Transformation American Meditation Institute
January - March 2020
Bringing Yoga Science to Life
americanmeditation.org
The time is Now, and we are this moment. Please join AMI in a grand experiment to move us closer to being one Nation under God,
INDIVISIBLE,
with Liberty & Justice for all
by using your
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CONSCIENCE AS YOUR GUIDE in thought, word and deed 24-7-365 January is National Conscience Month see p. 2, 8-13
In Celebration of the 1st Annual National
Conscience Month Please Join Philosopher, Acclaimed Author, World Champion Gymnast
Watch for details at ConscienceMonth.org
DAN MILLMAN The American Meditation Institute New York State Writers Institute
January 9, 2020 • 7pm COHOES MUSIC HALL 58 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY A Special Screening of
PEACEFUL WARRIOR And a Practical Discussion on How to
“Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide” Movie trailer: https://vimeo.com/358826901
This event is FREE and limited to 375. Tickets are required for admission
Tickets are available at EVENTBRITE.com, Cohoes Music Hall, and the American Meditation Institute
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A MI MEDITATION The Foundation Course of Yoga Science AMI Classes for January - March 2020
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE –– CHANGE YOUR EXPERIENCE The Heart and Science of Yoga® Empowering Self-Care Program
Yoga Science • AMI Meditation • Breathing • Yoga Psychology • Ayurveda • Easy-Gentle Yoga
Study with a modern link in the world’s oldest health and wisdom tradition
Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev), AMI Founder
Five to six thousand years ago, certain women and men embarked on a journey of selfinquiry, self-discovery and self-care through self-direction. By experimenting with scientific meditation techniques, they learned how to establish a state of yoga (unity and balance) in mind, body and spirit. By their endeavors, these ancient explorers discovered the secret of happiness, health and security which ultimately evolved to become Yoga Science. Today, that ancient lineage of wisdom is represented by the practices and principles taught in this foundation course.
A MI MEDITATION’s Transformative Learning
What do you see? Two faces in silhouette, or a wine goblet? Both are there, but you can only see one at a time. Most people see only one image unless they’re prompted to look again. The AMI MEDITATION course will enable you to see yourself and your world from a fresh perspective and with a higher purpose in mind. With this new, clearer vision you can begin to reliably access and employ your own inner wisdom from the superconscious mind. As your practice deepens, you’ll soon find yourself becoming more insightful, self-reliant and self-confident to make decisions that creatively resolve challenging situations and relationships.
Purposes of A MI MEDITATION Curriculum
The AMI MEDITATION course will not only teach you how to limit and eliminate stress. It will help you create your own personal philosophy of life, and provide you the practical tools to make conscious, discriminating choices that will positively affect all your personal and professional relationships. The additional purposes of this course include: Strengthening your physical and psychological health Managing, reducing and transforming the energy of stress Honoring emotional and spiritual needs Fostering and sustaining relationships This curriculum is endorsed by medical pioneers
Dr. Oz (Mehmet Oz MD), Dean Ornish MD, Bernie Siegel MD, Larry Dossey MD 3
A MI MEDITATION: Case Study Results AMI Classes for January - March 2020
In 2008, AMI conducted a retrospective case study of participants who completed Leonard Perlmutter’s AMI MEDITATION Heart and Science of Yoga ® Self-Care Program.
The findings included these positive, life-enhancing, 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 • Decreases irritable bowel symptoms • Lowered heart rate • Increased breathing capacity • Enhanced happiness and optimism • Improved restorative sleep
Your Personal Yoga Science Tool Bag
The AMI MEDITATION course will provide you with a set of 36 essential survival tools. When you choose and employ the right tool in the situations you face, you’ll be able to transform the energy of stress into positive energy, will power and AMI creativity. The tools you receive will enable you to know the Yoga Science Tool Bag Truth of who you are, and with that profound knowledge, you’ll increasingly be able to make the best choices for reducing stress and enhancing your total well-being. By employing the tools learned in this course, you will be able to fulfill all your personal and professional commitments more effectively and rewardingly.
