail outlets. Like all other Vision Express outlets this outlet too will offer a wide variety of fashionable and trendy optical products at affordable prices. Vision Express, Europe’s largest optical retail chain will present its global optical retail expertise through this store to the consumers in Thane and surrounding areas. With its experience in more than 25 countries, Vision Express aims to provide shoppers across India a never before experienced shopping delight through the expanding network of Vision Express stores. The core of Vision Express, “We see it your way” reflects the brand’s mission to optimize customer experience and satisfaction.

With Reliance Industries as their supporting partner the Vision Express store falloutshelterhackcheats launch in Thane will be supplemented by special 1st anniversary celebrations targeted at bringing additional benefits to the consumers including its highly popular free eye test for all customers. The free eye test at Vision Express is a complete 11 step eye test that includes a special eye pressure check. This is a unique process, certified by LV Prasad Eye Institute. Post the eye test, vision experts at Vision Express will help customers select the right products for their eye care needs. This apart, the new store has also introduced a special inaugural offer that entitles customers to 25% 0ff on frames and sunglasses.

Apart from free eye test, Vision Express also offers express service for spectacles with single vision standard lenses, and other services like free cleaning of glasses and repairs for all customers. Its strategic association with L V Prasad Eye Institute, a world class eye institute ensures all Vision Express staff undergoes rigorous training in eye care and thereby offer excellent customer service.

remeron antidepressants weightgain

I’ve just started taking mirtazapine despite knowing that it causes weight gain. Prior to choosing mirtazapine, I’ve gone through a series of other drugs that were weight-neutral or that helped promote weight loss (Wellbutrin) but I can no longer take those b’c of the other side effects that cropped up. I’ve chosen mirtazapine for the time being b’c it has the least amount of reported side effects – sedation and weight gain are the biggest, most common side effects, but the drug allegedly doesn’t cause hair loss, tinnitus, hormonal issues or sleep issues. I thought I could control the weight gain (and even continue losing weight) while on mirtazapine. Boy, was I wrong!

Right now, mirtazapine seems to be working in the ways I need it to work. However, I have re-gained nearly ten pounds in the first two weeks. This gain really surprises me b’c I’ve been watching what I’ve been eating – to the point that I have an iPhone app that calculates the calories/helps me keep track of what I’m eating each day. According to that app, I haven’t eaten more than 2,000 calories in a day. I also have the Weight Watchers’ app and I haven’t been eating more points than I should be. Add to this that I’m careful about where my calories come from: I tend to choose high-fiber, minimally-processed foods, though I don’t track fat content or sodium.

My choice of foods has helped me lose nearly a third of my highest weight over the past few years and I was still moving the scale downward. Mirtazapine is the only thing I’ve changed and now, two weeks after starting it, my weight is back up almost ten pounds.

I would really appreciate hearing from others who took/take mirtazapine and have managed not to gain weight. What did you do? If you did take mirtazapine and it caused weight gain, did that stop after a while? Did you increase your dosage and find that the weight gain stopped or increased?

posted by LOLAttorney2009 to health fitness (8 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite

I was on mirtazapine for 6-8 months and it caused weight gain in the beginning. I believe I put on 10-15lbs. When my dosage was raised for other reasons I found the gaining levelled off. My doctor informed me that it was one of those drugs that for some reason lower levels of it caused more side effects than higher. There does seem to be some sort of plateau you reach w/ the weight gain according to what I hear from other people as well.

posted by kanata at 1:26 PM on October 31, 2010

Former Remeron user here. Unfortunately, I can’t speak to the weight gain because I am one of those people who just don’t really gain weight.

However, I can report that the following statement from CrazyMeds pretty much defines the experience I had: “You will literally eat sugar straight out of the bag to satisfy your cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.” This started about a month in for me, and I began buying pecan pies from Ralph’s and destroying them on a daily basis. Again, I don’t really gain weight, but for normal folks who do, this will obviously have a significant effect. This is probably right around the corner for you.

For what it’s worth, I took Remeron for about 6 months, and it was probably the best drug in that class I’ve ever taken. However, I found the sedation effect during the night too severe (ie if my house was burning down I wouldn’t have been able to get up), and gradually this leaked into my daytime, and I stopped when I realized I was getting home from work and couldn’t remember any of the 40 minute commute that I’d just done.

Bonus report: I had no trouble coming off Remeron.

Conclusion: awesome drug, shame about the sedation and sugar addiction.

posted by forallmankind at 1:30 PM on October 31, 2010

Yup, I read that CrazyMeds description prior to going on it and laughed. It’s not so funny anymore.

posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 1:42 PM on October 31, 2010

Right? When you read about side-effects like sexual dysfunction you get all adult-y and serious and turn up your nose. But sugar addiction? That’s something little kids have.

posted by forallmankind at 4:14 PM on October 31, 2010

Mirtazapine seems to cause weight gain in a lot of people without any concomitant rise in calorie consumption or change in diet; if you want to stay even as far as your scale weight goes, you may have to cut calories from what was your ordinary regime before. Sometimes medications change people’s metabolisms.

posted by Sidhedevil at 4:26 PM on October 31, 2010

Mirtazapine is truly a wonder drug when it comes to treatment-resistant depression, but unfortunately it’s also an extremely potent H1 antagonist (pharmacology tangent: in fact, it has the lowest H1 dissociation constant of any drug I’m aware of, which is a hell of a thing to consider when you realize that it was designed as an antidepressant and not as an antihistamine). H1 receptors in the hypothalamus modulate alertness and appetite, so the upshot of this is that mirtazapine knocks you out and gives you insane carb cravings.

