Transformation American Meditation Institute
americanmeditation.org Self-Care for Healthy Living
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017
AVERILL PARK, NEW YORK
OUR CONSCIENCE Uncovers The That Leads to Fulfillment
But because of fear we forsake the Truth, We lie, and we experience pain. See page 8 Photo: 123RF.com
Upcoming Classes and Events Inside this Issue: Beginner’s Meditation
TheHeart & Scienceof Yoga®
Sacred Journey
If you want to start and maintain a meditation practice, this course is perfect for you. / P. 4
Includes AMI meditation, breathing, mind function optimization, Ayurveda and gentle yoga. / P. 2-3
By understanding the meaning of death, you’ll learn how best to live your life. / P. 5
AMI Classes for July - September 2017
The Heart and Science of Yoga
®
Empowering Self-Care Program
Reduce Stress & Burnout • Relieve Pain • Optimize Health with Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev), AMI Founder Taught continuously since 1996 • For Mind, Body and Spirit
Introduction to Self-Care Now, in your present situation, you need to successfully balance all your many personal, professional and family responsibilities. AMI’s time-tested Heart and Science of Yoga ® Complete Self-Care Program will help you transform your stresses into strength, sharpen your decision-making skills, and meet every one of your challenges creatively.
What is Self-Care? Self-care is an essential survival skill. SelfCare refers to easy-to-learn daily practices that can reduce stress and maintain and enhance your short and long term health and well-being. By maintaining AMI’s Self-Care Program you’ll be able to fulfill all your personal and professional commitments effectively and rewardingly.
Purposes of Self-Care Self-Care is not simply about limiting or eliminating stressors. It is also about enhancing your overall health and wellbeing. The purposes of Self-Care include: • Strengthening physical and psychological health • Managing, reducing and transforming stress • Honoring emotional and spiritual needs • Fostering and sustaining relationships
“A problem cannot be solved on the level at which it appears. It must be solved on a higher level.” ALBERT EINSTEIN AMI’s Heart and Science of Yoga® Complete Self-Care Program teaches you how to reliably access your own inner, intuitive wisdom from the superconscious portion of the mind. By accessing this “higher level” of knowledge you will know (and know that you know) how to make positive, stress reducing and health affirming lifestyle choices.
Self-Care is essential to your OPTIMAL HEALTH Herbert Benson, MD of the Harvard Medical School, says the maintenance of optimal health is analogous to a three-legged stool that must be supported by SELF-CARE. Such as AMI’s
Heart and Science of Yoga ® Complete Self-Care Program
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Self-Care Pharmaceuticals
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Leonard Perlmutter Leonard is a noted educator and founder of The American Meditation Institute. He is the author of The Heart and Science of Yoga® and the mind/body medicine journal, Transformation. He has presented self-care courses at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Albany Medical College, The New York Times Yoga Forum with Dean Ornish MD and the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.
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americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714
What A MI’s Self-Care Program Can Do for YOU In 2007, AMI conducted a retrospective case study of participants who completed Leonard Perlmutter’s Heart and Science of Yoga ® Self-Care Program. The findings included these positive, reproducible, long-term health-promoting changes: • Reduced cholesterol levels • Significant reductions in stress and fear • Improved energy levels • Diminished or extinguished • Increased creative capacity • Decreased anxiety and depression acute and chronic pain • Diminishment of migraine headaches • Lowered blood pressure • Weight loss • Heal irritable bowel syndrome • Lowered heart rate • Increased breathing capacity • Enhanced happiness and optimism • Improved restorative sleep
The Heart and Science of Yoga ® Self-Care Program Curriculum AMI Meditation • Mantra Science • Diaphragmatic Breathing • Yoga Psychology Mind Function Optimization • Easy-Gentle Yoga • Lymph System Detox • Nutrition • Ayurveda YOGA SCIENCE How to use the mind for the best choices How to create new, healthier habits Understanding pain as an agent for healing Increasing energy, will power & creativity Antidotes for worry, stress and depression AMI MEDITATION Systematic procedure for AMI Meditation Diminishing distractions with mantra science Learning the one-minute meditation Building focus, fearlessness, and strength BREATHING TECHNIQUES Breath as Medicine How breathing irregularities foster dis-ease Complete (three-part) yogic breath
YOGA PSYCHOLOGY & AYURVEDA How the mind supports optimal health The power of the present moment Building and healing relationships Introduction to Ayurveda EASY-GENTLE YOGA EXERCISES Yoga stretches to benefit: muscles, joints, glands and internal organs Physiological benefits of yoga postures MIND /BODY CARE PLAN The healing power of prayer The practical benefit of contemplation Creating a therapeutic care plan for yourself Learning to budget your time Integrating spiritual beliefs into daily life
