Best alternative medicine books according to redditors

We found 4,905 Reddit comments discussing the best alternative medicine books. We ranked the 1,185 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

Next page

Subcategories:

Acupuncture & acupressure books
Aromatherapy books
Ayurveda medicine books
Healing books
Herbal remedies books
Holistic medicine books
Massage books
Naturopathy books
Homeopathy medicine books
Chelaton therapy books
Books about alternative medicine
Chinese medicine books
Energy healing books
Hypnotherapy books

Top Reddit comments about Alternative Medicine:

u/dharmadharmadharma · 554 pointsr/IAmA

/u/everythingisforants, PM me if you're in the US and would like me to mail you, from Amazon, a copy of my favorite book about meditation. (Free, no strings attached.) :)

Edit: Wow, I didn't predict this enthusiastic of a response! I didn't list the name of the book because I wanted to offer a gift to someone, not be salesy. :)

The book is "The Mind Illuminated" by Dr. John Yates (Culadasa). There's a whole Reddit dedicated to the book at /r/TheMindIlluminated. Many of his students answer questions in the Reddit and offer assistance. Also check out /r/StreamEntry and /r/Meditation. If you're interesting in learning about the nature of suffering, the causes of suffering, and the way to end suffering, check out /r/Buddhism.

I don't think you need a book to learn how to meditate but getting good instruction is critical. Meditation is like any other skill—playing the piano?—without good instruction you have no guarantee of success. It can be the difference between sitting on the cushion for twenty years and not getting anywhere versus a decent chance of becoming enlightened withinin several years. A good teacher in person is best, but failing that a good book can be of great use... whether this one or several others. "The Progress of Insight" is also worth a read.

Edit part deux: Holy Inbox Batman!

I also just remembered that two of his students are teaching a 6-week video intro course online:

  • Dates: January 8th - February 12th
  • Time: Sundays 4:30 to 6pm Pacific Time (7:30 to 9pm Eastern)
  • Cost: $150 (no one will be turned away due to inability to pay).

    PM me if you want more details.
u/Th334 · 123 pointsr/Meditation

Beginner meditation is simple. Pay attention to your meditation object (eg sensations of breath at the nose), and when you notice that your mind has wandered off somewhere else:

(1) Take a moment to appreciate the part of your mind that informed you that you are no longer paying attention to the meditation object. This strengthens and encourages this useful faculty of your mind.

(2) Gently, without judgement, redirect your attention back to the meditation object.

(3) Strengthen your grip on the meditation object by engaging with it more fully.

Some further tips:

  • At all times keep being aware of your environment, like sounds or body sensations, just don't actively focus on them. Let them be in the background.

  • Untrained mind will always wander off, the exercise lies in noticing it and redirecting it back.

  • Just observe your meditation object (and your mind) exactly as it is. The goal is to learn and to be curious, and not to force your mind with willpower.

  • Positive reinforcement is key. Take a moment to think about your motivations to meditate before every sit. Accept every experience that you observe. Remember that there is no such thing as a bad meditation.

    (Source)
u/BorisTheButcher · 76 pointsr/swoleacceptance

Brother you have discovered the truth of our devotions and achieved enlightenment. Attention is the only reason we lift. Health? There is nothing of health in 600lbs upon our shoulders as we drop our asses within inches of the floor but the attention this brings...

Clothing does not fit our strange proportions , our look is that of Shrek and we say amongst ourselves that they 'mire but do they? Nay, brother, they do not yet still we have their attention and that is enough

We posses the strength to lift a Wagon of whey yet lack the stamina to change a tire. Does this concern us? Nay, brother, not at all. Changing a tire is of no consequence to others yet lift a Wagon and they will pause

Those who bear the cross of fit understand this truth inherently but they lack our physical attainment. To compensate for this they never SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY! JESUS CHRIST WE GET IT!!... ahem... forgive me for i am a man of passion.

It is your time , Brother. Depart with pride and form a temple of your own. Spread the word as written in the good book

u/bitchimadorable · 60 pointsr/intj

It seems like there's some pretty deep wounds there. If I had to hazard a guess, he was probably pretty emotionally manipulative, am I right? So here's the thing- People who are good at emotional manipulation will leave you feeling COMPLETELY GODDAMN INSANE. They create almost a feeling of addiction in the people they manipulate- it makes no sense and you can hate the shit out of it but it still works. They do this by using intermittent reinforcement with their approval and affection, and our brains pick this up like it's crack. In the absence of being able to predict what actions will bring reward, we almost panic, and end up behaving in ways that don't make sense to even ourselves. People like that can take totally normal, healthy people and make them feel like they're going insane.

Breathe. It's your brain responding the way brains naturally responds to intermittent reinforcement in intensely stressful situations. Your brain has created this link that he will provide approval and affection if you can only get the pattern right, and you're trying to get that dopamine hit from his affection and approval by any means you can think of. You're not broken, you're not fucked up in the head, your brain is doing one of the annoying little things that brains do sometimes and you will be okay without him. I know that's really hard to fathom, but think of it like this: your dopamine rush when you got affection and attention from him was so strong that your brain is almost literally treating him like an addiction. It's not love, your brain has been conditioned by his manipulation into a state of obsession. Intermittent reinforcement is the strongest reinforcement pattern, and lasts long after it feels like it "should" have ceased.

I think it might hit NT types even a little harder than other types, because our Fi is so intense but very difficult to express and explain, and we pride ourselves so strongly on our rationality. We often lock our feelings up because they can be so vicious and blistering, so when we let anyone in and we get that first hit of approval, our brain kind of loses its shit and knocks us sideways and sucks the air out of our lungs. Our brains are so pattern hungry that intermittent reinforcement is almost irresistible- we want to figure out the pattern, we feel like we've almost got it, if only we could put in the last piece.

So, if you're looking for a hint as to what the pattern is, it's control. It's not random. He will give you a breadcrumb as long as he wants to string you along, dropping one every time you start to distance yourself even a little. Learn about the cycle of abuse, especially narcissistic abuse, and you'll find the answer there. From breadcrumbs to freezing out to love bombing, it's a pattern designed to fuck with your brain and make you lose your emotional balance.

You will heal. It will feel better, but the only way out is through. Face your inner emotional damage, whatever you've got, and learn more about your own emotional processing- enough to understand how you tick and what sets off this kind of reaction in your brain. Keep talking to your therapist. Start reading books on emotional abuse patterns and on psychology, find your pattern there instead of in him.

You'll be okay. You know at some level you will be. Soldier through and work on your internal stuff and you'll get there, and will be better for it. Use your brain to beat your own brain on this.

-----

Edit: OP, look up Complex PTSD and see if it strikes a chord. A good book if you're looking for one for is The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and resources for adult children of alcoholics would probably be pretty helpful. I would definitely recommend trauma therapy- it is probably your best bet for longer term healing, even if you do DBT first. EMDR may help, too, if you can find a therapist who works with it (many trauma therapists do). If you dissociate at all, try grounding techniques like this to get back to your more rational center. If anxiety is a big part of it for you, it's highly treatable with therapy focusing on tools and techniques to calm and ground yourself, and there are TONS of resources on the internet.

Your emotions may not make sense to you, but they aren't illogical, they exist to guide you and to give you information about the world. They may be out of proportion, but that's due to the thought processes you have and the story you're telling yourself. They're perfectly proportional to what your thoughts/self-talk are saying to you, so you have to adjust the internal dialogue to be more objective in order to make your emotions more useful and in proportion. Buddhism as a philosophy is great for helping with this, it's like the softer side of Stoicism with more focus on being kind and present. A good book on finding and correcting cognitive distortions (the self-talk that makes your emotions go nuts) is Feeling Good by David Burns (It's almost DBT lite).

u/balanced_goat · 43 pointsr/Meditation

A much more comprehensive and practical explanation of this (including exactly how to do it, not just 'keep meditating') can be found in The Mind Illuminated by John Yates, PhD (aka Culadasa).

u/subcosm · 34 pointsr/Buddhism

This and many other powerful stories appear in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. One of my most cherished books.

u/TamSanh · 28 pointsr/Buddhism

Ajahn Mun and Xu Yun were two monks that had claims of their enlightenment written into their biographies. Thich Quang Duc, of Rage Against the Machine album cover fame, was also arguably one such being, amongst many others.

But, really, if you're worried about evidence that the Buddha's path is true, the only way to remove all of your own doubt is for you to try it for yourself. Those without trust in the great teacher will never feel satisfied with anecdotes and proclamations of attainment; only going through the motions will allow you to see. Thankfully, there are markers along the path that are not as "far away" as enlightenment, and looking out for those during the journey should be more than enough to dispel those lingering doubts that what he taught is achievable in the current lifetime.

I recommend The Mind Illuminated for contemporary, clear instructions about the journey.

Edit Passive voice.

u/1ClassyMotherfucker · 25 pointsr/JUSTNOMIL

I'm sorry to hear that her therapy caused her flashbacks that were so bad that she had to quit. I don't know how long ago that was, but could she be convinced to try again? There are a lot of therapists now who specialize in trauma, and they have a lot of good evidence that somatic treatments like EMDR are extremely effective for PTSD and Complex PTSD.

It's only very recently that anyone has had any idea how to treat PTSD, and treatment is improving all the time. Check out The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, it's an excellent overview of how PTSD and trauma affect the body, and the various treatment options.

She definitely needs a trauma therapist, though, especially since she's already had flashbacks. They will start the treatment with helping her grow her emotional resources so that the flashbacks won't overwhelm her. The whole idea is to take it at a manageable pace so it's not terrifying. As someone dealing with Complex PTSD, I can say that trauma therapy has been the hardest thing I've ever done, and also that it's only thing that could possibly help me live my life fully.

I'm sorry to hear that her health is failing. Her life is NOT over in her 60s, she still potentially has many years left, and it must be so hard to see her in despair like this. Hugs for you if you want them. <3

u/SHITMANGLER_PRO_3000 · 25 pointsr/AskReddit

99% of back pain is psychosomatic. Imperfections in your vertebrae do not cause crippling pain, your subconscious does.

EDIT: 90%.

EDIT: For the open-minded who are interested: when I was desperate, this US$7 book and its concepts brought enlightenment and relief. The comments on Amazon may help convince you.

http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371145907&sr=8-1&keywords=sarno

u/ItsAConspiracy · 24 pointsr/Meditation

It doesn't take any special effort, it's just mindfulness meditation. Things naturally pop up now and then. When they do you just observe them and they gradually dissipate.

The Science of Enlightenment by Shinzen Young talks about it a lot. For now I'm mainly practicing the method in The Mind Illuminated, supplemented with open focus guided meditation from the Princeton Biofeedback Centre, and both do this pretty effectively for me.

u/citiesoftheplain75 · 24 pointsr/Meditation

If you're looking for a solid beginning meditation guide, The Mind Illuminated is one of the best.

u/potifar · 24 pointsr/samharris

There's 50 days worth of "daily meditations" at this point, each ~10 minutes long, plus 16 extra lessons ranging from 3.5 minutes to 29 minutes. Judging by the previous newsletters, he tends to add somewhere in the range of 1-5 new lessons or daily meditations every week.

A better bang for your buck might be a copy of The Mind Illuminated plus a free app like Insight Timer or similar.

u/autopoetic · 23 pointsr/Buddhism

Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzburg. It helped me a lot. Metta (loving-kindness) meditation in general helped me a lot, and this is a really good introduction to it.

Honestly, it felt a bit cheezy at first. But after sticking with it for a while, I now think it's the most important part of my practice. There is a very powerful resonance between loving yourself and loving other people. In metta you cultivate both, and they enhance each other.

u/Bizkitgto · 23 pointsr/Psychonaut

You're not alone, many of us are lost in this world. Jobs are boring and contribute to the loss of the 'soul', you're getting beaten down. We weren't meant to be banging our TPS reports all day long...we all feel like this, and it's killing us. Remember back when you were a kid - being curious about everything, the endless imagination, playing for the sack of 'playing'? What happened to all that? People started enforcing their rules and thoughts on you, society started to get inside your head. You started to freely give your ATTENTION to other entities: teachers, parents, friends, the media, propaganda, social media, the internet, etc. Bring back your attention, you own it an no one can steal it form you.

Some things that helped me:

  1. Get your body right, if your body is hurting so will your mind, the mind-body connection is real. Start running (running makes me feel better than yoga or meditation) outside if you can. Exercise is proven to help elevate your mood and enhance your cognitive functions. So consider exercising on a regular basis, I recommend running and 5x5. Also, this is a great video that explains what I'm trying to say.

  2. Get your diet right, try to only drink water, cut out sodas and sugar. Eat healthy and as much real food that you can. Avoid the synthetic crap (chips, pop, candy, etc). You will start to feel better and you'll also have way more energy towards the end of the day, no more 3 o'clock crash.

  3. Read more. Watch less TV. Spend less time on the internet. We waste so much time consuming garbage media. I think we are meant to do things, anything really. When we waste so much time consuming I think that our brain/mind starts to get used to be off and I think this lack of doing stuff contributes to feelings of depression or sadness, lethargy, etc. Also, cut out social media - kill your Facebook, snapchat, etc. Read before you go to bed, get you imagination working again. I recommend you read the Bhagavad Gita.

  4. Do something. Paint. Train for a marathon. Learn computer programming. Just do something you have always wanted to do, scratch that curiosity itch. Your body/brain/mind wants to do things - learn a new skill or build something, paint something, anything. We don't do stuff anymore - we are just consuming. Try to find your long, lost imagination you had from your childhood - and resurrect it. Consuming = death. Build, learn, run, train, etc. Just do it! <-- This man believes in you, and so do I!!
u/CelestialDynamics · 22 pointsr/Meditation

In order of importance:

Book|Author|Forum|Notes
:--|:--|:--|:--
The Mind Illuminated|John Yates|/r/TheMindIlluminated|Sometimes too technical, otherwise, perfect.
Mastering The Core Teachings of the Buddha|Daniel Ingram|Dharma Overground, /r/streamentry|Most times, too arrogant. Still valuable.
Opening the Hand of Thought|Kosho Uchiyama|r/Zen, Local Zendo|Zen leaves too much to the reader to figure out
A Path With Heart|Jack Kornfield|--|Doesn't give the how, but the Why for many people.

To give you an idea from a technical meditation standpoint, The Mind Illuminated cuts this into ten stages, like a cooking recipe, or a college degree.

  • This post, based, on Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, tells you exactly what stream entry looks like, it's unmistakable.

  • Here are instructions for first Jhana. Once you get some access concentration, where you can rest your mind on something for a bit with some stability, you can reach concentration states. Jhanas are amazing! (That stoned feeling is a light Jhana)

  • Daniel's Map. Not everyone see's it exactly this way, but I found it to be fairly accurate. I mean, there's a map, it isn't just "close your eyes and be."

    Thanks for the feedback!

    ***

    I am a Zen Buddhist, with heavy influences from Theravada and Vipassana.


u/WorkLiftSleepRepeat · 21 pointsr/bodybuilding

Is this version better or is the updated version better?

u/mushpuppy · 18 pointsr/atheism

Respectfully, your first question is a bit too personal for me to answer. You didn't mean it that way; I understand. But to answer it I would have to reveal more than I choose.

What I can say is that I have survived grief. I experienced it, explored its depths, and came out the other side. There was a time in my life, literally, when everyone I ever had loved was dead.

Life doesn't offer any promises. All it offers is itself. And it will end soon enough, anyway.

To address the issues you raise in any sort of competent way would require far more space than I have here. I suggest--and I don't mean this as a brush-off--that you read the Bhagavad-gita, the other Upanishads, the writings of the Buddha. You also probably would want to read commentaries, as the texts probably would be indecipherable without them. You also might want to try The Razor's Edge and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which are a couple of accessible novels that at least introduce certain ideas.

This may seem like a puzzle, but the main thing to understand is that your sense of permanence is illusory. This concept is so fundamental to life that it transcends and infuses atheism, philosophy, religion. From it flows the idea that many other things also are illusory--pain, suffering, grief, desire, hope, happiness.

In any event, as you ask such valid and profound questions, it would make sense to arm yourself with the equipment to answer them, right?

u/Flower_Dog · 17 pointsr/relationship_advice

I was raped when I was 17 and it has cast a long shadow over my life & sexual development. I didn't disclose to anyone until I was 25 & I didn't seek professional help until I was 27. I did 12 weeks of closed-group therapy when I was 27 & then dropped it until this year. Both my husband & I are seeing the same psychologist (a specialist in sexual trauma) individually & together.

​

I would highly recommend buying a copy of The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. He also has videos on YouTube. Sexual trauma is extremely complicated and cuts to the heart of human identity. Unfortunately trauma cannot be "cured." The work around trauma has a lot to do with identifying triggers & finding ways around & through them. It sounds like your girlfriend has identified some of her triggers and you are accommodating them in your sex life - that's great!

​

A good way to open a conversation about this would be to say, "I have been thinking about what you said during sex and would like to know if something triggered you. We don't have to talk about it now, but I would like to at some point so we can make sure sex is enjoyable between us and for you to feel safe."

​

I do wonder if she asked you to do something that was historically triggering for her (fast intercourse with a partner on top), because she feels safe with you and wanted to see if she could do it. I have tested the limits of my abilities to do certain things with partners as a way to gauge if I was "better" in the past. Something to consider!

​

You are not overthinking this and you sound like a thoughtful partner. It can be hard to have a partner with sexual trauma and you may find yourself grieving the violence that your girlfriend experienced; this is something that has come up for my husband.

​

Best wishes & DM me if you would like!

u/Iamfindingmyself · 17 pointsr/Meditation

This book helped me build a meditation routine that did all you mentioned and more.

The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501156985/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4qqMDb71WRQ5Y

u/Svansig · 15 pointsr/bodybuilding

FIRST: You will never do everything perfectly. Luckily, that's not necessary in order to improve.

The trouble is, that there are a lot of great resources full of a lot of bad information. There's too much information swirling around and everyone is an expert. The only thing that worked for me was to read everything and believe nothing. If you read six or seven articles, you will get six or seven different theories. Most of these magazines/web sites need new information every day/week/month, and the truth is, there isn't that much new information. The only way to be sure of something, is to see what EVERYONE is saying. Nobody who has a "secret" has your best interests at heart.

That being said, if you have some free time, I have heard good things about the Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding.

u/tLoKMJ · 15 pointsr/Christianity

Honestly many translations of the Bhagavad Gita are very accessible, even to newcomers, and give a good overall view of many of the core principles and beliefs.

Checkout Easwaran's version for one that's both very inexpensive as well as tremendously friendly to newcomers and westerners alike with it's introduction and commentaries.

u/zarcad · 15 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

For those of you questioning TMI in light of recent events, I would encourage you to take a broader perspective about the practice.

In my personal experience of 11 years of practice of the Eightfold Path, my results are that I am calmer, less stressed, happier, less knee-jerk reactive, and more at peace. Most of the time, I feel entirely at peace. I believe that my immediate family, although not practitioners, have benefited from my improvement over the past decade. It has been worth the effort!

I have only picked up TMI recently and it has already helped me with some meditation blocks that I wanted to work through. TMI seems to be a good meditation manual and particularly useful to those (like me) who do not have regular access to a good meditation teacher.

However, in traditional Buddhist terms and IMHO, TMI is incomplete in terms of Buddhist awakening. TMI covers 2 factors from the 8 in the Eightfold Path. Practicing one or two of these without the support of the other factors COULD be a path to nowhere for some people; others may find that TMI alone works well for them.

My recommendation to anyone questioning TMI is to continue to practice its meditation techniques but also consider incorporating the rest of the Eightfold Path into your practice and see for yourself whether it is worth the effort. Some sources for the Eightfold Path.

u/duffstoic · 14 pointsr/hypnosis

Two things will greatly help improve your memory:

  1. Practicing mindfulness.
  2. Practicing mnemonic (memory) visualization techniques.

    For the first, I highly recommend the book The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa (and the accompanying subreddit r/TheMindIlluminated). Practicing meditation in this way will develop extremely powerful mindfulness, allowing you to be very aware of what is happening in your experience at any given time. As a side-benefit, you also get enlightened, so that's nifty. :D

    For the second, there are dozens of books on memory techniques. My favorite is The Manual. I haven't practiced it much, but to give you an idea, a basic memory trick beginners can learn is to memorize an entire deck of cards in order. These techniques are amazing for studying in school, especially for things like biology or language where there is a ton of memorization involved.

    Also if you smoke a lot of marijuana, that will also not do you any favors. Reducing your consumption will help your memory a lot, as one of the effects of pot is loss of short-term memory, and what doesn't enter your short-term memory has no chance of entering your long-term memory.

    There are also a number of supplements ("nootropics") that help with memory, the choline family especially (look up CDP Choline and Alpha GPC and experiment for yourself).
u/jplewicke · 13 pointsr/streamentry

Could you say a little bit more about what types of therapy you've been doing? How does your therapist recommend dealing with the disgust when it arises?

I've been doing working through some trauma in my practice and in therapy (Somatic experiencing, EMDR, and DBT). The DBT approach to stuff like this is interesting because it includes systematic efforts to antidote emotions by taking actions that are contrary to our immediate urges. You can check out the worksheet handout for this , which has opposite actions for disgust on page 5. So if you're experiencing disgust in situations where you know that it doesn't fit the facts of the situation and where acting on your disgust won't help you, they'd recommend doing the following:

> Opposite Actions for Disgust: Do the OPPOSITE of your disgusted action urges. For example:
>
> 1. MOVE CLOSE. Eat, drink, stand near, or embrace what you found disgusting
>
> 2. Be KIND to those you feel contempt for; step into the other person’s shoes.
>
>
> All the Way Opposite Actions for Disgust:
>
> 3. IMAGINE UNDERSTANDING and empathy for the person you feel disgust or contempt for. Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view. Imagine really good reasons for how the other person is behaving or looking.
>
> 4. TAKE IN what feels repulsive. Be sensual (inhaling, looking at, touching, listening, tasting).
>
> 5. CHANGE YOUR POSTURE. Unclench hands with palms up and fingers relaxed (willing hands). Relax chest and stomach muscles. Unclench teeth. Relax facial muscles. Half-smile.
>
> 6. CHANGE YOUR BODY CHEMISTRY. For example, do paced breathing by breathing in deeply and breathing out slowly.

I'd recommend starting gradually and on easier stuff so you're not biting off more than you can chew. As you apply it more systematically it will really build your self confidence and self-trust. It can also really help to start verbally disclosing more of what you're feeling to people that you trust.

I've got less experience with disgust than with shame, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's an associated felt sense that there's some group of people who'd judge you for the thing you're disgusted by, and whose opinion you're powerless to change. Sometimes getting over shame seems to involve getting OK with the idea that you're willing to push back 100% against that imagined group, give them the metaphorical finger, and metaphorically leave for a place where you'll be treated well. Disclosing your feelings in a safe place can help with this, although there can be some cognitive dissonance from people accepting things about you that you can't yet accept about yourself.

You could also try to find a therapist who does EMDR to identify historical memories that you're disgusted by and reprocess them to remove some of the emotional charge. The somatic experiencing approach would probably categorize disgust as a shutdown state like shame, and would probably say that when you notice disgust you should intentionally redirect attention to neutral/supportive stimuli like your feet on the floor, your back on a chair, your hands touching each other, etc. So try to relax, notice the scenery around you, reconnect with the people near you, joke around, and take your time getting back to the question of what to do about the disgust. Dip into it just a little and find a way to systematically relax and reorient before dipping back in.

I'd say that in general when you're approaching practice with a trauma history, path and stage descriptions are going to not be the best roadmap to be using. Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness has a roadmap of increasing your "window of tolerance" where you're emotionally well-regulated. There's an interplay with meditation where better emotional regulation seems to make it easier to get to Equanimity, and where progress in insight (seeing sensations as just temporary sensations) itself promotes better emotional regulation. But forcing yourself to move too fast in either meditation or life can bring up an overwhelming amount of stuff, so sometimes you need to back off and give yourself time and space to process it more slowly. Metta's also good to work into your practice.

One final random thing -- can you find any comedy that's funny about either the things you find gross, or about how the process of disgust is itself funny? Sometimes exaggeration or absurdity or surprise can help us let go and find the humor in a situation. I've had some good results with this with social awkwardness, where stuff that I used to find cringe-inducing is now also pretty funny.

Good luck and we'd love to keep hearing how you're doing!

u/faitedetoiles · 12 pointsr/BabyBumps

First-timer here who's hoping to go without pain meds. Here's my plan, loosely based on things I've picked up from reading Ina May's guide to childbirth and some Bradley Method books.

  1. Avoid an induction if at all possible, i.e. let my body begin labor when it is ready to.

  2. Labor at home for as long as possible. (Keep in mind, I live five minutes from the hospital. If you live farther away or might run into traffic, take note of what others have said here about how much it sucks to labor in the car.)

  3. Change positions as needed. Know what positions are helpful in what circumstances (such as all fours to help ease back labor). There was a helpful one-page document posted here a few days ago about labor positions, but I'm having trouble locating it. If I find it, I'll update this post with a link. Try out other things like laboring in the shower or on the toilet, too. I really don't think there is one single perfect position for each woman to use the entire labor - I think it will help to move around into different positions as things progress.

  4. Think of the pain as "work." As in, this is my body working to get my baby delivered. Don't be scared of it; know that it's happening for a reason. Prior to labor starting, read about what the uterus and cervix are doing during contractions, and what to expect as far as how the contractions will change in timing/strength and how your mental/emotional state will change throughout labor. I've been finding the information in Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way really helpful for this. Not only does it go into how the uterine muscles work to dilate the cervix, but it also goes through the "emotional signposts" of labor so that you can know in advance how you might feel at each stage.

  5. Focus on relaxing through the pain. This goes hand in hand with number 4. I think that if I tense up and fight the pain, it will make the whole process take longer, so I'm going to focus on relaxing into it. That is totally not a natural reaction to pain in humans, so this is the one that I'm most unsure I'll be able to do properly when the time comes! This is one area where I still feel unprepared at this time. I think the biggest key will be breathing. I'm not planning to do the Lamaze-style breathing, because I think it will make me tense. Instead, I'm going to try for deep, slow abdominal breathing.

  6. Labor support - if you can get a doula you like and feel comfortable with, I'd do it. If you have an SO who will be there with you, encourage him or her to prepare for the labor and birth alongside you, learning the same things about what your body will be doing and how you might feel. They can also learn some techniques for helping you, like backrubs and counterpressure.

  7. Don't start "working" until you have to. Early labor can take a long time, and I think if you're intensely focused on "holy crap, I'm in labor!" that entire time, it can really wear you out and increase your feelings of "I've been doing this forever, I can't take it any more!" later on in labor. I'm planning to have a bunch of other stuff I can do/focus on in the beginning, such as: painting my nails, coloring in a coloring book like this one, watching a movie, watching ASMR videos on YouTube, going for a walk, baking cookies, playing with my dogs, and playing cards and board games with my husband.

  8. Try to get a care provider who is on board with your unmedicated birth goal. I'm still working on this myself! I currently have an OB, and I don't think she is really on the same page as me with regard to my desire to not use pain meds. I'm interviewing a midwife this week to see if I can find a better fit there. Either way, talk to your care provider beforehand and explain your goal. I'd present it as, "this is what I am hoping to do; I know things can change in the moment, but my goal is to avoid using pain meds." I'm also putting together a one-page birth plan, and in it, I ask the staff to please not offer me pain medicine; I will ask for it if I want it.

    If you can't tell, I've been thinking about this a lot, too! I hope there is some useful info for you in what I've rambled about here, and good luck for your upcoming birth!
u/bigjohnstud · 12 pointsr/bodybuilding

My vote
1)It's huge and makes an awesome coffee table book
2)It's packed with info (see #1)
3)You will always read its text in Arnold's voice.

u/under_the_pressure · 12 pointsr/Foodforthought

Insight Timer is better (and free). Also (serious) The Mind Illuminated

u/kimininegaiwo · 12 pointsr/AskWomen

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook helped me with my anxiety.

It's not exactly a self-help book, but The Mind Illuminated has helped me learn more about meditation and mindfulness.

u/SuperAngryGuy · 12 pointsr/SpaceBuckets

Debbie Downer here!

Be careful of growweedeasy.com linked to on the "101 thread" above. It's basically a copy/paste website (mistakes and all) of other threads with a lot of "bro-science" and misinformation. In my opinion, Nebula is a complete hack who does not care about the quality of information.

This is me ripping in to one page.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceBuckets/comments/67v542/i_know_its_a_really_really_stupid_question_but/



This is me ripping in to another page.

http://archive.is/HI2S4

And that's just two pages full of mistakes. The page on lighting theory is even worse. The page on lux meters is borderline plagarism of my own writings.

An actual reliable source on growing are books by Jorge Cervantes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Cervantes

https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-Definitive-Cultivation-Consumption/dp/1878823345

There's what's called cognitive inertia so learning from an unreliable source of information like GWE is just going to make things harder long term for the beginner.

u/omapuppet · 11 pointsr/Meditation

> I start feeling warm and energized and just totally present. That’s when I can really “take in” the effects of meditation I guess. That’s where I experience bright colors, and “psychedelic” experiences, and all that fun stuff.

I don't know what tradition you are following, but in some traditions what you are describing sounds somewhat like one of the dullness traps. As described in The Mind Illuminated:

> The Seduction of Dullness
>
> Strong dullness can be a seductive trap. States of dullness lead to dream imagery, archetypal visions, pleasurable sensations, paranormal experiences like channeling, past-life recollections, and the overall feeling that something profound is occurring. If you anchor attention on the breath, you can sustain them for a long time without falling asleep. In certain traditions, these states are purposely cultivated. However, when it comes to cultivating attention and awareness, these states are only a hindrance. Remember that visionary experiences, brilliant insights, and any other seemingly profound encounters should all be avoided at this Stage [Stage Four, when you are free from both gross distractions and strong dullness. Dullness no longer leads to drowsiness, nor causes perception of the breath sensations to grow dim or take on hypnagogic distortions]

If those sorts of states are what you want, cool. Just be aware that dullness should be avoided if your intention is to strengthen awareness and keep the overall energy level of the mind high.

u/Stinnett · 11 pointsr/bodybuilding

New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding. Amazon link.

u/Chizum · 11 pointsr/Buddhism

To be honest, I think you'll find the combination difficult as one promotes individualism and vengeance whereas the other eschews non-self and friendship to all despite the recipients perceived flaws.(Kindness is never wasted on the "undeserving".)

But since you sound interested in learning with little history involved, I recommend you read Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Henepola Gunaratana ($4 used on Amazon). It's got a great section on compassion. Do you have the bravery to love your enemy? Can you see that the fetter of greed for sensual desire causes suffering?

u/MissSwat · 11 pointsr/IAmA

First off, I'm so sorry you had to deal with that at such a young age. Even at 13 I had a difficult time coming to terms with the changes that were happening. I can't imagine still being so young and having that surgery.

I would look in to your local health region and see if there are chronic pain classes offered, or if there is a chronic pain clinic you can go to.

Full disclosure, CP is forever. That is the first thing they taught us. There is no magic cure. There is nothing that can be done aside from drugs, which, lets face it, isn't a way to live the rest of your life (unless they are good drugs. My surgeon told me once "don't always say no to drugs" and who am I to argue with the man who has his hands in my back?)

That means finding a way to deal with it is on you and you alone.

I get short with my husband sometimes. I sometimes avoid going out with friends because I am in pain or I feel like pain is coming and I just... don't. want. to do it.

But here's the thing. You can't live your life like that. I know it comes off as super tough-love, but bear with me. You and me, we're the lucky ones when it comes to chronic pain. Because we had to deal with it from such a young age, we've grown up with it. We didn't have time to dream to be... I don't know, the next Steven Segal, or whatever. Our limitations were set at a very early age and we've grown up with them. And whenever I am having a bad day I think about all the people at the chronic pain clinic, well into middle age, whose lives are irrevocably changed forever because of pain. They can't do the jobs they have spent the last twenty years mastering. They can't engage in the hobbies that they love. Everything for them has changed, and suddenly they have to learn to live with it.

We don't. We are so fucking lucky. It might not seem like it, and it doesn't always have to, but we are.

Do you have lumbar support for your chair? I imagine you do, but it might not be enough. I would try getting a memory foam or a downy pillow that you can adjust while you are sitting. Personally, go with the down. Memory foam is lovely but it is also firm, and it may not feel that swell on your body. Down pillows can really be punched and pushed around in ways that you might need.

Try putting it in different places around your body. Under your butt, right in the lower spine, even under your thighs.

Learn to read your body. Try to understand where the pain is coming from on that particular day. Is it a muscle spasm day or an arthritis day? Is it on the left or the right? That's actually a really good first step in learning how to manage it. Once you're able to identify your pain you can begin the (fun?) trial and error of seeing what your body responds to when it comes to management.

Do you need pressure or soft things? (A tennis ball versus a down pillow)

Heat versus cold

Stand versus sitting

and so on and so forth.

Once you have a read on your pain, and you take the active steps to help control it physically, you can really start focusing on the mental steps you need to take. Make no mistake about it, CP is as much a mental issue as it is physical. Tough love aside, it is really important that you find ways to distract yourself. Reading, writing, painting, music, going for a walk, bird watching, tripping old people, playing Walmart bingo, whatever it takes. Your attitude will be what carries you through the worst of it.

That's not to say you aren't allowed to have bad days. You are, absolutely. I had one two days ago after I was on my feet for 8 hours working a concert. It was brutal. And of course, I was short with my husband because for me it was obvious. I should only have to say "I am in pain" once for him to get it, but he didn't, and so I was annoyed. It happens. Take a deep breath, calm your voice, and say "Listen, I'm just having a bad pain day. That's it. I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the pain, and I'm sorry if I get short with you."

The easiest thing to do is to face it head on, say outright "Hey, this is what is happening. I know it is impacting my mood and how I am talking to you, and I'm sorry about that." People are a lot more understanding when you are open about that sort of thing. After my bad pain day, once my husband picked me up from work, he made me dinner and gave me a heating pad. What could have easily been a fight because I was cranky turned into some needed pampering because I was upfront about what I needed.

So I guess, tldr: Learn to read your body and what it needs. Try different possible remedies until you find something that fits that scenario. Be open and honest about your pain with your loved ones. Find things that you love to do and do them in spite of the pain. And try to remember, even when you have a bad day, you're still pretty lucky.

Also get this book. It has been my go to in dealing with back pain and I've found it very, verrrrry helpful!


PS: I'm sorry, I know that came off like a lecture. I didn't mean it to. Dealing with chronic pain is so damn difficult and the last thing you need is to feel like people are telling you the same BS over and over again. Hurr hurr, just be happy, hurr hurr talk about it! It's hard to understand how difficult that can be, but once you get into the habit, it can really make a difference to your pain control and your perception of life.

u/WookieMonsta · 10 pointsr/yoga

Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika by B. K. S. Iyengar

u/KingKontinuum · 10 pointsr/todayilearned

It seems a lot of people have a misperception of what mindfulness meditation is/does. Many seem to think the goal is to focus on your thoughts when that is the exact opposite of what you're doing depending on your practice.

If anyone is genuinely interested you should check out r/meditation. From there, I found a great book -- the mind illuminated -- that gives insightful tips about meditation.

There's a ton of published work and literature out there that you can stick your head into and grasp a firm understanding of what it does to one's brain once they begin their regular practice.

Researchers have found that it can be more beneficial than a vacation.

u/daphnes_puck · 10 pointsr/raisedbynarcissists

The mental health community is still doing a lot of work understanding the effects of trauma. The DSM V lists two subsets of PTSD: one for the very young, and one called the [dissociative type] (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/Dissociative_Subtype_of_PTSD.asp) that is more common in adult survivors of child abuse. The distinctions are only important to ensure you get the right treatment program.

If you want to read more about the current medical understanding of trauma, [Judith Herman] (https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Recovery-Aftermath-Violence-Political/dp/0465087302) and [Bessel van der Kolk] (https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma-ebook/dp/B00G3L1C2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466798803&sr=1-1&keywords=the+body+keeps+the+score+bessel+van+der+kolk) are the leading scholars.

u/jormungandr_ · 10 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

For those of you who have the old edition, the newer edition of the book has a foreword that can be read on the Amazon page.

First Impressions

The first few paragraphs of the Introduction was all it took to reel me in. To explain, I need to provide a little backstory:

There are tons of research papers highlighting exactly what the benefits of meditation are, ranging from stress reduction to mood regulation and more, many of them mentioned on page xiv. In fact, that was my initial motivation for starting a practice several years back, but rather quickly I became confused by the often contradictory instructions online and all the Pali and Sanskrit words everywhere. I ended up doing basic samatha practice, but my motivation waned at times because I didn't have any clue about training the mind. After a while, I settled into a state of strong dullness and had no clue that it wasn't what I was looking for. I remember wondering why I felt spaced out all the time after my sessions.

One of the reasons I no longer frequent the meditation subreddit is because with hindsight I recognize there is a lot of bad advice there from people who don't know any better. I'll share a rather humorous example: I recently read a thread where a guy was clearly experiencing dullness/drowsiness, and the only thing making him aware of this was the fact that his own flatulence startled him to wakefulness. Well, the top few responses were just jokes and everyone who answered him seriously gave bad advice because they didn't know any better.

I just remember thinking that if I didn't have TMI I would've been stuck in dullness forever, probably. I wouldn't have gotten out of it with the help of that sub. So you can imagine my feelings of relief to find this book, and to have my gut feeling be validated.


Key Points

I think overall there are four key points in the Introduction:

  • Through meditation it is possible to train your mind and to ultimately achieve awakening.

  • There is (or, was) a strong need for a clear map of the process because with meditation's rise in popularity, fewer and fewer people are even aware of the potential for Awakening through meditation.

  • Both samatha and vipassana are necessary for Awakening.

  • "Brief episodes of samatha can occur long before you become an adept practitioner. Insight can happen at any time as well. This means a temporary convergence of samatha and vipassana is possible and can lead to Awakening at any stage."

    I find that last point in particular to be a tremendously powerful idea- one that I've used to great success during my sits. I have a problem with being impulsive. Thanks to meditation it's much less of an issue, but I'm not able to always maintain the long-term view. Being able to remind myself before every sit that if there is sufficient cooperation among the sub-minds Awakening can happen at any moment - that's a very important concept for me. It makes it much easier to cultivate a joyful attitude.

u/Disagreed · 10 pointsr/Meditation

I was in the same boat as you when I got started and I found that using a good guided meditation app provided a solid starting foundation.

I have personal experience with Ten Percent Happier and Waking Up. Both are fantastic but should not be relied on for too long; it should only take a few months to form your own practice based on the techniques you’ll learn.

I’m at the point where I’m getting comfortable with my own daily practice after using each of those apps for a few months. One widely recommended book which I might look at soon is The Mind Illuminated. Another book I discovered recently, Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, is written by respected meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein, who also narrates the intro guided meditations for Ten Percent Happier.

Edit: Waking up has a companion book that discusses what consciousness is and how to avoid the faith-based dogma that is often associated with meditation.

u/Sennmeistr · 9 pointsr/Stoicism

>Combatting depression

Quoting a recent comment of mine:

>You might want to look into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), if that isn't what you already did.

>Recommended books:
The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and
Unshakeable Freedom.


>Also: Recommended Post.

 
>Philosophy and Stoicism

Apart from the Enchiridion and the Meditations, the primary reading list includes letters and essays from Seneca as well as Cicero or the fragments from Musonius Rufus. Modern books include How to be a Stoic, A guide to the good life and Stoicism and the art of happiness. The FAQ has a nice list which is worth checking out.

>Books about changing the way you think (false thoughts vs. truths)

This might not be Stoic, but you might be interested in Thinking fast and slow.

>Identity

Might not be exactly what you were looking for, but reading The mind illuminated and implementing meditation as a practice, changed the way I think about myself and my thoughts on a daily basis.

>The ego

A favourite of mine is the eight page-long article by urbanmonk.

A good starting point for thought provoking and self-help books is the sub /r/BettermentBookClub. If you search for thought provoking articles, /r/Foodforthought or /r/philosophy is the way to go.

u/Supernumiphone · 9 pointsr/exredpill

My first suggestion is to recognize that you are holding onto a belief that a relationship is to some degree necessary for your happiness or contentment. The next step is to question this belief. Try this thought experiment: Imagine that you can be perfectly content in your life without a relationship. You go through your days fulfilled, wanting for nothing. You enjoy whatever activities you choose to engage in fully. You have all you need. Now a relationship becomes available. Do you take it? Maybe yes, maybe no. If the benefits outweigh the costs, perhaps it's a "yes." If not, you walk away, because after all why pay the cost if it's not worth it? You certainly don't need it.

I would like to suggest that this is completely possible. The first step here is to stop holding onto the belief that you can't be happy without that. As long as you believe that, you make it true. Any such fixation becomes self-fulfilling. You obsess over the thing you don't have and make yourself miserable.

