Meditation

These 4 Purusharthas are the inherent values of the universe. They are Dharma (righteousness), Kama (pleasure, Moksha (liberation), and Artha (economic values).

Seeking happiness, joy, and fulfillment is a natural and evolutionary byproduct of your spirit progressing toward ever-increasing levels of expansion and awareness. Life, however, inevitably contains pain. When you become triggered by painful events, you experience mental and emotional turmoil. Negative thoughts and emotions feel heavy, dark, and burdensome. This collapses your awareness into defensiveness, anger, gloom, and worst-case scenario...

I think we’ve all experienced those times of doubts about our spiritual practices. Am I doing it correctly? Did that teacher know what they were talking about? Is this technique really working?It’s not uncommon for us to plateau once in a while. We feel like we’ve been making good progress, looking forward to our practices, feeling calm and joyful, noticing...

In the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced world, finding time to slow down and connect with your loved ones can be a challenge, especially as you go through the motions of some of the day-to-day responsibilities you tend to either individually or together. But, much like meditating on your own can bring a sense of grounding peace within. “Taking...

There are many ways to cultivate self-love, whether it be through meditation, daily affirmations, or even exercise and taking care of our body nutritionally. But, these wellness responses to self-love aren’t the only ways to tune in—creativity can also help you get to new levels of love for yourself.

Meditation is a natural way for the body to surrender to a state of peace and relaxation. While you can get so much out of sitting on a cushion and meditating, there’s also something to be said about incorporating more active forms of meditation—such as painting landscapes—for healing.“Interests in hobbies, like landscape painting, can help people relax, feel less stressed,...

Tap into the energy of abundance with this simple meditation and breath practice.

When we can reimagine what access to inner peace looks like we start to find it through a balance between movement and perceived stillness.

Practices to welcome more abundance into your life.

When most people think of abundance, they equate it with material wealth and the possessions and lifestyle it can provide. But true abundance is a life that lacks nothing.

Try this meditative practice to soothe heartbreak and grief. 

“Nunca sabes lo fuerte que eres, hasta que ser fuerte es la única opción” – Bob MarleyEste artículo se publicó originalmente en inglés en noviembre de 2018.This article was originally published in English in November 2020.Todos esperamos encontrar algunos baches en el camino de la vida de vez en cuando. Hay momentos en que el bache es solo un pequeño...

The world we live in requires, almost demands, a lot of us. Our time and energy, our hearts, minds, and bodies, are all given certain expectations, limitations, and confines to operate within. The demands of the external world can leave us distant and disconnected from the parts of ourselves that are able to choose; to choose how we spend our...

A simple meditation practice to tap into your creative potential.

Meditation isn’t just a practice of sitting in stillness, it’s a practice of presence, focus, flow, letting go, and freedom. And, in many ways, creating art can have the same effect. From pottery to dance, there are many ways to experience art as mediation. One way to get into that meditative state in art is through painting with watercolors. “The...

It seems like everyone's looking for a way to boost brain function these days. Currently, estimates show that around 55 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with dementia, while 6 million children are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)[*][*].Meanwhile, college students and young professionals are clearing the shelves of the latest nootropics (AKA brain supplements), and the rest of the world...

Use silent meditation to balance the doshas and bring yourself back into a calm and centered state.

One of the incomplete views of the self that many of us have grown up with comes from an interpretation of the Cartesian maxim “I think; therefore I am.” Descartes shared that statement not to define what it means to be human but rather as a discovery of a statement that could not be refuted. Nevertheless, as a culture we...

Try this meditation to clear your mind and welcome fresh energy.

Salutations to the supreme Lord Ganesha, whose curved trunk and massive body shines like a million suns and showers his blessings on everyone. Oh Lord Ganesha, kindly remove all obstacles, always and forever from all my activities and endeavors. - Ganesh InvocationOf all the archetypal gods of the Vedic tradition, one above all stands as the most recognized and popular...

Familiarizing ourselves with the dominant doshas of the season and acknowledging what feels in (and out) of balance in our own constitution allows us to choose activities, foods, and even meditations that can support us through changes in seasons and in our personal lives.For example, in the spring the dominant dosha is Kapha. Because Kapha is associated with the elements...

The five koshas are the pathway to the deepest layers of ourselves. When we embark upon any journey to and through ourselves, we are taking a journey through these layers of existence. Each of these layers is seen as a veil that has been created for us to develop deeper understanding, to examine, and ultimately to transcend as we find...

Anything we do with awareness is a meditative experience so, if we live our lives with awareness, our whole life becomes a meditation. A walking meditation allows us to be fully in the present moment.

When we think about health for the physical body, we often think about aerobic movement. It can be easy to forget that slow, mindful movement also provides benefits. Mindful walks outside, with and without shoes, energize and support the physical body and the mind. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this practice, and here are three.Walking MeditationJust as in...

For most people in the West, chanting "Om" is a practice that's typically reserved for the beginning or the end of a yoga class. As this chant fills the classroom with beautiful resonance, you may notice a subtle shift in your state of mind. For many people, chanting Om brings about a sense of peace and relaxation, moving you from...

Ahora es un buen momento para cambiar tu definición de una mente sana, porque las definiciones actuales son muy cortas de lo que puede ser tu mente. Tu mente fue diseñada para brindarte la experiencia de la dicha, no solo en momentos especiales de alegría, sino en cualquier momento que desees. Ya sé que este nuevo estándar es una sorpresa...

Have you ever found yourself struggling to stay focused during a meeting, on a specific work task, or in conversation with a friend? No matter how hard we try, we often find that our mind has a mind of its own. Unbeknownst to us, our attention drifts, wandering away from the task-at-hand.Over my career as a researcher and brain scientist,...

Now is a good time to change your definition of a healthy mind, because the current definitions fall so short of what your mind can be. Your mind was designed to give you the experience of bliss, not just in special moments of joy but any time you wish. I realize that this new standard comes as a surprise or...

¿Qué pasaría si pudieras tomar una píldora mágica cada mañana que reduciría tu estrés, disminuiría tu ansiedad, aumentaría tu capacidad de concentración y mejoraría tu memoria? También te ayudaría a ser más consciente de ti mismo, más paciente con las personas en tu vida e incluso te ayudaría a vivir una vida más larga, saludable y feliz. Tampoco habría efectos...

Our minds are constantly flooded with desires, most of which disappear as fast as they arise. Those that stick and take a firmer footing move on to become intentions, which we could say are desires with more of a focus. These have been plucked from the stream to be classified as more important.The ancient Vedas say, “As is your desire...

Manifestation is all about calling something into your life through your energetic actions. And, Reiki is all about tapping into universal life force energy and channeling those vibrations for your highest good — or the highest good of others. Because both practices are energetic by nature, they are a great combination for not only setting intentions but bringing those intentions...

At the beginning of a new year, many of us think about what we wish for our future. Sometimes we feel excited by the possibilities, and other times we feel overwhelmed or unclear about what we want. When we feel unclear, often it is because we think we cannot have what we hope for or we have been conditioned to...

For the Ask Roger column, Roger Gabriel, Chopra’s Chief Meditation Officer, answers questions from our community. If you have a general question for Roger around meditation and spiritual practices, please send an email to askroger@chopra.com, and your question may be one he answers next.In this article, Roger answers questions about manifestation meditation, managing uncomfortable emotions, and staying in the present...

In a time when we crave more healing, affirmations are seemingly everywhere. You might have first read about them in a book or seen them spelled out in a beautiful illustration on social media. Or, maybe you heard your yoga instructor share one at the end of class. No matter how or where you initially came in contact with an...

In many ways, New Year’s resolutions are ritualistic. They invite us to get grounded and go inward to ask ourselves what it is we want to call into our lives, plus what healthy habits or practices we might use to do so. With 2022 right around the corner, many of us might be experiencing a more reflective state of mind...

Have you ever held a problem in your mind and flipped through a book, newspaper, or magazine to see what it tells you? If so, you have consulted an oracle. Or perhaps you’ve explored one of the more traditional oracular traditions such as the I Ching (The Book of Changes), tarot cards, rune stones, tea leaf reading, or pendulum dowsing....

I have been listening to different guided meditations for several years and focusing on breathwork. I have always enjoyed it, looked forward to the quiet time to turn off my mind, and recently decided it was time to enhance my practice by enrolling in the Chopra Meditation Enrichment Program. One Full-Time Working Mom's Experience with MeditationWhen I first started really...

Just as the chakra system maps and encourages the balance of our Root chakra, and Crown chakra energies, Japanese energetic anatomy also depicts the balance of Earthly and Heavenly energies coming together at the heart center for harmony and balance. In Eastern philosophy and Reiki teachings, students are encouraged to cultivate their tandens, or “oceans of energy”. When they are...

There are many ways to bring in the benefits of meditation to everyday life, in addition to a daily practice within. One way is through creating art. Art offers us a deeper connection to ourselves and the inspiration that leads us to our creations sparks greater awareness, too. Art is a powerful vehicle for active meditation because it invites us...

For the Ask Roger column, Roger Gabriel, Chopra’s Chief Meditation Officer, answers questions from our community. If you have a general question for Roger around meditation and spiritual practices, please send an email to askroger@chopra.com, and your question may be one he answers next.In this article, Roger answers questions about people-pleasing, meeting your life partner, being comfortable and at ease...

The darker seasons of autumn and winter provide a special opportunity for self-inquiry as we head into a partial hibernation. We snuggle in at night to keep warm, we feel tired earlier because the sun has set, and we can lower the lights in the home to stay attuned to the season.When the world outside is blanketed in darkness, it...

Hay pocas razones para negarse a uno mismo la poderosa actividad de la meditación. La investigación ha encontrado que la práctica puede proporcionar una amplia gama de beneficios para la salud al prevenir el deterioro de la estructura cerebral relacionado con la edad, aumentar la capacidad de memoria y regular tu estado de ánimo para ralentizar el proceso de envejecimiento,...

Being on a spiritual journey can be fraught with many challenges and obstacles. Questions, concerns, and doubts may arise at any time. We sometimes feel stuck or just spinning our wheels, in need of some external insight or inspiration. Or perhaps we just wish to share our spiritual story with others. Satsang provides the opportunity and support for all of...