HEALTH INSURANCE CovERAgE Call us to discuss how your Health Insurance plan might cover this program. TUES NIgHTS: JUL 18 – AUg 22 WEd NIgHTS: SEP 13 – OCT 18 6:30 - 9:00PM, $575. (6 WKS) Physicians $875; PAs, NPs, Psychologists: $775; RNs: $675
PHYSICIAN ACCREDITATION (15 CMEs) This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Albany Medical College and The American Meditation Institute. Albany Medical College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Albany Medical College designates this Live activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Required Texts: The Heart and Science of Yoga ® The Art of Joyful Living. Registration Includes: Lifelong support for your meditation practice, a 22 minute Guided Meditation CD, a copy of The Physiology of Easy-Gentle Yoga, and a complementary subscription to AMI’s quarterly publication, Transformation, the journal of meditation as mind/body medicine. NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION (15 contact hours) This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts (ANA MASS), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
The Heart and Science of Yoga ® Self-Care Program is Endorsed by Dr. Oz (Mehmet Oz MD), Dean Ornish MD, Bernie Siegel MD, Larry Dossey MD 3
americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714
Save this Date! 9th Annual Heart and Science of Yoga®
PHYSICIANS’ 30 CME CONFERENCE Meditation • Mantra Science • Chakras Diaphragmatic Breathing • Neuroplasticity Yoga Psychology • Ayurvedic Medicine Mind Function Optimization • Functional Medicine Easy-Gentle Yoga • Lymph System Detox Resilience • Yoga Nidra • Nutrition • Epigenomics Practices to Relieve Physician Burnout Cranwell Resort & Spa, Lenox, MA
OCTOBER 24-28, 2017 For Details: (518) 674-8714
americanmeditation.org/cme Delicious Gourmet Vegetarian Cuisine
From Recent Attendees 1. “This course was excellent and life changing by introducing me to a practice and philosophy so fundamentally different from the way allopathic medicine views the mind and body. I am so grateful for this experience, knowledge, expertise and compassion given by all the faculty and staff.” S.L. MD, NYC 2. “Life changing! Everyone in every facet of life should experience this. I’m so grateful for you and your institution and all involved for bringing truth to doctors with love and compassion. This is a light the world needs to see.” P.S. MD, RI 3. “This course has been the best CME course I have ever attended. It has given me a strong foundation, where I can help patients improve their lives with mindfulness. For myself, I have learned a skill that is lifelong and so powerful. I’m excited to use these skills for my greater good.” V.Q. MD, NYC 4. “A fantastic course! Very informative. It had a great mix of theory, science and practical use/practice. The spectrum of content was also balanced. Some of the more scientific/study presentations gave me the opportunity to see how I can incorporate this information within my practice.” R.G. MD, NY The AMI Core Curriculum is also endorsed by:
dean Ornish Md, dr. Oz (Mehmet Oz Md) Bernie Siegel Md, Larry dossey Md
Directions to A MI • 60 Garner Road I-90 Exit #8 (Rt. 43 E). Take Rt. 43 for 4 1/2 miles. In W. Sand Lake, take a right turn at the lighted intersection onto Rt. 150. Go 1 mile on Rt. 150. Take a left turn on Cnty Rd #52/Sheer Rd (at stone wall). Go 1 mile on Sheer Rd and bear left at fork onto Garner Rd. AMI is the 3rd house on the right.
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The Heart and Science of Yoga®
SUMMER RETREAT - jULY 13-16
Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev), AMI Founder The 17th annual July retreat presents the same core curriculum as AMI’s Complete Self-Care Program (see pages 2 & 3). These time-tested practices are designed for both the general public and health professionals. Physicians, PAs, RNs and NPs receive 18 CME credits. Delicious gourmet vegetarian meals included. FOR MORE INFORMATION: TEL. (518) 674-8714 americanmeditation.org/summer-retreat
BEGINNER’S MEDITATION The Basics for getting Started Mary Holloway, Doreen Howe, André Tremblay, Beth Netter MD, Sandy Vo, Bob Iwaniec DC
LEVEL I: Have you thought about trying meditation, but wanted to learn and experience a little before you register for AMI’s 6 week Heart and Science of Yoga® Complete SelfCare Program? This two session course will provide you step-by-step guidance on how to start—and stick with—a daily meditation practice. It’s easy to learn the basics: how to deal with distractions, reduce stress, enhance your body’s immune system and become more focused, creative and content. This class also includesa FREE “guided meditation” CD.
Now at Two Locations: Averill Park: AMI Home Center, 60 Garner Rd. 674-8714 Clifton Park: AMI North, 108 Old Coach Rd. 383-0994 SATURdAY MORNINgS, 9:30 - 11:00AM, $95. (2 WKS) JUL 22 & 29; AUg 19 & 26; SEP 23 & 30
MORNING YOGA fOR fIfTY PLUS Melanie (Uma) gloeckner RYT Level I: Yoga for healthy aging focuses on developing awareness and skills for daily living. Increase flexibility and strength, improve balance, build endurance and breath awareness, reduce stress, relax and re-energize. WEdNESdAY MORNINgS, 9:45 - 11:00AM $60. (6 WKS) JUL 5 - AUg 9; AUg 16 - SEP 20; SEP 27 - NOV 1 No experience necessary. drop-Ins $15.