You say you have a history of mental health problems. Well let me tell you, a relationship won't fix them. It's common for people to believe that the solution to their problems is something external to themselves, but in situations like yours it is never true. Until you address your problems internally a team of supermodels taking turns riding your dick wouldn't help you. It'd be fun, sure, but once the initial thrill wore off you'd find yourself back in the same emotional space with the same problems.

How to get there? I'm not aware of any single one-size-fits-all solution, but it would be worth considering therapy if that appeals to you. To me meditation is a must. If you're not doing that I'd say make it a priority to develop a practice with the intention of making it lifelong. The best book of which I am aware and the one I'd recommend for this is The Mind Illuminated.

Beyond that try to work on your emotional health. A book I highly recommend for this is The Presence Process. Another good one is The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion.

Read these books, apply them, and live them diligently and consistently, and I predict that in a year or two your outlook on life will be completely transformed. Once you get to that point, maybe a relationship will happen, or maybe it won't. You'll be fine either way, and that's more valuable than any pickup technique.

u/Share-Metta · 9 pointsr/streamentry

My personal practice mixes breath meditation and metta. I start off with some mindful breathing to calm the mind and body. Then I take a minute to feel the breath through my various chakra areas. This step helps me get in touch with my internal processes and subtle energies. It helps a lot with feeling the emotional feedback of the metta practice. Next I move my breathing to the heart chakra (center of the chest) and maintain my awareness of the breath in that spot. Then I typically use the standard phrases towards myself after each exhale:

  • Inhale / exhale at heart chakra.
  • "May I be safe."
  • Inhale / exhale at heart chakra.
  • "May I be peaceful."
  • Inhale / exhale at heart chakra.
  • "May I be healthy."
  • Inhale / exhale at heart chakra.
  • "May I be happy."

    It's important to pay attention to the type of feedback you get from metta practice. You may feel like there is aversion or frustration there. Be mindful of whatever feedback you get and relax into it. Accept it and continue. This goes for positive emotions too! Accept them and continue with your intention of kindness.

    After however many rounds feel right of metta towards myself, I move onto specific people, whoever comes to mind first, and eventually onto all living beings. Here there is eventually a transition point where the metta is strong enough that I don't need to use the verbalizations, it's at this point that the metta is self-sustaining just by focusing on the intention/feedback loop.

    From here there are two directions I'll typically go in:

  1. Jhana
  2. Choiceless Awareness

    This is just my personal practice so I'm not sure how helpful it will be for you. In terms of books on Metta:

u/NomadChild · 9 pointsr/hinduism
u/billsil · 9 pointsr/Games

> My posture still isn't the best, but I'm no longer the weakling gamer I was.

That's because nobody knows how to sit, stand, walk, and bend over. I strongly suggest watching this. It helped me a lot with my back pain and I'm talking largely getting rid of 2 years of chronic pain within a week. It's 90 minutes and it's worth it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yYJ4hEYudE

The short version is roll your shoulders back until you find a little groove that kind of locks them in place. Good posture should be effortless. Then tilt your head upwards so to be at eye level. Stick your butt out like you're wagging your tail like a happy dog instead of tucking your pelvis under like a depressed dog. Finally, readjust your weight distribution such that your heels take most of the load, rather than the midfoot. It takes a bit of getting used to and each step leads into the next so practice. This will relieve a lot of tightness in the shoulders and neck.

When you're ready to start walking, walk in a straight line. Don't lumber from side to side. You should have near zero impact load. Practice walking on a line. This will have the nice side effect of giving you a very shapely butt.

Finally, when you bend down, avoid bending your knees and don't curl your back either. Pivot at the hips and keep your knees and back straight. This method of bending strengthens your back (unlike the other two methods and doesn't hurt your joints like knee bending). It's probably impossible right now, but once you start relieving years of tension in your hips due to walking wrong, you'll regain a lot of that ability. Then a bit of stretching and it's easy.

She also has a book if you're interested. It's the best $14 I've ever spent http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605/ref=la_B002NXS2VQ_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415258692&sr=1-1

u/lysergico · 9 pointsr/microdosing

I would recommend mindfulness meditation, I find it synergizes quite well with microdosing, at the same time it goes deeper and is longer lasting

If you have 9 minutes to spare, listen to this: https://soundcloud.com/samharrisorg/mindfulness-meditation-9

If you have another 26, listen to this: https://soundcloud.com/samharrisorg/mindfulness-meditation-26

The absolute best book on the subject matter in my opinion is The Mind Illuminated, it reads like a college text book and the process is laid out nicely and is easy to follow.

I have found mindfulness to be an important tools in my life toolkit.

u/theelevenses · 9 pointsr/streamentry

This is a powerful and important lesson. I personally can identify deeply with your experience. I am still recovering from meditative burn out related to trauma.

I do feel like the pragmatic community in general does not have a big enough discussion surrounding trauma. On many retreats, I was met with a quizzical look when I explained the feelings that I was having and told to just apply the method and things would work out.

Eventually, the method brought me to the same purgatory that you describe. I've gotta be honest and say that the purgatory sure felt like hell to me.

It wasn't until I hit a pretty dark place that I found Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness. After reading the experiences described in the book I reached out to David and he connected me with Willoughby Britton. Both the book and Willoughby helped me put my meditative experiences into a context that helped me get out of that hellish place.

A big lesson for me is that in order to reach a state of no self you have to have some respect and compassion for your sense of self to begin with. Often, the way trauma robs you of your feeling of inherent value is incompatible with the methods the pragmatic community prescribes for resolving these issues. Books like TMI and MCTB (which I love) often have this do x and y will happen approach to things but I personally remember feeling like a failure because I couldn't follow the most basic of these math-like instructions.

I'm going to piggy back on your post to say to anyone going through a similar experience that you are not alone. If the path gets so difficult that your day to day life becomes unbearable considering how trauma fits into your narrative might be important and necessary.

Also, note to the mods, I vote that you guys add some resources related to trauma to the r/streamentry beginners guide and reading list. I have been checked out of the sub since I have gone through all of this but taking a cursory look I don't see anything related to trauma in the guide. Please, ignore this request if I missed something.

Many thanks for what you have written here and much Metta.

u/MariaEMeye · 9 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

I've had an accumulation of doubts, and after having a steady daily meditation routine of 45 minutes, I'm not meditating hardly at all. I know that strong doubt is my problem, not so much doubt in the method of TMI or Culadasa, because I don't actually doubt either at all, but more worried that I'm not ready for all of this, that as a mother of small children I need to have different priorities :( Feeling a bit sad and lost, but I have actually taken some action to address some trauma that I know needs attention via therapy, and before doing TMI it didn't occur to me to address this as my life was functional and happy anyway, but now I know I have to address all of this sooner than later if I want to take my meditation path seriously... I'm planning to read from the dharma treasure recommended reading list and center on shorter meditation sessions, and especially do metta and walking meditation. And see how things go and how I feel I suppose...I feel sad about my practice, but I feel very good and happy about my life in general... Its a bit strange, but before having my children when I started to delve into Buddhism, I was sort of ready to jump head in to everything, but now I have very strong attachments to my children and their welfare, and I worry if I come to pieces as I walk my meditation path,if they will be affected...I did ask Culadasa about this via the patreon questions, but sadly the question didn't get answered as only those questions of who attended got answered (again couldn't attend that day as there was a change of time and I would have had to get a baby sitter). The path is going to have ups and down I suppose... I'm also reading a book called Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness as it addresses one of my doubts and worries.

​

​

​

u/NakedAndBehindYou · 9 pointsr/Fitness

Yes, it's okay. In his book The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, Arnold says that when he became a serious bodybuilder, he had to split his routine into two parts per day in order to have enough energy to get through all his 3+ hours of lifting per day. He says he would lift in the morning, wait 8-10 hours, then lift again after he had recouped some energy.

u/insubordinatePan · 9 pointsr/Fitness

Been meaning to order Arnold's Encyclopedia for some time now. Although I'm sure it contains a hefty dose of broscience, the reviews are glowing and it's still 800 pages of the word of Arnold. Thanks for the promo code!

u/Tebulus · 8 pointsr/askMRP

Stay busy and productive as much as possible within the constraints of your primary goal being "heal my back as quickly and efficiently as possible". You cant fight her unconscious perception so if you are a temporary invalid rest assured she is silently judging you in your weakest most painful moments. Protip: that is okay.

So four things: 1. Be attractive and don't be unattractive. 2. Prioritize healing. 3. Try to internalize that physical ability is a single puzzle piece on a very large puzzle and that you can still make a woman attracted to you and lead her while disabled/invalid. 4. Delegate.

Also, a question: How would you behave if this was your life from now on? Are you fucked? Or can you make it work? Do that.

Also I have heard people with chronic back pain say this is the shit and it cures you permanently:
https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/igemoko · 8 pointsr/ChronicPain

"Oh my gawd I would just curl up in a ball and DIE if I hurt all the time like you!! Anyway, let me tell you about this hike I went on..."

"You can't drink with your medication? Oh it's ok, just have a few, I'd totally be an alcoholic by now HAHH"

"Oh my goodness you poor thing, have you tried [insert naturopathic/homeopathic/other BS here]?"

"You can't really be hurting all the time, have you read this book to get rid of back pain?" (I do not have back pain..)

"Aw you're so boring, you never hang out with us and I miss youuuu"

"It's ok, you'll get better soon, I'm praying for you every day!"

...and many more reasons on why I dread in-person social interaction.

u/[deleted] · 8 pointsr/Meditation

Sit, preferably legs crossed. Close your eyes. Breath in and breath out. Try to focus on your breath and notice how much calmer you get with each breath.

Whenever your mind wanders, note it, appreciate it and come back to the breath. Keep doing this for about 10 or 15 minutes. As the days become weeks, increase your time to 20 minutes or 30 minutes.

If you feel soreness or tightness in your body, try your best to note it and accept it as it is then come back to your breath. If it is too much pain, then by all means stop. Try stretching and exercising a little more during your free time.

This, IMO, is a great book and it is often recommended on this site: https://www.amazon.ca/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705

u/pi3141592653589 · 8 pointsr/india

I will recommend the following book.

http://www.amazon.com/Upanishads-Classic-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457682069&sr=8-1&keywords=upanishads

From what I understood reading Upanishads, the message is very similar to that in Bhagvad Gita. Our actions are driven by our senses and the selfish desires they drive. The main message of both the books is to overcome your selfish desires and do what is good for the society. The only way to figure out what is good for the society is by making yourself wiser and meditation is emphasized as a way of understanding yourself and your relation to the world. Only then you can figure out what you can do to improve the society you live in. There is no single way of achieving this. It depends on your personality. You can improve the society by doing social work, acquiring knowledge, worship, by going in to administrative services and working for betterment of the society etc.

I cannot emphasize this enough that this is how I interpreted it after reading the books a couple of times. I am not an expert.

u/BigBlackThu · 7 pointsr/guns

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G3L1C2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_N1asDbMHHPWFA

Read that, and decide if you want to saddle up for the long haul

u/Further_Shore_Bound · 7 pointsr/Buddhism

I believe training yourself according to the eightfold path is the act of Buddhism. No matter what else you incorporate, the four noble truths and the eightfold path are foundational.

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html#ch5

https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769

Begin with virtue/ethics.

u/snoozyd87 · 7 pointsr/getdisciplined

Hi, 31M, fighting depression, acute social anxiety disorder and suicidal tendencies. I am doing good now. Had a scare a few months ago when a close family member fell really ill, and I really started to put in the effort to turn my life around. It is a work in progress, but I am doing well. My advice:

  1. Realize, first and foremost, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, everything is okay. If you are an Introvert, that is perfectly fine, in fact that is a cause for celebration. You see the world runs on profit, on selling you shit you don't need and is actually harmful to you, and you being introvert is bad for business. Being calm, self-aware, introspective means no more impulse purchases, no more stress-eating, no more constant sugar rush, and most importantly no more addictions. Good for you, horrible for selling you supersaturated soda, processed junk food and drugs.

  2. Realize that being shy and socially awkward is not the same as introversion. These often rise from our deep rooted emotions and conflicts, sometimes we are not aware of them. I'll give a simple example, I have lower back pain since childhood. I recently started exercising and found a fantastic fitness channel on YT. I realized that the cause of my pain was that my Glutes are terribly weak, and my Abs are weak too. My back hurts not because there's something wrong with it, but because it is overworked. My back has to put in 3 times the effort just to stabilize my core and help move my spine. Similarly, The real cause of all your emotional distress can be found, and healed, only when you start to exercise. Which means:

  3. Meditate. Common sense, buddy, just as nobody but yourself can gift you with a healthy and athletic body, only you can find joy and happiness in yourself once you clean out all that fear and anxiety in your mind. Of course, a good teacher or a good book helps, just as with exercise. Simple breathing meditation. Sit comfortably. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Focus on the flow of breath. The mind will wander. Gently bring it back. Try it, start with what I did: try to perform just 3 perfect cycles. If you want to understand the scientific basis for why Meditation works, read: The Mind Illuminated | John Yates, Matthew Immergut, Jeremy Graves

    Some more reading: If you want to know how meditation helps the mind, read the best book on cognitive therapy:Feeling Good | David Burns.

    For instructions on breathing and mindfulness meditation, there are many great resources online. Also check out /r/Meditation.

  4. The one thing, the one attribute that defines us and helps us most in time of need is Willpower. There is this reservoir of strength inside you, an untapped fountain of energy that will sweep away all the uncertainty, fear and pain once you tap into it. Read this: The Will power Instinct | Kelly McGonigal.

  5. Develop some good habits. Wake up early. Keep tidy. Meditate. Exercise. Eat healthy. Read. Habits play a crucial role in forming us, and many of these habits are critical to our success or failure. Read this: The Power of Habit | Charles Duhigg.

  6. Finally, find a goal in your life. A goal that fulfills you, gives you purpose, and makes you whole. We have a word in Sanskrit: 'Samriddhi'. It means physical, mental and spiritual fulfillment. An observation: your financial well-being is a key factor in your happiness, because it directly affects you and your ability to care for and help others. Understanding how money works and how to enjoy a steady and growing flow of income is a key skill that is often neglected. Yes it is a skill that can be learned and trained just like exercise, with just a bit of help from our old friend willpower.

  7. Lastly remember you are not weak, fragile, pushover or any of these silly things. You are good. You are beautiful, strong and confident, and don't you dare think otherwise.

    I leave you with this song: Get up! Be good. PM me if you need anything.
u/batbdotb · 7 pointsr/Meditation

A few options here:

  1. You may not be getting enough sleep - but you are normally too stimulated to notice. Meditation may be making you aware that you are tired. If this is the case - meditate BEFORE going to bed if you can, you will sleep much better.

  2. Diet is not mentioned much here - but it is extremely important. Having high vegetable intake has drastically changed my overall levels of focus and mental clarity.

  3. In terms of meditation, you may be indulging in dullness as part of your practice. This is a major corner stone of The Mind Illuminated. Essentially, you may need to focus more on becoming alert in your meditation sessions. Much has been written about this elsewhere so I will not get into it here. But investigating dullness and alertness is a start.

    Best wishes
u/username10294 · 7 pointsr/movies

For anyone who doesn't know, Arnold has written a well respected book on body building where you can get all his tips.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219

u/Pedantic_Romantic · 7 pointsr/medicalschool
u/5baserush · 7 pointsr/occult

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Core-Teachings-Buddha-Unusually/dp/1904658407

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985

Daniel ingram, author of the book in the first link, is a PHD medical surgeon and a self declared arhat. He touches on the DNotS often and often speaks to how treatment of it is something that our medical community should pay attention to in the future.

That book has a ton of information on the subject and will deepen your practice in so many other ways. The book is mostly concerned with the jhanas and will take you through the 4 rupa jhana into the 4 arupa jhana. I believe it discusses the ninth jhana as well(it does i just googled it).

He also runs a website with a ton of information on the DNotS. https://www.dharmaoverground.org/

Overall its a great book and one can spend perhaps a lifetime on that work alone.

the 2nd one is just as good for different reasons. Check out the amazon reviews.

But bro i think you just gotta push through it. Keep meditating.

Good luck to you.

u/GingerRoot96 · 7 pointsr/Buddhism

The Mind Illuminated.

Which has it own forum at /r/TheMindIlluminated

u/attunezero · 7 pointsr/progresspics

Try taking up meditation! It can really help you stop, take a step back, realize when and why you're craving, and deal with those feelings instead of giving in. I highly recommend "The Mind Illuminated" as the best no bullshit, no religion, science based, practical meditation manual. https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985/ref=sr_1_3?crid=VFY2JW8DLREG&keywords=the+mind+illuminated&qid=1570291925&sprefix=the+mind+Illuminated%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-3 edit: and the related subreddit /r/TheMindIlluminated

You could also try some supplements. I find that magnesium supplementation (get lysinate/glyciante chelated form, not oxide, that will just make you poop and do nothing) can help. Supposedly Kudzu can also help reduce your desire to drink. Some people have great luck with Kratom to quit drinking, it's very powerful, but be careful if you try it -- some people have dependence/withdrawal problems using it.

A ketogenic diet can also do a lot for you. For me it decreases desire to drink, makes me sleep better, gives me more energy, keeps my head more clear, and eliminates energy "crashes" throughout the day. Check out /r/keto if you're interested. It also helps that beer is entirely incompatible with a keto diet so if you do drink on it you have to drink dry wine or liquor which helps remove the temptation of delicious beer.

Hope that helps!

u/fithacc · 7 pointsr/streamentry

Practice has been pulling me into the roots of my fears, the burdens i'm carrying on my shoulders, and the sadness that is integrated in this. I'm not going to lie it's pretty hard facing this, especially during finals season. Metta is teaching me a lot of things, although its not possible to say ive permanently learned anything :P

I am attempting to read "Lovingkindness" by Sharon Salzberg. And prev touched on "Science of Enlightenment" by Shinzen Young, didn't finish it as the need to focus on metta arised.

sigh.. well, im thankful i was able to see even momentarily these burdens im carrying are just something in the possible future. the reality is, right now i have power in the present moment. i hope i remember this.

thank you for reading this far! Wishing myself, you and all beings happiness <3

u/En_lighten · 7 pointsr/Buddhism

Generally, you might find 'confession' to be helpful.

Briefly, perhaps, this is more or less confessing misdeeds while calling to mind the three jewels. You might read a bit about this type of stuff in this brief sutra. You also might consider reading something like the Bodhicharyavatara which has a section on confession.

You also might perhaps come to understand that we've all basically been dummies and done stupid stuff. In Buddhism, one of the main disciples of the Buddha was named Moggallana, and it's said that he killed his parents in a past life. In the Tibetan tradition, there is a figure named Milarepa who is said to have killed something like 35 people in his life. And in the Pali Canon, there's also discussion about Angulimala who is said to have killed 999 people prior to meeting the Buddha with his eye on the Buddha being #1,000 - he failed, and later became an arahant.

Anyway, one of the karmic effects of 'misdeeds' is that we feel like you feel.

You could consider cultivating the 4 immeasurables, which can plant many good seeds and overcome much negativity. Metta or loving kindness meditation is even studied in modern medicine. I've heard good things about Sharon Salzburg's book Loving Kindness on this topic.

Best wishes.

u/armillanymphs · 6 pointsr/samharris

To those intrigued by the prosaic notions of awakening discussed in the podcast (e.g. - how one relates to the contents of mind having cultivated a deep practice) look no further than The Mind Illuminated. Given the assumption of Sam's crowd being rigorous and scientific, this book should have great appeal to many of you: it guides the practitioner through stages consisting of various exercises that progressively lead to powerful concentration. This is almost purely a technical manual with only brief quotes from suttas, and includes interludes that express the author's hypothesis of how meditation affects the brain's processes (he has a PHD in neuroscience).

This book is also good for those who have held a basic practice of following the breath and returning upon distraction for a long while, but feel lost having practiced just this for a period of time.

Finally, I strongly recommend buying the physical copy over the digital one, since the book consists of tables, diagrams, and images better suited to print.

I hope this will be of use to you all, as it's accelerated my own practice by leaps and bounds. If you apply yourself rigorously to this curriculum, you will see tremendous benefit within the course of a year (but obviously sooner too, given the skills you'll acquired as you go along).

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486053969&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated

u/proverbialbunny · 6 pointsr/consciousness

Do you have the concentration to read a book?

There are two routes: Guided meditation on youtube. Early meditation is usually body scans, counting meditation, and walking or generosity meditation (paying attention to every muscle as you move slowly while doing a chore. Two birds with one stone.)

Most kinds of meditation, when done right, will increase concentration, making it effortless and enjoyable to do things that were hard or stressful before.

If you have the time and concentration The Mind Illuminated is the go to book right now. 10 out of 10, it's good.

And yes, your awareness will go up. Awareness is the foundation for consciousness, so you will reach higher levels of consciousness from it.

u/LarryBills · 6 pointsr/Buddhism

Here's a fairly standard recitation for Metta practice:

>May [you] be happy,
>
>May [you] be healthy,
>
>May [you] dwell in safey,
>
>May [you] be free from suffering.

The classical teaching on Loving Kindness is to start with a benefactor (teacher, etc.) Once you have your metta up and going, you extend it to:

  • Yourself
  • A loved one
  • A neutral person
  • A "difficult" person in your life

    You don't move to the next stage until you've stabilized the metta at your current stage.

    Then, you work on extending metta outwards to fill the room (and beyond) in the 6 directions. The recitation is slightly modified to:

    May all beings above be happy...May all beings above be healthy...May all beings above dwell in safety...May all beings above be free from suffering.

    Then you continue in each direction, trying to push/extend the metta outwards.

    May all beings below/in front/behind/to the left/to the right...

    Tip when you are choosing your 5 people: imagine them as either children or smiling. Even your difficult person. This typically makes it a bit easier to wish them well.

    Keep at the meditation daily and don't get frustrated. Remember, it's a skill and it takes a little bit to develop. So don't get down on yourself or abandon it if it all doesn't click in the first week. Metta practice is noble and orients the mind towards wholesomeness. Your day to day life and moods will improve greatly with some dedicated practice.

    If you are interested, you can check out Sharon Salzberg's book on Lovingkindness (metta)
u/FINDTHESUN · 6 pointsr/Meditation

no , just open-minded, what about you ?



EDIT:

here's a quick selection of some of the books from my library list. have you seen/read at least 1 of those?? ;-)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Margins-Reality-Consciousness-Physical-World/dp/1936033003/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holographic-Universe-Michael-Talbot/dp/0586091718/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Synchronicity-Coincidence-Change-Unlocking-Your/dp/1601631839/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WILLIAM-WALKER-ATKINSON-Ultimate-Collection-ebook/dp/B01CKHEABK/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Reality-Consciousness-Existence-Paradigm/dp/1590793919/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Course-Miracles-Foundation-Inner-Peace/dp/1883360269/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brief-History-Everything-20th-Anniversary/dp/1611804523/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Biology-Belief-Unleashing-Consciousness-Miracles/dp/1781805474/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Selfish-Gene-Anniversary-Landmark-Science/dp/0198788606/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bhagavad-Easwarans-Classics-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perceptual-Intelligence-Illusion-Misperception-Self-Deception/dp/160868475X/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brain-Story-You-David-Eagleman/dp/1782116613/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seeing-Myself-Out-body-Experiences/dp/1472137361/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seat-Soul-Gary-Zukav/dp/147675540X/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brain-That-Changes-Itself-Frontiers/dp/014103887X/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Habit-Being-Yourself-Create/dp/1848508565/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Works-Swami-Vivekananda-ebook/dp/B073GYW7W2/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eye-Which-Nothing-Hidden/dp/178180768X/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Consciously-Creating-Circumstances-Winslow-Plummer-ebook/dp/B005NWJKDI/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Writings-Emerson-Library-Classics/dp/0679783229/

How knowledgeable are you ?

u/Godlessyou · 6 pointsr/offmychest

There's a book that actually changed my life after reading it and I think it would be a good read for you. It's a book about Buddhism, but before you dismiss it for religious reasons or anything it's not like that. It teaches you to understand that you can decide how you react to things... Anyway it's a really great read and really helped me change my outlook on life. I hope it can do the same for you.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0861711769?pc_redir=1412272708&robot_redir=1

u/heartsutra · 6 pointsr/Meditation

Subtle dullness is a meditation obstacle that arises once you subdue mind-wandering, gross distraction, and gross dullness (sometimes described as drowsiness or mental sinking). The problem with subtle dullness is that it can fool you into thinking you've attained single-pointed concentration when in fact you're in a very subtle fog. It's considered a very dangerous state, and meditators can waste their lives that way.

I know of at least two meditation traditions that talk about subtle dullness. I first learned about it in Tibetan Buddhist meditation instruction. Here's some instruction from Pabongka Rinpoche as transcribed by Trijang Rinpoche, who was one of the Dalai Lama's two main tutors. In this case he's talking about using a visualized image of a Buddha or mandala as the meditation object:

> There are two types of dullness, subtle and coarse. When you recall your meditation device, its image may be steady but unclear. This is coarse dullness. Subtle dullness is as follows: you have not lost the retained features of the visualization, you even have steadiness and clarity of image, but the force of your retention has slackened and its clarity is not intense. Subtle dullness is the main obstruction to meditation. [From Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand]

Culadasa (my main meditation teacher) also talks a lot about subtle dullness and how dangerous it is. It Here's what he says in The Mind Illuminated:

> This new level of stable attention is precisely what makes us more vulnerable to slipping into a deeper state of sustained subtle dullness. That's because the mental agitation that stimulated the mind and helped keep us awake in earlier Stages has subsided. As subtle dullness deepens, it causes both peripheral awareness and subtle distractions to fade. If we don't recognize this as a sign of subtle dullness, it can easily be mistaken for the strong, exclusive focus of Stage Six... Without guidance, meditators often confuse a deeper state of subtle dullness with having achieved the more loft states of later Stages.

He goes on to say:

> We can sustain this type of subtle dullness for very long periods. It's often described in these kinds of terms: "My concentration was so deep, an hour seemed only like minutes." Or, "I don't know where I went, but I was just gone, and felt so peaceful and happy."

If you're meditating just to relax, I suppose that's OK, but both Culadasa and the Tibetan tradition warn that spending a long time in subtle dullness will just make you stupider over time, like a burnout. And if you're meditating with the goal to perceive higher truths, subtle dullness is a terrible trap:

> When the pleasure of dullness is particularly strong and our peripheral awareness of thoughts and sensations fades completely, our meditation can even seem to fit the description of a meditative absorption (jhana). We can quickly get attached to such experiences, prizing them as proof of our meditative skills. Yet, relative to the practice goals in this book, they are complete dead ends. It's crucial we learn to recognize and overcome subtle dullness to progress in your practice.

u/CoachAtlus · 6 pointsr/Meditation

That's the default state of mind. Your practice is simply making you aware of that state.

Unfortunately, there's no way to simply turn off thinking. That's like trying to turn off hearing. For brief stretches of time, with powerful concentration, you can absorb yourself in an object other than thought, such that the thinking recedes into the background (and depending on the depth of your absorption may appear to cease altogether), but that's a difficult practice.

Alternatively, through insight meditation, you can follow how your attention moves between thoughts (or mental objects) and the objects of your senses, moment-by-moment. Through that, you'll see how thoughts are constructed, always dependent on some other thing that has arisen, and you'll also see how thoughts pass away, like all other things.

Through this process of investigating the mind, you'll also see how experience is always unsatisfactory in some way, either because you're experiencing something unpleasant that you want to go away or because you're experiencing something pleasant, but you're anxious about losing it.

As the mind begins to understand this, it begins to naturally become less enchanted by all experience, and the quality of "equanimity" is developed, a sort of peaceful balance, where all experience -- for better or worse -- is allowed to arise and simply be as it is, without that added layer of constantly pushing it away or clinging to it, which is what generates stress or dissatisfaction.

With a more advanced practice, there may come a time when the mind ceases completely, a state called "cessation," which can lead to very powerful insight into the nature of mind, but also has the very practical benefit of seemingly re-wiring the brain in such a way that the volume and frequency of certain thoughts seems to subside to an extent.

All of this, though, requires exceptional commitment and effort. You alone own the practice.

Some helpful resources if you're interested: My teacher website, which talks about the practice I've engaged in and found helpful. Also, I'd recommend The Mind Illuminated, which is the best meditation manual I've read and discusses some of these concepts.

u/lulzoiaf · 6 pointsr/Meditation

It is a very common, almost universal, phenomenon at the transition point between total beginner and "starting to get it". See it as a stage, it will go away as you keep sitting. It will probably come back regularly almost every time you sit for some time.

Culadasa calls it "Grade I piti" in his book The Mind Illuminated.

Daniel Ingram calls it second nana, or Knowledge of Cause and Effect, in his book Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha.

u/reddit_account_123 · 6 pointsr/india
u/Triabolical_ · 6 pointsr/skiing

40 was when I really noticed that I needed to be more diligent in my training. I'm 55 now, and I stay in shape by never getting out of shape.

Backs are weird things. My experience is that rest might get the back pain to go away, but unless you address the underlying issues, it's going to keep coming back.

Big contributors for me were:

  • Anterior pelvic tilt due to tight hip flexors
  • Weak posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes)
  • Significant muscle trigger points in my mid-back
  • Tight pecs and inflexible cervical spine.

    The first two were from sitting too much and too much time on the bicycle.

    It took a lot of work and some PT to get to a space where my back is generally not an issue for the activities that I do. I especially recommend the Trigger point therapy workbook.
u/JohnnyAvacado · 6 pointsr/cannabiscultivation

The Cannabis Encyclopedia - Jorge Cervantes

It covers everything you’d need to know. It also has an illustrated diagnostic section, which for any novice grower is an invaluable resource (ie without needing the Internet)

A brief overview of the issue or curiosity I’m having is usually covered which I can then use to focus my attention toward a more in-depth resource.

I also recommend: Growing Elite Cannabis - Ryan Riley

I have an older digital version of this book, it has been republished so I’m sure they updated some of their information but this tome (516 pages) has a lot of good information. It’s easy-to-understand and has tons of good images to help illustrate the techniques and processes for all the major. It’s pretty costly (~$90-$100), but depending on your level of interest it could be a great investment to your growing knowledge.

Happy Growing!!

u/shargrol · 6 pointsr/streamentry

/u/sunmusings, you might be interested in the book: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing
https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787

u/greeny_cat · 6 pointsr/thepapinis

This book does wonders for back pain, it actually cures it - I know it sounds unbelievable, but I tried it on myself, my relatives and coworkers, and everybody got relief:

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by John E. Sarno

u/oopssorrydaddy · 6 pointsr/backpain

In my experience, back pain is usually caused by tight muscles, injury, or your brain.

​

Because you don't appear to have gotten injured, I would suggest stretching your hamstrings, QL, and hips before and after you go to bed.

​

While stretching helped me, my biggest breakthrough was reading This book. I think our minds have a much bigger impact on muscle pain than we think.

​

Just my two cents! Good luck – you will figure this out.

u/ohokyeah · 6 pointsr/exmormon

Vague feelings of peace or calm are the most I ever got aside from frisson while singing or hearing hymns.

I can duplicate the calm via meditation upon nothing but focusing on my breaths, so certainly peace or calm aren't unique to religious confirmation of truth either. I view meditation as a much more powerful tool than prayer ever was for me, I used a meditative method to go through childbirth without medication. I had a nine pound baby and only seven hours of labor and only at the very end did I feel like I was getting overwhelmed. That method of childbirth actually teaches that when this occurs, it actually means the mother is very near to being finished with labor, which I immediately saw and got a second wind from it, my daughter was born moments later. It was the Bradley Method, if any one is curious. I found it simple enough that I bought a book on it, read it and used it.

The frisson is duplicated for me across genres though. I get frisson from listening to Tool or Infected Mushroom, so frisson certainly can't be some sort of spiritual confirmation that the message of the music is true.

u/dinahsaurus · 6 pointsr/BabyBumps

That book is crap because it IS ancient and sexist. Bradley isn't wrong, but he's not from 'our time' so the way he explains it is degrading. Getting a book written for us is far more beneficial.

Get this one: http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373065618&sr=8-1&keywords=susan+mccutcheon#

I actually didn't even have my husband read it. I read it and relayed the important bits to my husband, and I found it extremely helpful.

u/Markovicth45 · 6 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

Yes. Watch from 1 hour and 17 min in:

r/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhtU5ei6YaM&t=247s

In terms of learning to work with energy the number one most important thing IMO is to learn to really ground/root your energy. That can be done very deeply through standing meditation postures from qigong (called Zhan Zhuang). You can also directly learn to sink your energy.

A few good books for learning to do standing meditation and to ground

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Energy-Mastering-Internal-Strength/dp/0671736450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536310978&sr=8-1&keywords=way+of+energy

https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Energy-Gates-Your-Body/dp/1583941460/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1536311094&sr=1-1&keywords=opening+the+energy+gates+of+your+body

And for working with energy in general:

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Promise-Qi-Creating-Extraordinary/dp/0809295288/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0809295288&pd_rd_r=f2a13599-b27c-11e8-ad5d-f9d1f1abea37&pd_rd_w=jSsme&pd_rd_wg=PHn62&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=4E6D4PWEM54GBZ9TJKQP&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=4E6D4PWEM54GBZ9TJKQP&dpID=51wRmSyNaFL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=detail

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Light-Tao-Foundational-Practices-ebook/dp/B004J4WM6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1536311129&sr=1-1&keywords=healing+light+of+the+tao

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Qigong-Science-Chinese-Healing/dp/0345421094/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1536311155&sr=1-1&keywords=way+of+qigong

u/Darkstar7175 · 6 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

Unfortunately, I don't know of any resources with TMI-like clear instruction ... this books really is in a league of its own ;) I have been practicing Zhan Zhuang using these videos. Before my first sit of the day, I'll do a few minutes of the warm-up exercise, 5-10 minutes of the posture, and a couple minutes of the cool-down exercise. In terms of books, I've heard that Energy Work is good, as well as The Way of Energy, which was written by the gentleman in the videos I linked above. I've also been practicing ashtanga yoga for almost a year now, and I'm just now starting to recognize that it may be helping a bit with the energy stuff, as well. There's a bit of a learning curve to the technique, breathing, and postures you have to go through before it becomes effective, I suspect.

u/peroperoname · 6 pointsr/taoism

Learn about doing shadow work. Rather than reading a text, you can watch videos about it online.

But ultimately, you have to ask yourself the question, why are those thoughts appearing in your mind. Whenever there are thoughts in your mind that you cannot control, it is usually your subconscious trying to give you feedback (positive or negative) on what direction you should take.

The type of questions you mentioned usually pop up with self acceptance issues. Which almost everyone has. There is a part of you that you cannot accept, and you are rejecting it, and so it is invading your mind space, it is telling you that if you are not satisfied with who you are, then work towards the person you want to be. You have an ideal image of who you want to be, what is your role/hierarchy in the society. Anytime you find out that there is someone better than you, your subconscious mind causes a reaction because there is a mismatch with the perception of who you want to be.

Most people have this instinctive reaction, but if this particularly bothers you then you may have unresolved issues from your childhood. Or it may also be a part of your genetic make-up. It is okay to have those thoughts, try to be accepting of them, and understand why they are arising. Use that understanding to gain a better acceptance of yourself and be more "whole", so to speak.

Instead of reading texts, practice forms of healing arts like Qigong or Yoga which will give you good foundation on the road to self-acceptance.

u/RanchCornNutsYes · 6 pointsr/WinStupidPrizes

Read! If you’re not sure who will have good foundational material, I think we can all agree The Governor knows a thing or two. Arnold has a “Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” that is for both beginners and advanced lifters, with a huge range of info that even covers nutrition. It’s massive and inexpensive. It can be bought on Amazon.

u/INTHEMIDSTOFLIONS · 6 pointsr/bodybuilding

https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1574046116&sr=8-1

you can find used copies on there for like $5. a truly worthy investment. I've read it probably 15 times. It's an incredible book. Nutrition is outdated, though. So be careful with the meal plans in it. Arnold is outspoken against his nutritional information in the book.

u/r3dd3v1l · 5 pointsr/Meditation

Hi, I hope this finds you well. I've struggled with anxiety for a very long time and it was not apparent how bad it was until my first retreat. This was about 5 years ago.

​

Most of the time when I sit my breathing feels uncomfortable and tight. I used to end sits with way more anxiety because I was not addressing relaxation. You can really hurt yourself if you force it.

​

Below are some things that have really helped me in the last year.

​

I don't know anything about your past but you may want to look into the following:

  1. CPTSD - complex PTSD. Chronic anxiety may be due to "consistent" stress.

    ​

  1. This book has helped me with my meditation https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787

    I'm sure if you look online you'll find free audio/pdf versions.

    ​

  2. Join and check out this community as they have monthly Zoom meetings discussing ways of practicing gently: https://davidtreleaven.com/connect/

    ​

  3. Try Reginald Rays earth breathing meditation (04 Guided Earth Breathing), I do this and it helps to relax me. I do it lying down. This helps to notice tension in the body.

    https://www.dharmaocean.org/connect/free-audio-series/

    ​

  4. see if you can find a somatic therapist with "meditation" experience

    ​

    *** A lot of times "breath" meditation is not what we should be doing. Focusing on the breath can create a lot of problems with people with anxiety issues. Note! I did not say anxiety disorder. There are other ways of helping to calm your system down first. Don't be hard on yourself if you can't do "breathing" meditation. Learn to relax. It's absolutely possible. Little by little.
u/aspen-glow · 5 pointsr/streamentry

Well, you would hyperventilate if your inhale were longer than your exhale. I don't think that's healthy for trauma survivors. For me, I definitely use breathwork / pranayam to help with anxiety and tension that are as a result of trauma. A simple breath is to inhale 5 counts, exhale 10 counts, repeating this. By making your exhale longer than your inhale, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and your vagus nerve, which is very calming for anxiety, stress, etc. Counter to this is a longer inhale and shorter exhale (hyperventilating), which stimulates your sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), which would NOT be helpful for trauma survivors.

Because I have a tendency toward anxiety from my childhood abuse, pranayam and meditation have been life-changing in giving me the tools to both observe emotion when it arises, and allow my breath to carry the emotion through to its end (ie, until the emotion transforms and changes, as it inevitably does).

You may find the book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness to be good, as well as a book on yogic pranayam.

u/slowcarsfast · 5 pointsr/financialindependence

I had chronic lower back pain for several years even as a relatively young guy. I tried chiro, physical therapy, yoga, etc. and nothing really made a difference. The biggest factor that finally helped me to get rid of it was this book: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521724371&sr=8-1&keywords=healing+low+back+pain

Maybe it was placebo effect or maybe it actually works, but either way my back has been waaaaay better since reading it a couple years ago.

u/JeffWright123 · 5 pointsr/TrueQiGong

I am pretty new to it all but I really like Everyday Chi Kung and The Way of Energy, both by Lam Kam Chuen. It's pretty easy to develop a beginner's practice (and then carry it to higher levels) using these two books. You might also want to look at his standing meditation videos.

u/7zf · 5 pointsr/soylent

Your opinion is a very popular one and quite traditional, often reflected by those outside of the bodybuilding or strength athlete community. My goals with this recipe are to gain muscle mass and fuel high exertion full body workouts and recovery from those without gaining much fat. The macro ratios that I have chosen are in line with opinions of many of the most successful strength/bodybuilding athletes.

Glucose/ATP levels lost in the muscles must be refueled by very high levels of available carbohydrates, higher levels of fats would IMO just encourage more fat storage. Of course my "base" dietary needs/levels of fats are being met with the quantity of fats in this recipe. I quote Arnold but there are many many anecdotal examples like this one. Of course I am not Arnold but there is a middle ground, my current recipe is Protein 30% Carbs 50% and Fat 20%.

> Kindle location 10130: According to the McGovern Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, Protein 12%, Carbs 58%, Fats 30%. In my own career I usually found myself eating a diet balanced quite differently: Protein 40%, Carbohydrates 40%, Fats 20%


To speak to your comments about fat breakdown, I am very interested in learning how best to meet fat ratios and I do not know enough about it for sure. I have done some investigation but a good conversation about optimal omega ratios (4/1 or 5/1 omega3/omega6?) and how best to acheive this in a cost effective way is long overdue. I am not sure why including more saturated fat via something like butter would be helpful but if you could provide some justification for that I would be interested. I will also most likely be adding medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil) in the next iteration as a source of fat. It seems that fish oil is the best source of omega 3 but it is very expensive for volumes offered 500 mg/pill and having to take something like 12 caps seems unappealing. I'm sure /u/QuidNYC could speak to this issue.