We’re faced, every day, with stress, anxiety, and an overwhelming amount of stimuli. Our bodies, our minds, and our spirits absorb each of our experiences and store all of them in some capacity. With so much tension being held in our space, the commitment to engage in daily practices rooted in compassion, love, tenderness, and gratitude can be pivotal parts...

Naciste completo, puro y perfecto desde el momento en que respiraste por primera vez. Viniste a este mundo completamente inocente, curioso y lleno de emoción, y con el paso de los años, capas y capas de experiencia te llevaron a tu condicionamiento. Desarrollaste valores, personajes y creencias fundamentales que comenzaron a moldearte en la persona que eres hoy, al menos,...

Despite the power of technology to connect us with others, we live in a society of loneliness, polarization, and isolation. The social media platforms originally designed to connect us are instead driving us apart. Not to mention the global pandemic that has kept us physically distanced from our community members.Although it might appear counterintuitive, offering yourself a healthy dose of...

Seamos realistas, los obstáculos son parte de la vida y ninguno de nosotros tiene el manual de cómo superarlos. Por muy ideal que parezca, esquivar obstáculos no es posible; aunque puedes aprender a trabajar con la energía que los crea y superar la noción de que de alguna manera estás a su merced. Primero, identifiquemos qué son los obstáculos, por...

Reclaim your inner strength, find moments of peace, and step into your day with a renewed sense of calm and clarity.

As we come up on nearly 20 months of existing with a global pandemic, the holiday season approaching, and demands of everyday work and life persisting, navigating mental health can feel impossible. All of us are low on capacity, the reality is we all need more than any one of us can give. Because of these fluctuations in capacity, building...

The physical heart is the organ we are all aware of in the body. It ceaselessly circulates the blood, bringing oxygen and energy to all the cells. The body cannot survive for long without the working of this heart, located in the left chest. You may also be aware of the Anahata or heart chakra, the energy center located in...

La meditación, quizás alguna vez radical, ahora es prácticamente convencional. Personas de todo el mundo practican la meditación para calmar la mente y desestresar el cuerpo. Un estudio de investigación nacional de 2012 informó que el 8 por ciento de los adultos estadounidenses, 18 millones de personas, usaban la meditación. La popularidad y accesibilidad de la meditación sigue aumentando.Este artículo...

Over the last decade, meditation and mindfulness practices have taken the well-being world by storm. In countless research studies, meditation has been proven to be a profound tool to help enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. As a result, the wellness community has been quick to capitalize on meditation’s appeal and make mindfulness and meditation offerings a part of...

"Dondequiera que estés, está allí del todo".—Ram DassEste artículo se publicó originalmente en inglés en agosto de 2019.This article was originally published in English in August 2019.La conciencia es tu bien más preciado. Es la luz de la atención que energiza, activa, aclara e ilumina. Puede restaurar el equilibrio, la armonía y la salud de tu mente y cuerpo, así...

On the spiritual path, silent mind is associated with inner peace, calm, and quiet. Yet these qualities, desirable as they sound, barely hint at what a silent mind is capable of. Particularly in these difficult times, everyone should realize that silent awareness has the ability to heal. Let’s go deeper into why this is true.Silent mind, which is experienced in...

Follow along with Roger Gabriel, Chopra's Chief Meditation Officer, in this new article series on the Vedic Yugas. Read previous articles in the series:Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4BeginningUnfortunately, very few heed Krishna’s or the other teachers' advice. Morality continued to decline and it is said that Kali Yuga was crouched like a demon, impatient to be loosed upon the earth.This...

Follow along with Roger Gabriel, Chopra's Chief Meditation Officer, in this new article series on the Vedic Yugas.Read previous articles in the series:Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3BeginningThe bull, representing dharma, the true purpose in life, which had stood on four legs during Sat Yuga and three during Treta Yuga, now balances on two legs. Less than half the people followed moral...

Follow along with Roger Gabriel, Chopra's Chief Meditation Officer, in this new article series on the Vedic Yugas.Read previous articles in the series:Chapter 1Chapter 2BeginningAs Sat Yuga drew to a close, the fortunate, pure souls, merged back into the Absolute, to journey where we cannot imagine. Those who had succumbed to distraction and delusion became part of the now emerging...

Follow along with Roger Gabriel, Chopra's Chief Meditation Officer, in this new article series on the Vedic Yugas.The BeginningAs we discussed in Chapter 1, The Beginningless Beginning, the Absolute is nothing in itself but the potential for everything.The Aitareya Upanishad tells us the story of creation, it starts,In the beginning the Self alone existed. Nothing whatsoever winked.From out of itself,...

Follow along with Roger Gabriel, Chopra's Chief Meditation Officer, in this new article series on the Vedic Yugas. I’ve written articles and recorded talks on the Vedic concept of evolution. Even though we call it a journey through time and recognize the great time periods known as Yugas, it is timeless, without beginning or end. It is a journey where...

Have you ever laid in bed exhausted with your mind racing with thoughts and you are unable to fall asleep? On top of it, you hear a little voice inside your head that tells you, you have to fall asleep NOW! Well, this used to happen to me all the time. It started happening 3.5 years ago when I was...

Every month, Roger Gabriel, Chopra’s Chief Meditation Officer, will be answering questions from our followers. If you have a general question for him around meditation and spiritual practices, please send an email to askroger@chopra.com, and your question may be one he answers next month. This month, Roger answers questions about chants to start and end a meditation practice, how to...

Our world can be a divisive and polarizing place. Recent times have been a testament to this as we have collectively witnessed what feels like an ever-growing rift in our society. Disparities in race, gender, sexual identity, economic status, and ideology are like open wounds that have been unable to heal. With every step forward we make toward equality and...

"Only when Shiva is united with Shakti does he have the power to create." - SoundaryaThe history of both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions has largely been dominated by a masculine bias. From archetypes and godheads to qualities of consciousness such as strength, control, dominance, force, or rigidity, the masculine principle is often viewed as the seat of power and...

The change of season, whether you’re moving from winter to spring or summer into autumn, is always a good time to reassess your life and clear out what no longer serves, making way for new exciting opportunities to enter. This can be done on all levels, physical, mental, and spiritual. Physical The physical includes both the inner and outer. Starting...

While the world turned upside down during COVID-19, parents, teachers, therapists, social workers, families, and community leaders have had the added responsibility of keeping children physically and mentally safe, educated through virtual learning, occupied with restrictions and cancellations, and also healthy and happy amidst overall uncertainty.If you are reading this article, please pause for a moment and take a deep...

For thousands of years, people have used meditation to experience inner quiet and expanded awareness. As an ever-growing body of scientific data shows, meditation has the power to heal our body, calm our mind, and even rewire our brain for greater happiness, creativity, and love.During the past five decades, Deepak Chopra has taught countless people throughout the world how to...

Learn about the true meaning of mantras in yogic practices and how to increase your awareness and bring focus to your life.

Chopra Global has teamed up with GT's SYNERGY raw kombucha, a brand who shares our mission for making health & happiness accessible to all, to bring you four practices for joy and gratitude. Join best-selling author and podcast host, Sahara Rose along with spiritual guide, meditation teacher, and author Sah D'Simone for this Meditation and Self-Care Video Series to support...

If you're feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, don't worry--you're not alone. Learn how to cope with holiday stresses with guided meditation from Chopra.

Join this peaceful meditation, with Chopra’s Chief Impact Officer, Meditation Teacher, Wellness Educator and Reiki Teacher, Devi Brown.Everyday we are bombarded with noise and external stressors: the phone ringing, a text message coming in or an email needing our immediate attention. But, what would happen if we just set it all down for a moment? Reconnecting with silence is essential...

Meditation can help you lessen your symptoms of depression. Learn how from the experts at Chopra today.

If you are new to meditation or just beginning to explore contemplative practices, you have a lot of options. Hundreds, if not thousands, of meditation styles and techniques from a wide variety of wisdom traditions are available to the modern seeker. For example, the following ever-growing body of options can collectively be referred to as “meditation”: Buddhist, Vedic, and Taoist...

This holiday season try these three meditations for gratitude, joy, and kindness to help you get into the spirit of the season.

En todas partes hay informes sobre el aumento del estrés, la depresión y la ansiedad. La Organización Mundial de la Salud se ha referido a ello como una epidemia, y ha informado que la carga de la depresión está aumentando a nivel mundial. La depresión y la tristeza no son lo mismo. La depresión es una enfermedad mental y los...

¿Qué te viene a la mente cuando piensas en las vacaciones? Para muchos, es un momento de alegría, una oportunidad para pasar un tiempo de calidad con los seres queridos y celebrar la temporada. Sin embargo, para otros, puede provocar una sensación de ansiedad, agobio y obligación que es, o al menos parece, inevitable. Entonces, ¿cómo puedes cambiar tu forma...

Gratitude has become very popular lately, and for good reason. According to research, gratitude is one of the easiest and most beneficial tools for boosting happiness levels on a neurological and emotional level. Many “gratitude practitioners” already employ the practice of gratitude journaling and other simple gratitude practices, but what if you’re ready to graduate to a more developed practice?According...

There are few reasons to skip the powerful activity of meditation. After all, research has found that the practice can provide a wide array of health benefits from preventing age-related brain structure deterioration, increasing memory capacity, and regulating your mood to slowing the aging process, reducing chronic inflammation, and increasing immunity.Yet, knowing that something is good for you doesn’t always...

Who wouldn’t want to feel stronger when facing life’s challenges? Don’t just hope and pray for that resilience—practice yoga and meditation intentionally to draw it out and build it up.

During the Coronavirus pandemic and an election year, an increasing number of people are having to face anxiety, grief, and depression. As a collective, we have the opportunity to embrace, integrate, and step back; we create new paths to raise awareness and remove stigmas surrounding mental health challenges. You, or someone you know, are likely to be searching for a...

Before I began meditating I felt that I had two advantages: I came from India, and because of my medical background, I had looked into the health benefits of meditation. So when I think of five things that I wish I'd known 35 years ago, I would amend the topic to "things I wish everyone knew." Meditation is natural. It's...