AMI Classes for July - September 2017
SACRED jOURNEY
*
Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully
Leonard and Jenness Perlmutter
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Available by CdL (Computer distance Learning)
Level II: To understand the purpose of life, we must try to understand the relationship between life and death. The two are partners––each providing a context for the other. Death is not the end, but merely a pause in an eternal journey. When both birth and death are understood and accepted as parts of the human journey, then the fear of death subsides and life can be lived more fully and joyfully. Based on the ancient Katha Upanishad, this course reveals how to organize your life in a way that leads to expansion and growth. Every student with a body is encouraged to attend. Required text: Sacred Journey, by Swami Rama
MONdAY NIgHTS, 6:30 - 8:30PM (6 WKS) $150. JUL 10 - AUg 14
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YOGA PSYCHOLOGY BHAGAVAD GITA STUDY
Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter
*
Available by CdL (Computer distance Learning) Attend this in-depth course from your own home or anywhere in the world. Call 518.674.8714 for details.
LEVEL II: In continuous six week installments this course presents the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as a handbook on the science of life and the art of living. If you are seeking a manual or guide for the supreme task of living in the world today, this ongoing study will provide you practical wisdom, meaning and purpose for your life. Each week Leonard and Jenness will teach you how to reduce stress and confidently enhance your health and creative abilities, while providing you a fresh, positive perspective on all your family and business relationships. MONdAY NIgHTS, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, $150. (6 WKS) AUg 21 - SEP 25; OCT 2 - NOV 20 (ExCEPT OCT 23 & 30)
GURU PURNIMA Full Moon Fire Ceremony & Sitar Concert
Sunday, July 9th, 7:30-10pm RSVP by July 7th
FREE: Veena Chandra Sitar Concert Love donations Accepted
LEVEL I: For those students who seek to deepen their meditation practice, it is traditional to gather on Guru Purnima, the full moon of July. On this auspicious day, students celebrate and rejoice in the wisdom and blessings of their teachers and receive inspiration and instruction to further their spiritual journey. Guru Purnima is a time to acknowledge, contemplate and honor the principle of Guru. Guru is the universal force of light that dispels the darkness of ignorance. The Guru principle exists as a teacher both “within” and “without,” always available to help correct our ignorance and cure our dis-ease. The public is invited for this FREE event. RSVP required.
fREE SUNDAY MEDITATION Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter LEVEL I: Join AMI’s FREE 20-minute guided meditation and satsang teaching. Participants may sit on comfortable chairs or on the floor. SUNdAYS, 9:30 - 11:00AM, FREE
NOW AVAILABLE AT AMI Bookstore Amazon All Fine Booksellers 5
CALEndAR
PHYSICIANS’ CME CONfERENCE
FREE: SUNDAY GUIDED MEDITATION & SATSANG
Cranwell Resort • Lenox, MA • 30 CMEs
Sundays 9:30-11:00 AM with Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness
Comprehensive Training in Yoga Science as Holistic Mind/Body Medicine
October 24-28, 2017
JULY 2017 JUL 5- AUG 9: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 4 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (6 weeks)
JUL 9: GURU PURNIMA CONCERT & BONFIRE see p. 5 Sun. Night, 7:30 - 10:00 PM
JUL 10- AUG 14: SACRED JOURNEY see p.5 Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (6 weeks)
JUL 13- 16: SUMMER RETREAT see p. 4 Thursday - Sunday
JUL 18- AUG 22: THE HEART & SCIENCE OF YOGA see p. 2-3 AMI’s Complete Self-Care Program Tues. Nights, 6:30 - 9:00 PM (6 weeks)
JUL 22 & 29: BEGINNER’S MEDITATION see p. 4 Sat. Mornings, 9:30 - 11:00 AM (2 weeks) Averill Park and Clifton Park Classes Now Available
AUGUST 2017 AUG 16- SEP 20: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 4 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (6 weeks)
AUG 19& 26: BEGINNER’S MEDITATION see p. 4 Sat. Mornings, 9:30 - 11:00 AM (2 weeks) Averill Park and Clifton Park Classes Now Available
AUG 21- SEP 25: GITA/YOGA PSYCHOLOGY see p.5 Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (6 weeks)
SEP TEMBER 2017 SEP 13- OCT 18: THE HEART & SCIENCE OF YOGA see p. 2-3 Complete Self-Care Program Wed. Nights, 6:30 - 9:00 PM (6 weeks)
SEP- 23 & 30: BEGINNER’S MEDITATION
see p. 4
Sat. Mornings, 9:30 - 11:00 AM (2 weeks) Averill Park and Clifton Park Classes Now Available
SEP 27- NOV 1: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 4 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (6 weeks)
American Meditation Institute
Self-Care for Healthy Living July - September, 2017 • Vol. XX No. 4 ©2017 60 Garner Road, Averill Park, NY 12018
americanmeditation.org \ Tel. (518) 674-8714 ami@americanmeditation.org AMI is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization. Donations are fully tax deductible.
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Upon Completion of this Conference Participants will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of how Yoga Science as mind/body medicine can help heal disease, manage addictive habits, alleviate stress, inflammation and physician burnout. 2. Develop equanimity, discrimination, will power, creativity and energy through a daily practice of meditation and diaphragmatic breathing. 3. Incorporate long-term strategies for healthy lifestyle choices using Yoga Psychology. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of both Ayurveda and Epigenomics. 5. Identify yogic practices to transform trauma and increase resilience. 6. Recognize the physiological benefits of EasyGentle Yoga (exercises for lymph system detox, joints, glands, muscles and internal organs). 7. Help themselves and their patients reduce conditioned habits of negative thinking and other symptoms of burnout through the healing powers of mantra science. 8. Utilize Food as Medicine (Diet, Nutrition, Functional Medicine) to maximize personal well being. 9.Use Chakra Psychology (subtle emotional/mental causes of stress) to diagnose and treat dis-ease. 10. Recognize how meditation changes the neural pathways in the brain.