In terms of Canola oil being unhealthy, I still have it in my recipe because it is inexpensive and I cannot find any reasons why canola oil which is stored in the proper temperature and lighting situation is unhealthy other than the fact that Rapeseed is GMO which in and of itself has not been shown to be a real problem (obviously correct me if I am wrong).

u/SigismundBT · 5 pointsr/bodybuilding

> Arnold's bodybuilding encyclopedia

this one you mean? link

u/gzcl · 5 pointsr/powerlifting

>What are some of your favorite books?

GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE!!!

BOOM

BOOMSHA

BOOMSHACK

BOOMSHACKALA

BOOMSHACKALACKA

Sure, some of it may be "outdated" or whatever. But honestly, programming for strength is relatively easy versus programming for sport. The big things to control are training stress (essentially time under tension), general fatigue (from both training, work, life, etc.), and recovery (uh, sleep, food, sex?). From there... it gets a bit more complex, but honestly, it's not hard to learn.

u/NomadicVagabond · 5 pointsr/religion

First of all, can I just say how much I love giving and receiving book recommendations? I was a religious studies major in college (and was even a T.A. in the World Religions class) so, this is right up my alley. So, I'm just going to take a seat in front of my book cases...

General:

  1. A History of God by Karen Armstrong

  2. The Great Transformation by Karen Armstrong

  3. Myths: gods, heroes, and saviors by Leonard Biallas (highly recommended)

  4. Natural History of Religion by David Hume

  5. Beyond Tolerance by Gustav Niebuhr

  6. Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel (very highly recommended, completely shaped my view on pluralism and interfaith dialogue)

  7. The Evolution of God by Robert Wright

    Christianity:

  8. Tales of the End by David L. Barr

  9. The Historical Jesus by John Dominic Crossan

  10. Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography by John Dominic Crossan

  11. The Birth of Christianity by John Dominic Crossan

  12. Who Wrote the New Testament? by Burton Mack

  13. Jesus in America by Richard Wightman Fox

  14. The Five Gospels by Robert Funk, Roy W. Hoover, and the Jesus Seminar (highly recommended)

  15. Remedial Christianity by Paul Alan Laughlin

    Judaism:

  16. The Jewish Mystical Tradition by Ben Zion Bokser

  17. Who Wrote the Bible? by Richard Elliot Friedman

    Islam:

  18. Muhammad by Karen Armstrong

  19. No God but God by Reza Aslan

  20. Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations by Michael Sells

    Buddhism:

  21. Buddha by Karen Armstrong

  22. Entering the Stream ed. Samuel Bercholz & Sherab Chodzin Kohn

  23. The Life of Milarepa translated by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa

  24. Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by John Powers

  25. Zen Flesh, Zen Bones compiled by Paul Reps (a classic in Western approached to Buddhism)

  26. Buddhist Thought by Paul Williams (if you're at all interested in Buddhist doctrine and philosophy, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading this book)

    Taoism:

  27. The Essential Chuang Tzu trans. by Sam Hamill & J.P. Seaton

    Atheism:

  28. Atheism by Julian Baggini

  29. The Future of an Illusion by Sigmund Freud

  30. Doubt: A History by Jennifer Michael Hecht

  31. When Atheism Becomes Religion by Chris Hedges

  32. Atheism: The Case Against God by George H. Smith
u/outopian · 5 pointsr/Buddhism

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

Not really a manual, but definitely an awesome book of parables, koans, and stories. Carried it with me when I was wandering around the country as a kid. There is no imaginable way to count how many times I've read it or sought for specific tidbits to reread to see how I grasp things at different times.

u/a_cup_of_juice · 5 pointsr/Buddhism

Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana: A clear guide to bringing the eightfold path into your daily life.

u/No_Thank_You_Daddy · 5 pointsr/Buddhism

I have really appreciated Bhante Gunaratana's Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness and Mindfulness in Plain English. They are good choices if you want to go straight to how to apply Buddhism to your life.

u/otisdog · 5 pointsr/Buddhism

Can't claim to be much of a Buddhist scholar, so I can't answer your question directly but:

I'm not sure what you've read/how you got started but I'm 24, diagnosed (major recurrent) about six months, probably "depressed" since middle school and Mindfulness in plain English (Free!: http://www.urbandharma.org/pdf/mindfulness_in_plain_english.pdf) and Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path (http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769) have been invaluable to me. I've read a lot of what was online and a few other books, but those two books stuck out for me. Also, I'm not sure how this goes over in this subreddit, but depending on the severity of what you're dealing with you may want to seek advice from a qualified professional about medication. I realize this sounds lame and believe me I basically avoided it for ten years but I can honestly say I haven't felt this way since I was a kid, and my family says its like having their son/brother back. I was the walking dead, or rather, reclusive, hiding but breathing dead until I got on anti-depressants and started trying to practice what I've learned from mindfulness/buddhism; I don't care what it is that's working or how, I just know I don't think about killing myself every minute and I don't hide myself in bed/find myself failing at the basic requirements of functioning life.

In particular for some reason the existential non-answers to Buddhism and the ability to deal with nonstop chatter of the mind were pivotal in helping me gain some control of my life. Cultivating loving-kindness also helped me, seemingly ironically, let go of a lot of stuff. I would say more than any other thing try to maintain a positive perspective and open mind. Unfortunately a lot of the core simplicity evident in some teachings is inherently antithetical to western social consciousness; we cultivate sarcasm and cynicism that naturally mocks universal concepts like love, peace, tranquility. That the teachings are often delivered in pesudo-scientific sounding "alternative medicine" or "eastern philosophy" packages with their concomitant disparaging subtext compounds this conditioned aversion. It may be going too far to say that unraveling these notions is a step towards a "deeper meaning," but perhaps not.

u/TheRedBaron11 · 5 pointsr/LucidDreaming

For starters, I've been reading this absolutely amazing book, I've had a few revelations into how purposeful meditation can help lucid dreaming techniques. Firstly, the book emphasizes the idea that one of the main purposes of meditation is to cultivate two things: Mindfulness and Stable Attention.

------

Mindfulness, many of you are very aware of. It includes both external observation (what's going on around you, sensations in your body, etc) and internal, metacognitive observation (awareness of emotion and thought). It means being peripherally aware of these things, without directing your primary attention towards them.

Many lucid dreaming techniques involve mindfullness, and ADA is the pinnacle. ADA is a technique that is not only geared towards dreaming - it is an end goal of many who are purely interested in the benefits it can bring to waking life as well.

------

Stable attention, on the other hand, is not so heavily emphasized in this sub. Meditation is like weight training for your mind. If you lift chest and bis every day, neglecting your legs, you'll look like a chicken. If you cultivate mindfullness without regarding stable attention, the book outlines a few "symptoms" that could not only make lucid dreaming harder, but also could be detrimental to (desired) brain function.

The hardest part about advanced stages of meditation seems to be combining the two together, at the same time, so that both your awareness and focus are effortless and powerful. For a long time, I was meditating with the purpose of developing ADA and mindfulness only. I have gotten very good at doing reality checks, my awareness is pretty solid throughout the day, and I often realize I'm dreaming. However, my ability to focus has not made very much progress - in fact sometimes I feel like it's gotten worse. Even though I become lucid often, the dream does not always become super vivid, the length is often short, and I tend to get distracted SUPER easily.

-------

Since I started focusing on the two as a pair during meditation, I have seen many benefits that come from training the attention, both awake and asleep. In waking life my focus has gotten better. Attention wanders naturally for everyone, but my cycle of re-focusing it has become much shorter. The way you get distracted doing work is the same way you get distracted from your meditation object (finger wagging, the breath, yoga poses, etc). In the dream world, the vividity of my dreams has increased, they've been more stable, and I'm more able to focus on my dream intentions without "losing it".

Instead of trying to be aware of everything but focussed on nothing (the silence that we talk about), it is sometimes good to be aware of everything and focus on nothing but the meditation object. Something specific is best, such as the sensations of the breath passing the tip of your nose.

tl;dr You can't pick and choose what you want to train. The meditation and lucid dreaming package includes both mindfulness and stable attention, and training one to the exclusion of the other has consequences - awake or asleep.

u/tanger · 5 pointsr/Meditation

I am not a meditation expert (I think I am TMI level 4) so I can't fully evaluate its teachings but I read a number of books and I like this book the best. It is a very detailed guide with clear explanations for meditators of all experience levels. I think people just like the book so much that it looks they have a stake in the sales. Look at the reviews at https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ - 134 reviews, 4.9 stars in average. Redditor for 10 years ;)

u/Fleezo · 5 pointsr/Meditation

I'm just going to link you to this book which has helped me. I have been practicing meditation for about a year and half now everyday. I got this book about 2 months ago and I wish I had gotten it when I first started. It basically lays out all the different stages of meditation like a road map while most things you read online are going to be like signs which say where to go but don't actually let you know where you are in the journey. Book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0990847705?keywords=The%20Mind%20Illuminated&qid=1451733621&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

u/Throwbahlay · 5 pointsr/microdosing

Well think of it like this: You are literally taking amphetamines every single day. Your brain is used to it so your brain on amphetamine has become your new default.

I am too lazy to find the research right now but I encourage you to do the research for yourself. Simply eating a more healthy diet, cutting out processed food and especially sugar while also making sure to get things such as vitamin D and omega-3 has been shown to in many cases completely eliminate ADHD.

Exercise has also been proven to be extremely effective since it helps your brain naturally produce more dopamine.

Meditation also has an almost laughably long list of health benefits and it seriously can't be understated how much it can help you. I recommend the book The mind illuminated which teaches you step by step how to get the most out of and develop your meditation practice.

Now I haven't officially been diagnosed with ADHD but I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and there is a huge overlap of people with schizophrenia who also has ADHD. On top of that I react very much like someone with ADHD reacts to stimulants. I have experimented with Methamphetamine and even on 30+mg with I still reacted by just being extremely calm instead of the usual manic energy rushes people normally experience.

What I am trying to say is that you can either tell yourself that you need the drugs (either microdosing or amphetamines) or you can start getting your life together and quit the drugs. I had done a lot of exercise, clean eating and meditation in the past but it wasn't until I actually started meditating and exercising for a total of 4+ hours every single day that I managed to get control of my mind. Now I can get away with only 30 mins a day to just maintain what I have already gained of control, but it does take some work to get to that point.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey.

u/mrdevlar · 5 pointsr/Mindfulness

I highly recommend you get yourself a book with a reasonable roadmap of the meditative process. One which includes some framework for you to begin in.

I recommend The Mind Illuminated.

To answer your specific question, set an intent to do one exercise for the entire 10 minutes and stick to it. Only change the nature of the exercises between meditation sessions. This will keep you focused.

u/pupomin · 5 pointsr/Stoicism

It might help to read some more detailed books about meditation so that you know more about what you're doing, what mistakes to try to recognize, and what milestones to expect.

I like The Mind Illuminated because it provides a lot of detailed information about what to expect and what to do about it.

u/KagakuNinja · 5 pointsr/kratom

My go-to book for meditation is The Mind Illuminated

u/broomtarn · 5 pointsr/Meditation

It sounds to me like you're doing very well.

I follow The Mind Illuminated as my meditation manual. One of the exercises it suggests it to pinpoint when the inhale starts and when the exhale starts.

Once you're able to do that fairly consistently, add pinpointing when they each end.

Once that's comfortable, notice sensations between the beginning and end of the inhale and exhale.

From there, you can begin to track the length and depth of the breath -- is it slowing down, speeding up, or staying the same? Is the pause between exhale and inhale getting longer or shorter? Is the length of this inhale longer or shorter than the previous one? And so forth.

If this sounds interesting, I'd encourage you to pick up a copy of the book. I have found it invaluable.

u/theoldthatisstrong · 5 pointsr/weightroom

If you want to be able to diagnose and fix these issues yourself, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is the guide that will get you there. I use it to diagnose and pre/re-hab myself all the time with great results.

u/watchthebison · 5 pointsr/starbucks

This. Your muscles in your hands and wrist are smaller and will get overworked much quicker, use the big muscles in your arm and shoulder if possible.

I had RSI pretty bad about 10 years ago, I ignored it at first thinking it would go away and then had to take 6 months off to recover. I found a few good books, but this book, coupled with stretches helped me more than multiple physiotherapists and specialist visits. Maybe it will work for you: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1608824942/

From what I remember, it's todo with finding where nerves are trapped in muscles due to constant overuse and inflammation, thus causing refered pain, then massaging those areas. It took several months before I noticed results, but I've been completely symptom free for years, after being told I would have to manage the pain for the rest of my life...

(Decent sleep and cold ice packs were also helpful, braces did not do anything for me.)

u/distor · 5 pointsr/bodyweightfitness

I've been suffering from low back pain for years and had a slight scolosis when I was younger. I would keep three things in mind:

1 - If an exercise hurts your back, stop right away! Bad form will ruin you. I've hurt myself doing handstands (arched lower back), burpees, leg raises, even squats. Work on the form, the form, the form, forget about reps! Take videos of yourself, exercise in front of a mirror, ask a friend... Hollow body at all times is the key, even when playing other sports!

2 - Posture. I read a lot about form here, but my everyday posture was very bad and this was causing the most trouble. I've fixed an excessive anterior pelvic tilt (APT), and I'm forcing myself to keep my lower back slightly arched when I sit - those helped a lot.

3 - Work out your posterior chain! That's hamstrings, glutes, and all the back muscles. There are some good exercises for that in the Foundation book (the back pain book). While some good bodyweight exercises will build everything at once, like the L-sit, I like doing specific exercises for my back. Here's the link to the book : http://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419981950&sr=1-3&keywords=foundation It's not as revolutionary as they claim it to be at all, but it helped me with back pain so have a look at it!

u/throwOutName101 · 5 pointsr/bodyweightfitness

Read this book. It works amazingly well for me. Its a program of simple exercises that will really strengthen your back and teach you proper posture and movement patterns.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1609611004/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1372548698&sr=8-5&pi=SL75

u/rougewitch · 5 pointsr/SpaceBuckets

Get this book- its filled with an amazing amount of information

The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878823345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wMiVDbNDBDG0R

u/Albus_Percival · 5 pointsr/CPTSD

There is proof in The Body Keeps the Score

u/olusatrum · 5 pointsr/getdisciplined

no problem! I am glad I can help.

  1. I really had no clue at all that my parents had kind of failed me as a child, which led to me struggling out in the real world, which led to my unhealthy coping mechanisms, which continued the cycle and kept me depressed and unhealthy. My parents had money and weren't violent, so I didn't think there could have been anything wrong with how I was raised. In reality, my parents had never shown an interest in my emotions, so I learned that emotions don't matter and I should keep it all to myself. Without a healthy emotional foundation, some traumatic events in my life affected me more and I had PTSD.

  2. My therapist understood the symptoms of someone suffering from PTSD. PTSD is hugely misunderstood by most people, and I didn't know much about it myself. He suggested I research it and this book by Bessel van der Kolk explained exactly how stress affects and "trains" the brain. I found it extremely helpful. Bessel van der Kolk has also written many articles. Many people view depression or mental illness as a set of symptoms to treat with medicine or exercise or vitamins. My therapist helped me see it as my brain adapting to the environment I was raised in.

  3. In retrospect, my therapist only asked good questions and suggested some things to research. I came to all my realizations by myself. The main benefit was that he was a professional with the experience to recognize my problem. Also, it got me out of the house once a week. He also convinced me to go to group therapy, so I got out of the house twice a week. When I started going to classes at the gym, I was occupied 4 evenings a week. That gave my life more structure than if I was just at home deciding what to do on my own.

    Better emotional health and better structures really helped. Just recently, I washed every dish in my house for the first time in maybe 2 years. I moved houses with dirty dishes. My sink was full of dishes and I was so embarrassed. It stressed me out every time I came home. I never cooked. We didn't talk about doing the dishes in therapy or anything, but just feeling better emotionally helped me find the motivation to finally wash my dishes.
u/SocialJusticeWhiner · 4 pointsr/TheRedPill

I totally agree on the Theracane. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook along with the theracane can save a lot of money and reduce recovery time.

I used it along with corrective exercises to fix my rotator cuff. Every athlete should have both especially if they're just starting a strength training program. Even if you've read Starting Strength and watched the videos, you're probably going to fuck up your form at some point and put unnecessary stress on a muscle. The trigger point work book will help you identify the affected muscles and treat them. A lot cheaper than seeing a massage therapist.

u/StupidStrong · 4 pointsr/bodybuilding

Arnold's The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding is of course ghostwritten mass-market content, worth having for the photos and the name on the spine on your shelf, but that's about it.

For the science/biology, the definitive reference right now is Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy by Brad Schoenfeld, one of the leading researchers in the field.

For how to plan your training and why, the best thing I've read so far is Scientific Principles of Strength Training by Mike Israetel, and his other book The Renaissance Diet is also a great guide to applied sports nutrition if you don't want to slog through a textbook. These are not bodybuilding-specific, but very valuable for the thinking lifter in understanding and prioritizing the many factors that go into designing and executing a training/diet plan.

Greg Nuckols and Omar Isuf's The Art and Science of Lifting pair of books are also okay, though I found "Art" too watered down, "Science" too bland, and both too disorganized to recommend.

u/fork_that · 4 pointsr/loseit

First stop should be /r/fitness top place.

It's not really literature but I found BioLayne's youtube series really helpful in helping me to progress my training. https://www.youtube.com/user/biolayne He also has a blog which is really good too.

https://www.t-nation.com/ seems to be quite good as well.

Some on my reading list
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Workout-II/dp/1450419895/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Sports/dp/0736092269
http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/

Getting to ripped is literally just about really low body fat with some muscles.

u/All_Is_Coming · 4 pointsr/yoga

There are thousands of different asana. The Hatha Yoga Padipika lists the 84 classic postures (only the first four, Siddhasana, Padmasana, Baddha Konasana, and Simhasana, are necessary to attain yogic perfection). The definitive guide is Iyengar's Light On Yoga.

u/texture · 4 pointsr/Psychonaut

This is not ego death, this is just depression. With ego death there is no thing to feel bad.

http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309543473&sr=8-1

I recommend that book. It will be the best 12 bucks you ever spend.

u/Peloria · 4 pointsr/depression

Suffering from depression for many years, I recently started changing my mind. I have read a few books, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth, and Bhante Henepola Gunaratan's Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness. Reading these books helped me understand what was happening in my head.

Depression is something that you may never get over and is something you should accept. Once you stop fighting it (by accepting it) you can focus that energy somewhere else. Happiness is not what you should seek. When trying to find happiness, you will fail. When I was depressed, I would constantly say (out loud or to myself) "I just want to be happy," but now I realize my definition of happiness and what I wanted were different. Happiness has a different meaning and connotation than what I really was hoping to achieve. Happiness to me means experiencing pleasure, (mostly through the 5 senses and social acceptance). This is short lasting and it seems the more we have the more we want. Peace is what I really wanted. I wanted my mind to stop thinking all the time. I wanted calm and quiet and the absence of pain and sadness.

It was not something that came naturally or easy to me. I had so many years of thinking the same way, it felt 'not like me'. But that is good. When your depressed, thinking like you is bad. So, I began trying to be aware of what I was thinking. Anytime a negative thought would pop up I would say to myself, "Is that true? Is this necessary? Why do I feel this way? Is this feeling beneficial?" The only problem with the questions is that you have to answer them and not let Depression answer them.

I would try to talk to a counselor, it really helped me. I didn't think sitting talking to a stranger would be so beneficial, but somehow it did some good. Also, I found staying way from TV to be best. The books I suggested really helped me and I hope you maybe go to a book store and just glance through them. Depression causes you to not see clearly, and makes you doubt that what people suggest will help. Don't let Depression control you, try to take small steps to control the depression.

Hope this was helpful in some way. Sorry so long. If want to ask anything I will be around.

u/chakrakhan · 4 pointsr/Buddhism

Theravada is relatively secular. With basically any sect, you may have to interpret ideas like karma and rebirth the way you will.

Here's some stuff to check out:

Secular Buddhist Podcast

Secular Buddhist Association

The ID Project

Also, as a side note, I really recommend the book "8 Mindful Steps to Happiness" as a wonderful introduction to the Buddhist path from a Therevadin perspective.

u/Sherlockian_Holmes · 4 pointsr/Meditation

I can really recommend the book A Mind Illuminated if you need a sort of guide through the steps. It's really well-made and helpful on the path.

Here's an excerpt that seems relevant:

>“You’ve reached Stage Nine when there’s complete pacification of the senses and fully developed meditative joy. This means that almost every time you sit, you can enter a state of mental and physical pliancy, accompanied by the blisses of mental and physical pliancy. This is also called Grade V or pervading pīti, which you experience as circulating energy, physical comfort, pleasure, stability, and intense joy. Although you can regularly achieve this grade of pīti, each time you do, the growing intensity of the joy and energy of the experience inevitably disrupts it.
The goal of Stage Nine is for meditative joy to mature completely, and for pīti to subside in intensity. You accomplish this by repeatedly reaching Grade V pīti and sustaining it for as long as you can. Other than that, you just have to keep out of the way while continuing to practice. When you can stay with the pīti long enough, allowing unification to proceed and joy to mature, pīti eventually gives way to tranquility and equanimity. This is the essence of Stage Nine practice.”

>“For the intensity of pīti to calm, you need to be able to sustain it until the intensity peaks and starts to subside, giving way to tranquility and equanimity. At first, Grade V pīti can’t be sustained very long at all because physical pliancy is so novel, interesting, and enjoyable. And the highly energized, excited state of Grade V pīti makes potential distractions, such as altered body perception, illumination, and inner sound, even more potent. Competing intentions to attend to these phenomena repeatedly succeed in disrupting the consensus to attend exclusively to the breath.”

>“The excitement can also produce a powerful, restless urge to get up and share your experience with someone. It’s also common to mistake the intense joy, inner light, and transformed perception of the body for something more exalted. The ebullient satisfaction of meditative joy may make you think, “I’ve arrived. What more could I want? This is it!” Remember, joy affects not only how we feel in response to experiences, but also how we perceive and interpret them. Enjoy these positive qualities, but don’t be misled by them.
To deal with these distractions, urges, and misperceptions, recognize them for what they are, and just let them come, let them be, and let them go. Yes, you’ll likely give in a few times at first, but as soon as the euphoria subsides, return to the practice with a firm resolve to ignore whatever arises. On the positive side, these disruptions let you practice regaining pīti after you’ve lost it. An adept meditator at this Stage can usually overcome these problem “quickly and easily and stay with the pīti longer.”

  • Culadasa John Yates. “The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science.”

    Either way, seems like you're doing tremendous work. Strive on.





u/hissingcookie · 4 pointsr/samharris

The mind Illuminated is probably the most straightforward, no-nonesense, textbook style guide to meditation I've ever read. It can be a little dry but has clear actionable advice for anyone serious about practicing.

u/MonkeyIsNullo · 4 pointsr/Meditation

Dhamma Brothers is a film about teaching meditation to inmates. The teachers, I believe, were certified Goenka's style of Vipassana, which, crudely put, is basic body scanning. Some great links can be found on this thread. Your Breathing Body Vol1 & Vol2 by Reggie Ray is probably the most comprehensive coverage you're going to get for staying with the body - if that's what you want to do. Most likely you do since prison is not exactly a safe place. Mindfulness of the body would be a great refuge in a place like that. Also, you could look into stuff by Shinzen Young, he has a lot of videos on YouTube and new book coming out, however, to simplify his stuff even more you could get this book. Simple practices is what I would stick with for prison. Also, also, someone in this thread will, sooner or later, recommend The Mind Illuminated. You can't go wrong with the techniques in there.

Edit: grammar. :/

u/zulufoxtrotfoxtrot · 4 pointsr/Meditation

I found value in the initial 10 free lessons from the Headspace app. But I don't recommend going further with it or paying for it.

I personally found The Mind Illuminated to be an excellent guide going forward. It's recommended pretty often around here.

u/liamt07 · 4 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

/u/TMIMeditation you might find this book helpful as a companion reference: https://www.amazon.ca/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Safe-Healing/dp/0393709787

u/RangerLee · 4 pointsr/thedivision

First off, that sucks.

I have not read this, but a friend of my swears by this book. (no shortage of hurt backs on us veterans) He said his back pain is gone, no surgery and no more pain meds. So I figured I figured I would link it here.

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/Timmyj01 · 4 pointsr/yoga

Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection by John Sarno is an awesome book on this subject. Really you can apply this information to so many things in your life

u/bonsajamal · 4 pointsr/bodybuilding

Baby wipes, srs.

Also, this is really a great gift, got it for Christmas myself a couple of years ago:

https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219

u/AdolphTroller · 4 pointsr/bodybuilding

If you want a massive book about bodybuilding, The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzeneggar is pretty good.

u/grayisthenewgrey · 4 pointsr/taoism

I like the red pine translation:

http://www.amazon.com/Lao-tzus-Taoteching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1556592906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320331188&sr=8-1

and ursula le guin's:

http://www.amazon.com/Lao-Tzu-Tao-Te-Ching/dp/B001HZ1VOG/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320331225&sr=1-2


in my opinion its always good to read a few different different translations of the same passage to really get at the thing. each translation is informed by the translators time place understanding and belief in the source material, which i find interesting to cross compare.

the daodejing is collection of classical chinese poems, and those are very modal for lack of better word. in a very rough description, classical chinese poems consist of loosely connected nouns and descriptors devoid of syntax leading to a purposive ambiguity necessitating the reader to in effect finish the poems themselves. so it is literally the entire point of the daodejing that it doesn't mean one exact thing in particular, but loosely describes a sentiment we finish in our minds.

u/CaseyAPayne · 4 pointsr/taoism

Here's my favorite. Nice introduction. Included the Chinese. The best part is it has commentary to "great Chinese thinkers" which illustrates how multidimensional the text is. Even among greater historic figures in Chinese history there is no consensus. The power of the book is in its ability to turn your personal experience into principles to govern yourself.

https://www.amazon.com/Lao-tzus-Taoteching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1556592906

u/righteous_bandy · 4 pointsr/Fantasy

I'm not sure about the Mahabharata in its entirity, but Eknath Easwaran does a really wonderful job of translating and contextualizing the Bhagavad Gita (which is one very small, but very famous part of the Mahabharata). That might not be a bad place to start.

u/Dogbert12 · 4 pointsr/changemyview

I can't change your mind. You need to meet more religious people. Read some actual theology. Meet a Ba'hai, or a Hindu, or a Muslim. Nobody can change your mind on this.

You're putting too much emphasis on logic. The fact is that formal logic (if A, B, if B, C, A therefore C) isn't all that useful outside of an academic setting, and in my experience the people who go around declaring things 'logical' and 'illogical' don't really know what it means. Usually, what these people mean by 'logical' is what makes sense to me. If you judge people based on how 'logical' you feel that they are, you're going to have a very bad time and a very hard life. Unless you're an academic philosopher, that behavior won't serve you well.

For example, do you believe the sun will rise tomorrow? I know you do. Well, that belief of yours has no basis in formal logic. That's a problem philosophers have been trying to tackle for a very long time, and with no real luck. I know, I know: the sun has risen every day in the history of the Earth, you say. Of course it will rise tomorrow. But if you step back and actually try to write a formal logical argument for that fact, you'll find you won't be able to. By your own standards, your beliefs shouldn't be taken seriously. After all, they're based on what is, essentially, faith.

You believe in these things--that the sun will rise tomorrow, that the earth will keep spinning, that your life is real and not some sort of elaborate fantasy or dream--not because you have any logical reason to (again, try to write one up. You won't be able to) but because those beliefs are based on your experience and what makes your life function. You lay out your clothes for the next morning, you study for your test, you go to bed early, all because of a belief which is based on no logical reasoning whatsoever. You need to live your life as if these beliefs are valid because you couldn't function otherwise. You've had this experience of the sun rising every day, so you have no reason to believe it won't. You have faith that it will, based on nothing resembling logic. You live your life accordingly.

So, if you're still with me, why shouldn't that apply to other people? If I have a subjective experience--a feeling in my heart which I can't describe, that there is some sort of divine providence or some form of higher intelligence--who are you to tell me otherwise? I have a subjective experience which I call 'God'; I've felt it every day of my life. Sometimes I do things based on that experience which have no logical purpose. I pray.

How is that at all different from you laying your clothes out in the morning, based on this inherently illogical belief that the sun will continue to rise like it has for the last few billion years? You live your life based off of experiences and beliefs with no formal logical underpinning. So does any religious person. You'd be a hypocrite, in my opinion, if you had the audacity to declare anyone somehow not-as-valuable as you for being 'illogical'.

I'm certain you're not convinced, and that's because no one will convince you of this. Again, you need to meet more religious people. I don't mean in your small Bible Belt town (a lot of the people I know with this attitude come from small religious towns, so I don't mean to assume). What I mean is real religious people, from different faiths and different countries and cultures and histories. Read religious texts--they're just philosophy, deep down, and if you want to be an intellectual you'll need to read them someday. Read, if you can, The Upanishads. In my experience, Hindu stuff has a lot in common with other faiths, even the Abrahamic ones. And if you do live in a small religious town (as I know many of the folks at /r/atheism do) them leave. Drive around America. You'll meet tons of religious people and, in my experience, they're nearly all intelligent and friendly and good-natured as long as you don't touch their property.

u/Brixes · 3 pointsr/multiorgasmic

Did you read my post with the two books i recommend? IF NOT THEN READ THIS POST.

Working directly with moving energy while stimulating yourself is not really effective if you don't sense energy deeply enough in the first place.If you do sense it deeply enough you can just stimulate yourself to a 9 then take the pleasure in your genitals and move it in the MCO until you feel in your genitals you're at around a 4 or 5..then begin stimulating yourself again to a 9 and move the pleasure again in the orbit.Don't waste you time with using kegels at PONR...even if you manage to get some orgasm it's weak and some ejaculate gets into your bladder...so it's not that effective to restrain from ejaculating if you're just going to have some of it go into the bladder.

You need to understand that energy orgasms are not about using kegels when you're close to ejaculating...it's about circulating enough arousal and building it up to a point that orgasms just appear as a side effect and you do that without kegeling . You can use mula bandha to shoot energy up your spine...but that presumes you have enough sensitivity to energy in the first place to be able to do it.Otherwise just doing mula bandha for hundreds of repetitions is just going to trigger at some point ejaculations. You use mula bandha not like you use kegels...you use it as a pump for energy....but again it's useless if t you don't feel it well enough to direct it thru your intention+mula bandha.

I just feel like most here try to use a broom without a handle or a handle without having attached the "brush"(I don't know what's it called,English is not my native tongue).

​

​

​

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL...FOCUS ONLY ON ENJOYING THE PLEASURE YOU FEEL MOMENT BY MOMENT(EVEN IF IT'S NOT MUCH)...IF YOU DO THAT HIGHER INTENSITY OF PLEASURE CAN APPEAR WITH PRACTICE...IF YOU FOCUS ON ORGASMING...OR WANTING TO ORGASM...YOU WILL SABOTAGE YOURSELF AND KEEP YOUR PLEASURE CAPACITY STRAINED AND INFERIOR.

​

​

​

SECOND TIP...SMALL AND MORE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMAS DESENSITIZE YOUR BODY'S CAPACITY FOR PLEASURE...MEANING YOUR PLEASURE IS "BLOCKED"/"CAPPED" AT A SMALL "BANDWIDTH". THAT'S' WHY NEOTANTRA TEACHERS KEEP REPEATING TO JUST STAY WITH PAINFUL MEMORIES OR SENSATIONS AND RELAX INTO THEM,INITIALLY IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK BUT WITH TIME YOU CAN SEE PAINFUL EMOTIONS LOOSE THEIR UNPLEASANT CHARGE AND SOME TIMES IT CHANGES FROM UNPLEASANT TO PLEASANT AND CATHARTIC. YOU'LL GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK BY PRACTICING FEELING YOUR UNPLEASANT FEELINGS DEEPLY AND EMBRACING THEM...JUST AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE TO EMBRACE PLEASANT FEELINGS...BECAUSE THEY ARE PLEASURABLE TO FEEL. YOU CAN READ THIS BOOK TO GET STARTED WITH WORKING WITH EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL PAIN https://www.amazon.com/Break-Through-Pain-Step-Step/dp/B001CB6A0A

​

​

​

​

~MEDITATION MASTERY~MEDITATION IS WHAT BUILDS YOUR AWARENESS AND ATTENTION SKILLS...THE BETTER THEY ARE THE BETTER YOU CAN FEEL PLEASURE.

FOR WORKING WITH SHINZEN'S THOROUGH MEDITATION SYSTEM HERE IS A MANUAL THAT'S QUITE CHALLENGING BUT ABSOLUTELY WORH IT. http://www.shinzen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FiveWaystoKnowYourself_ver1.6.pdf

Currently, by far the best book for learning to meditate in the Vipassana/Mindfulness tradition is The Mind Illuminated, by Culadasa (John Yates). This massive tome takes you one step at a time through a system of 10 stages—based on your level of concentration.

This book also offers an entire brain-based theory of meditation—catnip for the neuroscience junkies among us (although it’s also problematic as theory) —as well as expert advice on deeper levels of meditation, many additional meditation techniques, and a method of analytical meditation. Furthermore, Culadasa has a whole appendix section that makes sense of the “jhana wars” (my term, not his) by adding a dimension of depth to the usual dimension of the jhana numbers. This is a huge step forward.

​

BUILDING YOUR ATTENTION IN A PLEASURABLE WAY THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE STRAINING/TENSING YOU CAN FIND IN THE BOOK BELOW:

https://www.amazon.com/Path-Nibbana-Mindfulness-Loving-Kindness-Progresses-ebook/dp/B06WRPZZQF

​

​

​

FOR WORKING WITH ENERGY YOU NEED THE PREREQUISITES(WHAT NEOTANTRA AND CHIA DOESN'T REALLY TEACH PROPERLY)-

https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Work-Secrets-Spiritual-Development-ebook/dp/B005EXYB4O

​

​

​

THIRD TIP...USE VOWELS AND TONE THEM INTO YOUR CHAKRA LOCATIONS FOR 10 MINUTES/PER CHAKRA...UNTIL YOU FEEL THE TISSUE IN THE CHAKRA LOCATIONS VIBRATING,TINGLING. CHOOSE ONE VOWEL AND TONE IT 10 MINUTES AT EVERY CHAKRA LOCATION. THEN CHOOSE ANOTHER VOWEL AND USE IT IN THE SAME DAY OR THE NEXT DAY. A,E,I,O,U and HA( Key Sound Multiple Orgasm Trigger ) ETC. don't use actual sanskrit mantras because you're invoking those deities into you.Stick to just vowels alone or the HA sound as describe in it's modern form " Key Sound Multiple Orgasm Trigger ".

​

FORTH TIP-

A) WHILE STIMULATING YOURSELF BREATH VERY SLOWLY INTO YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN...SUPER LONG INBREATHS AND SUPER LONG OUTBREATHS INTO YOUR LOWER BELLY.INBREATHS AND OUTBREATHS STAY EQUAL IN DURATION.

B) THIS IS MORE ADVANCED BUT YOU CAN IMAGINE YOUR BREATH IS YOUR LOVER THAT CARESSES YOUR BODY,YOUR ORGANS,YOUR EVERY CELL...YOU IMAGINE THIS NOT VISUALLY BUT IN A TACTILE WAY.AVOID TO USE YOUR VISUAL FACULTIES,USE ONLY YOUR TOUCH/TACTILE SENSE OF IMAGINING THE BREATH TOUCHING ON AN INTO YOUR BODY. IT ACTS JUST LIKE A FEATHER ACTS WHILE YOU GENTLY MOVE IT OVER YOUR SKIN.

u/Elijah_Silva · 3 pointsr/Meditation

If you want a simple guide: Mindfulness in Plain English

If you are interested in an in-depth guide and more oriented towards a step-by-step process: The Mind Illuminated

Now this is the most important point I want to get across. Books will only superficially help you understand with what the mind is. The only way to understand the mind is by investigating it yourself, and the only way to do that is the actual practice of meditation.

u/Dihexa_Throwaway · 3 pointsr/Nootropics

You can rewire your attention span by doing two exercises daily:


  1. Meditation

    While there are many methods out there, I recommend the book "The Mind Illuminated". I know it is a very long and detailed book, but just head for the jumpstart your practice page, and you'll be able to start. If you do follow it, I also strongly recommend /r/TheMindIlluminated. It's an amazing and supportive community.

  2. Dual N-Back

    Get this free software, which is all you need: http://www.brainworkshop.net/

    The game is weird at the beginning, but if you get up to at least 20 sessions a day, you'll feel your brain changing and rewiring for more attention.
u/ferruix · 3 pointsr/zen

I'm willing to bet that you don't actually need a teacher, just some specific guidance.

I highly recommend the book The Mind Illuminated. It will provide sufficient context for your anapanasati that you likely will no longer feel the need to seek out a teacher, at least for a good while.

While doing that, I recommend also reading some Foyan and Huineng.

u/tufflax · 3 pointsr/Meditation

I was also depressed a while ago when I got tinnitus. But I went to therapy and it really helped. I don't think meditation would have helped as quickly. I don't know much about PTSD, and your depression might well be different from what I had, but I think you should first seek professional help.

With that said, if you want to learn more about meditation, I think The Mind Illuminated is a fantastic book. Note, however, that there are many different kinds of meditation, but the book describes what I believe is the most popular kind.

u/ryanbrennan · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

I'm currently walking along this path and can recommend these books -

​

John Yates - The Mind Illuminated

Sam Harris - Waking Up

Owen Flanagan - The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized

u/solo954 · 3 pointsr/yoga

If you want to cope with anxiety, then you should really look into meditation. I meditate and do yoga, and the meditation does much more for anxiety. And both of them need to be done more regularly than once or twice a week. Regular practice will make you more calm the rest of the time, so that your anxiety will not be triggered so often. It's better used as a preventative than a treatment.

I and many others highly recommend The Mind Illuminated as a starting point for meditation.

u/unnecessarylongname · 3 pointsr/yoga

I was originally doing Zazen (Soto style Shikantaza). Now I am working through the book "The Mind Illuminated"

(So it's more buddhism style).

u/freddielizzard · 3 pointsr/cfs

Hi, I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through.

My CFS occupational therapist suggested to me to try mindfulness, specifically mindful breathing, and I started that almost 2 years ago now, just taking 5 minutes out of my day at regular intervals to sit, eyes closed, and focus on the breath. It really helps to recharge the batteries.

This led to an interest in meditation in general and I've progressed further and further with it in that time and now practice about 2 hours a day, using guided meditations on the apps headspace and insight timer.

My main focus now is the practice in: "The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness"
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1501156985/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_gaWZDb14KFXB0

I cannot overstate the effect that meditation has had on my mental well-being, energy levels and is integral to my pacing. I really strongly encourage you to look into it and I hope you can find some peace .

It's not a cure and I still have lots of bad days, but I feel like I've made some progress in the last 3 months or so at least.

u/TommyRobotX · 3 pointsr/Meditation
u/brick2thabone · 3 pointsr/awakened

Also I’ll add that the books ‘The core teachings of the Buddha’ by Daniel Ingram and ‘The Mind Illuminated’ are great books. They are very practical and not dogmatic and provide very defined roadmaps towards awakening. I am currently reading both and the definitions outlined of the phases (and what you are going through) are beyond helpful.

http://integrateddaniel.info/book/

The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501156985/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4wOWzbBTV989D

u/KRex228 · 3 pointsr/Meditation

From a practical standpoint, The Mind Illuminated is my personal favorite. Some of it will be difficult to interpret as a newer meditator, but it is an excellent and comprehensive guide to starting a practice and overcoming the many obstacles you'll encounter. If you get this one, go with paperback and not the E Book.

Other favorites are 10 Percent Happier and Waking Up. I have read both of these multiple times and they do a great job of inspiring curiosity about the mind and the value of meditation for skeptical people.

u/Ash-Animus · 3 pointsr/Tulpas

Doing it on your own without a teacher isn't the best way to go since there are a lot of bad habits and cul-de-sacs that you can fall into. So if you're going to do it without an in-person teacher or group it's a good idea to have a clearly defined system and a way to be able to get feedback from a teacher. There are two that I'd recommend you research and see if they'd be a good fit for you.

The Mind Illuminated is a book that focuses on concentration-style meditation. If you want to do breath meditation and only want to focus on one style of meditation, this is a good choice. The book is very detailed but is set up so that you only have to read as far as your practice has progressed. There's a Reddit community (/r/TheMindIlluminated) where you can ask questions and get responses from other practitioners and teachers.