Over the years, the practice of meditation has developed an interesting popular image. Some parts of that image are accurate, while others are mistaken, stereotypical, or totally false. I’ll admit it, at one time, I, too, was guilty of holding odd or exaggerated assumptions about meditation. For many of us, when we think of meditation an image comes to mind,...

There are now thousands of studies spanning five decades to validate the benefits of meditation. As widespread as this information is, the effect on everyday life has been limited. In my new book, Total Meditation, I wanted to correct the under-use of meditation and the large problem of non-compliance, as a doctor would call it. Too many people start meditating...

La técnica es la simplicidad misma. En cualquier momento del día en que te encuentres distraído, abrumado, preocupado, cansado o estresado, trata inmediatamente con este estado de desequilibrio.

In the Latino community, there remains some taboo and confusion around meditation—but there doesn’t have to be. Here, wellness expert and certified Kundalini yoga teacher Karen Mendoza breaks down how Latinos can benefit, especially during these trying times, just by pausing, breathing, and meditating.Isolation from friends and relatives, job loss and income insecurity, a mystery virus killing hundreds of thousands...

En la comunidad latina, sigue habiendo un poco de tabú y confusión en torno a la meditación, pero no tiene por qué haberla. Aquí, la experta en bienestar y profesora certificada de yoga Kundalini, Karen Mendoza, analiza cómo los latinos pueden beneficiarse, especialmente durante estos tiempos difíciles, con sólo hacer una pausa, respirar y meditar.Aislamiento de amigos y parientes, pérdida...

Meditation is a skill like learning to ride a bike or drive a car. It takes time, discipline, and making mistakes before you feel you’ve mastered the skill. Sometimes, we fall into an it-looks-easy-so-it-should-be-easy mindset, which can cause a lot of frustration if you’re struggling to master a particular skill. Most skills require hours of practice.Meditating, and learning how to...

El sonido ha sido utilizado durante generaciones por la mayoría de las culturas para traer paz y equilibrio. El sonido de un tambor, tocar un cuenco y cantar mantras pueden tener un efecto armonizador. Escuchar los sonidos de la naturaleza también tiene un efecto curativo en tu bienestar.

A physician friend of mine once jokingly said that most of the time, doctors just entertain their patients until they cure themselves. While he was joking, there is an element of truth in what he said. The body is its own best healer. When balanced and harmonious, your body knows exactly what to do in any situation. One tool that...

El movimiento de bienestar ha estado arraigado durante más de una década. Por incrementos, ciertos aspectos de la vida de las personas han mejorado, mientras que en otros no. Por ejemplo, el consumo de tabaco ha disminuido, pero millones de personas están estresadas. El insomnio, el sobrepeso, la ansiedad y la depresión se mantienen en un nivel alto y preocupante.Los...

Posiblemente, los mitos más persistentes con respecto a la meditación son que es difícil, implica lucha o enfoque tipo láser, o que está reservado para unos pocos privilegiados que poseen la estructura mental o genética necesaria para calmar la mente. Sin embargo, ninguna de estas creencias es cierta. La cultura popular no enciende una luz a la práctica de la...

Put simply, meditation is for everyone. It can be done by anyone, regardless of background or experience. The Path To Stillness, A Meditator's Guide.

The line between religion and spirituality can be very fine, and they are similar in many ways. How do we tell the difference between spirituality and religion?

We all lead busy lives, but if you can find time to brush your teeth or watch TV, you have time to meditate. Here are seven ways you can squeeze meditation into your schedule.When you lead a busy life, the idea of squeezing in one more thing such as meditation may seem unrealistic—especially if the image of meditation is that...

El cambio puede ser estresante, incluso cuando el cambio es positivo y bienvenido. Ya sea que esté atravesando algunas transiciones importantes de la vida, como casarse o jubilarse, o atravesar un cambio más pequeño, puede beneficiarse practicando técnicas de relajación para contrarrestar el inevitable estrés.Por ejemplo, cuando tenía 15 años, mi madre y yo estábamos en medio de dos de...

Todos llevamos vidas ocupadas, pero si puedes encontrar tiempo para lavarte los dientes o ver la televisión, tienes tiempo para meditar. Aquí hay siete maneras de incluir la meditación en tu agenda.Cuando llevas una vida muy ocupada, la idea de incluir una cosa más, como la meditación, puede parecer poco realista, especialmente si la imagen de la meditación es la...

Tienes todas las buenas intenciones del mundo de sentarte a meditar. Encuentra un lugar cómodo, pon el teléfono en silencio, deja que el perro juegue afuera, dale un bocadillo a tus hijos y pon el temporizador a 15 minutos. Todo lo que quieres es silencio por ese corto tiempo.¿Es realmente tan difícil de conseguir? te preguntas. Entonces, una vez que...

The Colombian-born singer is recognized globally for reviving reggaeton, a Spanish-language musical genre with roots in Puerto Rico, Panama, and Jamaica, to an international audience. But Balvin’s ascent to worldwide superstardom has not been without mission. He has bravely shared his personal challenges with mental health and advocated for well-being practices. Balvin’s commitment to serving others by sharing his story...

Everyone has a right to a healthy mind. From education to health care, many people face hardships in accessing the care they need to have a healthy mind. You probably never saw any of these challenges coming. This is the time to take inventory by evaluating how these challenges can become your path to conscious change; you can’t leave your...

Cultivating compassion can help you stay present with the suffering you’re facing each day. Here are some self-compassion meditation techniques.

Cada persona tiene derecho a una mente sana. Desde la educación, hasta la atención médica, muchas personas enfrentan dificultades para acceder a la atención que necesitan para tener una mente sana. Probablemente nunca haya visto venir ninguno de estos desafíos. Este es el momento de hacer un inventario evaluando cómo estos desafíos pueden convertirse en su camino hacia un cambio...

The space in which you meditate can profoundly influence the ease with which you are able to settle into meditation. According to eighth-century Indian philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, your physical environment exudes a dynamic energetic frequency that rouses similar, corresponding energies in the body and mind. Some frequencies pull the attention outward, while others draw it inward; some activate the mind,...

In honor of Father’s Day, you celebrate the love, wisdom, humanity, and compassion offered by fathers worldwide. While some jump at the chance to celebrate, spend time with, or pay homage to fathers or fatherhood, relationships with dads can be complicated. If you are thinking of ways to connect, bond, or help heal your relationship with your dad (or any...

El cantante colombiano es reconocido mundialmente por revivir el reggaetón, un género musical con raíces en Puerto Rico, Panamá y Jamaica, para una audiencia internacional. Pero el ascenso de Balvin como superestrella mundial no ha sido sin una misión. El valientemente ha compartido sus desafíos personales con la salud mental y ha ejercido por prácticas de bienestar. El compromiso de...

Originally published by SF Gate. Crises call for action and may even trigger global action that is motivated by alarm, fear, and the dread of uncertainty. But what about the individual person who feels afraid and uncertain? I’d like to propose an answer based on the silent mind. I realize that this approach might sound a bit alien and “spiritual”...

Devotees of mindfulness meditation—often described as non-judgemental attention to present moment experiences—will be well-versed in the many benefits of their practice. Benefits include the following: More focused attention Relaxation Positive shifts in mood Enhanced self-awareness Improved health and well-being The Positive Health Benefits of Mindfulness MeditationThe strongest scientific evidence to date that meditation has positive health benefits comes from two...

The past few weeks have seen an unprecedented increase in mental tension, anxiety, and fear spanning the globe. With the COVID-19 virus reaching pandemic proportions and new cases being reported each day, this is a crisis unlike anything most people have experienced in their lifetime. While government and local agencies are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, you might find...

For many people, it’s hard to imagine a time when work fits into a finite timeframe: same start time each day and when it’s over, it’s actually over.The technology of the past few decades has resulted in a large number of trades and professions working longer and more often. It’s also made it more difficult to disengage, even when you’re...

Over the last several decades, scientific research into meditation has revealed a wealth of profound benefits. Daily meditation practice is a form of mindfulness that has been shown to positively impact your mind, body, emotions, relationships, and performance, as well as deepen your connection to spirit. Essentially, every layer of your life stands to benefit from making meditation a part...

The workplace can be a source of anxiety, stress, and burnout. While there is no way to totally eliminate stress from the workplace, more businesses are recognizing the importance of holistic, evidence-based practices to improve the health and wellness of employees. This is due in part to research showing the many benefits of lower-stress employees, including improved work performance. Companies...

Silence can be an important step in finding focus in meditation. Learn the secret to peaceful mind meditation by accepting the turbulence of life.

A good night’s sleep is of utmost importance. Sleep influences your overall health. Sleep, and the unfortunate lack thereof, deeply influences the workings of your brain and the functioning capacity of your body. Ask any new parent, any graduate student, or anyone going through a high-stress period or experiencing insomnia: sleep matters!Sleep Is the Cornerstone of a Healthy LifestyleAccording to...

If you are one of the millions of people in the world who meditate, you know how powerful the benefits can be in your life. Or maybe you haven’t felt concrete benefits yet, but you’ve read the research and are committing to it anyway.Whether you meditate every day or have only tried it once or twice, expanding your perception of...

“Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of the memory. When the memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined.”- Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 63Of all the emotional states, none is as disruptive, damaging, and unsettling as anger. Anger, along with its cousin's hostility and rage, can contribute...

In his book, The Way of Zen, Alan Watts famously wrote, “Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.” Continuing to shake a jar full of water and dirt will only make the water cloudier; the only way to find clarity is by letting the jar sit and settle.So, too, does the mind need stillness for clarity, yet people...

Get the most out of your meditation by making sure you know how to sit. Learn how to sit comfortably during meditation from these experts at Chopra today.

Malas are growing in popularity and can be a great complement to your meditation and spirituality practice. Learn more about Buddhist prayer beads from Chopra today.

Learn about Samadhi meditation and the ways in which the Eight Limbs of Yoga can help you reach the freedom and enlightenment of Samadhi.

Learn how to create an altar at home to connect to the sacred and your spirituality every day.

Learn six methods of energy cleansing from your mind and body from Chopra. Further, your journey of well-being cleanse negative energy.