Curriculum Overview: A MI MEDITATION The curriculum for AMI MEDITATION is based on the award-winning book, The Heart and Science of Yoga® by Leonard Perlmutter
Seated AMI Meditation • Mantra Science Diaphragmatic Breathing • Yoga Psychology Mind Function Optimization • Easy-Gentle Yoga Lymph System Detox • Nutrition • Ayurvedic Medicine
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YOGA SCIENCE––WEEK 1 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––WEEK 2 Systematic procedure for AMI Meditation Diminishing distractions with mantra science Learning the one-minute meditation Building focus, fearlessness, and strength BREATHING TECHNIQUES––WEEK 3 Breath as Medicine How breathing irregularities foster dis-ease Complete (three-part) yogic breath
YOGA PSYCHOLOGY & AYURVEDA––WEEK 4 How the mind supports optimal health The power of the present moment Building and healing relationships Introduction to Ayurveda EASY-GENTLE YOGA EXERCISES––WEEK 5 Yoga stretches to benefit: muscles, joints, glands and internal organs Physiological benefits of yoga postures MIND /BODY CARE PLAN––WEEK 6 The healing power of prayer The practical benefits of contemplation Creating a therapeutic care plan for yourself Learning to budget your time Integrating spiritual beliefs into daily life
Leonard Perlmutter AMI Founder
americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714
The AMI MEDITATION Foundation Course was developed and is taught by Leonard Perlmutter. Leonard is a noted educator, philosopher, Yoga scientist 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 studied in Rishikesh, India and is a direct disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas––the man who, in laboratory conditions at the Menninger Institute, demonstrated that blood pressure, heart rate and the autonomic nervous system can be voluntarily controlled. Leonard’s lectures are enlivened by his inspiring enthusiasm, vast experience, humor and clear teaching style. He has taught at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The New York Times Yoga Forum, Kaiser-Permanente and the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.
Inner Wisdom
Superconscious Mind
YOGA SCIENCE UNION
Outer Action
Thoughts Words Deeds
At the first class you will learn to create and employ your own “Bridge of Yoga.” Then, as your outer actions (thoughts, words and deeds) are based on your inner wisdom (conscience), you’ll always be led for your highest and greatest good. And there will be no cause for worry.
A MI MEDITATION Class Schedule and Accreditation
Medical Accreditation PHYSICIAN ACCREDITATION (15 CMEs)
americanmeditation.org/physician-cme 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.
NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION (15 contact hours) americanmeditation.org/nursing-continuing-education 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.
UPCOMING CLASSES American Meditation Institute 60 Garner Road, Averill Park, NY
Jan 18-Feb 22 Saturday Mornings Feb 27-Apr 2 Thursday Mornings 9:30am-12:00pm, $595.
(6 WKS)
Physicians $895; PAs, NPs: $795; RNs: $695
Required Texts: The Heart and Science of Yoga ® The Art of Joyful Living CLASSES AT:
Ellis Medical Center 2nd floor, Rm 2500 103 Sitterly Road, Clifton Park, NY
Call (518) 674-8714 for class schedule
Registration Includes: Lifelong support, a 20-minute CD & digital Guided Meditation, a copy of The Physiology of EasyGentle Yoga, and a complementary subscription to AMI’s quarterly publication, Transformation, the journal of meditation as mind/body medicine.
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Call us to discuss how your Health Insurance plan might cover this program.