30 CME Conference americanmeditation.org/cme
American Meditation Institute’s Yoga of Medicine Program Presents
9th Annual Conference for Physicians • RNs • NPs • PAs • Psychologists Comprehensive Training in Yoga Science as
Holistic Mind/Body Medicine A Unique Curriculum developed for Clinical Application • Personal Health • Relieving Physician Burnout and Building Resilience
30 CMEs
The Heart and Science of Yoga
®
AMI Meditation • Mantra Science • Diaphragmatic Breathing • Yoga Psychology Mind Function Optimization • Chakra System • Easy-Gentle Yoga • Lymph System Detox Yoga Nidra • Functional Medicine • Ayurvedic Medicine • Food as Medicine Epigenomics • Trauma • PTSD • Resilience • Neuroplasticity AMI MEDITATION PRACTICES TO RELIEVE PHYSICIAN BURNOUT
OCTOBER 24-28, 2017
Self-Care For Healthy Living
Albany Medical College
5 1/2
Space is LIMITED
Hour Online Video Course & Book
Lenox, Massachusetts
The only 4-Diamond Resort in the Berkshires
FREE!
Mark Pettus MD
Leonard Perlmutter
Susan Lord MD
Please Register EARLY!
Beth Netter MD
Sara Lazar PhD
REgISTER ONLINE:
Jyothi Bhatt BAMS
Tony Santilli MD PrashantKaushikMD G. Grodnitzky PhD Jenness Perlmutter
Jesse Ritvo MD
americanmeditation.org/cme • Tel. (518) 674-8714
Core Curriculum Endorsed by: Dean Ornish MD, Mehmet Oz MD, Larry Dossey MD and Bernie Siegel MD
OUR CONSCIENCE UNCOVERS
The
By Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) Photo: ©123RF.com
To lie or not to lie. That is the question. The internal dialogue that takes place while we decide whether or not to serve the Truth usually sounds like this: “If I lie, the outcome I fear will probably just disappear. If I speak the Truth, the outcome I fear is going to cause me pain.” That’s how most human beings struggle with the ego’s desire for short-term, limited gratification versus the long-term benefit offered by the conscience. It’s the age-old conversation between the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other. But the simple Truth is that a lie cannot save us from a painful consequence. Any action against the wisdom of the conscience (buddhi in Sanskrit and Holy Spirit in Christianity), will eventually lead to some physical, mental, emotional or spiritual disease or pain. And if we do not heed the message of pain at a low decibel level, the message will simply get louder and louder until disease becomes full-blown disease. It is only when we serve the quiet promptings of the conscience that we can fulfill the purpose of life––without pain, misery or bondage. The conscience (buddhi) functions as a 8
mirror. As long as we are awake, the buddhi can reflect the Perfect wisdom of the superconscious mind into our conscious mind. The superconscious mind is not a figment of our imagination. It is a level of consciousness; an intuitive library of wisdom beyond the conscious and unconscious portions of the mind. Whenever the conscience reflects superconscious wisdom into the conscious mind, you know what it says is true. The only question that remains is, do you have the will power to align every thought, word and action with the wise and good counsel of the buddhi? The superconscious mind is the same portion of the mind from which Albert Einstein saw mathematical equations and Paul McCartney hears beautiful melodies. This doesn’t mean that you’ll become a great mathematician or a gifted musician––but by employing the buddhi to determine the thoughts you think, words you speak and actions you take, you’ll be able to access the particular wisdom that will directly and positively enhance each and every relationship. The word conscience comes from the Latin, and it means “with science; with wisdom or knowledge.” As a Yoga Scientist, you
are simply asked to make all your decisions consciously—based on the science of Yoga and on the reliable advice of buddhi. The buddhi enables us to transcend animal instinct and to know conscious union with the Eternal Truth. As this union grows, we can free ourselves from old habits of fear, anger and greed that have kept us less than truthful. This potential for transcendence is present in every relationship, and is the very reason we have been born with a human mind-body-sense complex. We are ready to take the next step toward Self-realization by aligning our every thought, word and action with the buddhi––and to experience a happier, healthier, joyful life. In the Gospel of St. Thomas, Jesus the Christ taught, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” Yet despite the warnings, human beings seem reluctant to embrace their own salvation. Instead, we have remained content to muddle along seeking the thrill of victory while perennially enduring the agony of defeat. The Best and Worst of Times In the famous opening words of A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens paints a timeless portrait of the conflict and pain that arise when humanity forsakes the unerring guidance of Truth. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair . . .” Today, Dickens’s words are again profoundly relevant. These too are the best of times––and the worst of times. With twenty-first century technological advancements at our fingertips, it’s reasonable to conclude that very few individuals have ever been as blessed as we are today. I am not suggesting that inequities do not exist, but just consider that every day, in every season, local grocery stores offer fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, nuts and oils from around the world. Modern medicine offers new therapies that