Mantras are vibrations that create desired effects, such as healing, transformation or self-awareness. Learn these 7 mantras to better meditate & help in your daily life.

In The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, Dr. Deepak Chopra discusses ways to manage surviving in the natural world without desperate striving. Learn more about these laws.

How often should you meditate? How long should you meditate? Read how consistent daily meditation practice is sure to wield the best results.

Follow these 5 lessons from the Bhagavad Gita to improve your self-confidence and give yourself sustained growth.

Mindfulness and meditation embody many similarities, but they are not strictly identical. Learn the difference between mindfulness and meditation.

Meditation is the process of focusing attention on inner silence rather than external activity—it is, in essence, a reminder that you are not a human doing but a human being. In meditation, you are purposefully paying non-judgmental attention to the experience of the current moment. While the mind has an affinity for future focus, mindfulness and meditation help bring focus...

Learn how to improve your life and your outlook with these 7 simple mantras. From improving your daily mood to focusing on success, Chopra has the perfect mantra for you.

Namasté is more than a word used to end a yoga session. Learn what namasté means and how to best internalize its meaning.

Experiencing physical sensations during meditation is common, from tingling to nausea & more. Deepak Chopra answers questions on what these feelings mean.

Guided meditation can help direct your attention to all of what you have to be thankful for. Your inherent happiness will shine.

Teach your kids to love family meditation with these 3 kid-friendly meditations. Our meditation for children is perfect for teaching mindfulness.

Expand and improve your practice with these four meditation techniques that can help you deepen your meditation.

Learn how to meditate from Chopra! These 6 tips will help your path from being a beginner to being a meditation expert.

“Wherever you are, be all there.” — Ram DassAwareness is your most precious commodity. It is the light of attention that energizes, activates, clarifies, and illuminates. It can restore balance, harmony, and health to your mind and body as well as help you connect more deeply to spirit. From a chronological perspective, your awareness can embody one of two states:...

We all want to feel grounded and content. Regardless of how much you have to be grateful for, you can feel like something’s missing—and anxiety, unhappiness, restlessness, and longing for something more sets in. It doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful; it means you’re human.Neuroscience and social science research shows that most people possess something called optimistic bias or the tendency to...

When you experience stress or anxiety, the affiliated emotions can manifest in the physical body as muscle tension. Have you ever noticed an ache in one of your shoulders or a knot in your lower back before a tough conversation with someone or after you’ve had a stressful day at work?Muscle tension is the body's way of trying to protect...

What if you could take a magic pill each morning that would reduce your stress, lessen your anxiety, increase your ability to focus, and improve your memory? It would also help you to become more self-aware, more patient with the people in your life, and even help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. There would also be no side...

You’ve had the experience of feeling good—really good—about yourself at least once in your life. Maybe it was something you accomplished after dedicating a lot of resources, like time, energy, and money. Or perhaps it was just a moment in time where you shined brighter ever before. Whatever that moment was, you will always remember the feeling you had, and...

One of the best things about meditation, that practice of quietly observing your thoughts and feelings in your mind without judgment, is that you do not need anything to practice. No gadgets or gear are necessary. You can practice meditation on the subway. You can practice meditation in bed. You can practice meditation in the bath! Simply breathe in and...

All traditions and religions describe some form of enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Unfortunately, most people are spiritually asleep, some snoring soundly. Meditation is your wake-up call, when you rub the sleep of ignorance from your eyes and begin to enjoy the great bounty that awaits you.The good news is that you’re all already enlightened and perfect in every way—perfectly happy,...

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, for those in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year while for those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the shortest day of the year. The solstice begins when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined toward the sun. As the astronomy experts for the...

The benefits of meditation have been known and espoused for thousands of years despite its seemingly recent rise in social awareness. It’s hard not to notice the shift happening as more comedians, actors and actresses, CEOs, and thought leaders are attesting to the fact that meditation works and helps them achieve success on many levels. It’s safe to say that...

To build physical strength, you may rely on a gym or a personal trainer. But what if you’re looking to build up inner strength?Cultivating mental and emotional strength may not receive as much attention as physical exercise, but it’s equally vital to your overall health and well-being. Even better, it can be done without setting foot inside a gym! Instead,...

Harness the power of your breath, focus your mind, and develop a healthy relationship with your feelings.

Gayatri Mantra meditation develops within you the feeling of constantly living in the divine state of pure consciousness. Read here to learn the Gayatri Mantra's benefits.

The act of focusing involves paying particular attention to a certain thing, thought, or idea. In the age of distraction—the digital age—it is all too easy to become unfocused when a notification comes in on your phone or an ad pops up on your computer. The news no longer has a single story—it is usually accompanied by a banner at...

Bring to mind the happiest and most successful people you can think of and you can virtually guarantee two things: They have a meditation or mindfulness practice. They have conscious mornings rituals. People who have manifested their best lives will tell you that success didn’t just land in their laps; they had to work for it. They had to make...

No project is more valuable than finding your true self. Once you wake up to who you really are and realize your other selves. Read how to find your true self.

Your physical and mental health is highly influenced by the natural world. Environmental influences on health include: Clean air Safe drinking water Sufficient nourishing food Secure shelter Regular contact with nature has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, decrease death rates, and may help to increase longevity.On the other hand, numerous studies demonstrate how air pollution contributes to respiratory...

A new medical breakthrough that is actually very old is known as controlled breathing. The practice is simple. You take a deep breath, feeling your lungs expand fully, then slowly exhale to a count of five. Repeating this practice four or five times sends a signal to the brain that creates a variety of beneficial responses.As a recent article in...

Un nuevo avance médico que en realidad es muy antiguo se conoce como respiración controlada. La práctica es simple. Respiras profundamente, sientes que tus pulmones se expanden completamente, y luego exhalas lentamente hasta la cuenta de cinco. Repitiendo esta práctica cuatro o cinco veces se envía una señal al cerebro que crea una variedad de respuestas beneficiosas.Como dice un artículo...

Diagnose any potential imbalances in your body's chakras by performing a chakra test and looking out for these 5 signs that they may be out of alignment.

Western science says that the universe as you know it began with the Big Bang. However, the obvious question is, “What was there before the bang?” The Vedic answer to this question is Pure Consciousness. An eternal, silent field, which is nothing in itself but holds the potential for everything and, out of which, everything arises. The Absolute.Being eternal, the...

When you feel like you’ve been skimming the surface of life, it is likely a sign you need to reboot. Feeling like you’re stuck in a rut can put a damper on even the most blessed life; however, spiritual stagnation can also give you the motivation you need to refresh yourself and recommit to a journey of profound inner growth.Has...

Regardless of your culture, theology, beliefs, or interests, there are many ways to become more spiritually aware. What does it mean to be spiritually aware?

Consciousness is infinite and unbounded at its source. Let’s apply this idea to gratitude, because for many of us, gratitude isn’t unbounded. It comes and goes. You feel thankful for this or that experience, for one person but not another, and for various things that feel like a gift. However, you may take the things you value—your families, friends, a...

Breathing connects you to the natural cycles of ups and downs, giving and receiving, and death and rebirth. These cycles govern everything around you. When you inhale, you receive energy and life; when you exhale, you let it go.In fact, Yoga—together with other ancient disciplines—has always seen the breath as a source of mystical connection between physicality and spirit, and...

Do you find yourself wanting to meditate more but don’t seem to have the time? Perhaps your image of what meditation should be is actually getting in the way of starting or maintaining a meditation practice. Whatever the hindrance, place it aside for now. Meditation is for everyone, especially for those who have a busy lifestyle.Fortunately, our modernized world brings...

There was a time, not so long ago, when the topic of energy was considered to be the “woo-woo” language of the New Age movement that had no real basis in reality. The notion that we had any sort of ability to wield energy for the purposes of healing ourselves and others was a bit too far out there for...

Your intuition is always there, but there are ways to learn how to access your intuition. Overall awareness will strengthen and allow you greater insight.

Every day of every week, some people wake up and rush directly to their local coffee shop to kick off their day. Meanwhile, another set of people wake up and calmly set an intention for their day as they venture beyond the mind’s noisy chatter into a space of present mindfulness: meditation.Meditation is a widely used, researched, and science-backed practice,...

Whether you’re a fan of the holidays, you love fresh starts, or you happen to be of the opinion that January 1st is just another day, consider honoring the New Year with a special practice. Since we humans already make meaning of this time of year, we may as well make it, well, meaningful!Creating a complete New Year’s practice may...

Meditation retreats and classes provide unique benefits when you are looking to explore a greater sense of community and guidance. In order to decide between a retreat or a class, it is important to understand not only the distinction between the two but also your lifestyle and desires.What Is a Meditation Retreat?A meditation retreat can feel like a vacation and...

For whatever reason, your life has begun to move in a spiritual direction: Perhaps you’ve been immersing yourself in the world’s contemplative and wisdom traditions. Maybe you’ve been going deeper into your yoga practice. Or you’ve explored a new meditation app that has opened you up to new perspectives and ways of thinking about your life and your place in...

Are you feeling that urge to get away from it all? Longing for a reset? Do you have an interest in beginning or deepening your meditation practice? If your answer to any of those questions is yes, you may be considering attending a meditation retreat. A meditation retreat is a vacation during which you dedicate some, most, or all of...

The world is chaotic because human beings are chaotic in their awareness. Here's how you can cultivate an orderly mind as your best asset to meet life's challenges by Deepak Chopra M.D.

Learn how to manifest your desires quickly and align them with your journey from Chopra. Find your goals and how move toward them.

Change can be stressful, even when the change is a positive and welcome one. Whether you are navigating through some big life transitions such as getting married or retiring, or moving through a smaller change, you can benefit by practicing relaxation techniques to offset the inevitable stress.For example, when I was a 15, my mom and I were in the...

Despite appearances, the act of meditation is more than simply sitting in silence for a period of time. It is the beginning of a journey into the inner depths of your heart and mind. It is through the exploration of these depths where we tap into our true desires and develop an understanding of who we are and what unique...

You can think of a spiritual practice as something similar to building a beautiful, tall mansion set in lush gardens. This mansion is like no other. When finished, it will be filled with exquisite works of art, celestial music, and treasures beyond compare. Everything you could ever want or need will be in exactly the right place at the right...