Unified Mindfulness is a system that's more focused on mindfulness-style meditation, but it has options for concentration styles along with a wide array of other meditation types. If you like being able to explore and choose different objects of meditation and different techniques, this would be a good fit. There's a less active Reddit community (/r/UnifiedMindfulness), a youtube channel with a lot of information, and a free online course that you can take.

u/TheFuzz · 3 pointsr/taoism
u/hecha · 3 pointsr/taoism

For each chapter in Red Pine's book he includes the Chinese characters, his translation, and a page-full of select interpretations from well-known commentators. Just to clarify - a single translation but a handful of interpretations.

http://www.amazon.com/Lao-tzus-Taoteching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1556592906

u/burrito-boy · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

Sharon Salzberg's book "Lovingkindness" is a perennial favourite: https://www.amazon.com/Lovingkindness-Revolutionary-Happiness-Shambhala-Classics/dp/157062903X/

u/DormiensVigila108 · 3 pointsr/Psychic

No problem. If you're interested in self-realization, I highly recommend The Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita; short reads, but very powerful and ancient systems of self-examination and inquiry (the linked translations are, in my opinion, the best formatted and done, with a stellar introduction for those unfamiliar with the text). Additionally, I'd like to leave you with a quote about dreams that left a very strong impact on me:

As 4th century BCE Daoist philosopher, Chuang Tzu, said: “Chuang Tzu once dreamed that he was a butterfly fluttering here and there, going wherever he pleased. He was totally unaware of Chuang Tzu. A sudden awakening left nothing else but Chuang Tzu himself, who did not know anything about his being a bufferfly. It is therefore unknown whether it is Chuang Tzu who dreamed of being a bufferfly or if it is a butterfly who dreamed of being Chuang Tzu. The butterfly and Chuang Tzu are completely different entities, and it is called transformation when an entity becomes another.”

u/pour_some_sugar · 3 pointsr/Meditation

One of the 'classics' is Autobiography of a Yogi and another wonderful book is Eknath Easwaran's translation of the Bhagavad Gita

They basically go hand-in-hand as the Bhagavad Gita is one of the founding documents related to classical yoga (the quest to unite the individual soul with the universe).

The books don't so much give a history of meditation as much as provide a wonderful background / introduction to Eastern philosophy as well as being fun to read and inspiring to many people.

The Bhagavad Gita made me want to meditate, and the Autobiography of a Yogi gave me the further inspiration to seek the lessons from the author in how to meditate, as well as a philosophical background on classical yoga meditation systems beyond the 'yoga lite' health club version that is so prevalent today.

u/JohnnyZampano · 3 pointsr/Meditation

I don't have the answers you seek. Yet it seems you have them, as do we all.

>Who/what is this observer, this part of me that can observe things, can think things, but can also objectively step back and experience things...?

This is something I have asked myself for years in meditation and life, and something that keeps getting answered only while giving rise to new questions.

It sounds like whatever you are doing is working, so keep at it.

One area of study that has been very transformational for me is investigation of the self - "who am I?" - "what is this?" and so on.

The skandhas have been an amazing area of investigation for me. Basically there are five skandhas or aggregates that make up human beings. When I looked I could not find anything in my experience that was not included in these five things. When I looked (in deep meditation and in life) at each of these five things individually I could not find a self in anyone of them - yet when I look at them all together I felt some sense of self - weird right?

There is another area of study called anatta or no-self which explains the whole ordeal.

These are Buddhist terms and practices, but have been very helpful in my investigation.

When I ordered my first zafu this koan was included:

>The Human Route

>Coming empty-handed, going empty-handed – that is human.

>When you are born, where do you come from?

>When you die, where do you go?

>Life is like a floating cloud which appears.

>Death is like a floating cloud which disappears.

>The floating cloud itself originally does not exist.

>Life and death, coming and going, are also like that.

>But there is one thing which always remains clear.

>It is pure and clear, not depending on life and death.

>Then what is the one pure and clear thing?

P.S. if you want another take on the whole thing the Bhagavad Gita presents another message, one that is absolutely fascinating.

u/aandrewc · 3 pointsr/KingOfTheHill

It's included in this book https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Flesh-Bones-Collection-Writings/dp/0804831866 which has a lot of good stories that anyone could benefit from reading and thinking about.

u/My_Final_Incarnation · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

If you are looking to dip your toes into koan practice I suggest Zen Flesh Zen Bones it isnt exactly koan practice but begins to introduce the idea and feel of koan study. Personally, unless you have already been meditating with a teacher for some time now I wouldn't expect too much progress in this area, but still best of luck!
Best wishes and i hope this helped

u/pahool · 3 pointsr/yoga

Iyengar's book Light on Yoga is good for giving a progression of easy to difficult poses.

u/neodiogenes · 3 pointsr/yoga

It is. So is this by B.K.S. Iyengar.

And of course, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: here for an overview, and here for text with commentary.

Or here, without the interpretive commentary.

Anyway, the Iyengar book will give you an intro to what you seek. There are, of course, thousands of schools of yoga in India, each with their own particular disciplines. So don't get too wrapped up in any one as being The Way of yoga.

u/SohrabJamshid · 3 pointsr/yoga

Light on Yoga has what you're looking for, and it's really great, but it shouldn't be a substitute for a well trained teacher who can help you progress into advanced poses in a safe way.

u/Jhana4 · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path

Written by the author of "Mindfulness In Plain English" ( a life long Buddhist monk ) this book is basically "The Noble Eightfold Path In Plain English" and focuses on how ordinary people can apply the Eightfold Path in daily life.

u/RogerEast · 3 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

I'd add Bhante Gunaratana's 8 Mindful Steps to Happiness to this recommendation.

Not quite as concise, but one of the best "plain English" outlines of the Eightfold Path I've had the pleasure of reading. I regularly revisit it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0861711769/

u/velocity_of_time · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

OK - just threw that in there due to your comment about talking to girls and negative thoughts.

You should certainly consider meditation, and give it an honest shot. Even when divorced from the religious teaching of the Buddha, many forms of meditation have proven stress-relieving effects, and (anecdotally) can help with cognition, patience, and compassion. For a primer I recommend Mindfulness in Plain English, a wonderful book that is available for free here. I think you'll find the first chapter very helpful in answering your question "why meditate?" As for how long, I fully intend to meditate daily for the rest of my life. Once you really get going and start to see the benefits, I can't imagine you'd one day say "alright, my work here is done."

Bhante Gunaratana also has a very helpful, detailed book about applying the Noble Eightfold Path to daily life: Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness. Here's an article about it by the Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, but I'm not sure how accessible it will be to a beginner.

OK, I see. So the point of your practice will be to help others as much as yourself? Look into metta (loving kindness) meditation; it can help you with your ability to forgive and also make compassionate thought and action more "automatic." Keep in mind from the beginning, though, that nothing you do will "improve others." You can only change your attitude to other people. Of course, if you're more compassionate, positive, and forgiving, it may very well rub off on them. And even if it doesn't, you'll be happy. It's a no-lose scenario.

I hope this has helped.

u/improbablesalad · 3 pointsr/Catholicism

> My closest friend just became a Zen Buddhist

Watch out for new-convert enthusiasm (people get a little bit overexcited sometimes)...this might be what's going on.

If you want to lure her closer to Catholicism by way of Zen, the book I recommend to people whose Christian friends are attempting to wander off in the direction of Zen (to haul them back on course) is Christian Meditation (Finley).

> She says that I should just live in the present and not worry about sinful behavior.

I would be like "girl, what about the Eightfold Path?" because Buddhists do have some notion of "you should live a virtuous life and not just have fun all the time" (granted everything I know about this came from reading https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769 a while ago.)

I would rather see her become Catholic but if she's going to do Zen Buddhism in the meantime, she oughta at least do it right. It is more ascetic than she makes it sound (and also less concerned with "what YOU are doing makes ME sad.")

u/jasonbchan · 3 pointsr/fitness30plus

Hey - keep your head up, you can get this thing fixed. I'm in my late thirties and have had two herniated discs (first around 15 years ago). I am an ultrarunner, and what's worked for me is balancing out my miles with yoga (Yin specifically) and strength training. Specifically for keeping the back in good shape, I highly recommend Foundation. I noticed a difference almost immediately after beginning these exercises (no weights involved). Also, for a general understanding of how the back works and how you can keep it healthy, I recommend Gokhale's 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. Really good guidance on posture, sitting, sleeping, etc. Good luck.

u/EstherGokhale · 3 pointsr/Posture

Need to turn in to the floor 3/4 turn. Bend the upper knee, straighten the lower leg, don't twist the body. It usually takes some coaching for people to learn to do this without swaying the lower back and/or tucking the pelvis (I have pics in my book). from our shop or from Amazon

u/visceralcumtyphoon · 3 pointsr/ADHD

Daily routine of meditation. Just keep going back to it even if you miss a day. After a month of a steady practice you'll start to surprise yourself with all the new mental kung fu you can do. I recommend this book highly: https://www.amazon.ca/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485222738&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated

For me, that book was life changing, only reading I did on meditation that didn't sound like "hippy-dippy nonesense". You don't even need to read the whole thing to get what you need out of it.

Excercise. I lean towards doing light consistent excercise everyday instead of lifting heavy three days a week.

Coffee, Nicotine, high protein/low-sugar diet.

I'm in the middle of my final year of undergrad and I'm totally without any medication (by choice). So I know exactly how frustrating it is. Do these things and do some research on how ADHD affects your mind, and you should make it just fine :)

u/rathskellar · 3 pointsr/Buddhism
u/Sawagurumi · 3 pointsr/TheRedPill

OK, let's keep this simple and focussed. There are apps out there for subscription services, like Headspace or Calm, but I would strongly advise downloading 'Insight Timer' https://insighttimer.com. This is free (there is some paid content for extra ambient sounds or other bells, but those also are extremely cheap, like a couple of dollars, and you don't need to spend anything to get full use of the app), and is an excellent timer, everything you need. But it is much more than that. It also has loads of guided meditations and extra content for free, it tracks your sessions, includes a log for you to make notes, has groups for you to join, ask questions of, or encourage each other. You can't go wrong with this, it is extremely popular, and deserves to be.

If you don't know what it is all about, and don't have a teacher, then I highly suggest getting a copy of a new book called The mind illuminated: A complete meditation guide integrating buddhist wisdom and brain science by Culadasa, Matthew Immergut, and Jeremy Graves (Amazon lists Graves as the author) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385721_139497151_TE_item. This will take you step by step through the process from the very beginning to advanced training in vipassana and samatha. You may also like A path with a heart by Jack Kornfield https://www.amazon.co.uk/Path-Heart-Jack-Kornfield/dp/0712657800/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1467744239&sr=1-1&keywords=jack+kornfield+books, an old classic in the field. There are of course books about specific traditions within Buddhism, like those by the Dalai Llama, or Zen Training by Katsuki Sekida https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Training-Philosophy-Katsuki-Sekida-ebook/dp/B007WVNUUW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1467744277&sr=1-1&keywords=zen+training+methods+and+philosophy, but those first two are very good.

You may want to invest in a Zafu https://bluebanyan.co.uk/meditation-cushions/zafu-cushions-buckwheat.html and Zabuton https://bluebanyan.co.uk/meditation-mats/meditation-mat-flat-mat.html, but many westerners prefer a chair anyway.

Basically, meditation is taking your mind to the gym. Even without all the other benefits (and it does change the structure of your brain), even just the increase in self-discipline and stress reduction makes it very worth while.

u/theLiftedMind · 3 pointsr/Meditation
u/chiubaka · 3 pointsr/Meditation

I'd have to agree with /u/TheHeartOfTuxes, the more you advance, you will reach a point where you need a teacher to help you uncover your blind spots in your practice. Doubt is one major and difficult hinderance to remove. You need to acquire experiential wisdom instead of intellectual wisdom.

In anycase, here are some scientific papers that might satisfy your intellectual itch:

Effects of mindfulness (Eberth 2012)

Why it pays off to be mindful (Fogarty 2013)

Mindfulness and self esteem (Randal 2015)

They might help you generate interest and motivation to practice.
If you are stuck, one highly recommended book is The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa. This is truly an amazing meditation bible that could help you get unstuck, if you don't have access to a teacher or if you are a DIY kind of person. This book is a gem, praised by several enlightened teachers and practitioners.

u/bewalsh · 3 pointsr/Meditation

I never consistently reached jhana 1 before i realized that 'watching the breath' doesn't mean manually breathing and paying attention to it. You let your body breathe the way it does when you're doing other things, but watch it.

I extra strongly suggest reading:

  1. The Mind Illuminated

  2. Right Concentration

    If you read these two books it will 100% without any doubt get you to jhana, zero questions, zero gimmicks. The fruit of reading these two for me is indescribable, I genuinely cannot communicate how big the payoff on this is.
u/Tabularasa00 · 3 pointsr/Meditation

Personally I feel it's like trying to still the rippling water in a pond. In the earlier stages your trying to focus, focus but the mind is like an annoying five your old kid constantly lobbing these big rocks in to the pond. "Maybe I'll have Pizza Later" or "I can't believe what that person said today," Once you get past those then it's often followed by little pebbles like, "Oh this is going well today," or "Wow I didn't think about anything there for about 30 seconds." Then you might get pulled away by those tiny reflections and its back to square one with "Wow this is the best session I've ever had maybe I'll quit my job and go on retreat for 6 months, where will I start?" ;-) You could think of them as 'schools of thought' as you say or just a more coarse level of thought that's progressing to a more subtle level. I'd see it as a sign your making progress though, it's a good thing that your recognising them for what they are..just more thoughts. After you get through those more talky discursive statements and fantasies you'll probably find more and more subtle levels of background 'processing' that you start to notice, less verbal but still active and fighting for your attention too.

In some of the traditions I've looked at this idea of checking up or the active monitoring of your session occasionally is fine but it's used more strategically and momentarally, sometimes it's called 'introspection' or monitoring the flow of mindfulness in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition I think. That's a whole area in itself though, too much to go into here. This is not the same as judging or reflecting leisurely on whether your having an overall good session though, it's more a kind of quick spot check of the body and mind ensuring the continued quality and vividness of your engagement with the object (the breath in your case). This is done wordlessly and after a while when you get better at it it's so fast (like an eyeblink) that it doesn't distract the attention. It can become a distraction if over used in later stages though.

There's a good book I found by recommendation on here that is more detailed on specifics of techniques in stilling the mind.

http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451936629&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Mind+Illuminated

The author summarises some of the techniques and practices that are common to a few Buddhist traditions in a more *cough accesible way. Although he labels some things differently I recognise alot of his ideas from other works and classic texts I have read and studied over the past year and a half, he references some of the original sources too, might be worth a look. Patience and practice is the main thing I believe but there are specific techniques and roadmaps available you can use to make the journey quicker and easier.

u/Zossimov · 3 pointsr/LucidDreaming

I'm glad you're enjoying the book and that it's helping you on the way to ADA! I didn't post it earlier in the daily thread since I got sidetracked by different things and it slipped out of my mind.

While we're on the subject, I've got couple of more resources regarding mindfulness meditation that might be interesting.

The first one is a comprehensive book on meditation called The mind illuminated which offers a step by step process of how to meditate and provides plenty of answers for a novice meditator. It helped me a great deal in the beginning since I didn't know what to expect or what to think of certain emotions that I was having while meditating - for example, bliss, the slight feeling of disgust or disassociation from certain things. Without knowing what to think of them, I was surprised at first that such emotions can well up inside me while meditating - "trying to relax" in my mind - but reading through that book and "Mindfulness in plain English" made me realise that meditation is an active introspective attention that shines a light on one's thoughts and emotions. The goal of meditation is not the removal of such emotions or thoughts, it's their understanding through purposive attention. I would highly recommend it for someone starting out with meditation with the caveat that it could be "too good" of a guide, as it is very structured and after a while that can be one of its cons.

Another resource worth looking into is that of Open Monitoring Meditation. What surprised me in the beginning and still does to this day, are the numerous variations on meditation and what those entail. Open Monitoring for me is a natural progression of the meditative practice I'm doing while seated for 20-25 minutes a day in meditation. I start out by paying attention to my breath, noticing the sensation of breathing in, holding the breath for a split second and then breathing out. Noticing whether I take a long, deep breath from my diaphragm or a shallow breath from my chest. Ask myself at first: Do I feel a certain tension in my chest, neck or shoulders? Then I start to pay attention to my mind and what thoughts arise within it - is it a compulsive thought on posting to reddit something I forgot, maybe or that job interview I'm going to have later in the day? After that, in whatever I do or think I ask myself "Is this worth thinking/doing?" if it is then I ask myself "How well am I doing this? Could I improve on it somehow?". The latter questions aren't meant to be judgemental, in my opinion, rather they should bring your attention and awareness to the thing that you are doing whatever that might be, walking, reading or writing a post on the sub. To me there are plenty of parallels between Open Monitoring and ADA, perhaps they are based upon the same body of practices and motivations or perhaps they are referring to the same thing but in a different language?

Either way, I highly recommend looking into it. Here's a scientific paper I found on a quick search that investigates Open Monitoring Meditation and two other forms of meditation, giving a pretty good overview picture of the three and their uses to the everyday meditator.

Hope it helps and I'll keep posting such resources whenever I come across more!

u/redspade117 · 3 pointsr/Meditation

Very good guide on meditation: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0990847705/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Compassion training: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101982926/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Use these books to begin a consistent meditation practice. Also, I would recommend finding a good therapist to work with on a regular basis. Start journaling and try to give yourself a break, talk to yourself a little more nicely. You don't need to hate something about yourself, remember that you are human and be grateful that you at least recognize what may need to change within yourself. Some people never even get that far :)

u/Barkadion · 3 pointsr/weightroom

I had the same issue with the wrist when I hurt my shoulder. You might wanna look into trigger point massage. That really helped me at the time.. Just my 2c.

https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942

u/mrsdale · 3 pointsr/Fibromyalgia

That's a really good point! I have both, but I'm not 100% clear on the difference either, to be honest (I should probably ask for clarification next time...). However, OP, you should definitely ask the doctor you like about myofascial pain syndrome. Also, take a look at the Trigger Point Workbook (Davies and Davies). It's totally harmless and may provide you with a lot of relief. It's been great for my enormous, rock-hard knots, and I was even able to help my husband with his neck pain.

http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942

u/imtakingcrazypills · 3 pointsr/leangains

L5-S1 herniation here. Most important advise, GO SLOW!!!!! Taking a year, or two, or even three for slow progress is a pain in the ass, but compared to a life altering injury that plagues you daily, there's no question. Just suck up your pride on this one.

As for a fantastic the best starting place, do Foundation Training, based on this book, or see his website here. I started here, and then at the end of the designed protocol I slowly introduced dead lift back in.

Exactly one year to the day of my back injury I dead lifted 315x7. Still not as good as it once was (and it probably never will be, but whatev...), but I was pretty pleased.

Go slow, and good luck!

u/SifuJon · 3 pointsr/weightroom

Foundation training by Dr. Goodman has been great for my SI issue I've been having. His book is great, and there are tons of free videos on youtube and his website

u/Plumbean · 3 pointsr/crossfit

Lay down on ice or a heating pad? That's not very helpful. I have chronic lower back issues, have been so rapt in spasms that I ended up in the ER unable to move, injected full of painkillers, endured months of PT, tried yoga, diet changes, followed every youtuber's advice - nothing helped.

Here's the only thing that helped me: Crossfit and Foundation Training (http://amzn.com/1609611004) - strengthening the core and learning how to hinge. Squats, good mornings, chair pose, planks, even dead lifts. If I can get in a good round of dead lifting, I know my back is going to be good for days. If my back goes out of whack again, I have a regimen of stretches I can return to and get right again quickly.

Or, lay down on some ice I guess.

u/BestAndWorst · 3 pointsr/microgrowery

Edit: Updated link

https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-Definitive-Cultivation-Consumption/dp/1878823345

This thing is massive, and will probably cover any question you'll ever have.

OR
-

You could use it as a reference, while doing other research on the internet.

:)

u/psychokitty · 3 pointsr/treebusiness

What exactly are you selling? Are you selling direct to consumers or to distributors? Are you in a legal state? What R&D has your company done to match your product to the needs of the consumers?

There are more internet forums devoted to Cannabis growing and consumption than any other topic that I know of. There are volumes of information on the internet, in books, and on youtube. I would suggest you start reading, and assuming you are in a legal state, then get your company to pony up for you to start your own small grow operation using their products (if that is what they are selling). Just because you are growing it doesn't mean you have to start smoking it...you can always donate the finished product to medical patients in need.

Just like selling any other product, know what your consumers want and then cater to those needs. Go to the stores selling your product and talk to the Store Managers. Look at what your competitors are doing! Learn the regulatory environment. Watch youtube videos and go to Trade Shows. Visit your customer sites.

Here is a nice book to get you started: https://smile.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-Definitive-Cultivation-Consumption/dp/1878823345/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498664682&sr=8-3&keywords=jorge+cervantes

Growweedeasy.com is another good place to get started growing. Reddit has many subs including /r/microgrowery /r/macrogrowery /r/trees

u/ScannerBrightly · 3 pointsr/microgrowery

That was decent in it's time, but I believe that The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana may have surpassed it now. I didn't like Jorge's first book, but this one really knocked it out of the park.

u/iamveryassbad · 3 pointsr/microgrowery

This is the new, updated version of Jorge's classic. Crucial for noobs, helpful for even the most experienced. You will find virtually all of your questions are answered in it. Make it your new bible. A reddit thread is not the place for a 12 part series of lectures about how to build a grow, but this book has got the info.

https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-Definitive-Cultivation-Consumption/dp/1878823345

Also, nobody I ever met set up a room with no experience and immediately began killing it. There is a lot to learn. Do your best to make it perfect, but temper expectations.

u/Deadly3ffect · 3 pointsr/GrowingMarijuana

Masterpiece. First book I read. If you could only read one book I’d recommend this one.

There is an updated and expanded version now just FYI.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1878823345/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527728944&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=jorge+cervantes&dpPl=1&dpID=51RjlehLB9L&ref=plSrch

Never read it buts it’s the same author and supposedly is just adds quite a bit of extra content.

u/robrem · 3 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

This kind of mind-induced somatosensory pain when meditating is often associated with trauma. I've worked with similar issues myself, though what you're describing sounds markedly more pronounced than what I've worked with.

If you know yourself to be a trauma survivor, then I would suggest finding a teacher that has some kind of background in trauma-sensitive mindfulness, and ideally some kind of professional mental health background.

One book (that I have not read myself), but gets mentioned a lot in this context is Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness by David Treleavan.
Another one (that I've partially read) is The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van der Kolk. That last one is very informative but also difficult as many of the case studies that are described are pretty harrowing to listen to - just a warning.

I meet with a teacher twice per month, and much of what we do, besides meditation, and discussing practice, is essentially talk therapy. She also prescribes me a number of non-meditation exercises that are pretty standard in working with grief and trauma. I've found it very helpful and beneficial to my practice.

Incorporating some metta, or what Shinzen Young calls Nurture Positive would likely also be beneficial. If you can cultivate some practices that plain just make you feel good, that you can depend on as a resource, it can provide a sense of security that lets you navigate more painful sensations and associated memories/emotions/thoughts with a much needed felt sense of grounding.

u/Up2Eleven · 3 pointsr/RedditForGrownups

It's basically about mindfulness but is very focused with techniques to deal with distractions, emotions, and other stuff. The best "manual" I've ever read about it is this: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B01INMZKAQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541742102&sr=8-1&keywords=culadasa

u/MilkAndJam · 3 pointsr/Buddhism

I just finished this book, https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B01INMZKAQ

​

I strongly recommend it!

u/Megananda_ · 3 pointsr/streamentry

Check out Culadasa's take on it:

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B01INMZKAQ

The book does NOT focus on "what to do" with energy flows, but is very clear on when and why they occur, what meditation practices lend to them, and offers (the beginning of) a physiological theory.

u/chrisgagne · 3 pointsr/Meditation

Wonderful! This is 100% normal. When your mind gets quiet, all of this will come up naturally.

You've got it. Just let it come, let it be, let it go.

If it becomes too much, try easing off sitting meditation and weave in some walking or loving-kindness meditation. Mindful yoga would be good too.

Here is an interview my teacher that may give you insight into how meditation and therapy come together.

If you have a history of trauma, you might like this book.

u/dogboyboy · 3 pointsr/BlackPeopleTwitter
u/yourelate · 3 pointsr/JoeRogan

Its called Brachial hanging.
It was on one of the steve maxwell episodes (probably the latest one.) He tells Joe about a book he read on the subject of shoulder pain.

John M. kirsch book:

https://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Solution-Prevention-Revised-Expanded/dp/1589096428

its good shit. also check out John E. Sarnos book for chronic pain issues:

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/COKeefe88 · 3 pointsr/bodyweightfitness

I have a herniated disc at L4/L5. I've been severely limited and in constant pain for over 3 years.

I've recently read a book that I am confident will change my life.

Most people have severely degenerated discs at the L5/S1 level by the age of 20, but many of them never experience pain from this.

Many people have disc bulges/herniations/protrusions that are discovered accidentally in CT scans or MRIs done for other reasons, and which never cause pain.

Nerve compression - the supposed mechanism of back pain in disc herniations - normally causes numbness and paralysis, not pain.

Studies have been done showing that there is no correlation between disc herniations and back pain - that is, people who have no history of back pain are just as likely, on examination, to have a herniated disc as people who do have a history of back pain.

The book is called Healing Back Pain. Do yourself a favor and read it. It will change your life.

u/iwastheone · 3 pointsr/sports

Opiates are a bitch. Worst scourge ever to hit this country, but that's another topic altogether. Doesn't matter. A drug is a drug is a drug, and if it's effing with your normal life, get the eff off of it as soon as it's medically feasibly/possible. Some doctors are in it for the money writing scripts, most are trying their best to ease your pain. Pain is (hopefully) temporary. depends on the injury, be it physical or mental.

There are ways to deal with physical pain, there is a mind/body connection sometimes. If that's your case, I'd recommend reading Dr. John Sarnoff's books ( https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684 ).

I once worked with an ex-heroin addict, clean and sober when I knew him. While doing the morning drive to a job I struck a match to light my cigarette, and that gave him thoughts of cooking heroin in a spoon. I asked him what was so great about that shit, he got a faraway look in his eyes as he drove and thought about it, like someone thinks about a lost love. He said to me, "It's like everything's okay! No matter what life's really like, it made it all not matter." And that's not dealing with life on life's terms, it's an illusion that traps and kills many of us. All opiates are heroin in pill form. You've gotten off them, my advice, stay the eff off them, it's too great a risk. Learn different ways to deal with any pain, whether it be a real physical or a psychological one. The price of going back to drugs may not be one you would make it back from. No shit.

Again, pat yourself on the back for getting off the drugs. Live your life without them. Yeah, I know, it sucks sometimes, you'll survive. And that's the point of it all really. You will survive. They say God's got a master plan for us all, as long as we don't get in the way of it.

;^)

u/PrestigeWombat · 3 pointsr/TFABGrads

For actual pregnancy, I loved the American college of obstetrics and gynecology's book and I know a lot of people loved the mayo clinic book.


Planning for Pregnancy, Birth And Beyond: Second Revised Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525941401/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PLZHAbPZ6V85C


Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1561487171/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tMZHAbRTF0RMQ


I also read what to expect when your expecting but it was a lot of the same info in my apps, except the actual birth and labor part. There was some helpful stuff in there!


For laboring I read Ina May's guide to Childbirth and I LOVED it. I feel SO prepared after reading it!


Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553381156/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VNZHAbQ7T2S9D


I tried to read

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way https://www.amazon.com/dp/0452276594/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HOZHAbRC89D39


But I couldn't take it seriously!


And for breastfeeding I read


The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding (Revised Edition): Completely Revised and Updated Third Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399181989/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9PZHAbSMPXVX9


And for baby feeding and sleeping I read


On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932740139/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JQZHAbS5P7824

u/TheMarlieJane · 3 pointsr/March2018Bumpers

I think you'll be in good shape with just the books! I'm reading Susan McCutcheon's Bradley Method book and highly recommend it. It's very informative, has good diagrams, and includes the "exercises" you can practice with your husband/coach. I've really learned a lot reading it.

If anything comes up in the classes that isn't covered in the book, I'll let you know!

u/lov_liv · 3 pointsr/BabyBumps

Came here to recommend Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner and Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth (already recommended) along with Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.

u/punitaro · 3 pointsr/Mommit

My midwife made me read this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594

And take a birth class. The class was pretty much just the book in verbal form, with a few extra videos, meditations, and stretches.

As long as you are curious to learn, and believe in yourself, you will have no problem getting all the info. you need!

It's good to get info. from multiple sources too. I really like the Bradley mindset, but a lot of what I was taught was pretty heavily anti-hospital /anti-intervention. I ended up with an emergency C-Section, and I had a really supportive hospital experience, which surprised me because of the messages I had been receiving.

Best of luck! :-)

u/MolecularGenetics · 3 pointsr/internal_arts

Zhan Zhuang might be the best option for you. Check out The Way of Energy by Master Lam Kam Chuen. It's a simple and detailed book on Zhan Zhuang and how to start training by yourself. Remember to follow the book instruction precisely to get any result. I think the book fits your criteria of postures, feelings, visualizations, and explanations.

It's only $13 on amazon. If you want the over $25 free shipping, buy it with his other book Chi Kung: Way of Power, which teaches you how to apply power.

Good luck.

u/trevors685 · 3 pointsr/bodybuilding
u/DestinedToBeDeleted · 2 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

The Body Keeps The Score is a fantastic book. Also, check out Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness.

u/efiltseb18 · 2 pointsr/CPTSD

Yes I have experienced this. I feel like stopping and listening to my thoughts/feelings can be a slippery slope to having a flashback. As a trauma survivor, it’s as if a movie is continuously playing scenes in the background of my mind related in some way to my past trauma. It’s as though I cannot or don’t have the will/way to stop playing the scene(s). Almost like a tv in another room, I can hear and see it, but mostly avoid going all the way into that room. When a flashback happens for me, I’m “in the tv room” and it consumes my thoughts completely. Along with these intrusive memories, I feel floods of intense emotions related to the memories followed by body sensations starting with shivering then excessive sweating, more shivering, and I feel like everything is wrong and I need to do something but there’s no way to decide what to do since the trauma happened in the past and is not currently occurring. That run-on sentence is a great example of how my mind starts just going haywire. I have conversations, fights and arguments with my violators, I replay the trauma trying to figure it out or remember more, and I start twisting situations in my current life to be worse than they are and find signs that I’m perpetually doomed. I let my thoughts totally victimize me, shame me, and give me the feeling like I’m worthless in the same way my violators did at the times of the trauma.

I can ignore “the tv” well and avoid being consumed by it by going through daily life distracting myself as much as possible. This manifests in over-working at work and at home. I read The Tao of Fully Feeling by Pete walker and he talks about how we become Humans Doing rather than Human beings when we try desperately to avoid our traumatic memories. With all of this said, meditation practice puts you in the position to fully focus on yourself, your thoughts, and feelings mentally and physically. Confronting this is very uncomfortable for someone with trauma because you cannot avoid the reality of how you feel and what the contents of your mind and personal experiences are during meditation. Or at least it seems this way. I haven’t read it yet, but there’s a book that promises to provide alternative way(s) to meditate. It’s called Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787/ref=asc_df_0393709787/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312034012759&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=467801134514274600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007820&hvtargid=pla-426954383014&psc=1

u/Agrona · 2 pointsr/Christianity

They're actually right, though probably not for the reasons they think.

>mindfulness meditation―practiced without an awareness of trauma―can exacerbate symptoms of traumatic stress. Instructed to pay close, sustained attention to their inner world, survivors can experience flashbacks, dissociation, and even retraumatization.

The research into potential unintended effects of mindfulness meditation is growing.

u/brainmindspirit · 2 pointsr/askscience

Interesting.

The F&F response definitely causes an increase in arousal, which is associated with a decrease in motor latency. People and animals that are in a high state of arousal do tend to have an excess of spontaneous movement. They can seem fidgety and twitchy.

Awareness of body sensations during the F&F response definitely tags memories, making them more vivid and hopefully helping the organism not make the same mistake again in the future.

Shivering itself though would not likely give on an evolutionary advantage *during* the stressful response. Combat veterans will tell you there's a certain ideal level of arousal that allows you to think quickly and act quickly. It's possible to go off the deep end, to be hyper-aroused to the point where you can't. At the extreme, you freeze (which does have an evolutionary advantage under some circumstances).

I'm currently reading a book on recovery from trauma (Treleaven, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness) that quotes literature suggesting that shivering is how an animal *discharges* the F&F response, that shivering is seen in the recovery period. Which may well have an evolutionary advantage, raising the question of how humans do it.

We do shiver, we also have verbal behaviors and emotional behaviors (such as weeping). Humans often suppress the discharge phase. We keep a stiff upper lip, keep on going, don't let anybody know what just happened. Theory is, that makes it more difficult to deal with the trauma later on. Hence the idea that trauma therapists might should get to the scene right away.

As for what to do after the fact, that's less clear. We know that reliving the trauma makes things worse (even though some people do precisely that, over and over). But we also know that dissociating from trauma -- pretending that it didn't happen, just not thinking about it -- doesn't work either.

Humans have a tendency to want to think it through (which sometimes -- not always -- involves talking about it), with the challenge being, to be able to think about it without re-traumatizing yourself.

u/theseshoesarewalkin · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Are you aware of any trauma in your life? It’s possible meditation is bringing up some repressed emotions. Meditation can be practiced safely if that’s the case, but it’s good to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness is a good book for this.

u/shamelessintrovert · 2 pointsr/Schizoid

> It directly addresses all these somatic symptoms which are really at the core of the schizoid condition.

No, it actually doesn't. But it can't hurt.

[Edit] Further thought correction: meditation can actually be problematic for people with trauma history. This book discusses the how and why & had a few good nuggets (tho not enough to be worth buying):

https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787/

u/SleeplessBuddha · 2 pointsr/insomnia

Hey /u/Vlad_is_love, something to consider: There's been studies recently indicating that meditation can damage sleep and actually contribute to mental distress. Don't get me wrong, I've been a practitioner for 7 years and have practice / receive instruction from a monk who studied with Ajahn Chah along with Jack Kornfield in Thailand - but need to keep in mind that it isn't a cure-all.

I'd recommend reading - https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787

u/skipthedrive · 2 pointsr/WorkOnline

I'm going to give you a different recommendation than what you're seeking...

I also dealt with (and am still dealing slightly with) sciatica. Do yourself a favor and read up a bit on Dr. John Sarno. Here is one of his books that was recommended to me by a friend, which I highly recommend looking into. Some celebs (i.e. Howard Stern) have endorsed him.

Best of luck

u/Liberatedhusky · 2 pointsr/Fitness

Absolutely agree, I remember having back pain for a long time, that has all gone away since I've started lifting. Back pain is a result of a weak back a lot of the time. There's even a book that says all your back pain is made up bullshit.

u/imsoggy · 2 pointsr/nba

Do yourself a giant favor & read THIS BOOK before suffering any further or going under the knife. Best $7 you'll ever spend...

Dr Sarno's book has fixed nearly all his readers "chronic" back problems. For me it took just over a week (after 4yrs of nearly crying just to tie my shoes).

***note: nearly 5 stars from 1500 reviews

u/jenna52cali · 2 pointsr/depressionregimens

You should look into somatoform disorders. I highly recommended you read Healing Back Pain by Dr. John E. Sarno.

http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/SighOp · 2 pointsr/kratom

Before you have any more invasive procedures, I would recommend that you read a short powerful book by Dr. John Sarno, "Healing Back Pain". It may change your life. http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/Rileserson · 2 pointsr/kratom

Try this book: http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684 My wife has chronic back pain and was recommended this book by a friend. Just got it in the mail and am hoping it helps, it has great reviews on Amazon and for $10 I figured it was worth a shot.

u/bpthrx · 2 pointsr/WayOfTheBern

Are you open to the concept of psychogenic pain? I was in constant pain for 10 years until I read this book (Actually listened to the audio book). It cured me in about 6 months. (For me it was bodywide fibromyalgia & tendonitis, not back pain, but it was psychosomatic in origin)

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503681372&sr=8-1&keywords=healing+back+pain+by+dr.+john+sarno

The hardest part is getting yourself truly open to the idea


Someone made a Documentary about the doctor, he helped cure Larry David and Howard Stern of their chronic pain problems:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ3OL7dIbmg

u/Reddevil313 · 2 pointsr/JoeRogan

Thanks

I found a slightly different listing for it

Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection https://www.amazon.com/dp/0446557684/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gzGtybYRZGSG9

u/miby · 2 pointsr/xxfitness

I ran a lot when I was in high school. I switched to weightlifting after I graduated and recently started running again. I noticed the back pain too. I thought it was odd since I never had it when I ran before. (I'm only 26)

I noticed that I stiffen my back when I run and started making a point to move my back more when I am running and that helped a lot. Another thing I did was read this book it completely changed my mindset on my pain and I have absolutely no pain when running or lifting now :)

Good luck!!

As for the cold running... I really can't help because I live in the south and it's basically never cold lol

u/ipeedinyourpool · 2 pointsr/Fitness

Dealt with severe low back pain (herniated L4) and sciatica for about 6 months too. Got an inversion table and every other device on Amazon. After everything, with no improvement, this book cured me within a month.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0446557684/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1368409365&sr=1-1&pi=SL75
I've since helped 2 others completely resolve their low back issues.

u/shynnee · 2 pointsr/BabyBumps

I had a natural birth in a hospital. I think as long as you go in there knowing exactly what you want and your husband is on the same page so he can be your advocate when you can't do it yourself you will get everything you need.

I decided to use the Bradley Method (husband coached childbirth) for my labor. I really think it helped, I didn't take the classes but I bought 2 books about it. I felt prepared with the information I had.

As soon as I went in I made it known to everyone what I wanted. No meds, intermittent monitoring and necessary staff only. Literally the only person I saw the whole time was my nurse every couple hours. My water broke before I got to the hospital but no contractions, they literally walked in with pitocin and if I didn't know any better I would have let them give it to me! I told them I didn't want it, the doctor let me know that was ok but if by midnight I didn't start contracting I had to or baby was at risk. Luckily by 7pm everything got going on its own, I labored for 12 hours in the dark with my husband by my side and only saw any other hospital staff when I pushed, as soon as my baby was born everyone left the room and we got 2 hours together alone to nurse and get some rest.

u/kiss_my_grits · 2 pointsr/April2017Bumpers

STM here. I read a lot of the Bradley Method.

And then I didn't and wouldn't go into labor naturally... Lol.

Any book that teaches you methods of relaxation and acceptance of the pain with your partner (if you have one) is good. Try to focus the contractions into progress instead of just dealing with pain and waiting for it to be over. Easier said than done when transition hits I hear. I had an epidural by then.

I will agree with the Ina May Gaskin suggestion as a way to hear stories about thinking of birth as a natural life event and read the stories to help you, but in the end, you have no idea what is going to happen!

The Bradley book has a lot of diagrams. Diagrams are cool.

u/Lifeisworthit · 2 pointsr/TwoXChromosomes

How far is she along? You could look into the bradley method of giving birth, and one of the books, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is very good, and might convince you and your friend to sign up for the classes.

The bradley method places a lot of importance on the coach, or the birth-partner. You will be actively able to assist her in having a smooth delivery.

u/Dannyboi93 · 2 pointsr/Documentaries

Would recommend Dr Lams book The Way of Energy and Moontagu's video on The Complete Basics of Bagua to give you some extra information to help. In the video he goes into really good detail about how to position yourself, which helped me as I had no mentor.


Good luck with your exercises :) and reach out if you need help!

u/johnhadrix · 2 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated

I have repeated rocking during meditation. Pretty much every monk I talked to told me to ignore it and just focus on the meditation. No one seemed concerned that it was dangerous. One monk told me that if I set a strong intention to not move, that could stop it, but he didn't say that I needed to stop it.

I have done some Qi Gong and it might be helping, not sure yet. The Qi Gong can be very spastic, like an exaggerated rocking of what happens in meditation, but maybe it will calm things down eventually. I like the simplicity of Qi Gong. If you're interested, this is a good book https://www.amazon.com/Way-Energy-Mastering-Internal-Strength/dp/0671736450 .

u/erickaisen · 2 pointsr/Semenretention

You should check out the book from the host of that series video, if its the same guy I'm thinking of.

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Energy-Mastering-Internal-Strength/dp/0671736450 by Lam Kam-Chuen, I've seen this come highly recommended from several Qi gong practitioners

Good luck

u/bpi89 · 2 pointsr/IAmA

Read his book

u/7_legged_spider · 2 pointsr/swoleacceptance

The best tool for guidance is a basic Anatomy and Physiology textbook, to see all of the muscles, their origins and insertions, and how they generate force. However, that's time consuming and somewhat boring, so here are some quick links to books that have information regarding exercise specificity; i.e. what to do for which muscles you want to work out:

  • Arnold's Newer Book

  • Arnold's Older Book

    Still halfway decent and for both genders, despite the title.