STILL NOT SURE? Call Leonard for a free personal consultation at (518) 674-8714. 5
americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714
Save this Date! 12th Annual Heart and Science of Yoga®
2020 PHYSICIANS’
32 CME CONFERENCE
Meditation • Mantra Science • Chakras Diaphragmatic Breathing • Neuroplasticity Yoga Psychology • Ayurvedic Medicine Mind Function Optimization • Easy-Gentle Yoga • Lymph System Detox • Yoga Nidra • Nutrition Practices to Relieve Physician Burnout Wyndhurst Manor at Miraval, Lenox, MA Formerly The Cranwell
OCTOBER 20-24, 2020 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. And I’m already using these skills every day since the conference.” V.Q. MD, NYC The AMI Core Curriculum is also endorsed by:
Dr. Oz (Mehmet Oz MD), Dean Ornish 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, turn right at light onto Rt. 150. Go 1 mile on Rt. 150. Turn 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®
2020 SUMMER RETREAT
Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev), AMI Founder
AMI’s 20th annual retreat July 16-19 will present the same comprehensive, core curriculum as the AMI MEDITATION course (pgs. 3-5). These time-tested practices are designed for both the general public and medical professionals. Attending physicians, PAs, RNs and NPs receive 18 CME credits. Gourmet vegetarian meals are included. FOR MORE INFORMATION: TEL. (518) 674-8714
americanmeditation.org/summer-retreat
Ne w ! YOGA SCIENCE LAB
How to Practice Meditation-in-Action Valerie Chakedis, Mary Holloway MT Bob Iwaniec DC
Prerequisite: Completion of AMI Meditation
LEVEL II: In this new, interactive workshop you’ll take all the tools and knowledge you learned in the AMI Meditation course and put them into practice by conducting your own “Meditation-In-Action” experiments. Using a game board to facilitate learning, you’ll discover how easy, rewarding and fun this process can be. This is a supportive environment where you’ll receive continual, positive feedback from group leaders and participants. As you experiment with the Truth of the conscience (buddhi), you’ll develop decisionmaking skills that will enhance your confidence in all relationships. The course provides a Yoga Science notebook, handouts and practical insights for daily living.
THURSDAY NIGHTS, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, $125. (2 WKS) FEB 6 AND 13; APR 23 AND 30
MORNING YOGA FOR FIFTY PLUS Melanie (Uma) Gloeckner RYT
Level I: Yoga for healthy aging focuses on developing increased flexibility and strength, improved balance, endurance and breath, reduced stress, relaxation and greater energy. WED. MORNINGS, 9:45-11:15AM ($40-$50/MONTH) JAN––MAR No experience necessary. Drop-Ins $15.
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AMI Classes for January - March 2020
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THE CHAKRA SYSTEM
Balancing Subtle Body Energies
Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter
Available by CDL (Computer Distance Learning) Study The Chakra System from your own home or anywhere in the world. Call 518.674.8714 for details.
LEVEL II: The power to attain our own perfect health lies within each of us. It is simply a matter of attaining the necessary knowledge, and then cultivating our determination and will to employ the knowledge we have learned. This three-week course provides a detailed understanding of the meaning, anatomy, psychology and function of the ancient yogic chakra system. By learning to balance the chakras through the advanced mind/body medicine practices taught each week, you can increase your vitality and power of concentration, and rediscover your inner source of physical and mental health and well being.
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MONDAY NIGHTS, 6:30 - 8:30PM, $195 (3 WKS) FEB 24 - MAR 9
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YOGA PSYCHOLOGY BHAGAVAD GITA STUDY
FREE New Year’s Eve Vegetarian Indian Dinner Movie Fire Ceremony
Winner of 8 Academy Awards!
