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Monthly Archives: July 2011

Kyoto, Japan, is a natural destination for brain wave vibration

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Brain wave vibration, also known as moving meditation, is a natural process that allows individuals to work through stresses and negativity in their lives while enjoying peaceful exercises. The process can be practiced anywhere, and is an excellent way to soothe concerns while going about one's day to day activities – especially when traveling. With all of the walking, hiking and climbing that travelers will be doing in these new environments, brain wave vibration can make the experience calm and relaxing.

One of the best places to explore using this meditative method is the former Japanese capital of Kyoto. One of the biggest attractions in the country, Kyoto is an ancient and revered city that showcases the historical and cultural grandeur of the country. Though Kyoto has a reputation as the "city of 1,000 temples," much of the metropolis is also quite modern – a dichotomy that only serves to heighten the impressive nature of this popular destination.

There is much to see in this beautiful city, and travelers will definitely get a workout trekking between the many classic sites to take in. First on most people's lists will likely be the golden palace of Kinkaku-ji, a stunning Buddhist temple set on a pond amid a beautiful forest. Though its opulence and beauty is undeniable, most native travelers prefer the more modest – though still fantastic – Ginkakuji temple.

Elsewhere is the amazing wooden temple of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO recognized structure that was amazingly built without the use of a single nail. This feat of engineering is located just a few blocks from the cultural hub known as Gion, a traditional district that is home to modern geisha and classic teahouses.

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Jul 20, 2011

Travel can be a gateway for personal success

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Life can at times be stressful, as the pressures of modern society ask a lot of an individual. Between work, social responsibilities and the other factors that weigh in on everyday life, it may seem like there is no end to the process. One way that people can break out of this funk is by making a personal success plan. These can be as ornate as a life's ambition or as simple as finishing a book, yet one of the best goals that individuals can set to feel satisfied and successful is to head to an exotic locale for an exciting vacation that they never thought they would take.

Travel can help sooth stress in a number of ways. For one, much of person's ennui is closely tied to their surroundings, so moving to a new and different locale is the first step of the process. This works best if the new destination is very different from what one is used to. Spending a vacation hiking through a forest or lounging around on a beach can be a big improvement over a day spent hidden away in a cubicle.

Another way to make a vacation a calming and life altering experience is to do something that would otherwise be impossible in day-to-day life. Fodor's recommends swimming with dolphins in the Florida Keys to help craft a memorable vacation. These swift and peaceful creatures can be quite intimidating at first, yet their playful and gentle interactions with divers have made these swims, which are usually organized through tour groups, a safe and rewarding experience.

Probably the best way that vacationers can improve their stress levels through travel is by maintaining the vacationer's mindset once they get back to the real world. Obviously things will be more serious in an office setting, but remembering the small success of a unique excursion can positively shape a person's attitude.

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Jul 19, 2011

Yoga and health find due diligence in Bangkok, Thailand

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Exploring the world on a summer vacation opens up a wealth of opportunities for intrepid travelers who are open to new experiences. Adventurers can learn of new cultures, see beautiful sites, sample delicious foods and enjoy the world at large. Some vacationers also use this chance to hone their meditative and physical practices in a powerful yet serene new setting. For those practitioners whose yoga and health benefits could use a new setting for inspiration, a trip to the Thai capital of Bangkok could be just what the doctor ordered.

The largest city in the East Asian nation, Bangkok is a global city located on the banks of the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The city's Thai name, Phra Nakhon, loosely translates to "city of angels," a title that is easy to understand when exploring the beautiful city. With its classic temples which reside alongside modern wonders, a vacation in Bangkok is truly a heavenly experience.

Bangkok was recently named as the best city in the world in a yearly study performed by Travel + Leisure magazine. The study, which draws from ratings relating to a site's amenities as well as its attraction, highlights the city as an accessible and beautiful metropolis that combines the traditional beauty and simplicity of the region with modern skyscrapers, trains and businesses.

Bangkok is a great place to hone one's yoga talents, and those looking for a peaceful spot to practice their asanas will want to head to the Rattanakosin district. As the historic center of the city, Rattanakosin is home to a number of beautiful temples, classic statues and serene gardens that will put travelers' minds at ease and allow them to focus on their breathing and movements.