  • Starting Strength

    Not such a fan of Rippetoe, as I tend to go the bodybuilder route, and strength is less of a priority, but still a good source.

    --------------------------

    Also, if you're so inclined, a purchasing a single session with a personal trainer to help you sort out your program would do wonders. (Make sure the trainer has some sort of certification, though--B.S. or higher in Sports Medicine/Exercise Science/Athletic Training, ACSM, NCSA, etc.)
u/Fraker3000 · 2 pointsr/Fitness

The Wiki is really useful for just starting out. lurk around here for general information about fitness. The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding has an answer to almost every question you have.

as far as videos that you could watch there are a few popular channels like Rob Riches or Bradley Martyn. Best advice is find a basic program like starting strength and stick with it for about 3-4 months and stick with it to see results.

u/NathanHollister · 2 pointsr/MGTOW

Depends on what muscle you're working. Usually 3 for arms and 3-4 for legs/back, although it varies by person what would be most effective. An important tip is to do different exercises each time you target the muscle I.E. If working chest do bench press Monday, and cables Thursday. Doing the same routine every time becomes less effective. I recommend Arnold's book

https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bodybuilding+encyclopedia&qid=1569465797&sr=8-1

u/kvossera · 2 pointsr/drawing

No problem.

Maybe get Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book. While most pictures will be of exaggerated bodybuilders it is still a good reference for muscles and how they will look in different poses.

u/Citworker · 2 pointsr/IWantToLearn

Why would you need to post anything there? That sub is literally made for you. What would you like to ask? How should I train? This question is asked about 680x every day. Why do you want to ask it again? Just sort it by top of all time and start reading.

For me, arnolds books did the trick. https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550890443&sr=8-1&keywords=arnold+bible

800 pages. A 3 paragraph post by a random commenter will never come anywhere close to this. Pick it up and you will learn every aspect of it.

u/itstinksitellya · 2 pointsr/Fitness

I have Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding. I started by only doing exercises I was familiar with, and adding a new one every once in a while. Before I'd do the new exercise, I'd read the description in here.

I have the physical book, but you can buy the ebook and bring it up on your phone while at the gym. But really, any ebook would probably work.

http://www.amazon.ca/The-New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding/dp/0684857219

u/klevenisms204 · 2 pointsr/Fitness

this comes to mind .. but /r/fitness seems to shit on it a bit

u/blackjack_00 · 2 pointsr/Fitness

I've been obsessing over peoples progress pics and considering the shape you were in, I bet you get back there in no time.

That said, I'm reading Schwarzenegger's New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding. When talking about increasing intensity and scheduling he says that he would do splits like that, but it seemed like he was pushing heavy weight lifting to be done in the morning. I think his point was that it's hard to be consistent with weight lifting after a full day.

As for myself, I got a personal trainer going on a couple months ago and he's got me doing weights in the morning, then a cardio session and coming in after work to pickup another cardio session. Working great for me, someone who's never been quite in the shape you were.

Best of luck!

u/MyNameIsNotJeff · 2 pointsr/insanityworkout

Insanity is not a muscle gaining workout. You need to lift heavy weights to see real muscle growth. It will tone you but any sense of real muscle growth from insanity will probably come from losing the fat that's hiding it.

That being said, Insanity will improve your cardio which means, later on if you want to gain mass you will perform much better at the gym.

If you want to learn how to gain muscle I suggest reading Arnold's book.

u/Lionhearted09 · 2 pointsr/gainit

I don't. The bodybuilding workout that was suggested to me by /r/bodybuilding was the one in Arnold's Bodybuilding Encyclopedia. I still today am using the level 1 program and still gaining every time I go into the gym. I'm not saying it will work for you but it sure worked for me.

u/bbobeckyj · 2 pointsr/facepalm

There's no need for personal attacks, and you're still blaming others. The sentiment is most politely and concisely summed up by Pollan, but it was not new information discovered in 2009. The same sentiment could just as easily be written as "Don't eat junk and processed foods, lots of fruit and vegetables, and if you're fat just eat less."

Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding was first published in 1980. The diet section starts by stating that all champions say that diet is the most important factor in their success. And of a 800 page book, only 30 pages are used to cover basic nutrition. In a book about people who diet as a major part of their profession, less than 5% is required to cover the most important part, because it simply is not that complicated. I don't know what you were reading in 1987, but there's plenty of nonsense fad diets still going around while the simple facts are available and have been for a long time, but there's no headline or new book to sell with "Eat less move more, don't eat junk."

u/Jeggerz · 2 pointsr/Fitness

http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding/dp/0684857219

Good read and good to have on his shelves. The remainder id probably hit up a grocery card or a gift card to bodybuilding.com which normally has great deals on supplements. Or if he has a few gear needs such as wraps or a good belt those are great ideas. A solid belt for big lifts is the best purchase I made for my lifting.

u/walk_the_line · 2 pointsr/movies

Your second question is thoroughly answered in his books. I highly recommend reading his "New encyclopedia of modern bodybuilding." It is a very good reference for any young bodybuilder.

Here it is on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/

But your local library certainly has a copy.

u/theoriginaljwin · 2 pointsr/bodybuilding
u/dlamontagne · 2 pointsr/Fitness

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding

Written by the Governator, even if you're not aiming to be a bodybuilder, it's absolutely full of great diet and routine advice as well as exercises. It's a great reference that I pick something up from everytime I page through it.

u/dosFool · 2 pointsr/philosophy

great thanks so much - The book that really got me hooked for good on Zen is "zen flesh Zone bones" I've been reading that since like 4th grade it's easy simple beautiful, thought provoking, maybe even enlightening :P

u/mal5305 · 2 pointsr/suggestmeabook

Zen Flesh Zen Bones

was watching TV with some friends at their house, picked it up off their shelf and just got lost in it for a while.

u/McMa · 2 pointsr/climbing

My best exercise for that is called Zen. This over here is a good introduction and this guy has some very good reflections about it.

Just to clarify: this is a totally serious answer.

u/gnique · 2 pointsr/zen

You are free to think that I am shallow. I believe that myself. I found two books that were meaningful to me.They appealed to my American mind:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0804831866/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_1_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449117302&sr=1-2&keywords=101+zen+stories

There are enough stories that surely one or two will be meaningful to YOUR American. My own personal favorite was the one about "Attention"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1590302834/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449117522&sr=1-1&keywords=zen+training+sekida

This book tells you how to sit. Be warned it is difficult (for me anyway) to read. But it DOES tell you how to sit. Suffice it to say that one can not write, talk or even think about Zen. It just does not work that way. I believe it is said in this book that there are 8000 books written about Zen but not one word has ever been uttered that is Zen. Sekida directs us to sit. Sekida knows what he is talking about. Sit. Now this is where the bad marketing slogan comes in: It is hard work and it hurts. The only way to train the mind is to train the mind. Training the mind is hard work and it hurts. Sit. I once read: The mind commands the body and it obeys; the mind commands itself and it meets resistance. One must sit and feel the resistance. It is real, it is difficult and it hurts. Read and talk and write all you want to but the mind is trained only once it has been quieted.

Try something other than a koan. Try counting to ten. Sekida explains that quite well. Since I am an American, I found that the alphabet helped my just about the most. But that is me. Just remember that only those things that you can touch and feel and smell and hear and taste really matter. That means that only YOU can do the hard work. You can't listen or read your way out of the hard work and pain of training your own mind. A master can only guide you. It is, in the end, you and you alone who can train your mind.

You should sit simply because those who came before you said that you should sit. I will not be easy and you will fail many times and there is not one person in this world who can help you. And in the event that you should see the smallest amount of something that glimmers you will feel a slip of the ropes that bind you. But, PLEASE!!keep your mouth shut about it!! People stink who would tell others about the WONDERS of Zen. They STINK! I know because I wallowed in it for a time. Just sit and sit some more and keep it to yourself because this most valuable thing in the world can never be given away. It doesn't work that way. Sit.

u/my_man_krishna · 2 pointsr/Fitness

I used yoga to rehabilitate my shoulder after I injured it lifting weights. Since then, I've more or less gone over exclusively to yoga to maintain my strength, since its the only strenuous indoor exercise I can do that doesn't cause chronic pain of one kind or another. The results have been unexpectedly favorable; I look better and feel stronger now than I was doing weights and HIIT.

This has been my main source of information, BKS Iyengar's Light on Yoga.

u/SpankmasterS · 2 pointsr/Fitness

read this:

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318

Yoga is fantastic when done correctly. Iyengar method is more rigorous and while adding flexibility it also causes muscular fatigue.

Iyengar classes tend to be rather expensive.

Unless you live in the middle of the woods in Alabama there are yoga classes everywhere these days. Personally, I find the mental effect of yoga of greater value then the physical.

u/generalT · 2 pointsr/Fitness

yea definitely, i've been dealing with this for almost 20 years, been to physical therapy twice, avoided surgery thus far. but standard disclaimer that i'm not a doctor, physical therapist, etc, etc, just a dude on the internet.

like you mentioned, i would start with posterior chain mobility. stretch your hamstrings like this or this. lower back with some cat/cow. add in some IT band stretch. don't forget about those illiopsoas!

maybe, if your back will handle it, add in some light supine twists. and, as always, planks for core and lower back strength.

regarding yoga, i would recommend just showing up to a beginner's class. teachers know that everyone's flexibility is different, and (if they're worth their salt) will offer modifications to poses, or offer props to assist with the pose. honestly, a lot of yoga classes i've attended just flow through sun a and/or sun b, which aren't too hard. maybe you could try them at home? but, be careful and modify as you see fit! with yoga, like with anything, consistency is important. i used to go once a week and didn't see much improvement. attending class more frequently, and doing some work at home, has improved my practice tremendously.

some books:

u/shrlzi · 2 pointsr/yoga

Good for you! Many libraries participate in Inter-Library Loans, so I hope yours can find it for you.

BTW, Amazon has it for $6-$8; plus a PDF of random pages so you could get an idea of it. https://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318

u/hunkerdown · 2 pointsr/yoga
u/Axolotlable · 2 pointsr/helpme

Third everything this guy said. A lot of this reply is mainly reiterating his words; because they are important! Also thrown at the end is random little things that help me through bad days.
This might be a little rushed because I have to take off; but I'll edit it in a bit. Hopefully it's not a garbage post, I've never commented on anything like this.

I went through a similar stage. I'm 25, I took off several years from school before finally going back for electrical engineering. I had to start everything from scratch (because I really didn't care until I was 21). I'm still exhausted and burnt out, and everyday has been challenging to drag myself through. But now I'm a senior and I am truly confident for the first time ever that the future is bright.

Do whatever you think is best for you; but realize (and remind yourself daily) that you are in a good spot!
Just by being here and addressing how you feel, you're taking a step in the direction that is best for you.

If being a teacher is something you really want, you're closer than you think. Power through. You're doing a good thing.

To reiterate what TrynaBeFunny said; drop the excessive alcohol abuse, and drop the pot. In my experience it depressed me, and I know very few people function well on it.

As for the exercise. Do it, but do something fun for you; whatever it is. If lifting and an elliptical isn't for you, it wont work. Find something that constantly challenges you and makes you happy. Rock climbing and cardio lend a lot of clarity to my life; find your thing.

Lastly, if you have any time; read. If you dont have time, try to read anyway.

Here's a great link that really changes your outlook on life.
https://www.reddit.com/r/getdisciplined/comments/1q96b5/i_just_dont_care_about_myself/cdah4af/

This is a link to a yoga book. The intro is fantastic and really helped me.
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-Bible-Modern/dp/0805210318

An Aesop Rock that makes me feel like I'm doing the right things in life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sClhmDN5Fcs

Anyway, sorry for ranting. Hang in there reddit person

u/Amokokins · 2 pointsr/yoga

Light On Yoga has been enormously influential for me. A wonderful resource even for non-Iyengar people.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0805210318/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672746&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Yoga Anatomy has some of the most detailed illustrations of asanas I've ever seen and includes a huge amount of alignment information.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1450400248/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672879&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Lastly, my personal favourite is The Power of Ashtanga Yoga. It could be argued that other books have more asanas or more detailed descriptions (see above), but this book is my favourite because it helped me figure out what it means to be a young westerner practicing an ancient tradition from India. It also helps that the author is very open about the challenges she faced in her practice, which is refreshing and encouraging when I work on mine. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1611800056/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672988&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

u/Thisbuddhist · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

Eight Mindful Steps by Bhante Gunaratana is about that.

u/Cloudhand_ · 2 pointsr/TheMindIlluminated
u/greenlightofdeath · 2 pointsr/Buddhism
u/DifferentDoor · 2 pointsr/NoFap

Good question -- here's one book you might find useful in getting an understanding of what the Buddha's teachings focus on:
http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769

u/torfirion · 2 pointsr/microdosing

Recommended book, "the art of meditation" by Matthieu Ricard ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Meditation-Matthieu-Ricard/dp/0857892746 ) and if you like it and if you want to go deeper: Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487182070&sr=8-3&keywords=bhante+gunaratana
and then directly the Pali Sutta(the teachings by Buddha himself) : https://suttacentral.net you may even reads it now but you maybe a bit confused if you don't read more easier text before :)

u/bobbaphet · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

One of his other books. Eight mindful steps to happiness. Very good.

u/verblox · 2 pointsr/Vive

I don't know if strength is more important than posture. Good posture is eventually less effort to maintain than bad posture.

Here's a book I haven't read yet, but was recommended to me: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605

u/below_the_line · 2 pointsr/DecidingToBeBetter

So many things. Some expensive, some not. I haven't solved my problems, but I've made them better. My posture is a work in progress, and a still hold tension in my jaw when I'm not paying attention.

Posture: Your posture could be adding tension if you keep your head too far forward or round your shoulders. The Alexander Technique is good for this, but expensive. Physical therapy can help (find someone with a TMJ specialty). If you have no money, you can try to do it yourself with a book like this. A simple thing to do is to lie on the floor on your back, knees bent, feet about a foot apart, with 2-3 inches of books supporting you head. The part of your head above the neck where your skull starts to bulge should be on the books. Do this for 10-20 minutes. To get up, roll onto your side and use your arms to push yourself up. Don't pull with the neck. This technique is safe and gentle, and it feels nice. If you have lower-back pain, only do 10 minutes.

Anxiety: Are you getting treatment? Anxiety sucks so much. If you're not getting help, try to.

Unconscious tension: If you tend to get caught up in what you're doing and forget to loosen up, set yourself a quiet timer to remind you to sit back and shake the tension loose. Download a body scan guided meditation to help connect your mind and body.

Cosmetic: A trick for releasing the brow creases is to imagine the outer corners of your eyes pulling your eyes wider apart. I read this in the book version of the movie Labyrinth. Jareth does it to look younger.

Dental: Is your mouth guard working well for you? Did a dentist make it, and is he/she an expert?

Sleep: Do you get enough, and is it of good quality? Are you tired all the time? Sleep issues will make you tense.

Basically, you want to figure out what factors are involved and try to fix them. I've listed the ones I'm most familiar with. Good luck!

u/HeinrichNutslinger · 2 pointsr/flexibility

I feel like I have had issues like yours for a long time. I have found posture work has helped with my issues.
http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605
I have also found yoga and pilates to be helpful. Yoga has varied with me, vinyasa style was not as helpful as a slower paced, breath and alignment centered style of yoga like hatha, and I was lucky in finding the right teacher for that.
I tried rolfing, and although it's expensive, it does work, and it feels so good.
Chiropractic has helped at times. The most helpful has been finding a skilled massage therapist and doing a 60 minute massage once a month or so. In my opinion that is probably your best option, a good massage therapist would be able to target your problem area and release it.
I just found a tight muscle on me called the sartorious, and it does get tight from a lot of sitting, and driving, and it pulls on the pelvis and makes it imbalanced, so I've been focusing on rolling that out.
I have found a deep lunge also helps, like this, you probably do similar to stretch the psoas, rocking in and out of it from a high to low position feels really good. http://www.shaktivinyasa.com/SHAKTI_Images/Lisa-Black-Deep-Backbend.jpg

u/hotheadnchickn · 2 pointsr/xxfitness

I think you might benefit from actually meeting with PT, since this is pretty specific.

The best book I know about spine/ neck/ posture is Esther Gokhale's - my neurologist actually recommended it. https://smile.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605?sa-no-redirect=1 She also has some youtube videos that deal with posture and neck/head position.

u/eric4186 · 2 pointsr/bodyweightfitness

hey I was just reading about posture this evening. Here's some popular links and commonly mentioned information I've collected:

http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/ewrr0/writeup_on_the_dreaded_anterior_pelvic_tilt_or/
http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/exgiu/a_guide_to_fixing_computer_guy_posture_upper_body/

http://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1f6pxd/lpt_if_you_are_trying_to_correct_your_posture/
-collection of 'quick tips'

http://www.builtlean.com/2011/11/28/posture-problems/

this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BOTvaRaDjI
-comments say this is highly effective and more difficult than it looks

yoga

'the alexander method'

this book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979303605/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

T-Nation's 5-part Neanderthal No-More series:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/neanderthal_no_more_part_i&cr=
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/neanderthal_no_more_part_ii&cr=
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/neanderthal_no_more_iii&cr=
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/neanderthal_no_more_part_iv&cr=
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/neanderthal_no_more_part_v&cr=

There you have it. I hope you have a ton of time on your hands and an extensive knowledge of anatomy. You're gonna need it to sort through all these bazillions of stretches and exercises and find out which ones are right for you. I just spent like a couple hours on it and feel like I'm not even a fraction of the way done.

u/nerdcoach · 2 pointsr/LSAT

Hey there!

Check out Esther Gokhale's "8 Steps to A Pain Free Back." Most neck pains come from poor posture and Gokhale's book is the seminal book on how to improve your posture. The book is so good that my friend, who is a spinal surgeon, recommends it to his patients. I recommend it to all of my students!

Still not convinced? Check out the 232 five star reviews on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605

Good luck!

u/video_descriptionbot · 2 pointsr/Posture

SECTION | CONTENT
:--|:--
Title | End Back Pain: Stretchsitting
Description | For more information on the Gokhale Method, visit us at: http://GokhaleMethod.com Check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GokhaleMethod Ether's Book "8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back" is available on amazon.com at: http://amzn.com/0979303605 Video by Frank Zamacona 510-704-4011 [email protected]
Length | 0:02:08


SECTION | CONTENT
:--|:--
Title | End Back Pain: Stretchlying
Description | For more information on the Gokhale Method, visit us at: http://GokhaleMethod.com Check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GokhaleMethod Ether's Book "8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back" is available on amazon.com at: http://amzn.com/0979303605 Video by Frank Zamacona 510-704-4011 [email protected]
Length | 0:02:16






****

^(I am a bot, this is an auto-generated reply | )^Info ^| ^Feedback ^| ^(Reply STOP to opt out permanently)

u/redditfan4sure · 2 pointsr/bodyweightfitness

I've been struggling with a bad back for about 10 years (I am 36 year old fit male, but quite flat footed). I finally threw it out 6 months ago doing deadlifts. Going to the chiropractor helped me get back into decent shape, although I only went 3 times. He wanted me to go more, but at $30 a pop, like you, I couldn't afford it (and I have health insurance!).

Since then, 3 things have really helped me with my back problems:

  1. A hard foam roller, this is the one I use and love it. I use it when I wake up in the morning and before going to sleep at night. I also use it before and after workouts. If you never used a foam roller before, you may want to start with a softer one.

  2. The excerice described in this video. I believe they are called glute bridges. I do them twice a week, about 20 on each side. Previous to this I did a lot of regular and side planks as well as Yoga. Nothing helped me as much as these.

  3. Lastly the book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. If you do not want to purchase the book, here is a video on how she says you should sit. Learning how to sit properly is what helped me the most.

    Also I do not do deadlifts anymore. I've tried again a few times since throwing my back out but I can tell my back does not like them. I can do every other exercise though (including squats).
u/Halorien · 2 pointsr/Meditation

It sounds to me like you're unsure of what you're supposed to be developing in your stage of the meditative path.

Just remain consistent, and continue daily practice. There will be days where you cannot find your focus. Bring it back to the breath. Not the breath itself, mind you, but that most prominent sensation on the nostril. That is what is meant by the breath, that point. Trust in the process, and with time 5 minutes will seem like nothing.

To expect such rapid progress when you've only just begun is the equivalent of the newgoers at the gym (especially around New Years); after two weeks of sporadic or far too intense daily exercise, they become disenchanted when they aren't already rippling with muscles, and burn out and quit. They feel they could be doing better things with their time than exercise. Sound familiar?

The prescription book for you, I think, would be The Mind Illuminated. What this book holds over Mindfulness in Plain English is that it has very clear stages for each level of your practice with very specific goals for progression, all with VERY helpful, and much more detailed techniques and advice. Sometimes, in order to let go and progress, all you need is a simple change in perspective. Isn't that wonderful?

I hope you stay diligent in your practice. Make it a daily habit, you'll be very thankful you did. Keep us updated!

u/ohchaco · 2 pointsr/Meditation

You're welcome! It is a book: The Mind Illuminated and there is a subreddit community for it as well: /r/TheMindIlluminated/. It's a really great guide to deepening your meditation practice. I only got the book a month or so ago and it has already changed my practice in so many positive ways.

u/IlluminatiMind · 2 pointsr/Meditation

The Mind Illuminated is a huge upgrade to anything other that I have read. It has clear instructions tailor made for each of the 10 steps, with interludes in between and some additional information in appendixes and introductions, the first step being establishing a practice, working all the way up to quite high level. This plan is being estimated as taking anything from some months to seven years, given a serious practice regime that is suitable for laymen. All of a sudden a lot of advice that I have heard or read from other teachers make sense, while earlier it all just seemed like an unstructured mess of loosely defined ideas. If you're approaching this from the Sam Harris side (which I also am), this book is right on the mark.

From the first pages I knew that this was it, a book that doesn't undersell meditation as some relaxation exercise, and still approaches it from a scientific viewpoint that relaxes all of my skeptic alarm bells. Having said that, it is still very true to meditation as it is taught in Buddhism, but purely secular.

I will be posting about a Skype discussion group for this book after I have posted this message, I hope you're interested enough to join us!

u/damaged_but_whole · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

There's some new book about meditation that's supposed to be, like, the most thorough book on meditation ever, I guess. Buddhist meditation, anyway. I read some reviews that said it was extraordinarily difficult reading, so I took a look at the "look inside" preview on Amazon and I could tell right away that I would never get very far with this book, but some people who find this thread might want to check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0990847705/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=BRGP8O8PXQFC&coliid=I2KJYS9WGBUB9A

It seems like it would certainly help you master your own mind.

u/Amiracle56 · 2 pointsr/CasualConversation

Lol whatever you're doing sounds pretty odd. The Mind Illuminated will teach you the best way to meditate. I could give you a guide on how to meditate, it's heavily influenced by The Mind Illuminated.

Here's a link to the guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/4jmwlm/what_is_stopping_you_from_being_the_person_you/d382zk4

tl;dr: Out of all the super long comments on reddit, this one is truly worth the read. But nevertheless, I guess I should still give a tl;dr.

Sit down, set a timer, breathe in and out, focus on the sensations of the breath. Don't get discouraged by mind wandering, as this is inevitable. Counting is a good method for stabilizing attention, this is explained below.

First off, I highly reccomend The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa. It's written by a (retired?) neurology professor with over 40 years of experience in meditation. He goes in-depth and gives clear advice for meditation at any stage of the journey. He's also pretty down to earth, and if there's an unfamiliar term he'll always explain it.

But I understand that not everybody has the money to go out and buy a book at their heart's desire, so I'll give you some basic instructions just to get you started, but please note that I am nowhere near an expert so my advice isn't a "be-all end-all".

Sit down somewhere and get yourself comfortable and relaxed. If you notice any tension, release it. Meditation is something that should be enjoyed and relaxing, not like a pill that you take every day, not because you like it, but because you know it will be good for you.

Set a timer for however long you want to meditate. When I first started to meditate, I meditated for 15 minutes, and now I'm meditating for 45 minutes. Whatever works for you, but try to increase it gradually as you go.

Close your eyes and breathe normally. Focus on the sensations of the breath -- the cold air coming in when you inhale, the warm air going out your nostrils when you exhale, whatever sensation you feel.

Inevitably, your mind will wander. That's okay. It's literally impossible to consciously make your mind wander, so why blame yourself for something you didn't even do? Instead of beating yourself up when you realize that your mind wandered, bring your focus back to your breath and be happy that you woke up. This repeated conscious intention will become a mental habit with persistence.

I recommend counting, too. On the beginning of each exhale, count, starting with 1 and ending with 10. If you get distracted, just start over and count back from 1. If this is too hard, count to 5 . After you achieve counting to 10 or 5, do not count anymore. Your mind will already probably count automatically anyway.

And finally I want you to remember: the only bad meditation session is the one you didn't do!

u/poega · 2 pointsr/entp

I think OP should look into meditation as well. For me the thought of having better control of your brain etc is exciting so I got this book. Meditation is now one of the things im most excited about doing/learning and it feels great.

u/9qop · 2 pointsr/Meditation

> Who here believes in chakras? Serious question

The thing is, the term "chakras" has been abused and misused. But the energy body of a human is verifiable and does exist within Buddhist and meditation teachings, among others. Culadasa, a former neuroscientist and long time meditator wrote [The Mind Illuminated] (http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705) for example; [here's an illustration from the book] (http://i.imgur.com/2c1e3BK.jpg)

I'd say, when one has greater but also more subtle awareness, the energy body is pretty obvious. But many people can't even watch their breath for 5 minutes, let alone be aware of the energy. I guess one would then ask, are the points on the body significant and I'd say this can also be experienced with authentic practices.

u/knilchmitmilch · 2 pointsr/Meditation

there is so much information in books, youtube, websites etc. that I (without knowing what TM has to offer) wouldn't recommend spending 900 bucks on it.
I also find it beautiful to develop my own practice and not go strictly after a certain system.

http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459324780&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated

I feel like this book alone can give you years full of food for your thought and practice when you just start off. And some point you might wanna add a personal teacher though.

u/TheSpasticSurgeon · 2 pointsr/summonerschool

There really are a lot of places to start, but since I'm not sure which one to suggest to you I'll just give you all of them. I've been meaning to type out a post that I can copy paste for those who want to get into meditation, so this is the perfect place.

As you go down the list it gets more in-depth:

  • Headspace is an app that you can look up, it has several different kinds of meditation. I've never used it, but it seems to tailor it's stuff specifically to what you want out of meditation, so it might be perfect for this. You'd have to tell me if you try it because I've never used it, but it's very beginner friendly because it has a lot of guided meditations to walk you through it as you meditate.

  • /r/meditation is a nice board. People there are generally very helpful if you are looking for a specific kind of practice or something.

  • Actualized.org has a good meditation guide for beginners.

  • If for some reason you really want to get into meditation seriously, check out The Mind Illuminated. It's based on buddhist practice, but it's written by a neurologist and based in science, so it's secular.



    And I'll actually just give you a very basic guide for meditation right here.



    People define meditation in lots of different ways, but I think the simplest way to explain it is concentration and awareness training. It might sound... intense? at first, but it's actually quite relaxing at times. The idea is to focus on the meditation object (the breath, most often) while staying aware of your surroundings.



    So, there are more steps to ease into this process, so if you try this and it's and you won't more help, that's normal and I would be happy to give you a more extended/complete guide. Keep in mind I am basically paraphrasing from The Mind Illuminated.

    START GUIDE

    Get into a comfortable sitting position and just become sort of attuned to the present moment. Even if your thoughts are in the future or the past, try and become aware that all of the sensations and thoughts you are having are happening in the present.


    Then, just focus on the breath (if you want to be more specific, try and focus on the feelings of the breath as it goes in and out of the nose). Anytime you find that you are not focusing on the breath, whether it be other sensations or thoughts, just bring your attention back to the breath gently. Don't be upset that you lose concentration, because that's just a part of the process. While focusing on the breath, if you can go a bit without getting distracted, try and open your awareness to your surroundings (sounds, sensations, thoughts) while still maintaining focus on the breath. This is akin to CSing or auto-attacking someone while still being aware of the mini-map or the rest of the fight. Try and do this for 5 minutes at first. I really wouldn't recommend much more at first, because most people get frustrated. If you are having trouble keeping focus on the breath, which is totally normal, see if you can make it to 10 breaths without losing focus, and if you mess up just start over again. No biggy.

    The purpose of this simple practice is to train awareness (basically perception of everything happening around you) while maintaining concentration (focus on the object of attention) to better improve your life, and especially activities requiring focus. If you think about it, all of life is basically just a sea of awareness (stuff happening) and us choosing to focus in on one thing at a time, so it's very practical to train these two skills.

    END GUIDE


    So that's basically what a practice would look like, and you would do something like that every day. There are a lot more steps and methods, and honestly it can be a bit tricky to find one that suits you, but I think the resources I listed are great starting points, and really there is no wrong way to do it, and it can't really be harmful. I find it quite relaxing a lot of the time, and my life is a lot better when I keep up my habit of meditating.



    I know I've kinda given you a ton of information here, but I wanted to cover all the bases so I could use this for future reference. Hope you found this helpful, and if you have any questions let me know! :)
u/gcross · 2 pointsr/Meditation

I think you would enjoy reading The Mind Illuminated by Culdasa as it gives you metrics you can use to gauge how much progress you are making at a given stage on the meditative path (as well as an overview you can use to figure out where you are currently at) and instructions on the skills you need to work on at that stage in order to make progress. It also has a lot of interesting material on models of the mind and of consciousness.

I can't recommend this book enough because it brought a clarity to my practice that I was sorely in need of, and it sounds like you might be looking for something similar.

u/filecabinet · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Rob Burbea's book Seeing That Frees has been the most helpful book for me concerning meditation. It has simply clarified meditation without using fluffy or poetic language. It does use some pali words but they're not overwhelming and the author is not preaching any set of religious beliefs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0992848911/

This is a different book that I haven't read but looking forward to read after it arrives in the mail :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0990847705/

u/mindful_amp · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Not sure if this book fits the bill (I honestly haven't read it myself) but I've heard it does a good job of explaining both the science behind meditation, as well as going into details about specific techniques.

u/rcrdlclr · 2 pointsr/Meditation

You can meditate for long though, if you think it is important enough. You can't do it in spare time, it needs to have time reserved for it. Surely you do other things but work. Maybe you see friends. Maybe you watch movies. Maybe you read. You will need to give up on something to make time for meditation.

Also, I'd say meditation isn't so much about a singular thing. It's a bit more complicated than that. You might like this book, it explains it better than I ever could: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484162703&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated
It really is as awesome as its reviews.

u/QuirkySpiceBush · 2 pointsr/suggestmeabook

Here are some of my favorite popular books by academic researchers about consciousness:

u/overlord1109 · 2 pointsr/IWantToLearn

I use the book The Mind Illuminated. It's extremely detailed and has helped me a ton.

There's also a subreddit for it: /r/TheMindIlluminated

u/Throwaway8484822 · 2 pointsr/BPDlovedones

There’s a book called The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness by neuroscientist John Yates (Culadasa) where he explains how to overcome every possible obstacle in meditation. Can highly recommend.

Your skill to be present in meditation affects your skill to be present in everyday life.

u/cardiacal · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Although there's a wealth of evidence-based information available now, the vast majority of studies are conceived and interpreted by people who ascribe to scientism, a narrow materialist view, and who have neither the acute perception nor the sublime mind-state attainments of advanced meditators.

It would be wonderful if more scientists were actually accomplished, high-level meditators.

Two accomplished scientists who are also highly adept meditators are Dr. B. Alan Wallace, PhD. and Dr. John Yates, PhD. (aka Culadasa).

Alan Wallace has authored many books on meditation, including the guides How To Practice Shamatha Meditation and Stilling The Mind, among others.

You might be interested in his talks on science and meditation: https://www.upaya.org/2009/05/science-meets-meditation-part-1-of-7/

Culadasa's The Mind Illuminated is widely lauded as one of the best guides to meditation anywhere, and is the number one best seller in Amazon among books on Buddhism. It is considered to be as complete a guide as you're likely to get in book form.

Direct teaching from a living certified and accomplished teacher is by far the best introduction to meditation, for many reasons beyond getting the right information, in the right order, at the right stage of your practice.

.

PS: realize that what gets upvotes and approval is often the popular choice, rather than the higher or more true and effective teaching. The reason it's popular can be because it's the lowest common denominator -- something even those with low intelligence, unclear perception, or emotional attachment can get excited about.

u/kabuto · 2 pointsr/Meditation

I do nothing special. I follow Culadasa's book The Mind Illuminated.

I sit down on my Zafu, cross my legs in burmese style, close my eyes and be mindful of my breath. I usually do 20-30 minute sits, sometimes longer. I highly recommend reading The Mind Illuminated. It's a very practical guide on how to meditate organised in ten stages including helpful tips, problems you might encounter and how to deal with them.

u/beat_attitudes · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Hi there! I'm glad to hear you're ability to focus and happiness has increased, and that you're calmer. Keep it up!

From the sounds of things, you're doing just fine. There's no one way to meditate, but you'll probably have better results if you stick with one practice for a while. You might like to keep up your "focus on the breath" practice until you can maintain sustained attention on the breath for the length of your session, or maybe longer sessions, and then reconsider from there. This should keep you busy for a while!

The book which really grounded my practice, and gave me clarity about what I was doing, is The Mind Illuminated.

You'll be pleased to hear that it talks quite a bit about pure bliss, and feeling one with the universe, and also about establishing and building upon the kind of practice you have now. I found it very clear, intreresting and accessible, but I'd say it feels like an undergraduate introduction level of writing.

Good luck maintaining your practice!

u/mynameis_wat · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

"But the thing is i dont even know what im supposed to do during meditation."

There are a few resources:

Mindfulness in Plain English is a text you can find for free online and gives simple meditation instructions. This is what I started with years ago.

A book like Being Nobody, Going Nowhere (ayya khema) also gives some meditation instruction as well as some philosophy around it.

Many have been finding a book like The Mind Illuminated helpful as it is a robust guide into the different landscapes you can find as you begin the meditative path. This book has been immensely helpful to me in my practice.

I also recommend Pema Chodron. If you are hung up on stress and tension, her books can help give a fresh perspective :)

You seem to mention bliss as an indicator of progress. There are many other things to track and be aware of in your meditation path - I would not recommend getting hung up on this particular one. Be gentle with yourself in regards to results and changes as a result of practice. Bliss will not solve the stress, but practices based in 'letting go' may help.

u/EmptyTumbleweed · 2 pointsr/Mindfulness

I'm all for meditation. This book is really good. There's even a subreddit for it.
The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501156985/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dxeOBb3FWF4V5

If you have actual depression and anxiety I'd really recommend seeing your doc and getting a med. It's the only thing that's helped me. Really, there's no shame. It's just like having high blood pressure, it needs to be treated.

u/metagnosis- · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

Meditation and yoga. If one is scientifically minded I recommend reading Culadasa's book "The Mind Illuminated" as it gives you very advanced understanding of the thing explained through language that is both scientific and is easy to understand.

u/Tells_only_truth · 2 pointsr/Drugs

do you do anything besides sleep or have sex in your bed? if so, first step is to stop. if you only get in bed to fall asleep, eventually your brain will get the idea that bed=sleep, which will make it much easier.

also, try to avoid any blue light like from computer screens etc for an hour before you go to sleep (good time to read a book!). normally your brain produces melatonin to help you sleep when it's dark out and something something circadian rhythm, idk, but blue light tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime so you won't produce as much and consequently it'll take longer to fall asleep. as I understand it, supplemental melatonin totally works but you can build a tolerance, so a good long-term solution is to improve your natural levels by practicing sleep hygiene.

I believe research has suggested that replacing a habit is much easier than removing one, especially if you can get the same reward. It would probably be even easier if the reward you get from the new habit - slowing down your mind, in this case - is the same as the reward you got from the old. (this is based off what I remember from skimming this guy's book).

to calm the mind, meditation has been shown to have a lot of benefit. a lot of people speak highly of this book, and it's free which is nice. This one takes a more cut-and-dry step-by-step approach, and is much more detailed, both of which some might find helpful, but it's not free.

lastly, I've heard exercise a little while before bed will make it easier to fall asleep. also weed. if anyone knows more about this stuff than I do or I said something wrong, please correct me. OP, I hope you find this useful and best wishes in dealing with the drinking. You can do it. Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.

u/MasterT1 · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Read "The Mind Illuminated". Best book I've read on meditation that should answer all of your questions.

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985

u/consci0 · 2 pointsr/streamentry

TMI refers to The Mind Illuminated.

u/dharmadoor · 2 pointsr/zen

Unlocking the Zen Koan: A New Translation of the Zen Classic Wumenguam has been helpful. Also, reading Red Pine's translations and commentary on the The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng, Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra. Although many people speak of the influence of the Lankavatara on Zen, I find it very difficult to read, even Red Pine's fairly approachable translation. But, the idea of "no views" and "no perceptions" was helpful, and "to speak of [this] to to speak of not [this]". Those themes come up often in koans. And studying Lao Tsu helps. Despite what the "not zen" crowd says, a background in Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism, and some historical background really does help a lot. Currently reading Ordinary Mind as the Way: The Hongzhou School and the Growth of Chan Buddhism and The Hongzhou School of Chan Buddhism in Eighth- through Tenth-Century China to get some background on Mazu's lineage. Like many westerners, I used to think koans were just about derailing rational thought. While that is useful, now I also see some patterns, a certain amount of "sense", and more experiences of "of course". Easier koans like, it is your mind that moves help with the more difficult ones. Another helpful one is What are you doing? What are you saying?.

u/Coraticum · 2 pointsr/JordanPeterson

I really like Red Pine's translation:
https://www.amazon.com/Lao-tzus-Taoteching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1556592906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500945121&sr=8-1&keywords=red+pine+tao+te+ching
It seems to be that the popular Stephen Mitchell translation has a lot of embellishment and is not true to the original (among the Taoist scholars I have talked to). But there are many translations! So perhaps buy a few and see for yourself.

u/QubeZero · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

I'm not currently sure how best to approach this interest. My advice is based a lot on research and science, and on my own experience. So take this with a grain of salt. I do however, want to volunteer with Camphill, and I'll report and share when I have my own observations.

I'm not sure what sources to share, as I have done a lot general reading and my own meditation practice. But for example, here's a study I just found after few seconds of googling: "meditation and autism"

Diet and meditation, when done properly I believe is the most transformative tools, and our efforts should be concentrated in these areas.

There's TOO much misinformed advice on nutrition, the only authoritative source I can honestly point you to is nutritionfacts.org and his book How To Not Die. Basically, humans are designed to eat purely a plant-based diet. The more you read, the more you will see the connection between these disorders and how nutrition helps with improving dysfunctional pathways in the body.

For meditation, what helped my cognitive, severe depression, social dysfunction, mania problems etc (and recent cancer in my early 20's)... is connecting to the breath. No other meditative technique really worked other than concentrating and connecting with my breathing. I practice during the day, but started off lying down on my back as I found that to be the most effective, perhaps because of my postural problems.

Then there's metta , where I know people who has had great success with this. This is a good book. But I personally struggle with this.

There is so much information and advice on things that can tremendously help people with specific problems, but the solution always comes down to universal principles and a holistic approach.

You can be your own scientific investigator and see your own observations. You can go as far as you like, or just help a little in these areas. In any case, even just a little extra nutritional support and 10 minutes of daily meditation, will at least do some good

u/WanderingJones · 2 pointsr/Meditation

I haven't done it a whole lot, but I wouldn't recommend just cycling through people close to you. Try concentrating on strangers, people you've been having issues with, genders (i.e. all males/all females), directions (I used to do 8 directions of the compass plus up and down), the entire planet, the entire universe etc. And of course yourself... but hopefully you're doing that already.

And Loving Kindness is a good book to read on the topic if you haven't already.

u/Taxyback · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

Having struggled deeply with this myself, I have found the practice of metta to be hugely powerful. By FAR the best explanation of the practice and the theory for me has been Sharon Salzberg's book "Lovingkindness."

If you're interested but don't have the resources to purchase it yourself, I would be SO happy to send a copy your way. And don't you dare say you don't deserve it! ;)

u/psyyduck · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

That sounds like anger. You cant let go of it without a degree of acceptance, because aversion towards anger is still clinging to it. So yes it causes a lot of harm, but seeing the good in anger makes it easier to look at it mindfully, find a place for it, and let go. Sharon Salzburg writes:

>If we look at the force of anger, we can, in fact, discover many positive aspects in it. Anger is not a passive, complacent state. It has incredible energy. Anger can impel us to let go of ways we may be inappropriately defined by the needs of others; it can teach us to say no. In this way it also serves our integrity, because anger can motivate us to turn from the demands of the outer world to the nascent voice of our inner world. It is a way to set boundaries and to challenge injustice at every level. Anger will not take things for granted or simply accept them mindlessly.