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) JAN 6 - FEB 10; MAR 16 - APR 20
Tuesday Evening DECEMBER 31 6:00 -10:00 PM
RSVP by Friday, December 27th 7
SENSES
CONSCIENCE disneyclips.com
EGO
UNCONSCIOUS
Teaching the Ego, Senses and Unconscious
To Let the Conscience be Their Guide! By Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev)
The inspiration for National Conscience Month is the Yoga Science “Law of Karma” which states simply that thoughts lead to words, actions and, eventually, to consequences. This law of cause and effect is as real and unavoidable as the Law of Gravity. Once we appreciate the mechanics of the “Law of Karma” (that thought precedes action and action precedes consequence), the nature of our decision-making emerges as a critical factor in determining our condition in this life. In today’s world we are urged to move at excessive speed and react instantaneously, without taking time to examine and evaluate what’s best to be done and what’s best not to be done. And because so many of us have forgotten to use our Conscience as our guide, we increasingly experience the burdens of pain, burnout and disease. We suffer personally and as a culture from addictions, gun violence, chronic health problems, suicide, racism, bigotry, anxiety and depression––to name just a few of our ailments. The reassuring message of the ancient Bhagavad Gita, however, is clear and prophetic: “Whenever there is a decline of truth and a rise of untruthfulness, the Supreme 8
Intelligence appears in the human organism to protect and reestablish dharma––the truth that will uphold and maintain the individual and collective social order and make it possible for humanity to flourish.” This Divine appearance is not the fantasy superhero that comes to earth with abilities far beyond those of mortal man. Nor is it a force that reflects shallow, but popular, misunderstandings of scriptures and mythologies. Rather, because all the problems and pain caused by nontruth begin in the human mind, these problems can be solved only by purifying the human mind. The entire process of reestablishing the dharma begins when each of us starts understanding and coordinating the four functions of our own mind. We all make thousands of choices every day: what to eat; how much time to spend at work, at play and with family; how we will choose the words we speak; how courteous we will be to others, while driving or waiting to checkout at the grocery store. And each and every one of these decisions has consequences. Our minds are rarely calm and in the present moment. As a result, many of our choices are based not on the Truth, but on the
shortsighted or faulty perspectives of the Ego, Senses or Unconscious Mind. These bring pain to us, our neighbors, communities, nation, and to the Good Earth, our Mother. BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY! First, we must be willing to experiment with using the Conscience as our guide. Second, we must cultivate the loving, parental skills necessary to convince the Ego, Senses and Unconscious Mind to willingly join us in endorsing the panoramic vision of the Conscience. Then, with the four functions of the mind coordinated to serve a higher purpose, we will discover whether the thoughts we think, words we speak and actions we take really do make our life happier, healthier and more rewarding. Throughout this relatively easy experimentation process we must remember two critical characteristics of the Conscience. First, the Conscience is the only function of the mind that can discriminate, determine, judge and decide. The Ego, Senses and Unconscious Mind have no such power. Second, the Conscience functions as a mirror. While it has no inherent wisdom of its own, it does possess the ability to access Perfect Wisdom from the Superconscious Mind, and to reflect it into the everyday operation of our Conscious Mind. But here’s the rub. Unless a mirror is cleaned regularly, dust accumulates on its surface and obscures the mirror’s reflective quality. Similarly, when we don’t use our Conscience regularly, its ability to reflect wisdom from the Superconscious Mind is compromised. In such cases the handicapped ability of the Conscience can reflect and consider only the relatively loud and insistent voices of the Ego, Senses and Unconscious Mind. The Conscience will still make the final decision of what to do and what not to do, but its decisions will be based on limited and possibly faulty input. However, each time we use our Conscience, our skillful thoughts, words and deeds act as a cleaning agent against the accumulated “dust.” This assures us that the full reflective capacity of the Conscience will be ready to guide us flawlessly in every relationship and circumstance.
The great tragedy of our times is that because so many of us have not been taught the enormous value of letting the Conscience be our guide, millions of us unwittingly embrace lifestyle choices that eventually injure our health, impair our peace of mind, inflict suffering on others, limit our possibilities, and eventually threaten the very integrity of our society––all because we were never trained to use our mind in ways that can profoundly benefit us personally, and humanity as a whole. Contrast this bleak picture with a quiet revolution that took place in India thousands of years ago. During that time certain women and men who deeply desired a more rewarding life silently listened to this Gayatri Mantra every day: “O, Inner Dweller, Divine Mother, my heart is in darkness. I pray You will remove this darkness, and bring the illumination of Supreme Truth by awakening, strengthening and purifying the mind’s Conscience that I might be able to skillfully discriminate between passing pleasure and perennial joy.” To successfully deal with the glut of information we have available to us today, each of us needs to learn how to maximize the competence of our most powerful instrument, our mind. We need to increase our concentration, memory and our capacity to use information wisely. Letting the Conscience become our guide will instruct and motivate us to think, speak and act much more creatively than ever before––not as limited, habituated, individual human beings, but as a part of the One, all-encompassing Supreme Intelligence. The encouraging news is that when we regularly use the Conscience in thought, word and deed, we immediately begin to discover the creativity and will power that solve all our problems. This transformational process is not fiction. It is a practical, scientific, reproducible methodology for attaining the summum bonum of life.