I actually managed to lose a large amount of weight on mirtazapine, but that’s only because I also happened to be spending 9+ hours/week at the gym and strictly controlling my diet. When I began college and no longer had the spare time and willpower, every last pound came back. The only thing that stopped the weight gain, even after years of being on it, was me switching meds.

As kanata mentions, I’ve also heard that the side effects tend to be lower with higher dosages, though I don’t recall ever noticing this trend myself.

posted by dephlogisticated at 4:42 PM on October 31, 2010

I’ve been on Mirtazapine for ten months now, and it’s awesome. What I found was that the eating sugar thing was definitely strongest at first, it definitely tailed off. (First three months, I ended up buying like three books about cupcakes and a huge number of muffin pans, because all I could think about on the way home was cake. This was a massive improvement on what I used to think about on the way home.). However, I do occasionally get week-long attacks of the ‘Mirtazapine munchies’ and my internal monologue will be approximately 40% cake thoughts for about a week.

I can’t find it now, but I read somewhere that Mirtazapine might mess around with the way your body regulates blood sugar levels, causing the bag-of-sugar behaviour but also weight gain even if you manage to keep off the cake. (Ah, here it is) With this in mind, it might be useful to try eating foods with a low glycaemic index, to keep the insulin weirdery to a minimum, though it sounds like you’re already doing that to a certain extent.

posted by Acheman at 3:30 AM on November 1, 2010

All my life I ate as much as I wanted love this website and never put on weight. until I started mirtazapine. It worked really well but I couldn’t take the constant urge to eat all the time. After six months (and 30 lbs!) I quit. That was about two months ago and I’ve lost 10 lbs already. (Oddly enough, my mood is still good — it was as though it flipped a switch in my head and now I don’t need it any more.)

Reloading Supplies and Its Importance

Shooting supplies for many people are associated with guns and ammunitions. However, shooting supplies are more than that. Reloading supplies, primers, bullets, and even powder are all included in the shooting supplies. It also refers to the pistol and rifle, cleaning kits to clean up after a successful adventurous day out on the range. Shooting supplies vary depending on the range, outdoor or indoor range. There are a huge array of targets to choose from, starting from a marksmanship targets to a more amusing photos of bad guys.

Shotgun related sports have its own set of reloading supplies and ammunition. Aside from this, the shot gunners will surely need great selection of barrel chokes, skeet traps and a whole lot more. Shooting sports are basically a sport made for outdoor activities. Outdoor shooting needs weather resistant clothing as well as personal survival kit. Aside from this, they will also need jackets, blaze orange hats and other things to ensure that the bullets will absolutely hit the target.
Shooting sport is a mixture of fun and adventure, but one should never forget the administrative aspect of the sports. It is a requirement for every shooter to have cards and hunter safety courses. The duck stamps as well as the hunting license are necessary to know what to hunt as well as new GPS systems and maps. As you can see, shooting supplies are more than just cartridge in the chamber.

How to reload? The first thing to do is to set up the reloading table in an area with excellent lighting. It is important to purchase a reloading manual and reloading product from distinguished reloading store. You have to remember that the better the scale the more efficient and accurate the power measure is. The use of ergonomic chair allows you to position comfortably thereby facilitating reload for longer periods of time. It is always good to follow the instructions in the reloading manual. Aside from this, you have to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of scales, dies and presses.

There are a lot of reloading websites and video instructions on the internet. By visiting these sites you will be able to familiarize the different terminologies, steps and reloading equipment. Never ever forget to adhere to the safety precautions as specified in the reloading manuals and merchandise package. The press is one of the essential reloading supplies. It comes with different models and styles. There are two categories to choose from; single and progressive.

The single press has the capacity to operate ones with every pull of the handle. There are a lot of advantages associated with the single press. Through the help of single press, you will be able to reload any cartridge as long as it is suitable with the size of the press. It is easy to operate, share this site cheaper and requires minimal maintenance. However, the speed is not that reliable.

On the other hand, the turret or progressive press is a lot faster. It allows the user to put a single empty casing in the press and rotate the casing in several stages prior to the removal of the completed cartridge. Due to its speed, it is capable of running 250 rounds in an hour. It can perform several functions depending on the type of press. There are also disadvantages associated with the use of progressive press. One of the disadvantages is the price. It is expensive compared to single press. It also requires expensive maintenance due to the nature of the press. In choosing a press, you have to use the one that is large enough so that it can accommodate the tallest brass casing.