>Anger also has the ability to cut through surface appearances; it does not just stay on a superficial level. It is very critical; it is very demanding. Anger has the power to pierce through the obvious to things that are more hidden. This is why anger may be transmuted to wisdom. By nature, anger has characteristics in common with wisdom. [From here]

u/RangerPretzel · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Take a class/course on Metta meditation to help you cultivate Loving-Kindness (sometimes called Loving-Friendliness)

or read Sharon Salzburg's book on Loving-Kindness: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157062903X

I highly recommend it.

u/Devoid_ · 2 pointsr/Psychonaut

Yeah I would agree with that as long as meditation is also a tool for enjoying the bounties of life as well, it has its own positives besides enduring suffering.

As for books I'd read in this order

Be here now -Ram Dass

The Bhagavad Gita - get the translation Eknath Easwaran he provides great insight in the intro and the introduction before each chapter.

The Upanishads- translated by the same author.

After this I read writings by Neem Karoli Baba, but at this point you'll be on your way down the path and it's a different path for anyone. Reading through the writings of saints is helpful.

I'm currently reading the Vedas and they're a source of endless inspiration, read them too but they can be a little confusing because of the references of Vedic gods, but once you have a footwork of the philosophy you can interpret the meaning

u/Fukitol13 · 2 pointsr/hinduism

The as it is iskcon version is fine for gaudiya vaishnavas,but for those who arent initiated into that school,i prefer recommending the eknath easwaran translation.

i'd recommend buying it,or the cheaper essence of gita for one's first read of the gita for a better understanding,after all one gets a first time only once and i want you to have the best possible time reading it

https://www.amazon.in/Essence-Bhagavad-Gita-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/8184953410/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=gita+eknath+easwaran&qid=1563862904&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.in/Bhagavad-Gita-Classics-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gita+eknath+easwaran&qid=1563862904&s=gateway&sr=8-1

u/Aeon108 · 2 pointsr/hinduism

The Bhagavad Gita centers mainly around Krishna, one of Vishnu's most popular avatars. It takes place during a war. The family of Arjuna, who is a king, betrays him. Both sides ask Krishna for aid in the war. To remain neutral, Krishna gives his army to Arjuna's family and Krishna becomes the personal Charioteer of Arjuna. As they are about to enter the war, Arjuna becomes conflicted. Krishna reveals to Arjuna that he is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The entire text is the conversation between Arjuna and Krishna. Krishna gives Arjuna advice on how to live a spiritual life on all accounts. Devotees of Krishna place an extremely high value on the Bhagavad Gita.
Here is a link to an English translated version of the text: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Easwarans-Classics-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494927615&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=bhagavad+gtia
And here are links to Krishna sites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna
http://www.krishna.com/info/about-krishna#

Kalki is said to be the last avatar of Krishna. He has yet to be born. At the end of the Kali-yuga (which is the time period we are in,) Kalki is said to be born ina hidden paradise called Shambhala. He will ride across the Earth on a white steed and cleanse the Earth of evil, returning us to a golden age of peace.
here are some links to pages about Kalki:
http://www.yoga-philosophy.com/eng/kalki/kalki.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki

Although this next one is more controversial, a lot of people believe Buddha to be an avatar of Vishnu. There isn't really a specific book or site to go to for this one, but there are several books on Buddhism and documentaries on the Buddha.

Another popular Vishnu avatar is Rama. Rama is said to be the perfect man. His story is told in an epic called the Ramayana, in which his wife is kidnapped and he must rescue her.
English version of Ramayana: https://www.amazon.com/Ramayana-Modern-Retelling-Great-Indian/dp/0865476950/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1494928047&sr=8-2
Sites for Rama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama

There are a lot more avatars of Vishnu, but these ones are the main ones. For a bigger list, they are links to all of the major ones here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu

It's also good to keep in mind that beliefs on who the avatars of Vishnu are vary from region to region and from tradition to tradition.

u/the-electric-monk · 2 pointsr/occult

It seems a little weird to want to buy books to try and discredit some random person online who will forget all about this conversation in a couple of days, but sure, whatever.

Nag Hammadi Scriptures

Dhammapada

Upanishads

Baghavad Gita

Mahabharata

And this volume of the Vedas, though as I said I haven't read through it yet.

I also have this copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, which I haven't gotten around to yet.

Now, once again, please tell me where in the Nag Hammadi scriptures it says that you spend 1000 years in a Devachan before reincarnating.

u/CivilBrocedure · 2 pointsr/Buddhism

A great primer for the core tenets and historical context is "What The Buddha Taught" by Walpola Pahula. It provides a wonderful explanation of the thought process and is very clearly written; a lot of colleges use it in their comparative religion courses.

I also think that reading the "Dhammapada" is particularly vital. I prefer the Eknath Easwaran translation; I feel like he did an excellent job translating it into modern laguage while retaining the meaning of the text and providing excellent discussions of each sutra without being to neurotically overbearing, like so many religious commentaries can be. He also did excellent versions of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads if you are interested in broader Indian spirituality.

u/Kali_Durge · 2 pointsr/hinduism

Thank you for your reply, I am becoming very aware of the charlatans going around, Tantra is intriquing but I think I am a long way from exploring that and would probably wait until I can actually visit India, I just want to get the core basics of it all before I figure the path I want to take, Shiva has had a lot of presence in my life too for example. For the Gita the version I am reading is this one which I saw mentioned on here.

u/nomi_nomi · 2 pointsr/india

http://www.amazon.in/The-Upanishads-Classic-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380214

Supposed to be a good translation. Contains all that one needs to know.

u/veragood · 2 pointsr/awakened

Do you like fantasy stories? The Gita is actually just one chapter in India's greatest epic, the Mahabharata. It's an amazing story, and gives a great cultural background for Hinduism. Hindu's other epic, the Ramayana, is also lauded by many. I actually just began reading it recently.

Hindu's purest (and probably the world's longest) treatise on non-duality is the book at the very top of the bookshelf, Vasistha's Yoga. It's intense, so if you are just beginning, it's probably not the best intro to Hindu thought.

The most ancient written roots of pure Hinduism are found in the Upanishads. Eknath Eswaran's introduction and commentary are sublime.

A more modern, yet just as mystical take on Hinduism is The Autobiography of a Yogi.

u/RomanOrgy69 · 2 pointsr/occult

I'd start with the book that played a large role in the revival of the modern occult: H.P. Blavatsky's The Hidden Doctrine, which is a synthesis of occult philosophies from all over the world.

Then, I'd go over the text on which all hermetic knowledge derives from; The Corpus Hermeticum by Hermes Trismegistus

I'd also reccomend looking into The Pistis Sophia, which explains the philosophies of early Gnosticism.

Another important text would be The Vision and the Voice by Aleister Crowley, which is an account of 30 visions that document how one may attain enlightenment, had by Crowley while he was performing a series of Enochian rituals out in the desert.

The Cosmic Doctrine by Dion Fortune is a book that was channeled by Dion Fortune, which she believes explains the hidden secrets and doctrine of the universe.

The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune is a great book that explains the Qabalah, the system of philosophy which is the backbone of the occult.

This list would be incomplete without also including Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, which was written by a Renaissance occultist named Henry Agrippa and is a foundational text to all branches of occult philosophy and knowledge.

The Dhammapada, The Questions of King Milinda, THE TÂO TEH KING, The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The I-Ching are all also important philosophical texts to the occult. While they are not necessarily "occult" themselves, they all had a huge influence on the modern occult today, as well as many famous occultists such as Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, H.P. Blavatsky, etc.

u/BlankNothingNoDoer · 2 pointsr/hinduism

You're welcome. If you need a starting point, just pick one. I personally recommend this as a good starting point: http://www.amazon.com/The-Upanishads-Classic-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380214

u/Bruin116 · 2 pointsr/explainlikeimfive

Stretching isn't actually quite the right thing to deal with a muscle already knotted up to the point it's causing a headache. Those are caused by trigger points, or "knots", and stretching doesn't get rid of them, but intense, focused massage does. Check this out - The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook - the book is based on a brilliant medical tome written by the doctors who discovered trigger points (one of whom was JFK's personal physician) interpreted for laymen and written from the perspective of how to do the trigger point therapy on yourself and it's absolutely fantastic. I can completely fix (actually fix, not mask) most of my friends' tension headaches in under two minutes now, and I literally buy cases of the above book to give away to people. Read the Amazon reviews and give it a shot; you'll thank yourself almost immediately.

u/Homme_de_terre · 2 pointsr/swoleacceptance

Brother, you may want to look into Trigger Point therapy

I hope it offers some relief.

u/SocraticBreakdown · 2 pointsr/ChronicPain

Hi!

I used to get massages by a PT as well, and the type of massage that worked best for my pain was a deep tissue trigger point massage, which I believe is similar to the massage you've said is effective for you. As you mentioned, that easily becomes expensive, but my neurologist turned me on to a much cheaper solution. I do home massage therapy on myself using a Theracane and workbook and get the same benefits I was getting from having the massage done to me by a PT. I'm posting this from mobile so pls message me if links don't work. This way I can also get exactly the relief I want where I want it and most importantly when I want it.

u/Uny0n · 2 pointsr/Meditation

You aren't doing anything wrong I think, you just have trigger points that are cutting off circulation. I suggest yoga and/or trigger point self-massge
to get the kinks out of your hip muscles.

u/Hurphen · 2 pointsr/Fibromyalgia

I understand constant headache and migraines for weeks. When you say nothing else works do you mean concerning medicine only? You said they are tension related and trust me, yoga is amazing for reducing pain. There are so many great yoga teachers on youtube just waiting to teach you how to reduce stress and pain. Yoga with Adriene is a great place to start if you don't have experience or need a bit of a refresher.

Obviously as many massages as possible will help and here's a little something that has changed my life: neck block
This can be used in myriad ways to reduce stress in neck, upper back and face. It's tempting to go cheap and just get the small part that sits atop the black stand but you will not gain the relief you need that way. It's worth the investment if you invest your time. Another miracle tool is the Body back Buddy find the right size for you and I promise you will never want to put the thing down. You can work on knots anywhere in your body that cause tension without a massage therapist's limited time.
Learn about Myofascial massage techniques, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a God send. It even says right on the cover, the first type of main you can helps reduce yourself by learning these techniques is fibromyalgia. Chronic Myofascial Pain causes great pain in the face and head and this book teaches you how to fix this yourself. Help yourself and get these things if you can.
Another thing, when was your last eye exam? When I finally got glasses my migraines went from 5-8 times a month to 1-2 every couple of months. Didn't even realize I actually needed glasses.

Hopefully these things help! Having dealt with regular headaches and migraines since the age of six, these are really the only things that have changed me.

u/lanzaio · 2 pointsr/xxfitness

Check out this book. I had SI joint dysfunction for ~14 years and knee problems for ~10. Been doing foam rolling and trigger point release stuff for a few weeks and they are both drastically reduced.

u/FogDucker · 2 pointsr/japanlife

Try The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, it's worked wonders for me on chronic back + shoulder pain from an old motorcycle accident. Used to go to physical therapy every few months but after picking up that book I haven't been for years.

u/KravMagaMinistry · 2 pointsr/Fitness

/u/ayksum prescribed some good stuff. Keep it functional - like things you would do every day.

Also: I'm wondering if you pinched a nerve or have a trigger point? Is there any pain in your wrist? You may want to consider investing 10 bucks US (kindle) or ~19 (soft cover) for The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. If I ever experience pain or limited range of motion I bust out the book, find the section with the diagrams of wherever it hurts then look for possible trigger point areas to massage that may be referring pain wherever.

I'm not saying that is what is going on with you here, but it may be a factor. Thought I would share something that has really made a difference for me and I recommend to all my friends. 30 pages of reading and the rest of the book is diagrams and pictures.

u/isdw96 · 2 pointsr/medicalschool

https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942

Try the TMJ treatments in this book.

I used it for my carpal tunnel/TOS worked wonders

Also you can search “jaw-neck sequence” by kit Laughlin on YouTube

Let me know how it goes

u/IT209 · 2 pointsr/keyboards

Thanks for taking the time for a detailed reply!!!

My concern with the Kinesis also lies in that I'd need one of the office, one for home, etc.

One is already plenty expensive, but I might have to at least try, if nothing else is working.

I appreciate the OSHA suggestion. I've tried to follow their guidelines, but the ones for monitor positioning, idk...

Like they almost seem like they were written for guidelines for using a 15" CRT, rather than a wide 22" LCD. I can never get comfortable for long following those guidelines.

They say Comfortable viewing angle is 15 to 20 degrees which ends at about the center of the screen, so, what about the rest of the screen if I'm processing a report or coding? Should I always be centering my work on the monitor? /rant

I've been working for Orthopedists for years. It's usually posture, PT, etc. It never is a long term solution, that works for very long.

I figured, I might as well try to get the keyboard situation sorted...

Anyway, so sorry for your difficulties!!!

You might want to check out this book, I've found it useful for understanding some of the persistent muscle pain, I've had for years.

Problem is, work is constantly keeping me in a cycle of re-injury, until I can get this sorted out.

Thanks again :)

u/Potz_n_Pans · 2 pointsr/TheRedPill

I'm plugging Tom Merrick.

​

After switching from a 9-5 vehicle job to early morning physical labor I felt the price I paid for sitting too long. I've dedicated most of my free time since January to mobility and physical alignment. I am recovering from a life time of previous physical punishment but seeing incredibly quick improvements from a daily discipline of proper mobility. I've forgone all other training besides my job to strip my body down to its basics. I figure if the base is level and square, I can dedicate my physical ambitions in any direction. It's honestly felt 'spiritual' learning my own, individual body. With daily use of the same motions in a slow and focused manner, I'm continually squashing through pain spots and weaknesses; many that I never knew I had because I simply was never paying attention to them.

​

I recommend Tom Merrick's routines to find your own weaknesses and have something to gauge progress with, and just make daily habits of the ones that work well for you. Pain Free by Pete Egoscue and Foundation Training by Eric Goodman have driven a lot of my progress as well as simple research into the discomforts or oddities I discovered in my body.

​

I figure if life is a game, than longevity is the name of that game. My best odds rest in a body that's built to prevent injury and operate at peak levels. A couple of months ago I realized I will feel the urge to do daily mobility work for the rest of my life because it feels too damn good.

​

Movement is so basic but so forgotten. It's fundamental to who we are as primal beings.

​

I rant about this because I care so much about it. So many people in my life are in physical pain and it drives me mad that movement isn't taught by anyone in our lives until we discover our own need for it.

​

Feel good, live good.

u/turk_rig · 2 pointsr/LifeProTips

Hey thanks for reaching out. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I am not used to getting messages on here.

Anyways, I highly recommend buying his book Foundation. I bought the kindle version so its always on my phone but I can see the value of a hard copy so that you can mark and fold pages of your favorites. I say get the book only because he explains what these exercises are doing and what muscles you are conditioning. The knowledge helps as your doing the exercises so you can feel the tiny muscles working. I had the problem of getting lazy once my back felt better and stopped doing the exercises but I learned my lesson and do at least my favorite exercises every day. It will really help.

My latest breakthrough in terms of my back and health has been doing circuit exercises. Sorry for the long story here. So I tried the P90x and the beach body in the past and each time I did I hurt my back and had to stop. Last year after our second child my wife started doing Bikini Body Guide - Kayla Itsines after 12 weeks I couldn't believe how good she looked. She searched for a while to find the right workout that she could do because of her bad knees. This was it for her. She said that I should try it and that she is seeing more guys doing with great results as well. I was hesitant at first because of the name of the workout but I got into it and I have never felt or looked better. I am almost 33 and feel/look so much better than I did when I was weight training at 23. It also is great for your back and works well with the Foundation training stretches. The other thing that is so great about it is that the workouts are 28 minutes Mon, Wed, and Fri. and 40 mins of cardio Tues, Thurs, and Sat. I do all the exercises at home so you don't have to take the time to go to the gym or the cost of a gym. The time is the biggest part for me because the family takes so much time and energy. I would be happy to send you the zip file of the workout if you would like it.

Another thing I would recommend is finding a Chiropractor that practices kinesiology in cases of emergency. A couple times a year my back gets inflamed to where I can not adjust it myself and so I go see my Chrio. I am very lucky with the one I have even though she doesn't take insurance, she also doesn't require an xray to do an adjustment. She is the only chiro that has actually fixed me and wants me to get better instead of telling me I have to go back and see her every week. She is the one that told me to get the Foundation book and said that she loses customers because of this but she is happy to give people a better life.

The last thing that I do and recommend is buying a pool noodle and cutting it down to the width of your car seat and using that at your lumbar for when you are in the car. I drive a lot for work and that sitting in a car seat is sometime the most uncomfortable position that I can be in. The pool noodle at the lumbar really helps and also flexing my abs muscles takes the pressure of my back.
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you would like the Bikini Body Guide aka BBG. Let me know if you have any questions and thanks again for reaching out.

u/tokenaccount86 · 2 pointsr/SpaceBuckets

Just do it is my main thing to get across. You'll not have all the answers and you'll have a few curve balls thrown at you but it forces you to read about it and ask questions. You'll learn by doing. I recommend this book http://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-definitive-cultivation-consumption/dp/1878823345/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457986473&sr=1-3&keywords=jorge+cervantes

u/Tater72 · 2 pointsr/Michigents

Go buy a 4x4 tent, ideally gorilla but can get cheaper.

https://growershouse.com/gorilla-grow-tent-4-x-4?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp6055&sc_intid=6055&gsacid=952890155&keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw4jvBRCJARIsAHYewPMdnaA3pI_kaqr7hDDtRfQzZ5-nIJ_myYwy_RzlSfPlTYAKJuHyn5MaAotOEALw_wcB#!

Order the light


https://growershouse.com/horticulture-lighting-group-hlg-600w-qb288-v2-r-spec-led-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplp15744&sc_intid=15744&gsacid=952890155&keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw4jvBRCJARIsAHYewPMp8yJqTkQMEmC5Db2_3fMT73eIoyEVEXZMPbEIJIB_wpvPAEW537saAsyFEALw_wcB

Inline fan


AC Infinity CLOUDLINE T6, Quiet 6" Inline Duct Fan with Temperature Humidity Controller - Ventilation Exhaust Fan for Heating Cooling Booster, Grow Tents, Hydroponics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XBXFPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LMT4Db95YN9QZ

Carbon filter


VIVOSUN 6 Inch Air Carbon Filter Odor Control with Australia Virgin Charcoal for Inline Fan, Grow Tent Odor Scrubber, Pre-Filter Included, Reversible Flange 6"x 18" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01731MLFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HNT4Db23PB3M8

Flex duct

VIVOSUN 6 Inch 25 Feet Non-Insulated Flex Air Aluminum Ducting for HVAC Ventilation w/Two 6 Inch Stainless Steel Clamps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010UCCMW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yPT4DbNQFABKE

Fan


SPT Wall Mount 16" Fan with Remote Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071Y8CN45/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oQT4DbV2ANXJG

Temp/hygrometer

AcuRite 00613 Indoor Thermometer & Hygrometer with Humidity Gauge, 3" H x 2.5" W x 1.3" D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013BKDO8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xRT4Db8N3X0K6

Rope hanger

iPower GLROPEX2 2-Pair 1/8 Inch 8-Feet Long Heavy Duty Adjustable Rope Clip Hanger (150lbs Weight Capacity) Reinforced Metal, 2 Pack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WIOEDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iST4DbF0EQJAK

Light timer

BN-LINK 7 Day Outdoor Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer BND/U78, 125VAC, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, Weatherproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate For Lamps Ponds Christmas Lights 1875W 1/2HP ETL Listed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9RK4VV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wWT4Db5Q74NPA

PH meter

Digital PH Meter, PH Meter 0.01 PH High Accuracy Water Quality Tester with 0-14 PH Measurement Range for Household Drinking, Pool and Aquarium Water PH Tester Design with ATC (2020-Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08197LX6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TXT4DbZ8TF1W

Tower of Power

Hydrofarm TMTOP6 Tower of Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WAL58I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_f1T4Db88GD2GE

Loupe

VIVOSUN 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Loupe Foldable Magnifier with LED Light for Jewelry Gems Watches Coins Stamps Antiques Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VK1LVKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_62T4DbR2KDDY4

Measuring cups.

Garden Smart Measuring Glass (1, 1 ounce) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073C6S1LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o5T4DbQFTS4FY


Fox Run Brands 4892COM 4-Ounce Mini Measuring Glass, Regular, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N4CQWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_95T4DbTWPWNMP


Get some short heavy gauge cords

Still haven’t said what medium, so I can’t recommend anything there for nutes or pots. Since your new, I’d consider soil and airpots.

You’ve got lots to learn, buy the grow encyclopedia.

The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878823345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_9RIDjvgDjnPoc

I’m sure I forgot something, it’s off the top of my head, you’ll always be running and picking up a trinket or two. That said, this will get you far down the path.

Need to decide medium and I can help point you towards genetics. Probably clones to start off.

u/entyfresh · 2 pointsr/trees

Jorge Cervantes' Cannabis Encyclopedia, released just last year so it's quite up-to-date, which is important because this field is advancing quickly. It covers everything she would need to know to effectively grow and process cannabis. It's the follow up to his "Grower's Bible", which was the de facto grower's manual since the mid-80s.

Getting into growing indoors can get pretty expensive, easily into the $2,000+ range even for a small grow, so it pays to plan, and that book will really let her do that.

u/MikeInCincinnati · 2 pointsr/SpaceBuckets

While Jorge's books (and videos) are fantastic, the total novice whose typical reddit posts range from a photo of a 1 week old plant growing in a window sill asking "how does my plant look?" to "first timer, please tell me everything I need to know to grow" style posts are not going to seek out and buy those books unfortunately. I don't doubt there are mistakes to be found but I don't believe the information on GWE is quite the evil collection of misinformation you describe it as. But with that said, its is always advisable to perform your research from more than just one resource. GWE has an easy to digest format and lots of different instructional articles all under one umbrella. If you have a better free recommendation, please share. While I have purchased Jorge's grow bible, most new growers will not, unfortunately.
Edit: if anyone is ready to buy one of Jorge's books, I would recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1878823345/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V574Y4A1QBPYHRMPAGY5. It's even pricier but contains most everything you will find in his bible that was published a decade earlier but includes much more including some updated techniques as he has perfected his grows. Jorge Cervantes is THE master, that's indisputable.
One last edit: check your local library, Jorge's books can often be found there, even in non legal states.

u/Blue__Oceans · 2 pointsr/Psychonaut

Hi there, sorry to hear that things are not going well for you.


It seems like you went through a lot of stuff, and that you might have childhood trauma (losing a parent as a child is traumatic, and having a narcissistic parent also is). Have a look at r/CPTSD. It's a common thing to feel that life is meaningless for people who had trauma as a child. If you feel like trauma might explain some of the things you feel, I also recommend reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.


If you have trauma, CBT is not very effective (I have trauma, and it didn't get to the root cause). Finding a trauma-informed therapist that you really trust would be a good idea.

​

Hang in there, things can get better.

u/_belle_coccinelle · 2 pointsr/traumatoolbox

I am so sorry this happened to you. That was not okay in any way, not ever. I am angry for you. You were absolutely raped by the boy—you said no, he ignored it, that is not consent by any stretch of the imagination. It sounds like you disassociated which is very common in sexual abuse survivors. I believe you. I hear you. You are not crazy or wrong or any thing that anyone wants to gaslight you about. Though it’s hard to know for sure, the counsellors may have been grooming him and engaging in the more emotional version of sexual abuse. While this does not in any way deny what happened to you, if he was learning those behaviours from the counsellors he may have been repeating them with you, which is the vicious cycle of sex abuse; if is horrific and sad and I wish for it to end. It is awful. What happened to you is awful! Your anger is a good thing; your boundaries were violated, you were violated, you said no. You have every right to be outraged. This anger will help you reclaim your power in your journey toward healing. I see you, and you are not alone. You’re allowed to be here; you exist.

I’d recommend finding an EMDR therapist who specialises in trauma. It was the only thing that helped me heal. Also read the book The Body Keeps The Score and The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse ; they changed my life.

Consensually holds hand

u/Insertopinionhere · 2 pointsr/Meditation

Sometimes you just gotta tune into your body. Your mind may have forgotten but your body always remembers. Listen to it and pay attention when you feel agitation, anxiety, fear...etc. in your body. That's usually a good indicator that your body is telling you something about a person or situation.

I would recommend "The body keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk.

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma-ebook/dp/B00G3L1C2K

u/PM_Me_YourBooks · 2 pointsr/booksuggestions

For an overview of the history of trauma reasearch and current scientific findings in the field of trauma research, including: CPTSD, DTD (Developmental Trauma Disorder), ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) try “The Body Keeps Score.” https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma-ebook/dp/B00G3L1C2K

For a solid clinical perspective try: “Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Recovery-Aftermath-Violence-Political-dp-B009DXOFC4/dp/B009DXOFC4/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

For reading about the trauma of cults, try “Shunned” https://www.amazon.com/Shunned-Survival-Guide-Bonnie-Zieman/dp/1983942375/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541556834&sr=1-2&keywords=Shunned
And, check out the exjw and exmormon subreddits for personal accounts of religious/cult trauma

u/lastchancefor · 2 pointsr/abortion

My wife is part way through EMDR and has had good results. The idea is your memory of event is recorded as trauma, which means you can not process it and integrate it into your life like a normal memory. So you end up re-experiencing it in your body like it is happening over and over. EMDR helps your brain begin to process the experience in a more normal way, so it integrates into your life and doesn't feel as overwhelming. It is exhausting though, plan on taking care of yourself.

​

I recommend this book for more info: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma-ebook/dp/B00G3L1C2K

u/iliikepie · 2 pointsr/infertility

For me personally, a lot of the reason infertility was and has been so difficult, is because of the emotional neglect I experienced as a child. While I had come a long, long way emotionally since I've been an adult, I still hadn't yet mastered how to process and deal with my emotions. In a way that sounds simple, but for me it wasn't at all obvious or easy to figure out, even though I had spent years trying to resolve various past traumas, thinking patterns, behaviors, etc.

Infertility, compounded with other issues, pushed me to the brink, and along with learning about new (to me) therapies and actually find a good therapist who I respect and trust, I was able to come to a turning point in how infertility was affecting me. For me it wasn't "just" the infertility, it was related to many areas and previous past traumas in my life. It was related to feeling completely alone and isolated as a child and teen, when I had zero emotional support or connection with my family. Deep down I feel as if I have no family. Based on my beliefs about what a parent should be, I have no parents.

It's amazing and wonderful to think that you can just create your own family, and give your children the things you were never given (emotional connection), but when that chance is taken away from you, you no longer have that opportunity to heal the past in the present, you no longer have the opportunity to have what you always wanted deep down: emotional intimacy, a (real) family, etc.

I don't know if any of that will resonate with you, but if you're interested, the way I made the most progress was by reading the books:

u/summerings · 2 pointsr/BPDlovedones

If she keeps bringing up things from the past and shows stunted development, that is a good indication of childhood attachment trauma. Whether you think your family is awful or not, bringing up things from the past is a sign of early trauma.

And bpd is known to be caused by early attachment trauma.

So I would recommend she seek out trauma therapy with a qualified sensorimotor processing therapist. That therapy has helped my gf, who had a history of early abuse. Of course, her brother and sister think their family is just a-ok, thanks to the parents scapegoating her as the problem so that they didn't have to acknowledge to themselves what awful parents they were. And of course her brother and sister bought that scapegoating tactic hook, line, and sinker - because that's how dysfunctional families function.

I can tell you care about your sister, even though you don't see eye to eye with her. So I would suggest that if she ever becomes willing to recover from any attachment trauma (which does not have to be abuse, by the way - there are other types) then you can suggest to her sensorimotor processing therapy.

Here are some books you can read for more information:

https://www.amazon.com/Sensorimotor-Psychotherapy-Interventions-Interpersonal-Neurobiology-ebook/dp/B00D4WBUJQ/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G3L1C2K/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

u/rhobbs31 · 2 pointsr/ptsd

I wish my loved ones would have read the Body Keeps the Score and When Someone You Love Suffers from Post Traumatic Stress

I hope he gets back into therapy - finding good professionals is difficult. But therapy is only 1/4 the solution. A significant 1/4 you can provide is strong social support with unconditional love. He needs to a) know he is lovable and b) know he has a connection or a tether to his "reality"

u/beets_or_turnips · 2 pointsr/AmItheAsshole

I think this is a common misconception about meditation, and it frustrated me when I was getting started too. I got a much better understanding of what the task of meditation is at different stages by reading Culadasa's book The Mind Illuminated. Now when distractions come up and I become aware of them, I acknowledge them and savor that moment of insight before returning to the meditation object. I also recommend r/meditation and r/themindilluminated and r/streamentry if you want to take your meditation further.

u/NoMarkeu · 2 pointsr/india

How I got started is not very useful as it took time to get to the right resources. So I will answer the question as if someone where to ask me "How do you recommend someone should get started on meditation?".

The main resource to use is the book The Mind Illuminated, by Culadasa. You would need to read about 1/10th of the book to get started. But you can try some simple meditations while you are on that. You will also need some extra readings later to bring clarity to some ideas. So here's the course of action I recommend.

  • Download the Insight Timer app. It has got guided meditations and an excellent timer - you can set starting and ending sounds and interval sounds, many pleasant ones. Pick a short guided meditation, mindfulness is the best choice I suppose. This will get you started on getting used to sitting for a while. Once you read the book, you can shift practice.

  • Read The Mind Illuminated till the details of First Step. You will need as much to get started. You don't need to read the whole book. It will just be a waste of time. Take notes where you think necessary. Read to understand and take your time. Here's an ebook version. Some key points to understand - peripheral awareness, attention and how they differ, and 'relaxed intention'. And the book also gets into how to establish a meditation practice.

  • Once you have done it a couple of times the book way, read these two discussions to understand those concepts better: Discussion 1, Discussion 2.

    If you have any doubts, you can google it with the book name. There is a good online community around it. Also, don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions as well.
u/jwarner95 · 2 pointsr/Stoicism

Second this.

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B01INMZKAQ

Great guide for meditating, whether a beginner or an adept.

Also check out /r/meditation , /r/themindilluminated , and /r/Taoism for you more eclectically inclined folks.

u/r4d4r_3n5 · 1 pointr/fitness30plus

Also: get this book!

u/kronik85 · 1 pointr/overcominggravity

That really sucks man. It's so easy to overdo some things so easily. Currently I'm battling my own shoulder tendonosis, fairly effectively.. lately I've gone the shotgun approach of throwing a bunch of treatments at it and whichever one works, great. The current regimen is...


-Adding Glucosamine/Chrondroitin/MSM (1500mg of GlucChron, 1500mg MSM....) to my daily men's vitamin

-Doubling up my fishoil intake

-Prescribed Prednisolone ( 84mg for the total "pack".. started out at 24mg/day, 20mg, 16mg, 12mg, 8mg, 4mg... currently on the second to last day)

-Previously prescribed meloxicam 15mg daily (arthritis antiinflammatory... wasn't prescribed with my prednisolone though, shoulda asked the doc about this. I take it before workouts. I'll text my dr. friend and ask her later about doubling up on this and prednisolone)

-penetrex - an anti inflammatory cream... i hadn't heard about traumeel, and though i steer clear of homeopathic medicines... the reviews on amazon are pretty outstanding... i'll look into that

-trigger point therapy... while i've concentrated a lot on the shoulder complex, yours is a little different. my bible is the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook.... it's awesome and I'd suggest everyone buy a copy. I went and copied (likely) the relevant pages for you.. Starting with the tricep section, which also referenced other muscles to check for trigger points, and branching out from there. It's a bit more targeted of an approach than plain SMR and may zero you in on some problem areas.


Tricep page 1
http://i.imgur.com/efZViA1.jpg

Tricep page 2
http://i.imgur.com/dHXwHzD.jpg

Teres Major / Latissimus Dorsi
http://i.imgur.com/de93PsR.jpg

Serratus Anterior page 1
http://i.imgur.com/XB6BBLD.jpg

Serratus Anterior page 2
http://i.imgur.com/NHFgJo0.jpg


If it helps you, strongly consider buying it. It's a fantastic resource. And it's like $14 with Prime shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942/


-Lastly... and most importantly, rest. I've pulled back on a ton of shoulder training and stress to give myself some time to heal. It's been hard, but my shoulder last night has felt stronger than it has in over a month. Hopefully I don't get overly eager and get it aggravated before it's ready for a full workload.

Good luck man, injuries suck.

edit : sorry for the formatting guys.

u/anonlymouse · 1 pointr/martialarts

Probably a trigger point in your neck. Get this book and try it out. Worst case it's something else, but doing some self treatment won't make it worse for you.

u/Indira_Gandhi · 1 pointr/overcominggravity

Are your hip flexors tight? I used to get really bad recurring lower back pain on one side too, especially after doing any sort of overhead pressing. Then I read this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Which told me my hip flexors were the problem. I started foam rolling them aggressively and I got better. It was like magic.

I don't have much experience seeking help from professionals except for getting completely useless PT after knee surgery, but there are so many rave reviews for ART practitioners changing peoples lives, why not try a different therapist if your current one isn't helping?

u/thinkrage · 1 pointr/YouShouldKnow

A lacrosse ball and this book is what you really need.

u/anhedoniac · 1 pointr/singing

One more thing: trigger points in your jaw muscles could be causing a lot of your pain and imbalances. Here's another book recommendation for you:

http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418355596&sr=8-2&keywords=trigger+point+therapy

Study both of the books I've recommended and be diligent in applying the principles you learn, and I promise you that you'll see improvements in the pain you're experiencing.

u/FoozMuz · 1 pointr/ChronicPain

Doctors don't specialize or receive much education on muscle disorders, don't be surprised if he's not familiar with the disorder or the modern treatment protocol.

If you do have MPD: it is good news, it is treatable, sometimes partially and sometimes completely.

https://www.painscience.com/tutorials/trigger-points.php

Here's an intro, this site is great, the guy does good science. I haven't bought this ebook yet though.

https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942

here's the book that will help you recover.

u/Velomere · 1 pointr/wow

GSE can condense several skills into one button, but you're still going to be mashing that one button to do anything, and it's a dumb macro - you can only tell it to randomly cast things, cast things in a certain order, or cast certain skills more in a random order (as far as I can recall, I haven't used it in a while). It won't be as good as having everything keybinded and properly doing your rotation, but it can do the job for easier content.

If your fingers are hurting after a keyboard smashing session, then chances are it's not your fingers, but the forearm muscles on the other end that control the tendons that control your fingers. I think you'll find that your forearm extensor (pull fingers up) and flexor (pull fingers down) muscles (typically the "digitorum" muscles) are quite overworked and need some therapy to keep them happy. The cheapest therapy is a ball against a wall, along with some stretching and ideally strengthening exercises. I found the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook to be an excellent guide on how to eliminate this discomfort, but it can also be a good idea to get a medical opinion before going it alone to rule out anything more serious.

u/MisteryMeet · 1 pointr/running

Remember that it takes 4 to 6 weeks to feel the improvements of a workout. I'd recommend getting this book. I have it and I have been able to diagnose every injury-to-be that I've had with it.
Also, if you're worried about taking time off, I'd recommend this video, to reassure yourself.

u/pattysmife · 1 pointr/bodyweightfitness

I jump higher at 35 than I did playing basketball all through high school. I credit it to two things.

  1. Much stronger legs through actually learning how to hip hinge and incorporate my posterior chain.

  2. Increased mobility in my hips which enables a more effective hinge.

    As the saying goes, "good athletes use their legs, great athletes use their hips".

    Edit: If you want to develop a good hinge you can do stuff like kettlebell swings and deadlifts, but I personally am I huge fan of Eric Goodman's "Foundation" exercises.

    https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004
u/VladtheMystic · 1 pointr/bodyweightfitness

Hey friend. I had vicious back pain like you too. Very similar work profile as well (desk job 14-16 hours a day). I consider myself fairly active and was surprised how quickly my lower back went bad. The pain was so bad that I would have shooting pains just while sitting down and standing up. I tried various stretching routines available online. However, stretching did not turn out to be the answer for me. It would only provide temporary relief and I would go back to square one in some time. This was in 2013 Octoberish.

Since then, I have had instant and lasting relief from doing Foundation Back Training. The recommended routine for beginners is 3 times every day for about 3 weeks. In those 3 weeks, my lower back pain cleared up completely and I was able to get back to my regular training. I would highly highly recommend that you try it out. It takes about 20 minutes to do first thing in the morning. Links included :)

This sounds like a plug I know but the routine worked beyond my wildest imagination. I personally own two copies of the book, one for myself and one for handing out. I hope it helps you.

P.S. He also has free videos on YouTube but the real back pain killer exercise which is the back extension with arm raise may or may not be in the videos.

https://www.foundationtraining.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004

Edit: Couple more people have mentioned Foundating Training too! I think it should be getting a lot more attention

u/RDBUL · 1 pointr/Goruck

I can't speak to fusion directly, but I had a microdiscectomy on my L5-S1 four years ago. Mine was due to a massive herniation at the L5-S1. Originally, the doctor thought he was going to have to fuse me as the location of herniation was in a place that was difficult to reach, but in the end he didn't.

Since my surgery, I made a full recovery and am stronger now than ever. Since surgery, I've competed in several Crossfit competitions (I even won one), done mountain ultra races, Spartan Trifectia's, and about 30 GORUCK events (including a bunch of heavies and a couple HTLs). I still ruck several times a week (many times with a 75# ruck) and Olympic lift in my daily workouts.

Your post op recovery/rehab is key. Don't rush it... listen to your body. I highly recommend the "Foundation Training" program (www.foundationtraining.com). I followed this programming to a "T" the weeks following surgery and I truly believe that it was a major contributor to my recovery/results (positive mindset/outlook is #1). The program focuses on redefining your "core" as not your abs, but your posterior chain muscles. The exercises are very "yoga-ish", but don't let it fool you, I've seen it make gym-rat & muscle heads alike shiver in their own puddle of sweat. Here's a link to the actual book I used https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004. Several times a week I still integrate their movements into my workouts.

Best of Luck!!!

u/cipher_alpha · 1 pointr/Fitness

Ice and ibuprofen to kill the inflammation. Then do the exercises from this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004/

I've had back problems a long time too, I don't think they will ever go away but we can't give up. We adapt and overcome.

u/ensui67 · 1 pointr/bicycling

First, I would check the fit. Second, poor posture will do that to ya. It's important to strengthen those core muscles and to perform your activities ergonomically. The muscles you'll really want to target are the ones supporting your spine on the backside and not so much your abs.

I highly recommend the exercises described in "Foundation: Redefine Your Core, Conquer Back Pain, and Move with Confidence". They're mostly pilate/yoga type of exercises in which you only have to use your own body weight and gravity.

http://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004

u/DedRok · 1 pointr/backpain

You gotta think of it day by day. Each time you do it, it dulls the pain 1%. Do it for 100 days. It took me about that long to considered my back healed but I wanted it to be stronger so I just kept going. It corrects your posture and I overly just feel better doing it without pain. It's like a hybrid of Yoga which is only good for you body.

There are different foundation excersize you can find online for free. I ended up just buying a 15 dollar book on Amazon. It had a bunch of 2 week routines with different complexities. Great pictures of what muscles should be activating and ect.

I probably spent $3000-4000 on pysio, chirco, and massages over 5 years and this 15 dollar book and free YouTube video I gave you are what fixed me.

u/strandedonearth74055 · 1 pointr/OKmarijuana

Just an opinion but I'd look for that specific genetics or try to get local seeds this fall. Most cannabis on the market isn't bred for our environment.

Growweedeasy.com

The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878823345/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_jLhuDb6EPBJ6P

u/WRipper · 1 pointr/microgrowery

The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878823345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8HCjzbDGH1J95

I have that one. Pretty well rounded material.

u/Leo_Stotch · 1 pointr/cannabiscultivation

There are a lot of good online resources out there.

There’s this one, this one, and books you can buy or possibly find at your library.

u/biodebugger · 1 pointr/SelfHealth

The book The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk was helpful to me when I was experiencing something that sounds kinda related.

He talks about how if, for whatever reason, a person’s body is lacking a visceral sense of safety they can potentially end up inhabiting states that are sort of dissociated from being completely present. He talks about ways that he’s found useful for folks to regain grounding in their own bodies, helping get back to the point where they feel ok “knowing what they know and feeling what they feel.”

If nothing else, it could potentially supply a more compassionate lens through which to view this sort of thing.

Hang in there. :)

u/litheandra · 1 pointr/getdisciplined

>u/active-mind

You mentioned that you went through trauma in your life that really affected your mental health. Therapy might not have worked that well because trauma-informed treatment is a new thing in psychiatry community and it is very complicated. The same time the most common advice that people tend to give "Do CBT" might actually backfire in many cases. So, when you go for a new therapist, do check out that they are not only solution/progress oriented but also trauma informed.