The dictionary defines suffering as the state of undergoing pain distress or hardship. Suffering is unpleasantness. Suffering can involve physical pain and mental distress. In every life, there will be pain, both physical and emotional, that comes from outside of you—the death of a loved one, contracting an illness, a ski accident, or stubbed toe. Even the Dalai Lama has...

You were born to experience joy; it wasn’t something you had to learn. You need only to observe children playing to remember the small delights that life offered from chasing butterflies to lighting up at the sight of ice cream. That is true joy—the freedom to be who you truly are and feeling at peace. Not worrying about the past...

When you think of mindfulness, what do you picture? Do you see yourself sitting … and sitting … and sitting? Sure, there are tremendous benefits of having a sitting meditation practice to cultivate mindfulness. Nonetheless, it just might bore you to tears.Despite popular belief, mindfulness doesn’t have to be dull. You can set an intention to make mindfulness a little...

The word Mahavakya means a great pronouncement or great statement, which expresses the message of the One Universal Truth.In ancient Vedic times, a teacher would sit with his or her students and expound on the great wisdom teachings. The more advanced students were introduced to the knowledge of higher states of consciousness and enlightenment. Many of these teachings are recorded...

Meditation is entering the mainstream. Large companies offer courses on meditation and mindfulness for their employees. Doctors recommend techniques such as meditation to help reduce stress and improve health. Schools teach meditation to their students. What is creating such an interest in meditation?Paradigm ShiftThis is an era of great change in the world. Your inner world is deeply affected by...

Meditation has a short history in this country, and it's gratifying that the history has been so positive. No longer is closing your eyes to meditate considered exotic, Eastern, or strange. There is so much research on the benefits of meditation that the future will only make the practice more popular.But there is still a tendency to study meditation in...

While balancing your chakra system can be aligned and healed through Reiki, you are your own healer and can transform your life with chakras. Balance yours.

Have you ever wondered what your life could look like if you had more clarity, better focus, reduced stress, and a sense of purpose—all while having success in your career, meaningful relationships, and the time in your day to enjoy the things you love? Have you ever wondered how some people manage to have it all while you’re struggling to...

Learn about how the Law Of Attraction and how it relates to your unconscious mind and meditation. Learn how to attract the positive emotions from Chopra.

Are you ready to find your bliss? Learn more about the 5 koshas and how to embrace them in your yoga practice with the experts from Chopra.

The quick answer is “Don’t Quit”!During my years of teaching meditation, I’ve heard a multitude of excuses for ending a meditation session early so let’s look at some of them and what to do when they occur.ComfortOne of the simplest reasons for feeling restless during meditation is because you’re sitting in an uncomfortable position. If you can sit for 20–30...

Learn how to start your day with breathing exercises that will help you start each morning right. Learn more from Chopra today.

When it comes to meditation, you’re curious about it. Most likely, you’re convinced of the scientific benefits. You’d like to make meditation part of your life. You may have even tried a few times but the moment you close your eyes, thoughts, stories, and mental noise flood your mind. What seems like a simple process of finding inner peace feels...

You’ve probably noticed that your mind engages in an inner dialogue. It never seems to stop, producing one thought after another. Like a difficult partner, the mind reminds you of what you did or did not do, what you said or shouldn’t have said, what you noticed or did not notice, and on and on. “I shouldn’t have said that.”...

You may meditate, but have you taken your practice one step further by using crystals? Learn the benefits of crystals and how to us crystals in your meditation practice.

Are you having trouble sticking to your meditation practice? Perhaps you have every intention of meditating, but you run out of time each day. Or maybe you get flooded with texts and emails before the day officially gets started, so you skip your practice to get a head start. Perhaps you flat out don’t like meditating.There are many reasons you...

As the heat of summer washes over you, look to your breath to help keep you cool with these cooling breathing techniques to keep you cool from the inside out.

Summertime conjures up images of ice cream cones, neighborhood swimming pools, family vacations, and beach bonfires. The rhythm of longer, warmer days makes summer the favorite season for many. Difficult decisions like Pool or beach? Strawberry or coconut popsicle? BBQ or picnic? may be at the forefront of your mind.While the summer may be filled with all kinds of exciting...

One of the major medical advances in recent decades has been the importance of lifestyle choices. Your body's cells eavesdrop on everything you say, do, and think, along with the food you eat, the sleep you get, and the exercise you take. Coursing through the bloodstream is a superhighway of information in chemical form. We are just beginning to understand...

In chapter 2 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he shares that the fourth cause of suffering is known as Dvesha, or aversion. It refers to the repulsion or avoidance of things you don’t want. Patanjali goes on to explain that aversion is essentially clinging to pain. Aversion can also take the form of resistance to what is and, as a consequence,...

Compassion, wanting to reduce the pain of others, sometimes gets a bad rap. Some view it as a soft and fluffy virtue that allows others to walk all over you. However, giving and receiving compassion offers tremendous benefits for physical and psychological health.Skeptics might be surprised about the science that backs up the power of compassion. Researchers have been studying...

One aspect of life that can feel hard to deal with is managing thoughts you don’t want to have. These can be restless thoughts that fill the mind, or compulsive thoughts that keep coming back despite your desire to get rid of them. Anyone who has had the same tune running through his or her mind for a day or...

Within you is contained an assembly of beliefs—a vast collection of ideas you support, views and opinions on various subjects, the ideologies, principles, and positions you endorse and hold dear. Beliefs express and govern your attitudes; they filter your perceptions, and in many ways direct your outlook on life.Types of BeliefsBeliefs generally fall into two categories: Constricted, narrow, and limitingLeads...

Summer is here and that means vacation time for many of us. There are stirrings of excitement and anticipation as plans are made for outdoor activities, backyard barbeques, travel, or even just taking it easy. While this is fun, it can be easy to get swept up in the flurry of activities and begin to feel a bit stressed or...

Meditation is an effortless process that will enrich all aspects of your life. Anyone who can think a thought can meditate, and everyone will benefit from it. If you or someone dear to you is still holding out, hopefully at least one of the following 13 reasons will strike the necessary chord to get you started. Once the gifts start...

The qualities you associate with spring center on renewal. Just as nature renews itself with the awakening of spring, so can you. Renewal is a quality of consciousness that permeates body, mind, and spirit. In the body, renewal involves feeling fresh, energetic, and youthful. In the mind, renewal is about new creative possibilities. In spirit, renewal is about living from...

Spring has arrived! With the return of the sun, new blooms begin to sprout up all around. The emergence of spring may find you yawning and stretching after a nice, long winter hibernation. Your days may seem brighter, your mood lighter, and a new sense of inspiration may begin to stir within you. Have you noticed the bubbling up of...

Breath is the source of prana, or life force, and among the most basic of all human functions. Breathing consists of two phases: inhalation and exhalation. When you inhale, the diaphragm—a dome-shaped muscle separating the lungs from the abdominal cavity—contracts. This allows your lungs to expand and fill with air. On the exhale, the diaphragm returns to its normal position,...

Spring is traditionally a time of renewal. The air gets warmer, plants form new buds, animals return from their wintertime retreats, and many embrace the urge to thoroughly clean their homes.Typically, spring cleaning includes a focus on the things you see daily—the cluttered drawers, dusty curtains, and smudged mirror. However, the most important area to be cleaned is perhaps the...

“Again, the season of Spring has comeAnd a spring-source rises under everything,A moon sliding from the shadows.”-RumiThe Spring Equinox has come and gone, meaning the days are once again getting longer than the nights. As the seasons change, so too should your self-care practices, so that you may maintain harmony with Mother Nature. Utilize this yoga and meditation practice to...

You are sitting in yoga class when you hear your instructor say, “Sit tall with all of your chakras aligned,” and you wonder, What in the world is she talking about? You’ve heard the word chakra before but the concept can be difficult to grasp. And instead of asking and being embarrassed, you pretend to know what she means. To...

Thousands of years ago the Buddha said, “Life contains suffering.” The source of suffering can be profound, such as losing a loved one or discovering you have a serious illness. Most often, however, our suffering comes from the daily hassles of life. You get stuck in a traffic jam or the long line at the grocery. You have an unexpected...

If there’s anything we’ve learned about being human, it’s that none of us are perfect. Every day you wake up and make choices, from the moment you open your eyes until the minute you close them again at the end of the day. The choices you make and the actions you take are based on your past experiences and conditioning,...

You hear people talking about meditation and how their lives have improved. Perhaps you have even tried meditating a few times on your own. But for some reason, days go by and that meditation pillow you bought remains unused. Does this sound familiar?Before you decide the “art of stillness” is not for you, consider that there are many paths to...

Once, before time, there was only Love. Pure, unconditional Love. Divine Love. Pure Love moved within itself to share itself and created a celestial sound. The material world emerges from Pure Love. The whole Universe is a projection of Pure Love. Love is the start to everything.How You Forget You’re Pure LoveThe good news is that in your essence, you’re...

Meditation, perhaps once radical, is now virtually mainstream. People all over the world practice meditation to calm the mind and de-stress the body. A 2012 national research study reported that 8 percent of U.S. adults, 18 million people, used meditation. The popularity and accessibility of meditation continues to soar.The positive effects meditation has on physical health, emotional well-being, and high...

Do you ever find yourself avoiding your meditation cushion? Whether subconsciously or on purpose, you’re not making the time to sit.Or have you tried meditating, and you’ve decided it’s not for you?Luckily, meditation and mindfulness are not one in the same. You don’t have to meditate in order to be mindful. Mindfulness is a nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts, sensations, surroundings,...

Growing up in England in the ‘60s, we had all heard of meditation when The Beatles traveled to India to study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In my early 20s, I was living and working in London, enjoying all the things that a young man could. In the early 70s, my job moved me to a smaller, provincial town on the...

Establishing a formal meditation practice is a powerful way to tap into stillness, manage stress, enhance your overall well-being, and explore the spiritual layers of life. Dedicating time daily to practice meditation creates a habitual retreat into stillness that can serve as an anchor to a deeper level of awareness and keep you from drifting too far out to sea...