Reloading SuppliesIt is important to purchase a reloading manual and reloading product from a distinguished reloading store. Reloading equipment is sometimes time-saving and it’s entertaining at times. It may perhaps even improve accuracy.Click here for Discount Reloading Supplies.

Through research, you will be able to learn the advantages as well as benefits of choosing Lee dies. Apart from that, their products are backed with money back guarantee.Visit for more details.

Releana Weight Loss Program

BenefitsThe main benefit of the Releana program is rapid weight loss, though it is debatable as to whether the drops contribute to the loss or if it is simply the low-calorie plan that produces results. The plan also boasts that the product is safer than injected forms of hCG, allows you to drop pounds without losing muscle, and helps you avoid the sagging skin that can result from some quick-loss diets. Releana is available only with a prescription, meaning its followers are supposed to be closely monitored by a physician.

WarningsThe long-term effects of using Releana drops have not been studied. According to the Diets in Review website, many physicians are leery of the Releana program because of potential side effects. These possible complications include dehydration and fatigue that may be caused by the rapidity of the weight loss. Also, because of the low-calorie diet plan, many program followers may not be getting the variety and amount of food they would in a healthy, balanced diet. Such a restriction of calories over a long time can cause ill effects, including hair loss and reduced functioning of the body’s systems.

EffectivenessWhether hCG is effective as a weight-loss aid is disputed. The Releana website contains testimonials from patients who say the hormone helped them drop pounds more quickly than a low-calorie diet would, but scientific studies have not supported these claims. Assendelft and Gerrit Van Der Wal, who published their findings in the “British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology,” there is no scientific evidence that the hormone hCG produces weight loss or fat redistribution. The researchers reported that those in the study who took hCG lost approximately the same amount of weight as those who did not. All participants ate a 500-calorie-a-day diet.

I could not disagree more with your article. Most everything you say is not true. RELEANA has no side effect at all. My breasts did not grow either. I did the cycle of 21 days and lost 25lbs and as of today, which is more than 3 months later I have not gain any weight at all and I eat everything I want. So not sure why you say this is controversial. Half way through the diet I had my blood work done and everything was in perfect condition. I was never hungry, I never got a headache or was irritable. To be honest my mood was much better than before.

I was never encouraged to purchase a separate appetite suppressant and I never had to take it. This statement is so further from the true: “According to the Mayo Clinic Online, hCG can help you lose weight in falloutshelterhackcheats the short term, but it’s due to the intense calorie restriction of diets that include Releana, not the hormone.” THE CORRECT STATEMENT IS: “The theory behind the diet is because you are in-taking only 500 calories, weight loss is a given. The addition of the hCG affects the hypothalamus, which in turnstimulates the release of fat stored in the body which in turn supplies the 1500 or so additional calories needed on a daily basis. Fat loss and weight loss occur, but excess food cravings and hunger are blunted due the hCG effect. Dr. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies.

Relocating With The Help Of Movers

Relocating can be a very exciting time. Looking forward to new friends and places is attractive to many people. It is like an adventure in life. Still, knowing you have to move an entire house full of items, can be stressful. The first thing you need to do is hire a reputable group of movers and let them handle the chaos of the move.

The longer the distance of the move, the more difficult it can be. Both you and your belongings need to arrive at the new location together. If you are following the van in your car, this is pretty easy to accomplish. Needing to stay behind or being able to fly ahead, can add a bit of anxiety to the best of plans.

Be certain that your moving company is noted for the care it gives to its customers. It takes well trained individuals to guarantee your things will arrive safely. Check with other people and see if they were happy with the care they received from a certain company. Just the way the van is packed will ensure that heavy items are placed on the bottom and light things on top.

Don’t get in the way by trying to be a helper. Take care of your personal items if you wish, but other than that, stay out of the way. You don’t need to suffer sore aching muscles from heavy lifting. Specialists have special gear that they use and wear to get those heavy things loaded. Those who specialize in this line of work, can get the job done with no ill effects.

One thing you may want to do is supervise and make sure there is enough packing materials for all of your furnishings. Packing blankets are the most desired because they will wrap around all larger items likes refrigerators, wooden dressers, or things made with glass. These blankets are so thick they will protect everything from dents, scratches, and breakage. Special boxes are used to hold the finer items like plates and other glassware.

Every item in your home should be handled as if it was the personal property of the moving company. This shows that they have respect for you and your furnishings. They will clearly mark the box as to the room it came from and the items enclosed. This small falloutshelterhackcheats task will make unpacking a lot simpler.

Occasionally, you can run into a problem that will make getting into your new home impossible. Sometimes the previous occupants are still in the home for reasons they cannot control. It could be due to bank closings. Regardless, it may necessitate your things being placed in storage. Everything will be fine because moving companies deal with these problems all the time.

The more checking you do before hiring movers, the more relaxed you will be about the entire move. Whether it is a short move of a few miles or one that takes you across the country, rest assured that everything is in good hands. Making use of professionals makes moving much less stressful.