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The American Meditation Institute AMI will receive .5% of the purchase price whenever you use smile.amazon.com. 9
Experimenting with your Conscience By Laurie Gold (Chandra)
Chandra Laurie Gold is a professional writer and marketing consultant, and has been a student at AMI for five years.
When you make choices guided by the wisdom of your Conscience, you will feel better mentally, physically and spiritually. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Try these simple experiments and see how you feel: EAT HEALTHY: Every day you have choices to make about what, when and how you eat. When you use your Conscience to make better food choices, you strengthen your will power and resolve. Over time, making wise food choices will result in significant improvements to your health and wellbeing. Try these simple experiments: REMOVE DISTRACTIONS: Before eating a meal, remove all distractions such as reading material, TV, music and cell phones. Try eating your meal in silence, focusing on the flavors and texture of the food in your mouth, to the exclusion of all else. Let your senses enjoy each bite. If your mind wanders, let your Conscience gently guide you back to the food. SLOW DOWN: Try putting your fork down after each bite. Ask your Conscience if you are hungry before taking the next bite. Wait 20 minutes before you consider dessert. Then ask your Conscience if you’re still hungry, or if having only half a dessert is the better choice. OBSERVE YOUR FOOD: Is the food you eat providing you enough energy and nutrition, or leaving you feeling depleted? Ask your Conscience what food choices might make your body and mind feel healthier and happier. Start small. Try incorporating one healthy food choice at a time. For example, substitute a piece of fruit for a cookie. Or eat half a cookie. EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES: Before you reach into the refrigerator or cabinet to get a snack, ask your Conscience whether you are actually hungry. If you are simply bored or anxious, try redirecting your energy towards a positive activity, such as taking a walk or reaching out to a friend in need. Practice Gratitude: Before you eat a meal, consider the ultimate source of the food, and the effort involved in bringing the 10
food to your plate. Mentally offer a word of thanks for the gift of nourishment. Reflect: After you’re finished with each experiment, contemplate how you feel. Are you pleasantly satisfied or uncomfortably stuffed? Are you pleased with your choices, or do you feel any regrets? Regardless of the outcome, congratulate yourself on doing the experiment using your own Inner Wisdom. You’re building confidence in your ability to make positive choices that will lead you to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.
BE MORE PRODUCTIVE: People who try to multitask actually get less done, are more stressed out, and perform worse than those who focus on a single task. You can increase your productivity by giving complete attention to just one task at a time. Let your Conscience guide you toward work habits that increase your productivity, creativity and satisfaction. Try these simple experiments: START SMALL: If you are having difficulty starting or completing a project, ask your Conscience if you are taking on too much too soon. Try giving your full attention to one small step in the process. For example, if you need to clean the bathroom, bring out your supplies and start with just the sink. Taking a small step will build your will power and help guide you toward completion. MONOTASK: Focus on one task for 15 minutes. No email, no phone calls, no internet. If you find it difficult to stay focused, ask your Conscience if breaking down this challenge into smaller chunks of time (5 or 10 minutes) is kinder to yourself. Over time, slowly work yourself up to 45 minutes (90 minutes max). TAKE A BREAK: It may sound counterintuitive, but taking regularly scheduled breaks actually increases your productivity. Ask your Conscience if a mindful walk would be helpful to incorporate into your daily routine. TRY YOUR BEST: Good enough can be better than perfection. If you find yourself lingering on a task, ask your Conscience whether it’s time to take it off your plate. You can always come back to it later if it needs adjustment.