can diminish pain and extend human life. Most of us have immediate access to hot water, heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Automobiles and airplanes carry us long distances with ease. Smart phones with built-in cameras connect us to friends, family and business colleagues twenty-four hours a day anywhere on the planet. In the flash of a keystroke computers provide access to the collective unconscious to retrieve any kind of practical or trivial information, to watch a movie (or make one), listen to a song (or record one). Yet despite modern conveniences, material wealth and universal access to knowledge, we are increasingly feeling alienated, discontent, angry and fearful. Instead of calmly enjoying our blessings, we frantically seek more and more of everything. Searching for happiness, we cling to the objects of the world, and our fear of losing them increases. As a result, family, social and political institutions are being strained beyond viable limits, and in their place arises a new acceptance of authoritarian solutions. Extreme Vetting During the past year we have heard a great deal of public discussion about the concept of “extreme vetting.” Many people believe it would be an effective tactic to keep us safe from terrorism. Many others disagree, claiming that “extreme vetting” would only encourage more radicalization and violence. From a yogic perspective all positive, meaningful change must begin in the individual mind. The Law of Karma states that it is our thoughts that lead to words and actions––which ultimately result in consequences. If we are truly interested in learning how to skillfully deal with the painful effects of any stress trigger, a policy of “extreme vetting” should definitely be instituted––but not on the external worldly chessboard. Real change always flows from the subtle, causal world to the external, manifest world. Just as all of the tree exists in the seed, the very chair you are sitting on right now was originally an idea in the mind of a human being. The mind moves first and the body simply reacts to the mental intention. Just acknowledging this undeniable relationship between mind, action 9
and consequence is empowering. The Truth is that you are the architect of your life. You determine your destiny. If you deeply desire to live in a world free from the lies of non-Truth and the consequent pain, misery, bondage and terrorism, you definitely need to institute “extreme vetting” of your own thought processes. For that effort, you must first recognize that every thought is only a suggestion. There is no imperial command that you must nourish every single thought with your attention. As a Yoga Scientist, whenever a thought appears in your awareness, learn to create a space between stimulus and response. In that space you’ll be free to redirect your attention away from an uninvited thought and to the voice of the conscience. Then, if the conscience gives that thought its approval, support it through your speech and action, and the consequence will be positive and life-affirming. If, however, your “extreme vetting” process yields advice from your conscience that a particular thought will only lead to dis-ease and pain, you are obligated to refuse entry of this thought into your City of Life. You’re asked to sacrifice your attachment to the thought, thereby facilitating the transformation of that thought’s debilitating energy into a new form of healing energy, will power and creativity. When you base your outer actions on the wisdom of the conscience, you will free your consciousness of fear and its painful consequences. Then every thought becomes a new opportunity for happiness. Why Do We Lie? If the Truth be told, we lie––perhaps every day. It’s not a very attractive part of our humanity, but if we’re absolutely honest with ourselves, we must admit that lying appears to be an integral part of being human. We all serve the non -Truth in certain kinds of situations––wittingly or unwittingly––by intentionally making statements for the purpose of deception. Why do we lie and cause so much pain and suffering to ourselves and others? Since we already have a conscience that can discriminate between the Truth and non-Truth, why aren’t we hard-wired from birth to use the conscience to serve only the Truth and to 10
be free, happy, healthy and secure? What power moves us to lie, even against our better judgment––as if forcing us? My personal experiments with Truth indicate that the primary cause of our lying is the ego’s excessive attachment to self preservation. It lives in the form of subtle fears that hide below the surface level of the conscious mind. What is it that triggers the ego’s belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain? In many cases, the simple answer is IGNORANCE. The ego has learned to totally ignore the Truth that we are citizens of two worlds; that at the subtlemost core of our being there exists an eternal ocean of consciousness, wisdom and bliss (a.k.a. God). Instead, the ego mistakenly defines the concepts “I,” “me” and “mine” exclusively as the body and the personality. The Truth is that I do have a body and I do have a personality, but “I” am not the body and “I” am not the personality. By relying exclusively on the inherent limitations of our brain and senses, each of us has grown up from birth under a grand illusion that motivates us to lie in a vain attempt to obliterate fear. Every day we innocently accept the false, egoic, family and cultural suggestions that “I” am a separate individual. Religionists even have a name for this condition. They call it “original sin,” as if there were nothing we could do to end our ignorance. In fact, the concept of “sin” is so identified with punishment, pain and eternal damnation that no one seems to remember the word “sin” came into the English language from its origin as a Greek archery term. It simply meant that an archer had “missed the intended target.” We need not condemn ourselves to the pain associated with the cultural concept of sin. Instead, we can contemplate the factors that brought about the error in our aim, and thus gain the clarity and wisdom to redirect the flight of our next arrow. In the process we’ll learn how to transform the hell of guilt and fear into the heaven of self-confidence and comfort. What follows is an explanation of how we became so ignorant of who “I” really am. Installing the Software of the Mind Just for a moment, try to remember yourself