A lifetime on the spiritual path means revisiting the sacred texts over and over again. Whether this is your first foray into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali or the hundredth, you will encounter in Chapter 2 Verse 4 a simple explanation of the obstacles on the path to liberation from suffering. Here’s a crucial piece of the puzzle: the reason...

Meditation is one of today’s most effective tools for managing stress, getting into the zone, and entering into a peaceful state of balance. Practiced by celebrities, professional athletes, and high-powered executives, in addition to everyday people like you and me, meditation has climbed its way to the top tier of powerful techniques to change the way you navigate your busy...

As you know, a watched pot never boils. But a pot that’s been put on the stove or a microwave that’s been set to heat your water provides the perfect opportunity for a short gratitude meditation.Each element of preparing tea has the potential to be a moment for mindfulness. Let this ritual begin as soon as you decide to have...

We live in a high-speed world. Work and personal life are often rushed and mashed together in a blur of activity. Information streams into you faster than any time in human history. Thanks largely to advances in technology, the pace of life seems to be getting faster and more frenetic every year. It can feel as if your internal gear...

The heart sometimes gets a bad rap. Although there’s no minimizing its physiological importance to your life and health, as an organ the heart is often relegated to being a mere pump whose sole purpose is to circulate blood throughout your body. Yes, it works hard beating day in and out, but besides that, what’s so great about it?The heart...

One of the main pillars of today’s mindfulness-based practices is the art of cultivating gratitude. You may hear it as a theme in yoga class, read about it in self-help books, hear about it in seminars and retreats, or see it every day in your social media feeds. Cultivating gratitude every day can be a powerful catalyst for creating a...

While some people experience more inner peace than others, daily peacefulness is difficult. Most must work at it as it doesn’t tend to come naturally.Distraction Takes HoldIf you attend church or any other religious service on a regular basis, you may know the feeling—your mind gets distracted and you forget. You go to mass or service and you feel inspired,...

The term “meditation” has become a catchall for a wide range of practices. In fact, where few people in the West considered meditation to be an important part of their lives a generation ago, now it’s common to know someone who meditates, in one form of another. As positive as this trend is, some confusion remains around why meditation is...

Life can be unpredictable. Despite the best-laid plans and precautions, external events (often completely beyond our control,) can hurl your life into chaos. Family tragedies, job losses, unexpected upheavals, and natural disasters can completely upend the balance, stability, and normalcy of your daily routine.To make matters worse, traumatic events can generate an enormous amount of stress, anxiety, fear, and worry....

Practice these yoga poses to help your posture before sitting for long periods. These yoga meditation poses are key for avoiding distracting and painful sensations while meditating.

There are five causes of suffering. By understanding the kleshas, you can then begin to transcend them through meditation.

The word meditation covers a fairly wide spectrum of practices, from walking and eating meditation to mantra-based meditation. Some meditators find that one style works best for them—and they stick to it. Others like to experiment with the different styles. The important thing to remember is that one style isn’t better than another; they are all different and offer their...

The transition from summer to fall can be a bit jarring. You’re used to living on island time, even if you’ve been working. You come home, go the pool, take a long walk, or sit outside with your family. Then fall hits with all of its demands. The kids are back in school. You have to get up earlier. And...

Ancient cultures welcomed the changing of seasons by adapting to and synchronizing themselves with nature’s cycles and rhythms. For many of us in modern day society, autumn is marked by the leaves changing color, back-to-school sales, and the arrival of fall décor in department stores. While you’re pulling out your favorite cozy sweaters and sipping pumpkin spice lattes, mother nature...

Feeling in control is a critical issue in everyone's life. Most people are uncomfortable being out of control—a state that produces anxiety, uncertainty, confusion, panic, and loss of self-confidence, depending on how severe the loss of control is. Let's see what a natural way of being in control looks like.Control Starts at the Cellular LevelIf you live entirely in the...

Have you ever had a light bulb moment—a time when, out of the blue, you had a brilliant idea? Maybe it was a new solution to an old problem. Perhaps you felt inspired to create art, or you felt lyrics to a song flowing through you.Have you ever wondered if your meditation practice could foster more of these moments?My brightest...

Learn how to connect to your spiritual life with these four tips from the experts at Chopra. Read online today!

Mastery of the Self is to fully understand who you really are. Check out the steps you can take to become more self-aware and unlock the full potential of your Self-Mastery.

Here are some tips and meditation techniques to help you listen to your inner voice. Learn more about your inner voice and how to listen to it from Chopra today.

Humans are creatures of habit who crave routine. Anytime your routine is disrupted, you may feel off center—an illness, injury, or a switch in jobs are just some life experiences that cause a disruption from life as you know it.When interrupting your regularly scheduled program for a vacation, however, your routine is disrupted in favor of an ability to step...

You’ve heard the benefits of meditation, and maybe you have a devoted formal practice that gets you up before sunrise. But your ability to connect to the present moment needn’t be limited to the time you are sitting on your zafu or meditation seat. When you soften your expectations of what mindfulness practices look like from the outside, you find...

Anxiety affects 40 million adults, and one in eight children in the United States alone. This debilitating condition is often compounded by symptoms of depression and stress. Although medical attention is the primary intervention, medical care may be complimented with holistic exercises. A balance of personal efforts, combined with the guidance of a medical physician, has the potential to heal...

After being inspired to expand their awareness and walk the path of higher consciousness, people can lose motivation. Modern society has so much stress and rush—relieved by endless distractions—that a consciousness-based lifestyle seems out of joint. Meditation retreats may show a stark contrast to all this hustle and bustle, but when you come home, the pull of everyday life can...

As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby, “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”The arrival of summer marks a special time in the seasonal cycles of the planet. Astronomically...

Vedanta is one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive spiritual philosophies. It is based upon the Vedas, or sacred scriptures of India and underlies the principles of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Hinduism. The word “Vedanta” has two parts, Veda, which means knowledge, and anta, which means the end or goal of.Therefore Vedanta means the end of all knowledge and where...

Author Judy Blume stated in a recent interview, “You can live a whole lifetime in one summer.” What a great quote. Summer is a season that makes you come alive like no other. Perhaps it’s the long hot, sunny days and the feeling of being a little more carefree that seem to brighten everyone’s mood. Summer makes you more optimistic...

With summer rapidly approaching, you may be gearing up for the fun, excitement, and spontaneity that are just around the corner. Out comes the camping gear, hot dogs, bathing suits, and beach towels as you prepare for family vacations, hot weather, and fun get-togethers.Whether summer equals downtime or a jam-packed list of outdoor activities, you can agree there is a...

Stress management is something that everyone knows is necessary, but when a stressful situation occurs, it can be hard to find a response that actually reduces the stress. Air travel is filled with more anxiety-producing situations than ever before. There are long lines for screening, delays, overbooked flights, and lost luggage to name a few.Let’s say you’re at the airport...

Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) and meditation are vast subjects that can each take many years, if not a whole lifetime, to fully understand. Jyotish helps you understand the effects of an external Universe on your life. Meditation brings you to the realization that the Universe is within you; you are the Universe.A reading of your Jyotish chart by a qualified astrologer...

Ambition is a marvelous trait to have! Ambitious people can liven up a room with their determination and excitement. They are usually the ones who encourage others to stay on task and see the end goal as a certainty. Here's the thing that go-getters often neglect though: their personal down time and self-care when it comes to health, relaxation, and...

Everyone can occasionally find themselves prey to heavy thoughts, which is a natural response to emotional sadness and anxiety. Forcing yourself to be positive under every circumstance is a constant strain and undesirable as a realistic view of life. If heavy thoughts keep returning, however, and begin to attach themselves, you need to know how to lift yourself out of...

As a modern-day meditator, it can be hard to maintain your practice in the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of it all. Ultimately, it is best to cultivate a pure practice that relies on the simple pleasures of space and solitude. However, for those who cannot sit down to meditate without their iPhone, there are a few apps that you may...

Forgiveness is an essential part of your spiritual growth and a necessary tool to cleanse karma. It is the key that unlocks the heart and the door to the body of love. If you cannot forgive, you will never be able to truly love. You have karmic connections to everyone in your life past and present—this connection is like a...

The more you try to ignore negative thoughts, the more they can impact you. Try creating a list of negative thoughts and analyzing why they occur.

Regular meditation has benefits to your overall health and well-being. Meditating with animals and your pets can also influence their well-being.

In a world where there’s much to be taken seriously, it’s important to remember to laugh. Not to make light of the severity of war, discrimination, terror threats, or climate change, but to maintain a perspective that there is still much to be thankful for and to celebrate in your life.Laughter meditation is an effective and easy way to create...

Karma, as a mainstream concept, is often misleading. Though some would limit its meaning to “reaping what you sow” or the universe getting even with wrong doing, Karma actually carries a more specific truth. “Karma” in Sanskrit means “action.” The ancient spiritual traditions of the East speak of life as an expression of consciousness. In this way, life is a...

More and more people are turning to the ancient practice of meditation for cultivating clarity, peace, and purpose in their lives. While meditation is simple to practice, for some it is anything but easy. Just like having an entrepreneurial mindset is key to success in one’s career, having the right meditation mindset is crucial for developing a worthwhile spiritual practice...

If you’ve ever felt “stuck,” you know what it’s like to have a certain mood that lingers over you like a dark cloud. Procrastinating on deadlines, confusion about what to do or where to begin, and other experiences of feeling stuck can leave you feeling anxious, apathetic, and out of options.What causes a person to remain in a stuck state...

Creating a sacred space can be a powerful part of the meditation experience. The right space can invite your entire mind, body, and spirit to relax and be present. When you step into that space, you release the stress and tension of your life and seek clarify, unity, and awareness.While you might already have a dedicated space in your home...

All suffering stems from these six vedic maya (also known as illusions or delusions) of life. Learn how you can move beyond the illusion of time and expand your view of reality.

With the New Year in full swing, it’s time to reflect on your goals and intentions. You probably started the year with boundless energy and the will to stick to your goals. Yet, if you’re like many others, you may have stumbled off track by this point.You are not alone. In fact, recent data suggests that nearly half of the...

A gentle & inspiring approach to identifying your goals and determining where to focus your energy & attention is through meditation. Here is a guided meditation.