REVIEW: As you finish each experiment, reflect on how you feel. Did you accomplish more or less than you expected? Are you pleased with the choices you made or do you feel regrets? Regardless of the outcome, congratulate yourself on doing the experiment. You’re building confidence in your ability to make choices that will lead you to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS: The quality of your relationships can suffer if you don’t give them your full attention. Your Conscience can guide you toward making decisions that cultivate happier, healthier relationships and increase your capacity to give and receive love. Try these simple experiments: Listen To Others: When talking with someone give them your full, complete and undivided attention. Avoid interrupting. Recap what the other person has said. Let them know they were heard, even if the Ego disliked or was bored with what was said. Practice Patience: When you find yourself getting impatient with another person, ask your Conscience to guide you toward understanding and love rather than avoidance or anger. Try setting aside your own personal needs, and put another person’s needs first (just as an experiment). Observe Anger: When you become aware of anger, take a time out. Don’t allow negative emotion to poison your entire body. Pause to examine which function of the mind authored the anger, and ask your Conscience if there is a more compassionate way to express what you truly need in this situation. Give Love Freely: When you find yourself withholding love, ask your Conscience if building a wall to protect yourself is in everyone’s best interest. If not, reach out to the other person––without expectation. Contemplate: After you are finished with each experiment, reflect on how you feel. Did you experience anxiety, anger or fear? How did you benefit from the experience? Are you pleased with the choices you made, or do you feel any regrets? Regardless of the outcome, congratulate yourself on doing the experiment, knowing that better choices will lead you to a more rewarding life. FEEL HAPPIER: Every thought you think, word you say and action you take has a direct
effect on your state of mind. When your thoughts, words and actions reflect the wisdom of your Conscience, you will experience happiness, fullness and peace of mind. Try these simple experiments: Shift Perspective: Is your glass half full or half empty? When things aren’t going your way, try shifting your perspective to see the value and humor in what’s being brought to your awareness. Ask your conscience, “What is the lesson to be learned from this situation?” Examine Your Energy: The next time you feel drained, ask your Conscience if it has to do with the food you ate, the interactions you’ve had (or haven’t had) with people, or the quality of sleep you had the night before. If you had to do it all over again, what would be the correct course of action? What would make you feel more energized and less drained? Feed Your Soul: Watch less TV. Set a limit to your internet browsing. Turn off your cell phone. Instead, let your Conscience guide you towards healthier activities such as a nature walk, a creative endeavor or connecting with friends and family. Take Care of Yourself: Give yourself the gift of time. Get up an hour earlier. Let your Conscience guide you toward a self-care routine that strengthens your immune system. Do it with intention and stay focused. For example, watch the birds outside as you enjoy your cup of tea. Try some gentle stretching. Take a mindful walk around the block. Ask your Conscience what might be the best time to begin meditating in the early morning. Serve Others: Next time you feel sad or anxious, try a simple act of kindness such as opening the door for someone, helping an elderly person with groceries, or volunteering at your local animal shelter or food pantry. Serving others can be uplifting and fulfilling. Review: After each experiment, note how you feel. Anxious or calm? Are you pleased with your choices, or do you feel any regrets? Regardless of the outcome, congratulate yourself on doing the experiment. By letting the Conscience be your guide, you’ll be building confidence in your ability to make life-affirming choices that will lead you to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. 11
How to Creatively Develop a Responsive, Coordinated and Productive Mind By Swami Rama of the Himalayas
Swami Rama of the Himalayas (1925-1996) was one of the early pioneers of the modern mind/body medicine movement. In 1971 at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas he demonstrated that a human being can control one’s bodily functions (including the so-called involuntary muscles such as the heart and lungs) by controlling the autonomic nervous system, which is involved in the development of most psychosomatic diseases. The following essay is from “The Essence of the Spiritual Life” by Swami Rama, published by the Himalayan Hospital Trust. It is available at AMI and all fine booksellers.