Here's few books that might help as well.

Body Keeps The Score - good overview on what trauma is and how it affects your mind & body. Lots of advices on what types of activities / treatments are available. One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way -- the whole idea of Kaizen is very powerful for making changes. Kaizen is about doing very small things first before attempting big steps.

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

​

​

All books are written by doctors / phds and deal more with a) explaining how brain / mind works; b) what can be done to suffer less / achieve goals. Yes, there's lots of brain stuff which can be challenging at first but it's based on real science, not anecdotes / opinions.

u/nokanjaijo · 1 pointr/Screenwriting

I can't recommend this book enough.

But, yes, trauma disrupts the way your brain functions. It takes time to recover, but recovery is absolutely possible.

In my experience, once you get yourself back to that headspace where you really, truly feel safe in the world and yourself again, the urge to create will return with force.

u/disbelief12 · 1 pointr/raisedbynarcissists

> Everybody has told me (including my therapist) that I just need to let it go. That it's in the past. And yet these sage-like elders of yore are somehow unable to give me any kind if advice on how to do that.

The past is present. That's the part that some people don't understand. These experiences don't go away until we've allowed ourselves to feel the emotions that have been buried and integrate those experiences back into our psyche.

Does your therapist do trauma work? It can be hard to resolve some of these deeper issues without someone with specialized training in working with childhood trauma. But many of us have healed. It is possible to do it. When you feel ready for it, maybe look into someone who does EMDR? Also The Body Keeps the Score is an excellent book if you want to read more about why "let it go" is so invalidating.

I'm proud of you for the work you've done and that you are in touch with yourself enough to know that there are specific things you want to work on. Hugs if you want them. <3

u/SillyGayBoy · 1 pointr/raisedbynarcissists
u/Aperture_Kubi · 1 pointr/raisedbynarcissists

Well that's one for Kindle.

Amazon link.

u/jaggedfracture · 1 pointr/adultsurvivors

Hi and welcome if you’re new here.

You said you’ve been in therapy for 7 years I believe. I did a lot too and I was ok for some time until I saw a very triggering documentary in February. I think sometimes we just encounter something in life that opens our wound. And it takes time for a new scar to grow over it. Be kind to yourself and extra gentle while you’re in this period. Be patient with yourself.
Surround yourself if you can with empathetic people who value and support you.

I think talking about it in a safe place with safe people helps us cope. It takes away some of the stigma.

This will sound dumb, but try telling yourself some positive affirmations right before you fall asleep, and when you wake up. That can help disrupt the rumination soundtrack a lot of us have playing in our heads.
Rumination is damaging, and it reinforces trauma.

You were asking about books in an earlier comment thread. Lots of people have good things to say about this one although I haven’t read it yet. But it’s on my list.

The Body Keeps The Score

For males who might be reading, I’m finishing up this, and it’s been helpful Joining Forces: Empowering Male Survivors To Thrive

u/xabaddonx · 1 pointr/Psychonaut

So glad you found this helpful. I would say that the book mentioned above is better suited for very advanced meditators. I found it very interesting but am not yet in the position to take advantage of the maps it provides, although it explains the difference between concentration and insight very well. It has maps of each path and how they interplay.

There are a few books that I have found quite helpful. I tend to divide them into 2 categories, motivation and instruction.

I read the motivation books first. These books, along with my LSD experiences, really helped motivate me to establish a daily meditation practice. I read quite a few but these are my top 2 by a good margin.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle : This was the first book I read and really set me off on this path. It is somewhat surface level but to a former athiest it was enough to make me realize that there is something real there. It is explained in a way that anyone can appreciate and won't scare anyone off.

Be Here Now by Ram Dass : This completely blew me away. If I had read this first without any psychedelic experience, I might have dismissed it as the ravings of a mad man. This really opened me up to possibilities that I never would have considered as a life long atheist. After I read this, I had to let go of my atheism.

You may have had enough experiences that you don't need any more motivation (I would still read Be Here Now for fun because it is a trip in and of itself). As far as instruction, the best book hands down that I have found is "The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science" by Culadasa. It takes you through the process step by step, shows you the theory behind what you are doing and what you need to work on at each stage. It is a balanced approach between concentration and insight. I believe this is the best approach for most people. Straight insight as advocated by the noting method in "Mastering the Core Teachings" seems to be the fastest path to enlightenment but one is more likely to get stuck in a long "dark night of the soul" period without sufficient concentration power.


Some other very good books:

Tao Te Ching

The Science of Enlightenment by Shinzen Young

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley


> Lastly, on a side note, I had always thought that the final attachment is to ourselves, and that is what keeps us alive. In a rudimentary way, keeping us from killing ourselves, or letting ourselves die passively from lack of taking care of ourselves. Maybe perception is the second attachment? Just a thought and wondering if anyone else had ever considered this.

As you progress along this path, you begin to understand that the "self" is not a "thing". It is an "activity" that we do, and you can learn to stop doing it. A common misperception is that we would want to kill ourselves without this. The reason for this misperception is that people equate "attachment" with care or love. One of the results of the process is that you realize that you can be unattached to something but still care for it. So we may become unattached to the idea of the self as a separate thing, but that doesn't mean that we wouldn't care for ourselves.

During the "dark night period" people often get this feeling that nothing has meaning, because they have picked everything apart with insight until they are left with nothing. Every sensation has been stripped of its conceptual meaning until it is just a blur of moments of perception. But beyond this feeling of "nothing has meaning", one gets to the point where they realize that "everything has meaning" and this shift in perception marks the exit of the dark night. I believe that the ultimate paradox that you can understand once you are enlightened is that determinism and free will are both true and are not mutually exclusive. That is just my own personal theory but my intuition is that this is the crux of it.

I know I am not explaining this well, it's very difficult to explain in objective logic. You can probably get a better idea by reading "The Way of Zen". There are a lot of paradoxes involved that can only be truly understood from an enlightened viewpoint but the way he explains it you can kind of see what they are talking about. Because certain truths cannot be explained in objective logic, they sort of "point a finger at it" but the student has to look at where they are pointing instead of at the finger itself. In the end one has to let go of trying to understand it with the thinking mind and just practice.

u/autumnwolf27 · 1 pointr/Meditation

I'm really sorry to hear that.

In addition to meditation practice, I would also suggest cultivating the right thoughts/mindset; Enjoying with family, and friends. I found this book really good: the mind illuminated

u/MeatFloggerActual · 1 pointr/Meditation

This is a C+P of a response I made to a similar question:


>You have an emotion that you are calling anxiety (this works with any of them, though). When you first notice that emotion, acknowledge it. Even if it's days, months, or years afterwards. Label it. The more you consciously do this, the more you will unconsciously do it. It will become easier and easier to recognize Anxiety closer and closer to the triggering point. As you do, explore the physical manifestations of this Anxiety. Just because they're subjective and mean different things to different people: What I label as anxiety has a deep, throbbing pain feels just below heart. This could be very different for you, but the important thing is that you start to understand the body's reactions to the emotion, because they always precede their conscious counterparts. This skill will progress, and as it does, you'll be able to pick up on ever-more subtle manifestations that allow you to understand that anxiety is rising within you before it has the ability to take over completely.
>
>It's the same basic idea behind the breath meditation that we are practicing with TMI. In the first stages, you get distracted and can only notice it retrospectively. So you return to your breath with the intention of noticing it earlier and earlier. And over time it works until the Gross Distractions have become Subtle. In the same way, labeling and resolving to understand the manifestations of an emotion go from enveloping us and taking over our thought-stream and actions, to a more subtle understanding that the emotion is there, but we don't have to engage with it.

There are a few terms that I reference from The Mind Illuminated, but that's the only vocabulary I have to discuss these things. If you would like any further clarifications about any of it, though, please don't hesitate to ask

u/flowfall · 1 pointr/Meditation

Okay, life has sickness, aging, death and a load of pain in it, these are all inevitable. The suffering/dissatisfaction attached to these and the rest of the "negative" things in life we'd like to avoid( but have no control over what lot we get) can be dissolved, one can get very good at dissolving it, so good the brain stops producing it and experience takes on the form of relaxation. non-reactivity, and ever expansive awareness as its natural state resulting in a powerful consciousness and a deep sense of peace and well-being imbued into your entire experience.

This is made possible by the brain's neuroplasticity and it's cognitive feedback, the brain can learn and optimize itself to be more efficient, use less energy, and produce significantly less stress for this experience.

Now all of these changes happen on a progressive spectrum of time/experience, the greater the amount of this time/experience that is spent practicing the more deeply influenced the proceeding time/experience of ones life becomes by this.

You've tasted the very surface. One can get to complete and utter relaxation. A state of non-reactivity or equanimity in which one can observe experience impersonally and learn to see reality without the conceptual overlays of negativity, to be able to take life on as what it is rather than what our thoughts say what it is.

To get directly to this state one must learn to completely let go of all effort. On the progressive journey towards mastering concentration meditation one develops all of the mental skills necessary to be able to let go of all effort. More time spent in this stillness grants one compoundingly greater insights which allow jumps in ones progress, shifts in perspective that slowly show you how all of your internal reactions and conceptual overlays on experience were absolutely unnecessary, completely optional and the source of all your perceived problems/suffering.

It really doesn't take more than a few months to be able to get access(with proper guidance) to these states and start exercising them and increasing time being able to be spent in them in daily life. This is when life becomes meditation and it just does itself. The fast track to enlightenment. I've personally experienced virtually a complete loss of dissatisfaction with any part of experience and a deep lasting peace that began gradually and started expanding and solidifying into the permanent part of my experience it is now. There are still the products of my previous conditioning, bad habits and reactions that on occasion pull me in and fool me for a few minutes till I realize the silly mental prison I compulsively created. The clarity of perception allows much more efficient corrections as I become more aware of these habits and my brain will simply weed them out and continue relaxing into what it previously tensed up against. The process of learning and expanding is said to be endless. Life has become a smooth enjoyable ride in which I can delight in the ups and downs as my only job is to learn, adapt and most importantly relax.

The best guide around on developing concentration is "The Mind Illuminated" by Culadasa. It outlines the entire journey from beginning to complete mastery of concentration taking all the guesswork out. /r/streamentry is a community of people on their own journey to complete contentment with a growing number people that have achieved similar or greater results than me. The sidebar there is chockfull of info.

For a slightly longer and more detailed explanation of the path check out my other comment:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Meditation/comments/6le4mo/so_um_what_is_the_exact_point_of_meditation/djtp6xh/

You can go as deep or as shallow as you want with this to get however much benefit you like, but it becomes an effortless passion as you reap more and more benefits.

Lastly no, don't set silence of the mind as a goal. That comes as a natural side-effect of getting better at letting go of effort. No effort means no reactivity. Your breath will guide you deeper and deeper into states of less effort. Make sure you have at least 20 good minutes in/beyond those deep relaxed states as thats when the really productive meditation happens. You'll get better and faster at getting to this stillness as well. Once you can engage it like a muscle for momentary bursts of stillness you can practice using it and expanding your time in it in waking life. A place holder for this is the attempt to relax and pacify the mind on the breath during difficult times, it's increasingly more helpful as you get better on the mat. Also as you suggested in your other comment, maintaining awareness of breathe/footsteps (active meditation), helps you learn to extend these abilities to your life by helping you remain calmer and less reactive. You can soon find it's effortless and automatic. If you can understand this you can see there is no difference on or off the mat, only how much stimuli there exists to pull is into reactivity, the habit of non-reactivity dissolves the difference as you can be internally still and speak interact and work anywhere your mind is.

Also this video and the following 2 parts may be helpful.

You asked for how to work on the real problem, this is the only problem which spawns everything else you see. Practice, patience and a radical confrontation and relaxation into every aspect of life is the only solution.

u/SilaSamadhi · 1 pointr/TheMindIlluminated

Thanks for the comment. For what it's worth, I heard that there are two versions of the ebook: the one that came out shortly after the original 2015 publication, and a newer edition that came out on January 2017, without many changes to the content, but with much improved format for the ebook.

The fact that a new version of the ebook was released is already a telltale sign that many technical publication improvements have been made. That's the usual reason they re-release ebooks not too long after the original, and without many content differences.

u/BrandoTheNinjaMaster · 1 pointr/Meditation

You may want to consider some (in)formal instruction to help you maximize your practice for those sessions.

When I first started, I started with 15 minutes (20 is also not outside the realm of reason) and then added 5 minutes each successive week until I hit about 35 minutes per session; that's my personal limit for right now. During these sessions, I'm normally trying some kind of technique (labeling, checking in, noting, etc) to maintain focus on the meditation object (in my case the breath). By the end of these sessions, I wouldn't say that I am exhausted, but I have definitely spent effort to train my mind and I do notice it afterward.

While I personally use the book The Mind Illuminated as my means of instruction, you could also look into others like Mindfulness in Plain English or even an introductory program to help guide you along.

u/ignamv · 1 pointr/samharris

Also check out The Mind Illuminated ( /r/TheMindIlluminated ). It emphasizes finding joy in the practice and is supposedly more stabilizing than the dry insight Ingram used to advocate.

u/Apdravenop · 1 pointr/USMCboot

I'd suggest this book if you are just starting out with fitness/body building in general. https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219

If you have Air Force ROTC at the college you want to get your masters degree from that will only make your military transition even easier as they can write you good testimonials and help open doors.

The military in general, active or reserve, will not make you into a fit body. The transitional period during boot camp (That good old 13 week fun course) is only going to give you average fitness levels. They just want to train you enough to pass the fitness test, because that is their job. If you want to do anything beyond that you will have to do it on your own (and on your own time). Fitness is a habit that can be gained through repeated action just like everything else.

u/ACDCrocks14 · 1 pointr/bodybuilding

Oh wow, here are my results. That's a lot more than I expected. I thought it would be closer to 3000 kcal.

I'll see how it goes. I just bought the bible a few days ago, so when it ships to my house I'll hopefully be able to dive deeper into the research.

Edit: my bf is probably closer to 15%.

u/Tanag · 1 pointr/Fitness

What are peoples thoughts on Arnolds beginners plan from New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding?

I wouldn't say I'm a total beginner, but definitely not a seasoned lifter. I picked up the book and really like it, and I like how varied the plan is. I however am only doing it 3 days a week, rather than 6.

Here is the workout for those without the book:

  • Day 1 - Chest/Back - Bench Press, Incline Press, Pullovers, Chinups, Bent Over Rows, Deadlifts, Crunches

  • Day 2 - Shoulders, Upper Arms, Forearms - Clean and Press, Lat Raise, Upright Rows, Push Press, Barbell Curls, Dumbell Curls, Close Grip press, Tricep Extensions, Wrist Curls, Reverse Crunches

  • Day 3 - Thighs, Calves, Lower Back - Squats, Lunges, Leg Curls, Calf Raises, Straight Leg Deadlift, Good Mornings, Crunches
u/pg13xxx · 1 pointr/Fitness

I bought this book.

http://www.amazon.ca/The-New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding/dp/0684857219

Arnold is great, he is a good writer, you'd think he's a stereotypical choice but there's more. There's lots of glossy photos in the book that i didn't care a ton about but there was good meat in it too like techniques and form and some good motivation i.e how a persons body can go from being a 10HP engine to a 15HP engine, by training where at real motor will just burn out.

u/PublicLeopard · 1 pointr/GetMotivated

> Arnold encyclopedia

there sure is

even better is his autobio

Pumping Iron (1977) sometimes appears on streaming sites like netflix and is worth a watch

u/TibetanBookOfNapping · 1 pointr/Buddhism
u/Franks2000inchTV · 1 pointr/stopdrinking

That's a great book! Another really good one is Zen Flesh, Zen Bones although it's more for people who already know a bit about Zen.

Zen and recovery mesh really well for me.

u/doctechnical · 1 pointr/AskReddit

"What is the sound of one hand clapping?"

First there is a mountain. Then there is no mountain. Then there is.

I think you want to look into Zen Koans, which are little stories or parables that don't make sense to the rational mind.

I had a book called "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" which was a collection of koans like this. One of my favorites:

When the nun Chiyono studied Zen under Bukko of Engaku she was unable to attain the fruits of meditation for a long time.

At last one moonlit night she was carrying water in an old pail bound with bamboo. The bamboo broke and the bottom fell out of the pail, and at that moment Chiyono was set free!

In commemoration, she wrote a poem:

In this way and that I tried to save the old pail

Since the bamboo strip was weakening and about

to break

Until at last the bottom fell out.

No more water in the pail!

No more moon in the water!

u/cyberpsych · 1 pointr/philosophy

Whole hearted agreement.

Also try Zen Flesh Zen Bones.

u/Arlieth · 1 pointr/bestof

I recognize this story, it's an adaptation of a Zen parable about a man who asks a Zen roshi to paint (with Chinese calligraphy) an auspicious (good luck) saying to hang in his house. Though I guess a Zen roshi is kind of a priest.

There's a lot of great stories like this in a book called Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Flesh-Bones-Collection-Writings/dp/0804831866

u/wordsfail · 1 pointr/zen

It can be useful to come in contact with words and letters especially when they "point" to consciousness beyond words and letters, without desires, aversions, and delusions. If words were altogether useless, those masters would have said nothing on the subject. It seems that many of the old masters did just that a lot of the time (said nothing). The words are the opening gambit, it's all changing experience.

u/rockytimber · 1 pointr/zen

here is a collection of zen stories that include some zen dialogue. Some people call it "combat dharma" because it appears to be like a masterful sword fight to some. Later it become institutionalized into something called "encounter dialogue", and standard questions and answers evolved. Some call that pseudo zen, and once zen is formalized like that the spontaneity and life of it is gone. It can become like any other religion when priests are just officials who have studied and are connected to a line of succession.

With zen, study or any other "practice" is not enough. You have to "get it". How some people get it and others don't remains a mystery. Succession has little to do with it.

u/realshushisandwiches · 1 pointr/zen

I am reading Zen Flesh Zen Bones right now - really enjoying it. Includes the Gateless Gate.

u/Yoga_Burn · 1 pointr/yoga

A lot of that healing comes from the yoga philosophy. Most people are taught patanjali's 8-limb path that has philosophy as well as physical practices. Yoga ideals are not so much about the thought process, but they are about doing the actual actions. For example cleanliness is one of the 10 philosophies but it's not the idea of being clean that makes you happy it's the actual work of doing the dishes, washing your car, keeping good hygiene, and fixing your diet that makes you happy. Here is a book that everyone reads that will get you started. The first 50 pages are all about the background of yoga. I also imagine that Patanjali's sutra's will help too. And there is Buddha's 8-fold path that is very similar to what Patanjali says.

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318?ie=UTF8&keywords=a%20light%20on%20yoga&qid=1465499433&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

u/moncamonca · 1 pointr/yoga

Try a copy of Light on Yoga.

u/Capdindass · 1 pointr/yoga

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar. He goes over all poses step by step and includes some philosophy in the text. My studio has a copy in every room, so people can reference it while they practice

u/jmilloy · 1 pointr/bodyweightfitness

I'm using Light on Yoga by Iyengar at home. I'm not sure how this differs from modern "Iyengar yoga" -- it does seem to focus on single postures and alignment. The postures are described and shown in detail. The back section of the book has a weekly progression of postures that starts very basic and extends into the hundreds of weeks. I am able to do it 5 to 7 times a week, and it appeals to me that every week or two things change up and increase in difficulty, but I don't have to spend a lot of time figuring out on my own what I should be doing.

Previously, I was doing Bikram's beginner yoga series (26 asanas), first at a studio and then at home. It does not have to be hot. It really is a great series and can be quite strenuous, and I still do it from time to time.

u/nordr · 1 pointr/Buddhism

Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness has become my new “intro” book that I recommend to newcomers.

Mindfulness in Plain English is an equally lucid and clear guide to meditation by the same author.

u/fiveifrenzy6 · 1 pointr/atheism

Not so much incompatible i just prefer the truths of science to some of the mysticism that Buddhism holds like the belief that once you reach enlightenment or nirvana you are one with everything and completely at peace, there is nothing but absolute bliss. I find that hard to believe along with the cycle of reincarnation where you basically repeat the same mistakes for eternity until you reach Nirvana which is again making this life seem like a hell instead of a wonderful thing that you should cherish.

You could certainly combine the two to follow the morals and ethics of the Buddhist religion but saying your a Buddhist implies you believe in the above mentioned things. Which i don't believe so i stick with calling myself an Atheist though i do connect and accept most of what the 4 noble truths and the 8 fold path preach. I just don't feel i should call myself a Buddhist if i am not fully committed to the religion.

Is that clear? i know there are reasons i left out like it takes some serious dedication to become always conscious of your thoughts and keep them in control. Its not an easy religion to take on but if you are seriously interested I suggest reading this book. it was recommended to me by a Buddhist friend when i became interested. It was a good read to help me understand what the religion was about. It's a short book, though you might need to reread some parts to fully understand some of the concepts but it basically lays out Buddhas path to enlightenment in an easily understood manner.

u/YayBooYay · 1 pointr/loseit

Right? No one mentioned that the first part of maintaining was figuring out what you want to look like. I'm glad you got your back pain sorted out. My back is all screwed up. I found relief in this book. It taught me how to stand, walk, sit, and lie down. I wish I got it years earlier.

u/fitterr · 1 pointr/AskMen

>It feels so cocky to walk upright.

Oh, the horror. Better than progressively turning into a hunchback or needing back surgery in your 30s.

 

Get this book and live its advice. Here's a Google talk where the author explains her method for improving posture.

A quick run-through of her main techniques:

Stretchsitting

Stretchlying

Stacksitting

Tallstanding

Inner corset

Side stretchlying - similar to the above but on your side

Hip-hinging

Glidewalking.

Katheen Porter is also a good source for improving/understanding posture.

u/PosterOfManyThings · 1 pointr/Meditation

Hey man not especially related but I suffered terribly from various head, neck, chest and back problems from spending lots of time on the computer up until 2 years ago. The pain and discomfort stopped after following the posture inprovements in a book which I brought after seeing an impressive TED talk by the author, Esther Gokhale.

https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605

I actually torrented the book originally but I was so overjoyed with the results I got from it I ended up buying a copy just to support the author.

If you are having pain related to a sedentary lifestyle you might greatly benefit from giving it a read, I definitely did.

u/frequentlywrong · 1 pointr/asktrp

> TL; DR- doctors aren't as reliable in my country as they might be in the West, especially for stuff that is seen as trivial-like lower back pain.

Medicine based around prescribing pills for symptoms is pretty much standard for most of the world.

This will explain what the problem is and what to do about it:

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605

tl;dr: modern culture no longer knows how a healthy spine looks like. People overestimate how arched the lower back should be. Primitive cultures have very straight backs and no back pain. The book tells you how to fix your modern society poor posture.

u/oif · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Check this book out. It was very helpful for me. I read a lot of it at amazon and google books. The author also has a website. http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312667607&sr=1-3

u/kellydehn · 1 pointr/Fitness

Search for Esther Gokhale, she specialized in posture. She has a good book. The title refers to back pain, but is about posture. Also, here is a Ted Talk video she did. You can find more of here videos on youtube.

u/kame3d · 1 pointr/AskReddit

You have to learn how your body is meant to work. Watch this video of Esther Gokhale doing a talk at Google:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yYJ4hEYudE


Then I recommend you buy her book “8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back”:

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236465508&sr=8-1


I would also second the comments about starting some weight training, but focusing on good lifting form. Your muscles, not your bones, should be doing most of the work to keep you in a healthy posture.

If nothing works, see a doctor.

u/Theforechecker · 1 pointr/ketogains
  1. Im not hyper extending my back anymore.
  2. I started Foundation training (stretches that build lower back stabalizers) which has been a huge improvement. http://www.foundationtraining.com/
  3. Added barbell hip thrusts to improve glute strength
  4. Working hard on hip flexibility. this stuff, more or less http://www.somastruct.com/4-great-exercises-for-correcting-anterior-pelvic-tilt/. Instead of #4 bridges im doing the hip thrusts.
  5. Totally adjusting my posture, while awake and sleeping. This book is a wake up call everyone should read. http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605
  6. Work on deadlifts

    I think the back pain is a combo of imbalances in my weight traing, bad posture and bad form. Also has lead to the tilt.
u/catalyiticats · 1 pointr/Fitness

For help with posture while you are standing, I recommend checking out 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back by Esther Gokhale.

u/chingwraithism · 1 pointr/cscareerquestions

In addition to using a standing desk, as others have recommended, you might find Esther Gokhale's book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back helpful.

u/MarineClimateLover · 1 pointr/books

Is this included in her reading list?

u/pornpompornpomporn · 1 pointr/Showerthoughts

/r/meditation has good resources. they often recommend this book

u/lukievan · 1 pointr/Meditation

+1 to this. You are doing quite a lot of "self-improvement" lately and that challenge/goal mindset can actually undermine your meditation practice. Most of the time when we apply ourselves to something, there is a more-or-less linear response in terms of positive results. I think meditation is different - because it deals with the mind itself, 'progress' can be much more subtle and slippery. I'm a relative newcomer to daily meditation myself and I'm struggling with a similar dynamic - a lot of "progress" at first, and now it seems like I'm going backwards. Letting go of expectations and returning to the breath, and trying to not judge myself for mind-wandering helps. I'm reading Culadasa's book The Mind Illuminated and it's very helpful in presenting a methodical, reasoned approach to meditation practice. It outlines stages ands goals, which I like, though it can also play into the achievement trap that may be responsible for self-judgement and impatience. But I think it's worth it. I'm going to continue meditating because I know it's the right thing to do and let the 'results' come or go as they may.

u/Thotality · 1 pointr/milliondollarextreme

Yes! This book really helped me improve. A problem with meditation I've found is there's no real plan besides just sitting. This helped me realize how I can get better. https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473015317&sr=1-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated

u/becomingmanofsteel · 1 pointr/Meditation

Honestly, the answer is Your Mileage May Vary. :)

There are people who have lived alone for 12 years doing meditation, growing their own food etc.

The Vipassana course structure certainly makes a lot of things easier. Primarily food, removing distractions of all kinds and guidance from an experienced meditator.

A home retreat with all the above attributes would certainly be good. And it would make the meditator quite self sufficient in their practice.

Meanwhile just to share, a reference guide and a more tactical approach to tackling meditation, check out the book Mind Illuminated by Culadasa

Edit: Formatting

u/exit_eu · 1 pointr/edefreiheit

Das hier ist momentan so die Go-To-Empfehlung, so weit ich weiss. Das ist eigentlich eine Meditationsanleitung, man kann aber auch die Praxis-Kapitel überspringen und nur die Theorie-Kapitel lesen, damit wird das ganz gut erklärt.

Sam Harris hat glaub ich in Waking Up auch darüber geschrieben, allerdings weiss ich nicht wie tief er reingeht, da ich es selber noch nicht gelesen hab.

Du kannst auch mal bei Gary Weber reinschauen, der hat gute Videos zu dem Thema, obwohl ich nicht weiss, wie viel man da rausnehmen kann, wenn man nicht schon weiss, wovon er redet.

u/p4nx · 1 pointr/Meditation

Excuse me, but did you read The Mind illuminated: a complete Meditation Guide or did you read The Illuminated Mind by June D'Estelle? And is this the right book to read when I want to improve my concentration meditation to someday reliable reach jhana? Sorry if this question is dumb or already answered. Anyways it was a good read about your achievements. I wish you and your wife the best of luck.

u/soutioirsim · 1 pointr/Mindfulness

Body scans are brilliant for this type of situation.

I've got a presentation to do at a conference in roughly one hour and last night I slept terribly. My thoughts just kept on jumping to the presentation, which got me worked up, and therefore couldn't sleep (which obviously stressed me out more). It wasn't until 3am when I decided to do a guided body scan mediation that I finally fell asleep.

I find that when I have a super scattered and jumpy mind, the breath as a meditation object is simply not strong enough to pull me out of the thought stream. I need to sink into the sensations of the body in order to help break the cycle of getting caught up in my thoughts.

Specifically, I would recommend the body scan meditation by Mark Williams (his book comes with a CD).

When I'm not stressed, then I go back to using The Mind Illuminated.

u/hurfery · 1 pointr/Meditation

Sounds like a very normal first experience. :)

What were you focusing on?

If you're aiming to make meditation a part of your life you should consider following a book such as The Mind Illuminated

u/jonathan_bart · 1 pointr/Meditation

The Mind Illuminated really helped me to ground into a particular method. Read some reviews and see if it resonates for you. Can't hurt to try :-). It certainly gave a giant boost to my practice (frequency, duration, and results).

u/Singulis · 1 pointr/Meditation

I would recommend seeing a therapist to get yourself on a more stable level so that you can meditate. You can also feel 'safe' when meditating because you have that security, someone who can help you through experiences that you might come across while meditating.

Now about my experiences.

I reasoned around half a year ago that since life is all process, it's meaningless and had the thought of committing suicide. I lived with misery and panic attacks every so often for a few weeks after having this thought as my instincts were wanting me to live, but my intellectual mind saw no point to it.

After my third panic attack, I decided to make an appointment with a therapist.

He was cool, drugs were last resort and he wasn't religious. My perfect match on the first try!

He suggested I look up 'mindfulness meditation' which led me to this guided meditation by Sam Harris.

As a secular person new to meditation who had assumptions about the practice, this guy gave me consolidation about the practice, as well as a professional psychologist suggesting it to me lol. I can't remember what the first session was like, but I know i kept doing it and saw results in the first week. Hell yea!

I wanted to explore more when it came to meditation and got this app. It's a guided meditation app that got me into the idea of working on certain aspects of meditation, developing certain muscles to become a better meditator and around this time I was making good progress with overcoming depression.

After about a month of using the app I started to get into the 'roots' of meditation and seeing where these practices come from.

In short, Buddhism.

I was now seeking knowledge about meditation in the realm of buddhism and came across Mindfulness in plain english.
This book showed me a glimpse into how the mind worked and how meditation was more of a philosophical/empirical way of overcoming suffering and such. It's a good book.

After some time, maybe a few weeks, I came across another book called The Mind Illuminated which has been my sole resource of guiding my meditation practice for six months now. This book dives deeep into the practice of meditation, in a secular manner, from the perspective of past skilled meditators and neuroscience. From learning how to start a habit of practicing meditation to creating a mind prone to Awakening or Enlightenment, which is not mystical, the book covers it.

Again, I would really suggest seeing a therapist to help you stabilize a bit but if you can't, start out with the guided meditations NOT stoned (lol) I mentioned and see for yourself the benefits of meditation.

Meditation is a whole other world my friend.

Have a good one.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, hit me up.

peace



u/mahlzeit · 1 pointr/europe

Behind all the religious bullshit and the old-fashioned language in Buddhism there's actually a very nice psychological model of the mind. So I'd argue that this is a bit different, and I don't think anybody who likes to meditate daily would see himself as a convert to anything, I certainly don't, I'm still just as atheistic as before I started meditating.

There are several religions that share the label "Buddhism", you can recognize them by their shaved heads and orange/brown robes. And people subscribing to those religions are just as zealous as other followers. Thankfully they are more or less harmless to outsiders (not to insiders, though; for example different Buddhist sects are fighting with and murdering each other in Tibet, which nobody in the west seems to know about).

In the end there are different degrees of harmfulness, but swallowing any ideology (with or without a god) without skepticism and reason is kind of always a bad idea.

> buddhist may use "traditional medicine" for their children or other things like that.

Yeah, there's a new religion that has developed in the west, which is called "New Age" and has combined a lot of feel-good-bullshit from various sources. It's time we recognized this as an actual religion, but we're probably not far enough removed from it historically to see it for what it is. People who read "The Secret" or base life decisions on astrology may not blow themselves up at military checkpoints, but they can do a lot of damage to their social group too.

u/waketech_student · 1 pointr/Meditation

Online meditation course ?
Whats the difference between it and between books, or being on the dharmaoverground.org or any other meditation forum or one of the meditation Sub Reddit for that matter?

Edit:

A lot of people here seem to like this, it looks pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459294735&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mind+illuminated

u/CptDefB · 1 pointr/TheRedPill

> Requesting the equivalent of 5x5 or starting strength, for meditation.

[The Mind Illuminated, Culadasa (aka, John Yates)] (https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705)

u/_pope_francis · 1 pointr/eldertrees

http://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index

We all wish we could start at a 10-day retreat, but truth is you can just sit and focus on your breathing. The Mind Illuminated is a great how-to manual.

u/MeditationGuru · 1 pointr/LifeProTips

The meditation that I learned was Vipassana meditation at a retreat. You can go on a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at dhamma.org
I can tell you from personal experience it is hugely beneficial to attend a full course. Meditation has improved my life in every aspect.

Now of course for some people that is a huge commitment, but you can still start meditating daily without attending a 10-day course and it will still be very beneficial.

If you cannot attend a 10-day course, I suggest doing mindfulness meditation of the breath. (Anapana)
The basic instructions are this:

  1. Set a timer for 10 minutes to an hour and sit with your spine and neck straight, try to get as comfortable as possible, but try to sit up straight. Perfect posture is not important when you are first starting out

  2. Begin following the sensations of the breath at the tip of your nose.

  3. Whenever you notice that you are lost in a thought, return to the breath. Don't be hard on yourself for losing focus on the breath, it is totally normal.

    Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the duration of your sit. Do this everyday, it must become a priority to sit every day. Only miss a sitting if it is completely unavoidable.

    "The secret to success is continuity of practice" -S.N. Goenka (The teacher that created the Vipassana course that I attended and linked above)

    Those are the basic instructions, the practice goes deeper, if you are interested in learning more about meditation I suggest reading The Mind Illuminated (A guide that will take you through all of the stages on the path of meditation)


u/mimmergu · 1 pointr/Meditation

It's called Piti in Pali. Also chi, prana, etc. Check out this book, it will give you more details than you want on sensations during meditation

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

u/elnoxvie · 1 pointr/Meditation

I would recommend to check this book out. It is a complete meditation manual by cudalasa.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705

You will find a stage by stage instructions. Thus, you know how far you have progress.

u/Feritix · 1 pointr/Meditation

I highly recommend The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa. I've recommended it so many times it may seem like I'm getting paid to suggest it, (trust me, I'm not) but that book was incredibly helpful along my path. It cuts through a lot of the nonsense you might read by some of these "teachers" one sometimes find on the Internet and establishes a clear guide on how to progress in meditation.

u/bigskymind · 1 pointr/Meditation
u/dovahkid · 1 pointr/leaves

The Mind Illuminated (amazon link, $14) - a science-based meditation manual written by a neuroscientist and meditation master. It's geared toward beginners (in the west particularly).

/r/TheMindIlluminated

u/mazewoods · 1 pointr/Mindfulness

Hey there,

Have you been diagnosed as having experienced trauma? Or are you currently experiencing traumatic stress?

From what I've read so far that may be the case. If that's so then I'd really recommend approaching mindfulness / Buddhism (I assume you learned impermanence there) with resources/teachers that are trauma-informed. Mindfulness can aggravate traumatic stress and in some cases cause retraumatization. You can still benefit from it, but only if you do it through trauma informed resources/teachers. I'd recommend having a look at Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness by David Treleaven: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing

u/relbatnrut · 1 pointr/Drugs

Frankly, I'd want to have an in depth conversation with your doctors before accepting that what they say is true. I have trouble believing they actually know much about meditation. While certain types of meditation can be destabilizing (though ultimately rewarding), simple mindfulness of the breath, a lovingkindness (metta) practice is far less likely to do so.

It's not surprising that being mindful brings up those feelings. The next step is to simply observe the feelings in your body without reacting to them. The feelings themselves can't hurt you, even though it feels like they can. Speaking from experience, eventually you will come to see them as simply empty vibrations with no significance beyond what they are in the body.

This book is very helpful for learning how to work with trauma in a gentle way that won't retraumatize: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787

While I'm here, maybe you will find something of your experience in this: https://www.dharmaoverground.org/dharma-wiki/-/wiki/Main/MCTB+The+Progress+of+Insight. I know it helped me frame my bad trip as not simply an aberration, but as something that thousands of people have gone through before as the Dukkha Ñanas when meditating (albeit much more forcefully since I was tripping).

u/inahc · 1 pointr/DID

I ended up getting back into meditation when the pain was bad and I had a useless doctor. A lot of standard meditation advice doesn't work for me (btw there ARE dangers, especially with trauma), so I had to throw out a lot of it and sorta flail about until I found what worked for me. There' a book that I suspect might overlap a lot with what I worked out, but I haven't got around to reading it yet: https://www.amazon.ca/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Safe-Healing/product-reviews/0393709787/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

My own approach was... ugh words are hard... I often thought of it as "balancing on a knife edge in a hurricane". it was partially.. um.. the one where you don't try and control your attention, you just try and be aware of where it is (which would quite easily settle on the pain, because pain). also part insight meditation. and it was like the pain was behind a giant dam, and I was letting just a tiny trickle through and figuring out how to process that and sorta.. surf/float on top of it instead of being sucked in.

What really helped was getting a better doctor and finally finding medication that worked, that got the pain down to a level where I could process it faster than it came in, and start draining that massive backlog. a couple of years of that and I actually got off the pain meds in the end :) :) although I do still have to be careful and I'm still not well enough to work.

Oh, and there were also times I focused more on teaching my muscles to relax, since their tension seemed to be causing the pain, and I had to retrain them to not do that.. but my laundry alarm went off minutes ago, I should go.

edit: oh, as a bonus my pain management seems to work on emotional pain too! yay!

as for the muscles... well, pain would make them tense and tension would cause pain. aren't feedback loops fun? :P I didn't start training them out of it until I found out I had a bladder problem ruining my quality of sleep (omg sleep is important) and had to retrain muscles to cure that. then I just sorta... applied what worked on them to the rest of my body a bit at a time. when one finally started to relax it'd go through a twitchy phase that felt kinda creepy... but if I could get through that, then it was a much happier muscle and if I could avoid pissing it off for a while it'd be much less likely to join in the spasms. The hardest have been the neck and jaw muscles; I'm still working on those even now, with the help of a physiotherapist (finally found one that's not a quack, yay). they are fucking stubborn, and when I do relax them they'll tense back up again, faster if I'm trying to focus at all. trying to think while relaxing them is like trying to walk in two different directions at once. :/ but hey, not being in constant pain is still pretty awesome. :)

u/FluffyPurpleThing · 1 pointr/40something

I don't know how to write this without sounding like a weirdo, so I'll just write it:

I started having back pain as a young adult. Doctors couldn't find anything and no medical or alternative treatment helped. I'd spend weeks in excruciating pain and no one could help me.

Then someone gave me this book. And I swear: by the time I finished reading it, I was healed. This is the book. It works like magic. I still get back pains, but not as frequently and definitely not as bad. Stretching, strengthening the core muscles and taking OTC pain medications are all I need now.

u/HappyTodayIndeed · 1 pointr/raisedbyborderlines

The Science of How Our Minds and Our Bodies Converge in the Healing of Trauma (article) https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/06/20/the-body-keeps-the-score-van-der-kolk/

Healing Back Pain, John Sarno. Look for the most recent, updated version. It isn't only about back pain. It's about somatic pain. I just finished reading it this week. I've been following the recommendations and feel better than I have in years. I feel loose and comfortable in my body. https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain (He has a personal history of childhood trauma and chronic pain) https://www.amazon.com/Back-Control-Surgeons-Roadmap-Chronic/dp/0988272997/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517499746&sr=8-1&keywords=back+in+control Website here: http://www.backincontrol.com/ And here: https://www.drbredesen.com/

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (He also has a history of childhood trauma; he is involved in the struggle for official recognition of C-PTSD) https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

The Body Never Lies - The Lingering Effects of Cruel Parenting (Alice Miller, so not new, but good) https://www.amazon.com/Body-Never-Lies-Lingering-Parenting/dp/0393328635

Good luck!

Therapy with a trauma-informed therapist helped a lot. The more I talked, and the less I see or interact with my mother--at my therapist's recommendation--the less pain I have had.

After a few months I started EMDR. My body feel different. I can't explain it to you actually. But I do have less pain.

I have been through a lot of conventional treatments and am not inclined to believe in "alternative" approaches to disease. I was very, very angry early in my pain journey when a few doctors suggested that I see a psychotherapist. I thought they were shuffling me off because they couldn't' help me, and that pyschotherapy was to learn to live in constant pain. I didn't know it could END the pain.

u/ddesigns · 1 pointr/pittsburgh

I can't help with a doctor but I highly recommend this book before she commits to surgery. It's only $8 on Amazon.

u/TheNob1eCow · 1 pointr/WorkOnline

I'm sorry to hear that my friend. That's honestly really unacceptable of your doctor!? Might want to consider finding a new one. My doctor has not hesitated with my pain. Not that he has helped too much but if I ask for something he supports me. Definitely hope you find some help! The books I keep getting recommended seem promising! - book

u/klahaya · 1 pointr/Meditation

A controversial method, but one that helped me get rid of my sciatica, was reading Dr. John Sarno's book "Healing Back Pain."

u/dirtyjeep · 1 pointr/MMFB

I had back/upper neck pain from 18 to 26. I went to multiple physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. I was just like you - had X-rays and MRI's and doctors told me there was nothing physically wrong with me. This book was the best thing that helped me.