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Jul 18, 2011

Yoga Basics poses come naturally on the serene coasts of Santorini

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As a meditative form of exercise, yoga basics poses are a great source of stress relief and a great way to stay in shape. The poses are most effective when the practitioner is calm and breathing steadily – two factors that can be greatly benefitted by a beachside excursion. While there are many beaches that are perfect venues for yoga exercises, the travel advocates at Travel + Leisure magazine have listed Santorini, Greece, as the best island destination on the globe. The ranking, which is based on the average score of thousands of user reviews, reflects the peaceful and serene nature of this island paradise, as well as the wealth of attractions found along its shores.

Santorini is a volcanic island that is found among the Cyclades group in the southern Aegean Sea. It is the remnant of a volcanic caldera, which places most of the island's towns in a hillside environment. This feature means that no matter where a guest finds themselves on the island, there is always a stunning view of the sea.

Hotspots on the island include the beautiful cities of Fira, which boasts classic Greek architecture and a lively dining and nightlife, and La, a similarly gorgeous city whose position on the West Coast of the island affords it some of the most wondrous sunset views in the world.

Of more interest for those hoping to practice their yoga basics poses will be Santorini's exquisite beaches, like Perissa and Kamari. Thanks to its volcanic history, many of the island's beaches boast unique colors including black pebbles and red sand, and the constant ebb and flow of the Aegean sea will help practitioners meter their breath as they move through their asanas.

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Jul 15, 2011

The beauty of Versailles can aid in brain wave vibration

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Moving meditation is a great way for people to work through the stresses and headaches of their day-to-day lives. Most would agree that brain wave vibration is greatly benefitted by a peaceful and serene environment, which is why many individuals choose to hone these skills while exploring the world on a scenic vacation. Gardens tend to be a great place to practice brain wave vibration exercises, and there are few gardens throughout the world as celebrated as the gardens and park of the Chateau de Versailles.

Located on the grounds of the eponymous castle on the outskirts of Paris, the gardens of Versailles are one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of France. The castle is widely hailed as one of the most opulent and beautiful structures in the world, and its role as the former home of Louis XIV lends it a historic resonance that can't be denied. Possibly the most important historical event to be held at the luxurious estate was the 1919 signing of a peace treaty that called an official end to the hostilities of World War I.

While the castle may be the main attraction for most visitors, the gardens that adorn the grounds of this hallowed estate are just as beautiful, and are a perfect venue for relaxing strolls, deep thought and peaceful meditation. The area was designed by famed French landscape artist, Andre Le Notre, in the 17th century under orders from King Louis, who decried that the grounds should reflect the delicate beauty of the castle they surround.

The gardens span across 250 acres of land and feature a number of secluded walkways that lead to well-maintained flower beds, several ornamental lakes and fountains, quiet nooks that feature classic statues and pottery and a full-sized canal that the Sun King would often use for gondola rides around the estate.

Palace workers toiled for years to create this luscious garden, clearing trees from the once heavily forested area and shifting countless mounds of earth to make way for the king's many demands. On the ground are flowers, trees and plants from across the country, allowing visitors to the garden a chance to take in the breadth of French agriculture during their trek across Versailles.

Visitors will be happy to hear that the palace grounds have been undergoing repairs in recent years, with much of the area still recovering from the devastating storm of December 1999.

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Jul 14, 2011

Perfect yoga basics amid the windswept hills of the Lot Valley

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Most individuals visiting France will likely stick to the bigger sites while travelling abroad. Yet, while Paris and Nice may be beautiful, these crowded urban centers provide health conscious travelers with little space to practice their yoga basics poses. Fortunately for those vacationers eager to practice their asanas while enjoying the wonders of France may want to venture away from the big cities and explore the scenic Lot Valley.

Located in the southwest region of the country in the oxbows of the eponymous river, the Lot Valley is a beautiful escape that combines natural wonders and beauty with medieval towns and castles. Though its wonders may pale in comparison to nearby cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, the valley is a natural paradise that is perfect for those looking for peace and serenity in a calming setting.

The biggest city in the area is Cahors, a unique peninsula that more closely resembles a medieval castle than the capital of the region. At this stunning location, travelers will find the historic site of the 14th century Pont Valentre Bridge, as well as several classic preserved buildings from the Celtic times.

Cahors is also an excellent vantage point from which to launch a wider exploration of the area. The valley is home to a number of wineries that offer sumptuous vintages made from the locally grown Malbec grape. Witness the historical majesty of the region at le Chateau de Castelnaud, a restored fortress that dates back to the 15th century.

Those who would prefer to be inspired by the seamless comingling of man and nature may want to plan to spend some time in the beautiful city of Rocamadour. This hillside village is a historical pilgrimage site that features beautiful romantic architecture and a stunning view of the River Dordogne.