It’s common to hear people on a spiritual path saying that you need to destroy or erase the ego. However, while you have a physical body, it’s necessary to have an ego just as much as you have a mind and intellect. Rather than focusing on eliminating the ego, your aim should be to balance it so it acts in...

All healing traditions recognize the crucial role of the heart in sustaining life and energizing the body. You cannot survive long without a properly functioning heart. And you cannot live your most fulfilling life without opening your heart to connection with yourself and others.To give of yourself requires patience, compassion, and kindness. Living your life from a place of unconditional...

Winter brings shorter days, less sunlight, and colder weather. It can seem like you are cut off from Source with the increased darkness, which can bring about sadness and the blues. Many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder at this time of year. Since I’m one of those people who doesn’t invite winter with a warm welcome, I’m going to join...

The start of a new year is when many people take up gym memberships, enroll in weight loss programs, and create their yearly goals. This New Year why not try learning meditation—you will reap benefits not only this year, but for years to come. Here are seven of the many ways you can start a meditation practice for the New...

If you feel restless or impatient during your meditation, you are not alone. Many meditators experiance restlessness. Here are tips on how to overcome restlessness.

This article was co-authored by Deepak Chopra and Tiffany Barsotti.Millions of people have adopted some plan for personal growth, depending on the goals they set for themselves. Some people want to be happier, others closer to God; some have committed themselves to find enlightenment, which would be alien to someone else trying to escape suffering and self-defeat. So what part...

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the New Year rushes in quickly. Often, you’re pumped with new vigor as you have a clean slate before you. You start to hastily make your New Year's resolutions, which often look similar to those you’ve created in years past. A few weeks later, your waning enthusiasm makes your list seem less...

The holidays, for many people, means stress. Learn how to combat this with peace, grace and mindfulness from Chopra. Follow these 9 tips for a healthier holiday season.

Travel can be exhausting, especially when there isn’t any down time in between taxis, flights, meetings, dinners, and social obligations. Traveling also tends to be one of the biggest culprits of a self-care practice gone astray. It’s hard enough to juggle life—the alarm clock, the dog, the kids, day-planning, the commute, deadlines, emails, meetings, appointments, laundry, and meal prep. Throw...

There’s something unmistakably restorative about walking through a forest. It can be a time of relaxation, reflection, and reconnection with your inner Self. While it might be impossible to regularly escape into nature, you can have a similar experience in the comfort of your own home through meditation.Qi Gong—an ancient Chinese practice—offers a visualization meditation that walks you through a...

It would be beautiful to use the holiday season to spiritually expand, to show that this time of year is more than a hectic splurge of spending that leads to stress, family conflict, and depression. Many people experience that negative reality and don't know how to change it into something more positive. The key is to think in terms of...

Meditation can be a very rewarding practice, even if you have little experience with it. While guided training and a carefully cultivated practice is needed, there are ways in which novice meditators can overcome some of the common problems that prevent profound meditations for beginners.Here are several simple and practical hints you can use to kick-start your meditation practice and...

While your busy life seems to rule every waking moment, it can be difficult to remember that meditation can actually create a more organized, tranquil, and less chaotic life. Yet, one of the biggest complaints you hear about meditation is “I don’t have time.”Think about all the time you waste on inefficiency such as looking for your keys or phone,...

Anxiety can be a daunting emotional state to find yourself in, regardless of whether the driver of the emotion is significant or totally benign.It’s that feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It’s the fear of what might happen. It can even be marked by physiological signs such as sweating, tension, and an increased pulse.With anxiety, your self-doubt seems to take...

Meditation gadgets are flooding the market with the increasing popularity of the practice Before you buy, here's a guide of four devices & determine if any work.

Feeling burdened in the Fall is natural. Letting go meditation can shed your baggage and ease stress. Creating a mindfulness meditation script can also help.

Are you yearning to reap the benefits of a meditation practice, but intimidated by the act of sitting still? Meditation is a simple, effortless process for some—but it can feel like an overwhelming chore for others.The good news is that there are many ways you can cultivate a state of peaceful awareness that don’t involve seated meditation. Try one of...

There is power that comes with using meditation in unexpected places. Your meditation practice does not need to be confined to your bedroom or some tranquil space in your home. Your practice is portable and you can take it virtually anywhere in the world. Here are six examples of places you can meditate that you may not have thought of:...

Meditation is one of the most reliable tools to manage stress, improve relationships, fulfill your desires, and connect with your Spirit. Although it’s relatively simple to practice, your intellect can often make it more complicated than it needs to be.One way to see meditation in a new light is to look at it through the lens of the Seven Spiritual...

Let’s face it, obstacles are a part of life and none of us have the playbook on how to overcome them. As ideal as it may sound, dodging obstacles isn’t possible; although you can learn how to work with the energy that creates them and overcome the notion that you are somehow at their mercy. Let’s first identify what obstacles...

You have all the good intentions in the world to sit down to meditate. You find a comfortable spot, turn your phone to silent, let the dog play outside, give your kids a snack, and set your timer for 15 minutes. All you want is silence for that short amount of time. Is it really that hard to get? you...

“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” ― Mahatma Gandhi The timeline of history has witnessed a gradual and steady expansion of human awareness. We have progressively grown in our understanding, deepened our knowledge of who we are and our place in the universe, and built thriving communities to support our values and ideals as a species....

For most of us, our ego began to develop when we were young children. We learned the word “mine” and how to manipulate our parents by being nice, nasty, or stubborn. As we continued growing, the ego grew too, serving a useful purpose in helping us to organize our education, careers, and families.For many people, the ego continues to dominate...

Exploring the 5 elements through meditation encourages you to expand your awareness and relationship with all of nature. Try these mediation practices.

Big businesses are smart. They’ve read the studies. They understand that time spent meditating means balanced workers who get things done. And they get that putting the mental health of their workers first increases both creativity and focus.The Benefits of Mindfulness in the WorkplaceThere are loads of benefits of mindfulness backed by scientific research. You can read about the neuroscience...

Humans are designed to be outdoors. Your brain is wired to respond to the smells, sights, and sensations you receive outside. When you spend daily time outside it makes you healthier and happier. Paying attention to your environment in a focused and mindful way while you are spending time on the beach or in the woods feels great. Here are...

More than in the past, people are recognizing the value of having inner peace. This represents a shift away from an earlier value system that put the highest priority on consumerism, career success, competition, and unending distractions. But wanting inner peace is only the first step. Actually having and seeking inner peace as a lasting experience involves a journey inward....

Ganesha is the most distinctive Hindu deity. Learn about what he symbolizes and how he can remove obstacles in your life.

Life can be difficult to maneuver at times with its ups and downs. Try meditation for emotional healing to settle your emotions & calm down through emotional turmoil.

As a parent, you want your children to be successful. But have you ever considered your personal definition of success? Although society typically correlates success with financial wealth, academic prowess, or fame, your values might conjure up a different definition. How can you raise children who are successful because they lead a mindful, community-minded, fulfilling, and compassionate life?Parenting with this...

You may chant "OM" in your yoga or meditation class, but do you know what it means? Learn the definition of the sound of the universe from the experts at Chopra.

In children, stress, anxiety, and ADHD can present a multitude of behavior issues ranging from anger, defiance, lethargy, and acting out. According to child psychiatrist Elizabeth Roberts in her Washington Post article, “Psychiatrists are now misdiagnosing and overmedicating children for ordinary defiance and misbehavior.” In a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control, more than 13 percent of...

One of the biggest causes of suffering in the world today is expectations. Imagine how free you would feel if every day you were able to just “go with the flow,” trusting that the Universe was organizing everything perfectly. Well, this is exactly what the Universe is doing, but by imposing your ideas of how things should be, you end...

Goal setting is a great way to create the life you desire. Use Chopra's visualization meditation guide online today.

Life is stressful. It’s just the way it is … There’s nothing I can do about it … I can’t take a vacation, I’m too busy … I don’t have time to work out … I can’t get sick right now, I have too much to do.The stressors of day-to-day living can be brutally overwhelming. Left unmanaged, stress will slowly...

What is internal dialogue and its vital role in shaping our perceptions of reality. Check out these six ways to master your internal dialogue and shape your life.

"When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state." - Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying UpFor many of us, spring cleaning typically brings to mind images of clearing out the overabundance of clutter in our garage, attic, home, or office, and perhaps even painting or rearranging our living spaces to...

“We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.”-Galileo GalileiThe path of being or becoming a teacher in the field of yoga, meditation, or the like is a rewarding and powerful journey of self-discovery. There may be a time, however, either when one is just starting off teaching or somewhere in the middle, when the...

We all want to live stress-free lives, and children are no exception. Childhood meditation can improve inner peace, concentration, and confidence.However, meditating with your children on a regular basis can be difficult if you do not apply variation. A child’s mind is discovering what it likes or doesn’t like. Although I do recommend meditating at approximately the same time each...

Whenever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with grief, try this meditation for grief and sadness to help you begin to find resolution to your feelings.

Artists and art lovers alike have gathered the evidence to support their belief that unless you are filled with angst like Bob Dylan, Alanis Morissette, or Ernest Hemingway, you might not be able to tap into your creativity. Even Socrates and Plato historically took “melancholic habitus” (a sulking holiday) in order to fan the flames of their creative minds. It’s...

Our minds can get quite cluttered. We spend so much time exploring and experiencing the outer world that we are rarely called to get to know the universe within. Do you remember the last time you sat with yourself without any distractions? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been quite some time.When I was a kid, I used to...

Whether you are starting a new meditation practice or want to deepen an existing practice, getting back to the basics and putting attention to your intention is a wonderful way to remind yourself of why you meditate. The alphabet is where many of us begin our journey as students on this planet, so here’s a little alphabetical reminder of the...

Beginning a meditation practice can be both exciting and intimidating. If you asked 10 different people what style of meditation they practice, you might get 10 different answers. It's common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain as to where or how to get started with meditating.The best way to begin is to familiarize yourself with some of the different types of...

Karma can affect your life every day in a wide amount of ways. Learn about karma and how it can affect your life from Chopra.