Give it a try, it's only $6 on Amazon.

u/carolinerumur · 1 pointr/ChronicPain

Have you ever read Dr. John Sarno's book Healing Back Pain? Check it out. The reviews are crazy. Howard Stern is a massive fan, this book healed his back pain. http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409669644&sr=8-1&keywords=healing+back+pain

u/tonetonitony · 1 pointr/piano

http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333148484&sr=8-1

I don't have this problem and I haven't read this book, but it's supposedly a godsend for people with back pain. Good luck!

u/GetOffMyLawn_ · 1 pointr/Fibromyalgia

Even if "it's all in your head" it's not your fault. If it is that's actually good news, because it's potentially within your control. But first I would see a rheumatologist and see if he/she actually diagnoses fibro.

Normally gentle exercise helps fibro so I am surprised that a doc would tell you to stop if he thinks it's fibro.

If you want to pursue the psychosomatic route looks for books by Dr. John Sarno. Read the book and see if it makes sense to you. But don't neglect to see a rheum as well and make sure it is (or isn't) fibro.

I remember when I came down with CFS and the docs were telling me, well, you're depressed, you need to adjust your antidepressant medication. At that point I'd been dealing with depression and AD medication for decades, had been under psychiatric care for 10 years, it definitely wasn't depression or lack of appropriate medication. Took me a few years to find out that my medication was actually making me worse! I stopped taking ADs and found another way to manage my depression.

u/EffectiveConcern · 1 pointr/ChronicPain

Thank you for the good wishes. As for your situation - I suggest you try reading this book https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684 . It has helped me only somewhat since I have quite some degree of degeneration in certain areas of the spine, so not sure any amount of psychotherapy would help there, but he does have really good points and I have managed to resolve some of my flare ups with this approach.

Basically he is suggesting something such as - that a lot of body pain comes from ignoring emotions and pushing yourself way over the limit and tends to create these types of issues. Usually tends to happen to highly perfectionist type A people who tend to have tons of internal pressure. There are some stories of people he has helped with this approach.


From what you are saying it seems you are really under a lot of pressure, you should find a way to chill out more. Also weed is good for this.

u/Abcroc · 1 pointr/blogsnark

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

Might be worth a read. It's helped some people I'm close with.

u/dreamgalaxies · 1 pointr/Anxiety

I came down with extreme muscle tension in my neck and upper back in grad school and it got progressively worse and worse until I finally started therapy this year (5 years later). Even that didn't really help until I read this book: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

It's a little out of date but the theory is that unconscious emotions and anxiety are causing the muscle tension.
I, like you it sounds like, was not very in touch with my internal self and often self-medicated to avoid thinking about it and go about my life. It wasn't until I tried to pay more attention to my feelings that my pain got better...and trust me, I tried everything (massages, injections, acupuncture, chiropractic, etc etc etc)

Sounds kinda woo but if you're running out of options...
This was my introduction to the concept, commonly referred to as "Mind-Body Syndrome" or TMS":
http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/

Feel better.

u/redbeards · 1 pointr/Sciatica

I didn't like the approach, but many, many people have been helped by this guy's book. It sounds like you might be open to it.

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684


u/maleficus_electrica · 1 pointr/occult

try this book, if mindfulness helps this might help even more.

https://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/depressed_sunflower · 1 pointr/Nootropics

Don't know if this will be of any help but about ten years ago I experienced chronic carpal tunnel syndrome and pain in my wrist, along my arm and in my shoulder. It was absolutely debilitating and went on for months. I tried so many different things including trigger point therapy, had physiotherapy through my local NHS, saw an osteopath but nothing worked and I was in agony. I then read this book; http://www.amazon.com/Mindbody-Prescription-Healing-Body-Pain/dp/0446675156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419634173&sr=8-1&keywords=mind+body+sarno.

It sounds crazy but the pain I had had for over 6 months dissipated after reading the book, taking in the information and since then if it ever starts to come back I think about the information in the book and the pain goes. I got the book very cheaply from ebay. He has written another book more specifically about back pain; http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1419634173&sr=8-3&keywords=mind+body+sarno

Totally recommend his theory/treatment.

u/sep11insidejob · 1 pointr/Health
u/TriumphantGeorge · 1 pointr/Posture

A certain Dr Sarno had a similar take on this. Putting the detail of his theorising of his aside (he has an idea about muscle response and stuff), he basically said:

Back pain is rarely due to actual back problems. Plenty of people with knackered discs walk around pain-free. The pain is due to referral of sorts - your brain representing emotional pain or stress or anxiety in body locations.

Sometimes the location is 'inspired' by a previous accident which makes you wonder if it has recurred, but that's more to do with it being a previous emotional spot than actual physical injury (he says).

His answer: Stop trying to work out what's wrong. Just trust that it is your brain playing up, and carry on as normal. Sometimes even that simple acknowledgement of the pain is enough to clear it up!

Let me double up on the OP's anxiety-depression treatment encouragement. Not even treatment, so much as: recognise that your system is declaring to you that all is not well in your life, in how you are handling things, and see if you are pushing yourself along in a way, or in a direction, you secretly know you shouldn't be.

u/KK444 · 1 pointr/ChronicPain

OP, my heart swells for you. I am so sorry you are experiencing so much pain. It is such a silent and solo walk through, well, hell.

On the support side: there is an awesome org called 7 Cups of Tea that is "free, anonymous, and confidential conversations with trained active listeners. All conversations are deleted." It could be a great resource when you need someone to listen.

On the back pain side, one suggestion to look into with an open mind is John Sarno's method for solving chronic pain and RSI injuries called "The Mind-Body Prescription". I'm sure you can google the info you need, but just in case here is his book.


I have two friends who are incredibly intelligent, healthy, athletic men who, in their 20's, were healed by his method. One experienced such bad pain from typing that he couldn't hold his wife's hand, hold groceries, anything. He tried everything he could think of and nothing worked for long. The other would be woken from his sleep because of his pain and was planning to leave the company he started for a period of time because the pain was too terrible. They are rational, wonderful, amazing people and this ACTUALLY cured them, within a few days. They wrote about their story on Quora here

Dr. Sarno describes the type of people who most often benefit from his treatment/tend to have these chronic pain issues:
"They tend to be perfectionistic, compulsive, highly conscientious and ambitious; they are driven, self-critical and generally successful. Parallel with these traits, and sometimes more prominent, is the compulsion to please, to be a good person, to be helpful and nonconfrontational. In short, people with TMS have a strong need to seek approval, whether it is love, admiration or respect."
Does this sound like you?

If yes, keep an open mind and explore his work. I do hope with all my heart you are on the road to recovery soon.

u/i_have_a_gub · 1 pointr/bjj

Jesus Christ, people are already talking about surgery. Read one of John Sarno's books and see if it resonates with you.

u/prodifysas · 1 pointr/2cb

Happen to me also, I am wondering if this could be related to : https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684


TLDR: Your mind is hurting you to protect you from being scared, stressed or angered by your though.

u/bitterjealousangry · 1 pointr/reddevils

It probably has more to do with stress or tight hamstrings. Well that's why my lower back hurts anyway.

I hear people rave about this doctor and the book.

Also here's a 20/20 segment on him.
https://youtu.be/vsR4wydiIBI

u/Stucardo · 1 pointr/orangecounty

This worked for me, IMO most back pain can be solved by yourself

http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/msccc · 1 pointr/crossfit

Another possibility: some people carry stress/tension in their low back.

I thought for the longest time I was injured. Started on improving how I handle work stress/emotions and my issues went away.

This book is helpful if you think that might be a cause: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

u/strandthechinahand · 1 pointr/backpain

Cool is that this book?

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

I'll add it to my reading list.

u/alwaysagoodtime · 1 pointr/AskReddit

None of the above, you don't need any of it. The pain is all
in your head. You just need two books:

Healing Back Pain

and

Rapid Recovery from Back and Neck Pain: A Nine-Step Recovery Plan

Those two books solved my back pain.

u/Friend_of_the_Fire · 1 pointr/cigars

Congratulations! It weird...there's a bond between BOTL and there's a bond between fathers that make us celebrate with people we've never met face to face! I'm seriously thrilled for you!

My wife and I have a 16-month old girl and it is worth everything you have to go through to get there. The fears and frustrations and pains and changes are nothing compared to the end goal.

Advice:

  • Celebrate your woman. She will go through stages of feeling fat and ugly to feeling a new type of sexy. Make a big deal out of her starting now. It's amazing what she's capable of doing and worthy of partying about.

  • Learn about what she's going through now and will be going through then. Obviously you can't experience it from her perspective but that doesn't give us an out. There are loads of great resources. I highly recommend this book, even if you guys are not going to do a natural birth.

  • Fight over names. There are 1,001 books with 1,001 names and most of them suck. Fight for a name that's meaningful and won't get their lunch money taken by a bully.

  • Love every moment of it. You're moving towards one of those life changing encounters at a solid 60 minutes per hour. Relish it.

    Again, congratulations!

    Oh...and buy one of those stupid baby wipe warmers. They're not nearly as dumb as they sound. Imagine you're changing your (almost) sleeping baby in the middle of the night and you're thinking you're going to make it without waking the baby. Then the chill of wipe touches that little tush. It's all over. I ran out and bought one in the middle of the first night.
u/sudsymugs · 1 pointr/NewParents

The classes are actually less helpful than you would think. It's more piece of mind for my wife. I put the website below for more info. You can gain most of the information from the internet.

Bradley website
http://www.bradleybirth.com/

Really good book. I have like a thousand bookmarks on various pages. It goes through what you will be going through, how your boyfriend will be able to tell what you are feeling and what he should be doing to make you more comforatble and be more supportive. I highly recommend this one.
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594

Good luck and congrats!

u/shafonfa · 1 pointr/BabyBumps

My hospital offered a deal where you can do the 5-week childbirth class, the one-time newborn care class, and the one-time breastfeeding class for $90.

There's also an organization here called Healthy Start that offers free classes. We're doing the free childbirth class now, and will take a combo of breastfeeding/newborn care in August.

The downside of these classes is you don't get the specialized methods you would get from a private instructor, like Bradley or hypnobabies. The class we're in has been very general, although still helpful... mainly because the instructor is very familiar with the hospital where I'm delivering, so she has given us a lot of hospital-specific tips.

EDIT: I'm also going for natural, and this book was recommended to me. The pictures are pretty dated, but so far I do like the content!

u/Kate1124 · 1 pointr/AskMen

Not sure what your birthing plans are, but I'd check out the Bradley Method. Amazon link.

u/Timey_Wimey · 1 pointr/BabyBumps

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way have been two fantastic resources for me. I highly recommend them if you're more into the natural side of childbirth, and I even found them to be a great prep for what's to come even though I haven't really made my mind up about natural vs. ... whatever else happens that day lol. But I felt that they gave a more accurate (and positive) description of what birth is like than any other source I've read so far.

EDIT: for links

u/mom2pt0 · 1 pointr/BabyBumps

Yes, I would recommend the book. For me it was very informative about pregnancy, labor, and medications. It is biased on having a natural birth, but like I said, it explains all the other options.

http://smile.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594

u/myuppvoteaccount · 1 pointr/predaddit

The Birth Partner is a good one. It is aimed at the partner regardless of gender.

The Bradley Method is another good one and is more heteronormative (written with the heterosexual male husband as the primary audience).

We're a gay/trans couple, so both of these books are a bit of a mindfuck for us, but the information in them is great! I'm still looking for a book that provides all the necessary information without couching it in gender(roles/stereotypes) or mainstream relationships (almost all are written for married hetero couples). The problem with birth and parenting books is they are written in this weird way-- like in the second person with huge assumptions about the reader being written into the text.

I have an awesome intro to weightlifting book that assumes absolutely nothing about the life of the reader. It manages to provide excellent info about beginning barbell training for anybody who wants to learn it. I don't know why birth and parenting books can't be written the same way...

u/lodro · 1 pointr/StackAdvice

Ah yeah. Address the posture and see if you still feel bad. It's likely you'll feel way better.

There are a lot of different things called qi gong. The kind I'm thinking of is stuff like that explicated in this fantastically 80s looking book. All jokes aside, that book works really well as a standalone guide to the basic practice, which works wonders if you do it for 15 minutes daily.

u/VamanaP · 1 pointr/energy_work

Hey buddy, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for ZZ. It breaks everything down very clearly making it safe for those who do not have a teacher who specialized in ZZ.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Energy-Mastering-Internal/dp/0671736450

u/Nickolai1989 · 1 pointr/getdisciplined

I didn't, I read Schwarzeneggar's book: https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219. But if you think a coach would help go for it! Do whatever works man!

u/Sha-WING · 1 pointr/funny

Great point. If you haven't heard of it before, a really good read is by reddit's favorite body builder, Arnold. Most refer to it as the bible of body building.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/ref=la_B000AP7VZW_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397199174&sr=1-1

u/LocalAmazonBot · 1 pointr/bodybuilding

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: http://smile.amazon.com/The-New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding/dp/0684857219


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Spain|www.amazon.es||
|France|www.amazon.fr||
|Germany|www.amazon.de||
|Japan|www.amazon.co.jp||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||
|India|www.amazon.in||
|China|www.amazon.cn||




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

u/thebrokendoctor · 1 pointr/gainit

I'm still by no means a big guy, I'm still working my way up. But when I look at my facebook pictures from a year ago, or two or three years ago, there is a very clear progression of muscle mass being put on.

I would definitely recommend picking up this book, I bought it a couple months ago after Arnold did a thread in /r/fitness and doing one of the programs I've put on about 7 pounds in a month and aesthetically I've bulked up all over.

u/SnOrfys · 1 pointr/reddit.com

Fair enough. Notably, anyone who goes through Arnold's workouts listed in his Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding is superhuman. Those are insane.

u/Tickle_my_taint · 1 pointr/bodybuilding
u/conjunctionjunction1 · 1 pointr/Swimming

This is exactly the same exact advice Arnold gives in his Workout Bible... basically, whatever workout is more important for you to do, do that first. So if you're a triathlete who is supplementing weight training, do your S/B/R 1st. If you're a bodybuilder who is doing cardio to supplement your cut, do your cardio second.



u/OGAG99 · 1 pointr/Fitness

I recommend Arnold's book. I have been reading it for a while it is five books in one. You will learn about everything. one of the books included is chest exercises with full pictures and instructions.
http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding/dp/0684857219
Good luck.

u/Merger-Arbitrage · 1 pointr/PurplePillDebate

Ah damn, I triggered some people here really hard. Good. I'm going to rub more salt on the wound, because it will feel great to me in this instance.

>he is just as autistic as some of the TRPers and not particularly self-actualized.

Oh wow! Autistic! The ultimate insult when.. you have no clue how to respond. Perfect.

>You find this a lot with reddit posters.....the complete lack of ability to look outside their bubble to realize that not everyone is exactly LIKE them...I mean read his comments...it is all "every normal person knows this" and "everybody understands that you do that"....well fuck if those guys knew that shit and were fucking 2 or 3 women a month\year then you think that would be on the internet looking for why they are not successful with finding a mate?

I watch even chubby slobs get decent looking girlfriends.. Maybe that's some 4 year, private college, white priviledge thing going on. Who knows? I've been armchair diagnosed by a very angry forum whiner with autism.. I can't possibly know anything!

There is something VERY wrong with these "men" in the Manosphere, and it's often more internal than external.

>It is the same as why people like Labron James would likely suck as a basketball coach because his instruction would only work if you are a physical specimen who is 6-9 275lbs and can jump out of the gym. But that doesn't mean that you can never learn to play basketball quite well even if you are a 5-11 165lb with instruction and practice from a guy who understands the challenges of not being a natural.

Asking a Manospherian for attraction advice is like asking a man who was born blind to teach someone basketball. No, people who are good something may not be good teachers, but at least they don't suck (or didn't suck in the past) at that thing...

>The guy is one of the navel gazers..he has a small modicum of success, doesn't really understand why or how but feels superior so he goes around blasting people for not being normal and just "understanding" this or that....truth is that he couldn't help even if he wanted to help because he really doesn't know.

Now my favorite part. Oh boy. I'm going to brag like no tomorrow because... why not?

My "small" modicum of success with women goes back to grade school. First kiss around age 12-13. FWB-like relationship towards the end of high school. Play around with some girls in college and then junior year I meet a keeper - who I marry 5 years later and am still together with till today (going on 9+ years now). I've had no shortage of interest from women even ever since I was taken - I'm not blind to their attention at all. Now, how did I do it? Well I have a pretty good idea, even if not perfect. Here's the catch: they are either too dumb to replicate it, too lazy, too unlucky or too late.

My recipe for success: get lucky to experience living on 2 different continents between age 0-18, and then on a third one. But hey, that's not even necessary... that's just gravy. Observe what women around you find attractive. Figure out what interests them (and people in general). Take advice from SUCCESSFUL people. Here's the meat of it: work hard in school and get into a very good college (and possibly grad school) and get relevant certifications (I'm a CFA Charterholder), then get a very competitive, very well paid job (I'm 30. I work in investment management at a large firm in Boston ; I've made over 75K/year all my life ; over 100K last 2 years. My income upside is exponential. ). Meanwhile, get lucky to enjoy some hobbies which other people can relate to (esp women) such as "food & drink". Don't be a lazy idiot - want to look good? Exercise hard. Learn basics of nutrition. Want to build muscle? Don't do that half-ass 5x5 or whatever crap. Get a resource from a legend.. Then benefit from it. 1 year of baseline exercise in college + 4 now in my late 20's = me now.. In the process of doing MUCH of this (and that's more than what most men will achieve), you actually do something that everyone jerks off to here: you build a specific personality/character which is attractive on many levels to women (both sexually and for relationships). You also gain worldly knowledge and become an interesting, unique individual (I speak 2 languages fluently plus advanced with a 3rd one; I can speak intelligently about everything from microbiology, to the energy and retail industries, the global economy and financial markets (duh), anything related to food and drink (including nutrition), electronic music (I used to DJ clubs/lounges and radio when I was younger), among a smorgasbord of other things that I could list.)

So.. what advice am I supposed to offer? Here's the summary of problems:

Most Manospherian guys are..

Too dumb to (or it's too late for them): get into a great college and get yourself into a great career; figure out nutrition and how to effectively manage calories; figure out which hobbies to pursue to become an interesting conversationalist; too dumb to figure out how to buy attractive / stylish clothes without breaking the bank

Too lazy to: get in good shape with a program that actually works; too lazy to practice impeccable grooming/hygiene; too lazy to do the above (get into a great school and then get a great job - here it's laziness, not a lack of "smarts")

Too poor to: buy designer clothing and grooming/styling accessories to look great; too poor to finance interesting hobbies

And it is perhaps impossible to truly / effectively teach someone: assertiveness/confidence, passion, empathy (this might be based on genetic baseline intelligence), moral integrity (people with shitty morals repel people with generally good ones), conscientiousness/agreeableness, general "wit" ("how well you think and analyze" - again, this could well be 50% genetic), humor (again, most impromptu use is intelligence-based.. maybe humor books can help), worldly knowledge and a unique, well-rounded knowledge bank. < These traits in this last list are either things you are born with OR built over time. There are no shortcuts to many of these.

So yeah, I think I have a pretty decent idea of why I am successful. I just think it's impossible to teach much of this, or people aren't good enough to learn it / do it. I could certainly help with some of the basic things or parts of these, but why would I if most of the Manospherians are, based on their behavior, vile asshats in my eyes?

Pardon me.. were you saying something?

u/LoCHiF · 1 pointr/Fitness

I think all beginners should start with a simple linear strength program before moving onto a more goal specific program. So Starting Strength is a great start.

For bodybuilding you're probably going to want to read Arnie's Encyclopedia.

u/PM_ME_UR_THONG_N_ASS · 1 pointr/worldnews

Read his 800 page bodybuilding book and entertain yourself for life:


The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding : The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised https://www.amazon.com/dp/0684857219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SEGRDb97EYKF9

Legit bestseller

u/mcdoh · 1 pointr/science

get a small notebook to keep track of the exercise you performed, the weight used, and how many repetitions you performed. It will help give you an idea of your improvement and will aid your gains because you won't have to try to remember or guess what weight you used last time. Something measured grows faster.

Also, get a good weightlifting book or hire a personal trainer for your first few visits to the gym. It might sound cheesey, but Arnold actually wrote a great weightlifting book, just don't worry about the sections on competition. The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding

u/SwellsInMoisture · 1 pointr/AskReddit

If you're seriously interested in gaining weight, you should read this. There's a great breakdown of body types and diet. Basically, overload your metabolism.

Edit: Oh, and I'm the same as you... I cannot eat large meals, but I eat CONSTANTLY. While trying to gain weight, I have alarms set for 6 AM - Breakfast, 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM - Lunch, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM. Then workout, then dinner, then snack, bed. Yup, 10 feeding sessions. Getting an average of 800 per 3 main meals leaves you with 2100 calories over 7 snacks = 300 calories each. More manageable solutions.

u/AIDS12 · 1 pointr/Fitness

Grab a copy of Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Body Building. This book is perfect for beginners who need to learn how to build muscle mass. It explains both diet and exercise. There are workout routines in the book that should help you get started.

u/young_london · 1 pointr/naturalbodybuilding

I took it from his book. But yeah, i've found it really good and have made a lot of progress on it. The rep schemes also give me a good range of lower weight - high reps and higher weight - low reps, which has pushed on strength and hypertrophy.

u/cavalier_tj · 1 pointr/ultimate

Oh man, I don't like that article very much at all.

> A balanced program means that you’re not training the front of your body more than the back or the upper part of your body more than the lower.

I think this is nonsense. Training your chest and back are different. Training your upper and lower body are different. Different body parts respond differently to volume.

One example I can think of: The general consensus in the strength training community is to format your pushing/pulling at a 2:3 ratio. You need to do more pulling volume than pushing volume because your back is used in more lifts/natural movements than your chest/shoulders.

Another example: Schwarzenegger said in his Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding that it took him forever to realize that his arm with effectively 60% tricep and 40% bicep (bro science is real science sometimes I guess) and that he should train them with a 3:2 ratio triceps:biceps as well.

> 4 Parts – knee, hip, push, pull

This part really gets me. Calling squats a knee exercise and deadlifts a hip exercise is like calling an 8 course meal "salad".

> Push:

>Anything that looks like a bench press or a pushup

The main pushing movement for sports like ultimate should be Overhead Press because it requires alignment and strengthening of the entire posterior chain.

I also think using lunges as a main movement the same way we use squats/press/deadlifts is silly. Sure, lunges work some very important muscle groups and you definitely do lunges in ultimate as a part of the sport, but training them the same way you train squats/deadlifts is setting yourself up for injury. Lunges should be used as a volume exercise imo.

u/yoyoigotaquestion · 1 pointr/Fitness

I had a roommate who was a big proponent of http://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219 , written by Arnold Schwarzenegger. One of the things I remember reading was how important timing was to the workout. Meaning having schedules of working various zones of your body hard on various set days, allowing time for breaking muscles and for recovery. I'm sure this part of the governator's plan is right, considering many serious gym enthusiast friends I've had followed some variation of Arnold's regiment. Eg. Chest / Legs on one day, Arms/Abs next, cardio, then repeat the cycle again with a day of rest on one day of the week. There are many variations of routines you can find online.

Of course, take what I say with a grain of salt, as I personally have no motivation to do physical stuff other than what I do at work (lifting boxes). You can most likely already kick my ass. I might poke one of your eyes during the process however...

u/RelevantIAm · 1 pointr/confessions

I invite you to try meditation. This book could very well save your life:

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985

​

It will help you to gain the awareness that the things you are placing so much importance on are not really all that important. It's never too late, my friend.

u/Theguywhodreams · 1 pointr/Meditation

Metta and mindfulness will probably help you out a lot. This will get you started with mindfulness: https://www.audiodharma.org/series/1/talk/1762/

If you're looking for something really substantive then check out the book The Mind Illuminated (not an easy read but totally worth it) and follow the practices in that book.

u/smm97 · 1 pointr/AMA

Great! Yeah, The Mind Illuminated is definitely one of my favorite meditation manuals. Well worth it. Thanissaro Bhikkhu, the abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in southern California, has a lot of great dhamma talks online. They have a lot of their publications available online, along with With Each and Every Breath (Thanissaro Bhikkhu's intro to meditation book). They'll also mail you physical copies for free, just mail an order form.

As for retreats, Metta Forest Monastery allows for overnight visits free of charge in their guest house (there's about a 2-3 month wait though). I've really enjoyed my time staying there, there's a lot of good time to practice and you're usually able to ask Thanissaro Bhikkhu questions during the evening Q and A.

There's also Birken in Canada. They have a really nice set up and its a great place to focus on the practice. They have a beginner retreat usually in the middle of July.

Both of those monasteries don't offer too much instruction. Being new to meditation, it may be helpful to start out with a more structured retreat. I know of some places in Thailand, let me know if that interests you. There's also the Goenka Vipassana retreat centers. They have a very structured course (free of charge as well) and is really great for beginners. They also have centers all over the US, usually within a reasonable distance and they help coordinate ride sharing. With that said, I have some personal issues with some things regarding that particular tradition, how things are taught, and what-not (I can go into further detail if you want), but my main point of advice going into them is to not close yourself off to only what is taught at those retreats.

Those are really the only retreat centers I have experience with in the states, but I can send over a bunch of links to other places you can look into as well. Where are you located more or less?

u/yumbuk · 1 pointr/slatestarcodex

I've gotten pretty good results by following The Mind Illuminated. The book recommends a 45 minute daily meditation if you have time for it, but I've had good results even with ten minute meditations.

With practice, you can train your brain to be better at not losing focus on whatever it is you were intending to focus on, but it does require establishing a habit to set aside time to practice.

On that note, I've found Beeminder to be an effective tool to establish such a new habit.

u/fattkid4sale · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

Sam Harris has the best meditation app of them all. It’s called Waking Up. It’s free if you can’t afford it.

All the other meditation apps are watered-down, think positively mumbo-jumbo. His is the real deal.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/waking-up-a-meditation-course/id1307736395

Also check out The Mind Illuminated by John Yates Culadasa as well. It is one of the most praises of recent meditation books and rightfully so I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501156985/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vilKDb7M5PEAD

u/zuckokooo · 1 pointr/GetMotivated

So pretty much focus on your breath thus bringing to you to this exact present moment like when you're reading this? What in this exact moment is missing? Look around you, take in all the objects without labeling them, notice the silent presence they have.

Smile, you're here and now, that's all there is, the past was once in the now, the future like tomorrow? That'll be in the now. So yes, just focus on the present moment and live well my friends :)

(Off topic I recommend these 2 books which you can easily find online)

u/procgen · 1 pointr/conspiracyundone

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Meditation-Integrating-Mindfulness/dp/1501156985

No joke, this book is fantastic. There might be something in it for you.

u/On32thr33 · 1 pointr/askphilosophy

For Eastern thinkers, a good place might be Red Pine's translation of the Taoteching . He offers a lot of commentary from different sources next to each verse

u/mostlygaming · 1 pointr/taoism

I recommend Lao-Tzu's Taoteching by Red Pine multiple perspectives on each passage.

u/ForestZen · 1 pointr/taoism

The red pine edition is excellent and has extended interpretations. https://www.amazon.com/Lao-tzus-Taoteching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1556592906

u/ludwigvonmises · 1 pointr/taoism

Hi and welcome. I'm not a religious Taoist, so I can't answer those specific questions.

> Is Taoism necessarily apolitical? I’m an anarchist communist, and while I’m interested in Taoism, I don’t think my political views are likely to change. In fact, my politics are part of why I’ve become attracted to Taoism, but it seems like that might be discouraged.

Not necessarily political one way or the other. I'm a market anarchist and I see the fluid movement and expression of society as the functioning of the Tao. To me, any kind of government is an ugly and violent imposition.

> What is meditation? What are you supposed to do? Are you supposed to gain anything from it, and if so, what?

Meditation is awareness. There are many forms of meditation practices. With some of them, you concentrate specifically on a thought, or sound, or feeling, or some "seed." With others, you reject grasping onto anything and maintain what Krishnamurti calls "choiceless awareness," picking up and letting go whatever is moving through your mind. Both of these (concentration and insight meditation), among others, are cultivated to allow one to see himself and into his own nature. Ostensibly, this is to support eliminating useless and destructive mental, emotional, and psychological habits and to reintegrate oneself back into the seamlessness of Reality, whereas in our typical lives, we reify our egos as real existing things and we separate ourselves from "the outside."

> Do you believe that humans have agency or free will?

There is no Taoist answer to this. To suggest that humans have agency is to suggest they are somehow outside the causal nexus, outside karma, outside the Tao. To suggest they are determined is to suggest that they are nothing but causes, nothing but karma, nothing but Tao. Both are problematic philosophical perspectives, and Taoism tends to eschew complex philosophy in appreciation for the subtle, mysterious, and feminine nature of Reality.

> Why are Taoists so concerned with longevity if they believe in an afterlife?

Taoists are interested in longevity because some of them believe in immortality of some kind, and others are interested in simply leading long, healthy lives. The practice of Qigong and Taichi do actually promote good health.

> Are Taoists moral relativists even if given the context of an ethical dilemma?

Not moral relativists - just unconcerned with morality. The Confucians and Mohists and other ancient Chinese philosophical schools were interested in justice and righteousness and all that. To the Taoists, this was all just mental frothing. Their ideas of right and wrong were products of their culture, biology, etc. and ideas don't map on to Reality. Another person in here mentioned virtue ethics - that's probably a better way to look at it. They held that there were better and worse ways to live, but not any hard-line "right" or "wrong" actions. To a contemporary Westerner, this might sound like moral relativism, but it's deeper than that - it's a rejection of the brain's ability to accurately conceptualize the nuance and complexity of everyday life. Applying moral labels to actions would stultify a person, limit them, and prevent them from acting in uncontrived and naturally spontaneous ways. I am sometimes reminded of Nietzsche's concept of being "beyond good and evil."

> I’m reading through the Tao Te Ching now. Is there a specific place on here or in real life where I should go to ask questions as I read?

Think about picking up Red Pine's version of the Tao Te Ching. He introduces lots of ancient and medieval Chinese commentary on each verse (and his own..) which really brings the context into subtle and mysterious things Lao-tzu says. It was very helpful for me.

u/somlor · 1 pointr/taoism

Consider the classic Daodejing. There are many, many translations. My personal favorites are Liu Ming, Red Pine and Ellen Chen.

u/thekassette · 1 pointr/Buddhism

Well, I recently picked up this book from my local Zen center. I haven't read it yet, but I think I'm going to add some self-compassion meditation to my practice starting this morning, actually.

u/freeland4all · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Medications will put you in a slightly different mindset. If you expect that the new mindset will allow you to change, then you can change. But if you view the use of medication as a way of suppressing part of yourself that you wish to get rid of because certain feelings are simply unacceptable, then you won't really be dealing with your depression or anger issues. As someone who tried 7 different depression medications basically unsuccessfully and finally settled on meditation, I believe that it all has to do with the way you view your life. If you are trying to feel satisfied with an unsatisfactory life, no medication will ultimately make you feel good. I would suggest working on developing your talents - whatever it is that you're good at which also connects you with other people through loving expression. Any sort of "art," performative or physical, will help you come to terms with the totality of yourself and how you can be of use to others. I don't think it's useful to convince yourself that you aren't in control of your own emotions. Our minds can get stuck in depressed ruts when we convince ourselves that the "truth" is that we are disconnected from everyone else. But we can force ourselves into happier and more productive tracks by focusing on our fundamental connections and how we can be encourage one another and simply enjoy closeness. Try reading books about meditation and loving acceptance. I really enjoyed this one.

u/TongueDepresser · 1 pointr/depression

I think you're onto your problem.

You're still you, with or without praise.

Sure, I get it. It feels good to be praised. It's confirmation that you're doing something right.

But if your sense of self-worth is based on what everyone else thinks, then your entire world, your entire happiness will be predicated on what other people think (or what your brother thinks.)

Instead, you need to love yourself and trust what YOU think.

That's the tricky part, though, because it sounds like you've conditioned yourself to hate yourself. And that's a bummer. How can you start to love yourself if all you hear is an inner dialogue of self-hate?

So baby steps.

And this is where therapy comes in. This is where self-forgiveness comes in. This is where loving-kindness meditation comes in.

Check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Lovingkindness-Revolutionary-Happiness-Shambhala-Classics/dp/157062903X

It's a meditation of cultivating loving-kindness towards yourself and others. You need a lot of it right now.

internet hugs

u/book_worm526 · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

The Bhagavad Gita because it greatly influenced my youth but I've never owned my own copy.

u/m_awesomeness · 1 pointr/atheism

I agree, there is no comparison. All I was saying is that our rationality matters more than text. By the way if you like Buddhism try read Bhagvad Gita

http://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Classic-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

The philosophy is very similar and much more practical in nature.

u/ynagar · 1 pointr/offmychest

Cool then, the name of the book is Bhagavad Gita. Read it without any biases! :)
The Bhagavad Gita, 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586380192/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_c.dXAb4MEMZGX

u/HandstandsMcGoo · 1 pointr/Stoicism
u/LGAMER3412 · 1 pointr/hinduism

Eknath Eswaran version is my favorite since it gives a synopsis before every chapter and a really long introduction which is good. Check it out The Bhagavad Gita, 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586380192/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bZDBDbGMEBK8X

u/ricky1030 · 1 pointr/Meditation

If I can make a recommendation on the Gita, get the Easwaran translation. Its the best selling version on amazon and also the version my Asian philosophy professor uses in his course. Here's an Amazon link to it The Bhagavad Gita (Easwaran's Classics of Indian Spirituality

u/ArchyNoMan · 1 pointr/mentalhealth

I read the (Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran)[https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Easwarans-Classics-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192] and found his writing style very approachable, logical, and something I could actually implement in my daily life.

The point is, never get excited = never getting disappointed. Now, you can look forward to something and enjoy it when it happens. Read the book; he explains it a lot better than I.

u/Hyacin75 · 1 pointr/TheGita

The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran

u/IllimitableMan · 1 pointr/TheRedPill

>(Do not read the translation by Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON)

How's this one? :http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bhagavad-Gita-Classic-Indian-Spirituality/dp/1586380192

u/katsuhira_nightshade · 0 pointsr/DebateReligion

Fascinating insight, if you want to read some literature that's more inline with those views you should check out the Bhagavad Gita. It's an ancient Hindu text that talks about how we are all, at the core, parts of--or rather the same--divine whole that's beyond truth and simple religion. In the same vein, you can pick up Rumi's poetry; to give an example from Rumi (trans. by Coleman Barks) that kind of fits with what you're saying:
"Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu
Buddhist, sufi, or zen. Not any religion

or cultural system. I am not from the East
or the West, not out of the ocean or up

from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not
composed of elements at all. I do not exist,

am not an entity in this world or in the next,
did not descend from Adam and Eve or any

origin story. My place is placeless, a trace
of the traceless. Neither body or soul.

I belong to the beloved, have seen the two
worlds as one and that one call to and know,

first, last, outer, inner, only that
breath breathing human being."

u/FelixFaller · 0 pointsr/pcmasterrace

Can I recommend meditation? I do about 30 minutes every day and I can see the world and peoples actions more clearly and I feel overall more stable. Here is a grate book to start you off: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Illuminated-Complete-Meditation-Integrating/dp/0990847705

u/biggerdonger · 0 pointsr/news

again well thats nice. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Cervantes AND http://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Encyclopedia-Definitive-Cultivation-Consumption/dp/1878823345, you should really look into who he is before calling him anecdotal. As i clearly stated "well cultivated outdoor plant CAN yield".

u/stalkmyusername · 0 pointsr/brasil

Olha sem querer ser meio direto..

Essa desculpa pra Cannabis não vai colar. Eu tenho ADHD e Cannabis é a PIOR coisa pra isso. Só funciona nos primeiros 30 minutos, quando a onda começa a cair você fica 30x menos focado.

Agora em relação a fibro eu fui diagnosticado com isso também, também tenho degeneração dos discos da coluna e tive 2 anos e meio de dor crônica no ciático. Força. O que eu posso dizer que da pra vencer tudo isso com a força da mente (estou falando sério). Leia um livro do John E. Sarno, MD do Hospital de Nova York sobre o assunto: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

​

Ele também cita fibromialgia no livro como uma das teorias deles que isso tudo são doenças mais psicossomáticas do que físicas, do tipo que muitas pessoas têm hérnia e fibro e não sentenem sintomas, até mais do que os sintomáticos.


Te desejo muita sorte e força. É capaz de vencer tudo isso sem remédios, no começo não mas conforme você vai melhorando você condiciona sua mente.

​

Um abraço.

u/ZOMBIEWINEGUM · 0 pointsr/bodybuilding
u/JuiceFraba · -1 pointsr/bodybuilding

There you go, read that cover to cover and see how little Arnold knew and learnt about nutrition. Clen... no, just much longer cuts for comp with heavy anabolics to prevent muscle loss, although there was less of a calling in those days for super lean, dry, physiques as the 'doughy' era (talking about Reg Parks etc.) had not long ended.

u/r271answers · -1 pointsr/scientology

A book I often recommend to Christians (or those with a strong Christian background) you may find worth checking out is A Course in Miracles its kind of like if the Scientology upper OT levels were written in a Christian context.

The backstory is kind of sketchy I think, but if you can ignore that and just take the text for what it is then its well worth the read. It can be rather dense and can take a long time to get through, especially if you do all the exercises, but it's worth the time and effort in my opinion. I'd generally skip the organizations and such that promote it and go with just the text itself and your own interpretation of it.

Another book worth checking out is Zen Flesh, Zen Bones which was almost like a Bible for me for many years.

It's also worth reading The Principia Discordia for a bit more humorous take on religion - but a religion that many people actually take seriously. Hard-core Discordians throw the best parties, btw.

Religion doesn't have to be the solemn or overly serious thing that its often made out to be. The idea of 'truth' is often thrown around as being objective but there are very few objective truths in my honest opinion and experience. Find out what's true for you and if nothing is true for you then, well, make up something new that is.

u/LesSoldats · -2 pointsr/TwoXChromosomes

Working out is a great way to improve your back pain. The benefits of movement combined with improved strength and balance that yoga provides will help loads.

For yoga, my first recommendation would be to attend classes in real life. Instructors know that people come to them at varying fitness and experience levels, as well as varying body sizes, and they will happily demonstrate modifications to moves if you are inflexible, suffer back pain, or have trouble with any poses.

If you're going to stick with home yoga, Megan Garcia's Just My Size Yoga is pretty good. I'm not well-versed in YouTube yoga videos. I've tried lots of them but loved none, and I just keep going back to by IRL yoga classes.

Just walking and getting your blood pumping is also good for aches and pains. Consider adding some basic cardio.

And here is a really neat book with gentle stretches and posture improvements for your back.

u/Russkiy_To_Youskiy · -3 pointsr/fitness30plus

Yeah? Ok

Still don't understand why everyone doesn't go straight to this book. It's literally the only book anyone needs in their fitness journey.

u/incrediblemonk · -5 pointsr/crossfit

Even the worst injuries (broken femur) heal in 2 months or less, unless you're very old.
Chronic pain is psychosomatic. It's also universal. Everyone past age 30 has some kind of psychosomatic symptom, usually more than 1.

u/walkersm · -7 pointsr/MechanicAdvice

BUt there is a certain part I would like you to consider. There are people walking around with your exact same spine abnormality that have no pain. THey dont know they have the abnormality becase they never go to the doctor to get a back xray. Just as there are people that have pain and take an xray and see no abnormality. I wish I could put it in car terms so you could see the logic. If you are looking for something and see something you in your mind make a causal connection even though one may not exist. And that is what the science has proved, there is not link between abnormalities of the spine and pain. WHat if that was true?

I am not going to try and convince you I just wanted to let you know what worked for me. In my thirties I imagine I was a lot like you. I used to go to a local park to drape myself over the curved park benches to get relief from my back pain. I am in my 40's now and never even think about my back. And I was cured by a book. All I will ask you is please please please before they try and cut into your back read a 60 page book By Dr. Sarno and try his techniques for a month. All you got to loose is $14.95

I wish you luck. Hope you can continue doing what you love for a living. What ever that is.

EDIT: A link to the book in case you or anyone else is interested: http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684