All spiritual practices have a central theme: to have an orderly mind that does not create obstacles on the path to unfolding the Truth within, and does not hinder success in the external world. The body is your physical instrument for living in the external world. Your mind or internal instrument is antahkarana. The antahkarana has four faculties that function in the interior world: manas (active mind), chitta (unconscious; storehouse or reservoir of subtle impressions or samskaras), buddhi (Conscience), and ahamkara (ego, the sense of “I-am-ness” or individuality). Manas has five subtle senses and five gross senses to experience the external world of objects. Coordinating the four faculties requires real effort and makes the mind creative, useful, and productive. These four faculties of the mind should be observed carefully and their functioning should be analyzed in everyday life. As you keep accounts and know how much money you have spent and what your reserves are, you should also be able to keep account of the functions of the mind, both within and without. 12
Thought, action, and speech are the three main objects to be observed. How am I thinking and feeling, how am I speaking, and what motivates me to speak? Is the way that I am speaking helpful for me and others? Thoughts come and go. Do not brood on them. All thoughts have some origin. Find out from where they arise. If you throw a pebble into a lake, it will create ripples twice; first, when you throw it, and then again when it settles at the bottom of the lake. Don’t allow thoughts to settle in the lake of your mind. If an unpleasant thought comes, let it go. Don’t get disturbed. Otherwise, you will lose the constant battle waged by your thoughts. Be friendly to your mind and don’t create animosity toward it. Any creative thought enveloped with selfless love and selfless service toward others, if not expressed and executed, is like a treachery or an abortion. If your creative thoughts are not brought into action, frustration arises, which can create repression. One day that repression is projected through the body as a dis-ease or disease. Wherever you go, you will carry your mind with you. You have to start working with it, wherever you are. It is of no use knowing God, for He always exists everywhere. It is of no use knowing the world, because it is already there, and it has been known and analyzed by many in the past. The mystery lies between the two, and that is the mind. The mind can transport you to a higher realm of wisdom, and can come in touch with the collective consciousness. Spiritual practice is for the mind. If the
mind is trained, you have attained. If the mind is not purified with a definite discipline, it will suffer from the age-old epidemic of hallucination. Those who do not know spiritual practice go on quarreling with the mind until the last breath of their lives. Unless the mind is trained in a coordinated way by understanding all of its modifications, it remains unruly, disorderly, and enveloped in its primitive dharma. An untrained mind interferes with the spontaneous feelings arising from the heart. Mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation. A one-pointed mind can help one go within and unveil the mysteries of inner life, whereas an undisciplined mind remains dissipated. An outwardly oriented mind runs from one object to another, hoping to find peace and happiness in the external world. Lacking inner awareness, the mind refuses the guidance and inspiration of the subtle Divine Force. A mind not guided by divine illumination stands as a wall between the aspirant and his goal. Having such a mind, one fails to study the inner dimensions of life, and as a result, considers the external world to be the sole reality. To attain perfection here and now, one must undertake some spiritual discipline. Without practice one cannot attain control over the modifications of the mind. Unless the mind is made one-pointed, one cannot unfold one’s inner potentials. The method of making the mind one-pointed is called meditation. Through meditation, an aspirant withdraws her mind from the external world, focuses on a given internal object, and develops an interest in delving within. Once an aspirant has attained freedom from the distractions originating in the conscious part of the mind, he can have a better grasp of the thought constructs that originate from the unconscious mind. Through undisturbed, prolonged practice, a student dives deep and becomes familiar with his inherent potentials. He observes how the experiences of the external world are a mere reflection of the inner world. There is no conflict in life. Conflict lies in the mind. The mind needs training. Even though a trained mind is not capable of
leading one to the summit, it will remove all the obstacles along the way. A free mind is the grace of the Supreme Reality. When an aspirant has understood the conscious part of the mind, and has attained mastery over it, he or she naturally performs actions skillfully and efficiently. Compared to the unconscious, the conscious part of mind is very small; however, there is close interaction between the unconscious and the conscious mind. Enjoy life moment to moment and do not get disturbed. That which is not going to happen will not happen, and that which is going to happen is going to happen. Therefore, tranquility should not be disturbed. A mind that is balanced and tranquil cannot be a workshop of the devil. Never identify yourself with your mind, its objects, emotions, speech, or actions. The doer is different from the deeds. Never identify with your actions, thoughts, and emotions, but remain in eternal delight by establishing yourself in your essential nature that is peace, happiness, and bliss.
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The Heart and Science of Yoga
®
AMI is conveniently located only 20 miles East of Albany, NY.
