by Valerie Brooks

Meditation with Theta Brainwaves

This beautiful four-minute meditation video, put out by the Meditation Coach, (www.meditationcoach.com) showcases gorgeous images of nature, including landscapes, flowers of vibrant colors, seascapes, and sunsets. These visuals serve as the backdrop for the meditative state this video provides. It uses theta brainwaves, which are the frequencies associated with deep relaxation, hypnosis, and the lightest stage of sleep. This video is a sample of many of the kinds of guided meditative products put out by the Meditation Coach. This clip alone, just before bed, might be just what you need to help induce a blissful state. Enjoy.

Podcast Inspiration

Marina Kamen lost 100 pounds after birthing three children. This successful working mom uses a New York City studio to write and sing her way to fitness by producing heart-pumping podcasts that are available for download on her website. Her podcasts are specifically designed for different kinds of workouts. For example, she has one that works best on the treadmill, and another that’s perfectly suited for an Elliptical cardio workout. This inspiring mover was recently featured in Prevention Magazine and is helping many to enjoy their workouts by listening to her fun, self-produced beat-filled songs. You can read her blog at marinakamen.livejournal.com. You can preview and order her podcasts, and also watch a video clip of her being interviewed on a nightly news show in her home town of Connecticut at marinaonline.com (click on “watch video”).

Is Yoga Recession-proof?

This recent Reuters news article is one of many that discusses the proliferation of yoga in these stressing economic times. It seems that rolling out the mat is an affordable option that helps us get through taxing financial woes. Most studios are not feeling the economic crunch; in fact, many are thriving, and some are even adding classes. “A yoga practice becomes a refuge from the negativity of an economic recession, and the studio becomes the sanctuary,” says Jess Gronholm, the National Yoga Coordinator for the Crunch health club chain. The article notes that the approximate 10.3 million jobless Americans are finding solace in the twist. See reuters.com.