as a newborn infant. In the midst of an overwhelming barrage of new sensory stimulation, an urgent desire for self-preservation propels you to search for comfort, safety and contentment. But how? You have no frame of reference to remind yourself that this situation is merely temporary. You can certainly scream and thrash your arms and legs about, but beyond that, you can do little. Then, as you try to comprehend and deal with this seemingly endless sensory assault of sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch, Mama lovingly cuddles you in her arms and coos as you start to nurse at her breast. Then effortlessly all your mental attention focuses down to a single point: Mama’s nipple. Because of your one-pointed attention, the stimuli of the senses lose their attraction and you’re able to experience a cessation of pain and an increase of pleasure. For the first time since birth, you are aware of relative peace. You feel safe, secure, warm, nurtured, content and loved. And, in the midst of this new, pleasant experience you reach your first profound, but ignorant, conclusion: “I am a separate entity and Mama is a separate entity, and objects and relationships in the material world bring about contentment and happiness and cause the elimination of pain.” Fueled by an intense desire for selfpreservation, this memorable experience leads the newborn to conclude that “I,” the subject, perceive “Mama,” the object. The experience of nursing at Mama’s breast is the dawning of the delusion of duality. It represents the birth of the ego, the mental software that separates the baby from the Truth. In fact, the ancient Sanskrit word mama means “mine.” The baby now believes, based on the incomplete, rudimentary instrumentation of the brain and senses, that there is a “me” and there is also an “other.” And wherever an “I” thinks there is a “me” and a “you,” fear exists, and will inevitably invite danger. Because survival depends on this new relationship, the baby mistakenly accepts duality as the Truth. Separation becomes key to the ego’s self-preservation, and that “fact” is conveniently stored in the unconscious mind. Because the ego’s attachment is so powerful, self-preservation immediately
becomes indispensable! After all, the baby’s separate sense of self (“I”) must survive, even if it means serving the non-Truth! As the newborn begins to experience, learn and make choices, he or she encounters continual reminders that reinforce the delusion that objects and relationships in the material world eliminate pain and establish relative calm and happiness. Only moments after birth, as soon as the baby nurses at Mama’s breast, the baby’s unconscious mind begins to spin a web of delusion because the only installed software program is based on the illusion of separateness and duality. As the baby grows, the security of Mama’s breast is replaced by a succession of different objects: a pacifier, stuffed animal, shiny toy, diploma or degree, car, girlfriend or boyfriend, a good job, a spouse––or even a new baby. The human being continually substitutes one object and relationship for another, prodded and deluded by the notion that the next object or relationship is going to bring happiness and eliminate pain. Evolution Into Involution When the hollowness of passing desires is recognized, the personality will begin an earnest search for unbounded happiness and security. It is this quest that finally directs us inside ourselves to find and employ the liberating Truth that leads to freedom from fear. Are you ready to go beyond the fears that cause the pain of serving non-Truth? If so, I’d like to share five essential rules that have helped me in my own personal practice of experimenting with the Truth. 1. Always use your own mind-body-sense complex as a personal scientific laboratory to know the Truth. 2. In searching for Truth in a particular relationship, always heed the counsel of the conscience, for it alone can reflect Truth into your conscious mind. 3. Consider any non-Truth to be a lie, regardless of its “shade” (white or otherwise). 4. Recognize that fear always manifests in one of two ways: the fear I won’t get what I want, and the fear I might lose what I have. 5. Always employ your will power to serve Truth and sacrifice the ego’s attachment to the non-Truth.
As you uncover and employ the Truth, your vision will change your consciousness––and that of the planet. 11
Yoga Science Mind/Body Medicine Conference October 24-28, 2017 • Cranwell Resort & Spa, Lenox, MA
AMI FACU LTY SPEA KE RS – 30 CMEs Leonard Perlmutter, AMI Founder Yoga Science Core Curriculum Leonard is a noted educator, philosopher, and author of both the award-winning The Heart and Science of Yoga ® and the Transformation journal. Leonard has served on the faculties of the New England Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, the Himalayan Yoga Teachers Association and the College of Saint Rose. He is a direct disciple of Swami Rama––who, in laboratory conditions at the Menninger Institute, demonstrated that blood pressure, heart rate and the autonomic nervous system can be voluntarily controlled. Leonard has presented courses at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Albany Medical College, the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and The New York Times Yoga Forum with Dean Ornish MD.
Susan Lord, MD East Meets West and Food as Medicine Susan graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and is in private practice in Great Barrington, MA focusing on prevention and treatment through mindful living and lifestyle changes. She served as Course Director for the Food as Medicine program at the Center for Mind/Body Medicine from 1996-2007.
Beth Netter, MD, MT Breath as Medicine and Relieving Physician Burnout Beth is an holistic physician and acupuncturist in Albany, NY. A graduate of the University at Buffalo’s School of Biomedical Sciences, she completed her residency in anesthesiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Beth is an AMI certified meditational therapist and serves as Chair of AMI’s Department of Medical Education.
Mark Pettus, MD Epigenomics/Inflammation/Allostatic Load Mark is a board-certified internist and nephrologist currently serving as Director of Medical Education and Population Health at Berkshire Health Systems, and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at UMass Medical School. Mark is the author of The Savvy Patient and It’s All in Your Head.
Prashant Kaushik, MD Relieving Physician Burnout Prashant received a Bachelors of Medicine & Surgery degree from the All India Institute of Medical Services, New Delhi. A board-certified Rheumatologist, Prashant serves as Lead Rheumatologist at the Albany VA Medical Center, Associate Professor, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, and is a member of AMI’s Department of Medical Education.