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Jul 13, 2011

Oroville, California, is a great place to master brain wave vibration

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The stresses of modern life can be overwhelming at times, and the familiar surroundings of one's home can often remind individuals of these worries and concerns. This is one reason why many people opt to pursue relaxing vacations in new surroundings, as a means of escape from the hang-ups of the day-to-day grind. For those who are looking to find a new destination for relaxation that offers many opportunities to hone one's brain wave vibration techniques, a trip to the small town of Oroville, California, may be in order.

Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California, Oroville is a small town of just over 15,000 people, and the seat of Butte County. In addition to its quaint buildings and beautiful lake, the city is also home to a large population of Maidu Indians and Chinese immigrants, providing visitors with a wealth of cultural attractions to explore as well.

One of the more interesting sites in the area is the Chinese Temple. Built in 1863, the temple has long been a cultural hub for the Chinese communities found north of Sacramento. Though still revered as a sacred place, the temple has since been converted into a museum that discusses the history of Asian Americans in the area.

Native American culture is prominently displayed at the Ishi Emergence Spot, a placard marking the point where the last Native American living in the wild met with European settlers in 1911. The importance of this meeting, as well as additional artifacts and documents about the local cultures can be found at the Lake Oroville visitor's center.

Lake Oroville itself is a beautiful, man-made lake that proves an excellent staging ground for moving meditation. Walking or biking around the lake will provide visitors with a serene setting from which to contemplate the complexities of life and work towards achieving inner peace.

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Jul 12, 2011

Explore the majesty of Ayutthaya

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Ayutthaya, the capital of what was once Siam, lies at the heart of Ayutthaya Province in central Thailand. Named after the Indian city of Ayodhya, birthplace of the Hindu god Rama, Ayutthaya offers those seeking to restore their life balance the opportunity to immerse themselves in a tranquil environment of spirituality and history.

The city of Ayutthaya was established by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and grew to a population believed to be as large as 1,000,000 by the year 1700. However, in 1767, the kingdom was besieged and subsequently destroyed by the armies of Burma. The kingdom eventually succumbed to ruin. After a period of restoration beginning in the 1960s, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

Not only do the ruins of the many Thai Buddhist temples in Ayutthaya provide an excellent opportunity for personal reflection, but also offer many places to practice private meditation. Some visitors may find the peaceful surroundings conducive to the study of their inner self in a way that may be more difficult in busier surroundings.

Though any journey of personal discovery must begin within, traveling to places of such deep historical and spiritual significance may offer visitors an opportunity to truly study the path of their inner self in an atmosphere of calm and reflection.

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Jul 8, 2011

Visit Peru’s Machu Picchu to connect with history

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For those serious about taking control of their personal growth, traveling can offer many wonderful experiences to reconnect with their inner selves. Site of an Inca settlement, Machu Picchu was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. Also known as the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu offers travelers the chance to explore not only a stunningly beautiful region of South America, but also themselves.

Believed to have been built in honor of Inca emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu sits in the shadow of the mountain Huayna Picchu and above the Urubamba River. The site consists of three distinct areas of archeological significance, known as The Room of the Three Windows, The Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana.

The Incas were a deeply spiritual people, and believed many Inca deities occupied specific planes of existence, or realms. The three planes are Hanan Pacha, the sky realm, Uku Pacha, the earth realm, and Cay Pacha, the surface of the earth where humans live their mortal lives.

Through the power of self reflection, visitors can harness the energy that the Incas believed so vital to their growth. Machu Picchu remains a powerful place, and no visit to Peru would be complete without a visit to the historic site.

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Jul 7, 2011

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Though it was founded in the 1980s, Dahn Yoga's basic precepts and techniques are directly descended from methods practiced five millennia ago in East Asia. These precepts include the importance of the mind's partnership with the body, as well as the need for a balanced bond between the two.

Today, thousands of Americans practice Dahn Yoga everyday, many of whom are delightedly trying it for the first time. Taking a little time out of one's day to stretch, breathe, pose and meditate with a gentle smile on one's face can radically change one's mood and outlook.

This blog offers responses to news items that prominently feature Dahn Yoga and its neighborhood centers.

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  • Basics of Brain Wave Vibration updated Mon Nov 21 2011 4:32 pm EST
    Brain wave vibration is described as a healing and self development method that is so easy to learn that anyone can learn it in under two minutes. While in the beginning it seems like a strange exercise, people have noted its results right away. Some people feel more focused, clear and a general sense of well-being. Numerous people all over the world are usi […]