Come visit our beautiful AMI campus with walking trails and the Buddhi Yoga Labyrinth nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires!
20th annual
Summer Retreat
All meals provide gourmet vegetarian food
with LEONARD PERLMUTTER (Ram Lev) • JULY 16-19, 2020
Meditation • Mantra • Breath • Mind Function Optimization • Lymph System Detox Ayurveda & Alkaline Nutrition • Easy-Gentle Yoga (for joints, glands and internal organs)
Please Register Early! Overnight Accommodations at AMI’s Home Center Are Limited THIS RETREAT IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Physicians, RNs, NPs and PAs will receive 18 CME credits.
REGISTER ONLINE (watch our retreat video): americanmeditation.org/summer-retreat
23rd Annual Appeal
The American Meditation Institute Since 1996
AMI has taught thousands of students.
Help Us Bring Yoga Science to Life!
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CALENDAR
FREE: SUNDAY GUIDED MEDITATION & SATSANG
Sundays 9:30-11:00 AM with Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness
DECEMBER 2019
DEC 31: NEW YEARS EVE see p. 7 Tues. Night, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
JANUARY 2020
JAN 6- FEB 10: GITA/YOGA PSYCHOLOGY see p.7 Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (6 wks)
JAN 8- 29: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 6 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (4 wks)
JAN 9: PEACEFUL WARRIOR–DAN MILLMAN see p. 2 Thurs. Evening, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
JAN 18- FEB 22: AMI MEDITATION see p. 3-5
Sat. Mornings, 9:30 AM -Noon (6 wk) AMI Center, Averill Park
An Evening with Vincent © By Jenness Cortez
Acrylic on mahogany panel, 36 by 24 inches
PAINTING DETAILS: Homage to Vincent van Gogh (18531890) “Starry Night,” Museum of Modern Art, New York; “Self-portrait in Felt Hat,” Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) “Flowers in A Vase,” Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg; Pierre-Auguste Renoir (18411919) “Girl Reading,” Musée d’Orsay, Paris.
The following is a portion of a letter wrtitten by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo in 1878.
“One must never let the fire in one's soul die, for the time will inevitably come when it will be needed. And those who choose simplicity for themselves and love it, possess a great treasure and will hear the voice of their conscience address them ever more clearly. Those who hear that voice, which is God’s greatest gift, in their innermost being and follow it, find in it a friend at last, and they are never alone! That is what all great human beings have acknowledged in their works, all those who have thought a little more deeply and searched and worked and loved a little more than the rest, who have plumbed the depths of the sea of life.”
FEBRUARY 2020
FEB 5- 26: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 6 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (4 wks)
FEB 6 & 13: YOGA SCIENCE LAB
see p. 6
Thurs. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (2 wks)
FEB 24 - MAR 9: CHAKRAS AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (3 wks)
see p. 7
FEB 27- APR 2: AMI MEDITATION see p. 3-5
Thurs. Mornings, 9:30 AM -Noon (6 wks) AMI Center, Averill Park
MARCH 2020
MAR 4- 25: MORNING YOGA FOR 50 PLUS see p. 6 Wed. Mornings, 9:45 - 11:00 AM (4 wks)
MAR 16- APR 20: GITA/YOGA PSYCHOLOGY see p.7 Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM (6 wks)
The Heart and Science of Yoga ®
Physicians’ Conference Oct. 20-24
Lenox, MA • 32 CMEs
americanmeditation.org/cme
American Meditation Institute
Bringing Yoga Science to Life January - March, 2020 • Vol. XXIII No. 2 ©2020 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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American Meditation Institute Bringing Yoga Science to Life
Tel. 518.674.8714 • 60 Garner Road, Averill Park, NY 12018
Jesus the Christ, on the power of the Conscience:
“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.”
Jesus’ Secret Life in India
Guided Meditation and Jesus’ Teachings of Yoga Science
With Leonard and Jenness Perlmutter
Sunday, January 5, 2020 • 9:30-11:00am
ONLINE STREAMING: americanmeditation.org/jesusindia
americanmeditation.org
American Meditation Institute
American Meditation Institute
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