Anthony Santilli, MD Meditation in Action (panel discussion)
NEW for 2017
Tony received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo, having completed his fellowship at Weill Cornell University and his post graduate training at Brown University. He is board-certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care medicine in Schenectady and Amsterdam NY, and serves as a member of AMI’s Department of Medical Education.
Jyothi Bhatt, BAMS Ayurveda: The Science of Life Jyothi holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) from the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Ayurveda in Kuthpady, Karnataka, India. She is currently a Physician’s Assistant at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and a faculty member of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.
Sara Lazar, PhD Neuroplasticity: The Effect of Meditation Sara is an instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and an Associate Researcher in the Psychiatry Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. As a leading neuroscientist in the field, her team was the first to show how meditation and yoga postures influence both brain structure and human behavior.
Jesse Ritvo, MD Alleviating Trauma /PTSD while Building Resilience Jesse graduated from Harvard College and received his medical degree from the Brown-Dartmouth Medical Program. Jesse is currently the assistant medical director of inpatient psychiatry at the University of Vermont Health Center-Central Vermont Medical Center, as well as an assistant professor of medicine at UVM.
Jenness Cortez Perlmutter Psychology of the Chakra System Jenness has studied Yoga Science and practiced AMI Meditation since 1977. She is the co-founder and faculty member of AMI, and a direct disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. She graduated from the Herron School of Art, and is a world-renowned artist.
Gustavo Grodnitzky PhD Meditation in Action (panel discussion)
NEW for 2017
Gustavo is a speaker, author, consultant and psychologist. After obtaining his Ph.D. in clinical and school psychology from Hofstra University, he completed post-doctorate degrees in both cognitive therapy and forensic psychology. He serves as Chair of The American Meditation Institute's Psychological Education Department.
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Physician, Heal Thy Self Alleviate Burnout From a Higher Perspective By Beth Netter Md
The world is experiencing an epidemic of stress, burnout and pain. And who are the “patients” suffering from this dis-ease? You might be surprised to discover that this group includes not only the general public, but a rapidly growing segment of the physician and healthcare provider population as well. As a physician I have experienced this dis-ease myself and have seen it in my colleagues since medical school. Increased academic loan debts, mountains of information to learn, patient loads and computer technology demands have led healthcare providers into their own stress-induced health crisis. Fortunately, the teachings and practical methods of Yoga Science as holistic mind/body medicine taught at The American Meditation Institute, have helped many of us not only to recuperate but to live happier and healthier lives. The great sages (and now physicists) tell us that we are pure consciousness––in body, mind and spirit––with unlimited potential for re-creation and health. We are comprised of the same wisdom and growth capacities of the Source energy that forms and re-forms us each day. Both body and mind can renew into greater wellness and equanimity. Homeostasis and strengthened resilience can return even in life’s most challenging circumstances. Part of the prescription for actualizing this healing is the contemplation of one simple question: “Who Am I?” To discover the
answer let’s step back into “anatomy lab” where we will dissect our anatomy from the gross to the subtle: We know our organs are made of cells, cells are made of molecules, molecules are made of atoms, atoms are made of energy, and according to Yoga Science, energy is unconditioned consciousness. Consciousness is the underlying eternal reality of every individual form. It is the nature of consciousness to endlessly manifest from the One, nondual Source. Redefining “Me” So who am I? Just like you, I am a citizen of two worlds. At our essence we are all consciousness, wisdom and bliss having human experiences in time and space through individual mind-body-sense complexes. Yoga Science provides a scientific and philosophical template for realizing the union of these two worlds. Yet, many of us suffer stress, anxiety and burnout because of the limitations in our thought patterns and the constant demands of everyday life. We’re hypnotized into identifying with the body and the mind while disregarding the core of our being. So whose life is it? Is it my life? My relationships? My history? My feelings, actions, thoughts? I once believed so, but now know that, at a deeper level, I am unconditioned consciousness––manifesting as “Beth.” As such, I have the option of dropping the baggage of roles and memories, 13
likes and dislikes, even thoughts and strong emotions the personality had considered to be mine. These temporary conditions are not who I am, and I have the capacity to change. How freeing! Positive growth, a new experience, is possible when I can align concepts and perspectives in more accurate and lifeaffirming ways. Experimenting with Yoga Science I began to experiment with this idea by sacrificing the concept of: “I” am Beth Netter. I realized that by acknowledging “I am not Beth,” and adopting a higher level view, the mind could more easily detach from habit patterns of fear, worry, anger, and guilt. The next step in the experiment came when my teacher, Leonard Perlmutter, appeared in one of his recent Facebook Live video lectures wearing aviator sunglasses. He was making the point that we see a skewed version of the world through our inaccurate lenses: concepts that shape our perceptions. I suddenly saw how my habits have been distorting my view of life, injecting negativity into benign situations and bringing pain and suffering to Beth––and to others with whom I have interacted. This opened my eyes and created a space for greater clarity. Through my practice of AMI Meditation and other tools in the Yoga Science toolbag, I was able to identify erroneous, unconscious concepts like: I am not good enough, and I am wrong or potentially wrong. Like many of you, I had respected “teachers,” in my life who often told me I was wrong or not good enough, and because I was so young, impressionable and eager for approval, I accepted their judgments. Now I am aware that much of what they taught me was simply their own mis-perceptions, seen through their own faulty conceptual lenses. Because I had not yet discovered and exercised my own discriminative faculty (buddhi), I innocently adopted their view while erroneously associating being “right” or “perfect” with my self-preservation. The messages motivated me to work hard, but also ensured my underlying and deeply exhausting stress and anxiety. Thus I became a good anesthesiologist who burned out 14
