www.better-mind.com

Leave aside the marketing hype, The Secret and  The Law of Attraction bear some truth: our thoughts create reality. Let me elaborate.

Universe is energy. This was demonstrated by science. Quantum Physics showed that there is no hard matter inside the atom: just various forms of energy. These energies are just particularizations of a basic state of matter called quantum field. This field fills all the Universe. There is no such a thing as empty space in the Universe. Planets would not hold together around the sun if that was the case.

Most interesting, the quantum physicists were surprised to find out that the output of the experiments they ran were influenced by the observer ("the observer effect"). Not subjectively as the in interpretation of the results or magnetic field interaction, but objectively as hard evidence that thoughts (what else does the observer create), bear energy that influenced the experiment. Translated in real life this means that our thoughts create reality indeed.

Are you still with me? Read on then ...

Problems?  Sleep over it and daydream the solution in less than twenty minutes.

Meditation is the key practice to help keep your mind focused on what ever you decide. And an unemotional, objective mind is a lot more efficient at problem solving than a mind distracted by the emotional burden of fears and hopes.

Certain mental states induced by meditation are common with those states specific to mental processes that get your undivided attention like studying something you find interesting or that involves creativity. Your mind is naturally focused but relaxed in those states. You are so focused that even the perception of the passing time becomes irrelevant. You do not hear the noise around you. Your limbs get numb after so long, motionless period of time when you "forgot" you had them. Did it happen to you? Find out. Keep on reading ...

Human body is more than simple physics and chemistry. At a more subtle level your mind regulates body’s chemistry (metabolism) and physics (energy balance). It is more complicated than calories in, calories out scenario. Sure, it is important for weight loss to eat less (calories) and burn more (calories) by exercising.

It is not enough though. Scientifical studies showed without a doubt that chronic stress turns on a chemical messenger called neuropeptide Y, which is found in body fat. This hormone increases appetite, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods. It also causes your body to convert these calories into belly fat. A double impact that will add pounds to your weight in a very short period of time.

We knew that as a matter of fact. Whenever we are tensed, we tend to swallow absentmindedly our food without deriving much satisfaction or pleasure. So we eat more. And like this is not bad enough, the chronic stress is also one of the main triggers for metabolic syndrome (glucose intolerance) that can lead to diabetes with all the associated conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and inflammation.

What to do?. Keep reading ...

The key ingredient in any meditation technique is to focus your mind on a single thought. It can be a mantra, an object, a feeling, or even a spiritual symbol or person. This is not a simple task in the beginning. You will eventually loose that focus and find your mind wandering in the past or the future. The goal of meditation is to keep you in the present and this is what "the power of now" (reference Eckhart Tolle's book) is all about.

One of the simplest still highly efficient way to meditate is breathing meditation. This is the meditation technique Buddha chose for his own meditation practice. Breathing can be both conscious and unconscious. So focusing on breathing may help us transcend our consciousness into the realm of peace and happiness beyond our thoughts hence making breathing meditation very effective in calming and focusing our mind. Keep on reading to find out how to perform this meditation.

We all have our ups and downs. For some though the "downs" are  more persistent.  Some may need professional help. It is this author's opinion that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like Paxil and Prozac may do more harm than help.

The Zung Depression Self-Assessment Test , based on the Zung Self-Rating Scale, is a widely used depression screening tool that is recognized by physicians worldwide. Although designed as a screening tool, it has been adapted to track your score over time as well. So take it once in a while to re-assess your depression.

Most people who are depressed score in the 50 to 69 range. Severe depression is considered above 70 (highest total score is 80). If your score indicates depression, see a health care or mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Bring these test results to your appointment. For milder depression (scores less than 60) you may consider some alternative treatment based on supplements and meditation.

So if you want to self assess your mood and you suspect you may be depressed take this test by clicking on the following link: Zung depression self test, or keep reading to find out some natural remedies for mild depression.

Meditation is the method of choice for spiritual practice in many religions. The benefits of meditation don't stop at this level though. Your mind and body benefit immensely from meditation. There are few drawbacks though, one should be aware before taking up meditation.

The problem is ... within us. We all carry a baggage of traumas buried deep down in our subconscious minds. These are unpleasant events, consequence of our own or other people actions that affected us. Our minds try to protect us by covering up these experiences. In other words, we forget. Or do we? Keep on reading to find out ...

Brainwave meditation has its beginnings in the seventies, when Transcendental Meditation (TM) was in vogue (remember the Beatles - Maharishi connection?). At that time many studies were performed in order to substantiate from a scientific perspective the amazing effects credited to meditation. The results were intriguing to say the least.

Find out why. Keep reading ...