trying to be “right” and “perfect” when simply giving my best effort would have served me (and others) better. The positive, stress-reducing insights resulted from my experimentation as a Yoga scientist. The process is fairly simple, so I’d like to ask you to try an experiment of your own. At some point during your day enter the detached, witnessing state of a curious scientist and simply observe your mind and body––including your thoughts, desires, emotions and reactions as you think, speak, or engage in each of your relationships. What is your perspective? Is there a habit of the mind to fear and worry, feel guilt, blame, to recall your mistakes or apparently “poor outcomes/failures” (or successes and “highs” in order to feel better), feel ashamed or embarrassed, be angry at yourself for choices you have made, keep working or pushing yourself even when you are exhausted or in pain? If you resonated with any of these reactions, you are not alone––simply human. These are unconscious patterns and beliefs based on wrong concepts that skew our actions. Unfortunately, they’re stored in the unconscious mind as “fact.” The ego, always trying to assure self-preservation, holds onto being right or good and avoids what its limited perspective judges to be wrong or bad––regardless of the actual situation. We then take action based on those faulty perceptions, opinions or expectations of our families, culture and patients––not on our own intuitive Inner Wisdom. Unmasking the Truth This condition is often the cause of the masks we wear. According to modern psychologists these debilitating identifications include: The Savior, who rescues others from pain and disease and is responsible for fixing them; The Saint, who must do everything perfectly and flawlessly; and The Martyr, who suffers and puts his or her own self-care aside by giving all their time and energy to everyone else––even if they’re exhausted and in pain. And if we don’t live in one of these three personas, we don’t really feel safe. Can you feel the weight of this? One of the great fallacies of duality is that “I am the doer,” the source of thoughts,
words and actions. Accepting that limited perspective, the ego believes it is in charge, and every misstep becomes a burden, every success an opportunity for inflated pride. In the end, only suffering can result. Through AMI-based contemplation practices I learned that those beliefs only deplete my energy, elicit guilt and pain, and inhibit self-confidence, self-reliance and creativity. They are barriers to peace, happiness, loving relationships and skillful service. They limit my capacity to know, actualize and share my full potential. A Moment of Grace The moment Leonard appeared on Facebook Live wearing dark sunglasses I immediately could see the personality’s old, faulty habit patterns I had been wearing since childhood. What followed was very positive. As I began mentally sacrificing perspectives that were obviously false, I became more calm and life got easier. I was increasingly able to see how others were also habituated to wearing similar dark glasses of illusion and distortion. Relieved of old, false perceptions I began to experience a completely different state of being. I was able to let go of “being what Beth thought she was.” Instead, I could experience myself and everyone else more objectively and compassionately. People were just present and in their own worlds. This awareness and detachment created a space between stimulus and response. There was less reactivity. I relaxed and felt freer to engage. Fear,
Women’s Wellness Evening It’s all about You!
Join us for a FREE evening designed especially for you — to nourish and reconnect with your Body, Mind and Spirit.
guilt, anger, self-deprecation and insecurity could still appear yet couldn’t maintain their hold. The energies (pranas) that bring us strength, health and well-being could flow more freely. Since then, life has been kinder and gentler, with less attachment to highs and lows. I feel more clarity, even-mindedness and focus. This HigherSelf-awareness, which is reinforced in a daily AMI Meditation practice, helps me remember I am not bound to the stories or actions of the past. This has allowed for greater authenticity and skill in serving the Higher Self and humanity. It brings expanded energy to live, love and give. So now I have experienced a truth that I can remember when the dark lenses, the old veils of illusion, obscure my vision––which occasionally they still can do. This change in perspective has shown me that many of those old conceptions have not been real. Every person I have met who practices medicine has, on some level, chosen this work in order to serve in a caring and loving way. And the truth is we are all very sensitive people doing our best. As you evolve in this process of transformation, life can be lived without previously limiting beliefs, and free of old burdens that have led to stress and burnout. The empowering self-care medicine of AMI Meditation and the allied disciplines of Yoga Science have been a prescription for my healing. If you are ready to experiment as a Yoga scientist/physician, a happier, healthier, and more joyful life awaits you.
Sunday, July 9th 7:30-10pm
GURU PURNIMA Sitar Concert & Fire Ceremony
Thursday evening, August 3, 2017 • 6:30 – 8:30pm
RSVP by Aug. 1st
FREE: RSVP by July 7th
veena chandra Sitar Concert
PLEASE JOIN Leonard & Jenness Perlmutter for this FREE, auspicious full moon celebration of guru––the universal Light that dispels darkness.
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American Meditation Institute Self-Care for Healthy Living Tel. 518.674.8714 • americanmeditation.org 60 Garner Road, Averill Park, NY 12018
The Ultimate Manual for Meditation and Life Transformation 2nd Edition––Revised and Expanded now available nationwide 17