Knowing how your subtle body—the mind, the intellect, and the ego—functions is essential to knowing yourself. Discerning between each level can help you decide which parts of the subtle body you will use in making choices in life, and developing this awareness can translate into confidence, comfort, and ease while navigating through life.The Mind: ReactiveThe mind causes you to react...

I remember being shocked and intrigued by a statement made once by a famous spiritual teacher in India, Nisargadatta Maharaj. We never met, and Maharaj was not a prominent public guru. In fact, he lived above his small shop in Bombay without great fanfare. What he said was this: "You need to realize that the entire Universe has conspired to...

When you find it difficult to escape the chaos of the world, try this five-element meditation to stay centered and at peace on a daily basis.

Our results-driven society can make it difficult to slow down, let alone stop and sit in silence.At times, launching a successful business and raising a family can seem easier than sitting in quietude for 20 to 30 minutes a day. The idea alone is enough to make some people squirm.Meditation is a way of steeping ourselves in "beingness"—which is who...

Whether you are new to the practice of meditation or already have made it a daily habit, here are six meditation gurus who you can learn and grow from.

Learn how to find your center when experiencing the challenges of life with our three easy steps that will teach you how to restore balance to your body and mind.

The practice of meditation is becoming society's go-to antidote to stress. More people are incorporating mindfulness into their daily routines to create more peace, clarity, and balance in their lives. Even corporations such as Google, Apple, Nike, Yahoo, and HBO are promoting meditation in the workplace as a way to increase productivity, improve employee morale, and ultimately, enhance their bottom...

Some people naturally have trouble concentrating, but Vatas especially tend to have a difficult time. With a predominance of air and space, Vatas usually have more trouble grounding themselves than other doshas. Vatas are known to be creative, communicative, changeable, quick, and spontaneous, none of which are particularly helpful when it comes to centering.Meditation yields so many benefits once you...

Silence is everywhere, even in the midst of all the noise that surrounds us. It’s here, now, in this very moment.If it’s all around us, then why is it so difficult to find? Oftentimes, it isn’t so much a matter of finding the silence, as it’s paying attention to what is already here.During meditation, you move into your silent core....

Regular meditation is the foundation for mind-body wellness and a consciousness-based approach to life. The daily practice can improve quality of sleep and relationship skills, enhance concentration, reduce stress, and provide a deeper connection to spirit.However, daily meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting passively. Walking meditation, also known as mindful walking, is an active practice that requires you to be...

When they become parents, many people wonder how to impart spiritual values to their children. The traditional model of sending them to Sunday school is one alternative. But as more people turn away from organized religion to carve their own path, many parents choose to draw the entire family into the personal spirituality of the parents. Children grow up to...

Meditation is on the rise—and for good reason. It’s one of the best practices we have to help us manage stress, unplug from the busyness of our lives, and re-center ourselves.The daily practice of meditation—just like regular exercise, nutrition, and getting enough sleep—requires a level of self-commitment. Unfortunately, our busy lives can make it difficult to stick with daily mediation....

We live in a world of immediacy. We want an answer to a text now, that double skim vanilla latte immediately, and the streetlight to change—oh, like yesterday.The practice of meditation helps slow us down. It allows us to let go of this sense of urgency. It also opens us up to other possibilities without too much interference.When I first...

Have you heard all the buzz about the 2nd Annual Global Meditation for Compassion? Deepak Chopra, Trevor Hall, and Gabrielle Bernstein are hosting the world’s largest synchronized meditation on July 11 at 9 a.m. PST. You’re not only invited to join (for free!), we’re also making it super simple to host your own meditation event.Hundreds of groups will gather in...

It’s no surprise that so many people have a hard time falling asleep—and getting quality rest once they do.In today’s hustle-bustle society, many people rush from their beds out into their lives and get back home just in time to crash, before doing it all over again the next day. There aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish the...

At the level of consciousness or spirit, we are all inextricably connected to everyone and everything. While our body may appear to be a solid physical structure, in reality it’s an ever-flowing river of energy and information, in constant dynamic exchange with the environment around us.Our language reflects our innate understanding of our essential energetic nature. We say things like,...

Have you ever caught the bug? I’m not referring to something cool like the surfing bug or the rock climbing bug or the bug. I mean the flu bug. It’s the worst, right? A nasty stomach bug can spread quickly throughout families, schools, and communities. Bugs are relentless and uncontrollable, and they wreak havoc when they enter our lives.Wouldn’t it...

There’s big buzz around meditation, and for good reason. Research points to this once fringe practice as a highly effective technique for improving your life overall. With benefits ranging from physiological to psychological to spiritual, and scientific research to back its validity, there’s really no reason anyone shouldn’t be meditating at this point. Corporations, professional sports teams, school systems, and...

“When a person is established in nonviolence, those in his vicinity cease to feel hostility.” — PatanjaliThis book excerpt is from Peace Is the Way by Deepak Chopra.The approach of personal transformation is the idea of the future for ending war. It depends on the only advantage that people of peace have over war-makers: sheer numbers. If enough people in...

Meditation has so many advantages that it’s become more popular than ever. Health, well-being, and mental processes improve with meditation and, over time, the benefits increase steadily. If meditation works so well for an individual, perhaps that power is amplified in a group. It could accelerate and expand everything. Let’s go into the possibilities.At the most practical level, group meditation...

“Know thyself.” - Ancient Greek aphorism inscribed in the Temple of DelphiOnly with self-knowledge can you be the best version of you. The more consistent you are in your meditation practice, the more you come to understand about yourself, which is the source of freedom and fulfillment in life.When you challenge yourself in a safe space, you’re more equipped to...

When kids get too rowdy, they’re given time-outs. Regardless of why parents and teachers administer a time-out, it’s ultimately meant to help children slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and begin again. It’s a reset that helps kids re-enter the playground of life a little more slowly and with increased awareness of their actions.Adults too, can benefit from a...

While I was recovering from a life crisis, I left my home in Germany in search of renewal. In time, I fell in love again, remarried, and got a new job. Just when it started looking like I was going to live happily ever after I began to return to my negative habits. I found myself again trying to control...

Fear is a negative emotion, unless you’re facing an actual threat and need to fight or flee. And the usefulness of fear is minimal in daily life, particularly in the form of anxiety. Stressful events can produce short-term anxiety in almost everyone, which disappears after the event. But for an estimated 6.8 million Americans with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anxiety...

Meditation provides experiences that the mind can achieve no other way, such as inner silence and expanded awareness. And as the mind gains experience, the brain shows physical activity as well—sometimes profound changes.Beginning in the 1970s, studies showed that something was happening in the brain during meditation. In the last decade, the research has begun to show that meditation can...

Over the years of teaching meditation, I’ve become familiar with many of the fears that new meditators raise when considering a meditation practice. Meditation has become much more familiar in the public mind over the last couple of decades, and many of the stereotypical beliefs about meditation being a difficult practice that’s only for monks and recluses have now been...

You’ve heard about the benefits of meditation and decided to see what all the hype is about. Perhaps you’re starting a new morning meditation practice at home, or you signed up for a meditation class or event. Maybe you’re headed to a weekly group meditation in your community. No matter how or where you meditate, here are a few dos...

One of the classic images that come to mind when you think about meditation is that of a yogi sitting in lotus position on the floor, back almost impossibly straight. For people new to meditation, it’s a position that can be uncomfortable and hard to maintain for longer periods of time.While posture is important in meditation, you’re not expected to...

Decades ago, when the mind-body connection was first being studied, the original findings on meditation centered on heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. A healthy heart needs to be disease-free. But “heart health” in holistic terms also includes the subtle and emotional qualities of the heart—tenderness, love, acceptance, and compassion. Your whole system, including how you breathe, think, and feel, meet...

Help support yourself in life with these positive healing affirmations from the experts at Chopra and support the natural healing process.

Discover the transformative power of sound healing and tune yourself to vibrations of health, happiness, and unity.

Your immune system is one of the most critical, and most fascinating, aspects of the mind-body connection. For a long time, the ability of immune cells to attack invading disease organisms was considered purely physical, even though the mechanism was not completely understood.Then, in the ‘80s it was discovered that the immune system is highly intelligent; it became known as...

Every morning after my meditation I balance my energy centers with sound vibrations. I like to meditate on a mantra—a sound that helps me slow down the excessive traffic of my thoughts. When I do this I feel certain that my entire being is balanced. It’s more than just a hope or an idea—it’s a very strong, clearly identifiable wave...

You’ve been meditating consistently for an extended period of time now, and you’re ready to take your practice to the next level. Perhaps you’ve now reached a plateau and you’re wondering if meditation is really working … or when you’ll arrive at the next stage. Inevitably, at some point, we all come to a place of expectation that something profound...

It’s in the news, medical journals, your Facebook newsfeed; it’s on YouTube, in your inbox, and on your mind. People everywhere are talking about meditation, and it’s not just yogis and hippies who do it. Now entrepreneurs, politicians, musicians, and scientists are spending time practicing mindfulness, too.Meditation helps manage stress and increase immunity. It also cultivates happiness and enhances optimism....

Every individual has a different outlook on what self-confidence means, how to get it, and how to maintain it. Think about what scrolls across your mind when you hear the words.I have been a confident person most of my life but as I write this, I reflect upon a time in my life when I was not. How did I...

Hypnotherapy is an alternative therapy using the power of meditation and thought to alter feelings, symptoms, behaviors, thoughts, and habits in the mind and body.When you give yourself permission to tune away from the outside world, you create an opportunity to turn inward and strengthen the connection between your mind and body. These two aspects are often thought of as...

Thirty years ago, when I first wrote about the mind-body connection, there was convincing research about the benefits of daily meditation. It steadily entered people’s minds that they could expect good things to happen to them, from physical effects like lower blood pressure to mental effects like a sense of inner peace. Today, these positive effects have expanded many times...

Winter is the coldest season, but on the subtle level it’s a time of rest, peace, inner focus, stillness, and reflection. You will gain a lot by focusing your meditation on these values. The flow of life naturally slows down and turns inward in this season, and it strains the physiology to resist this rhythm. Thoreau put it beautifully: "Live...

Breathlessness, profound pressure in my chest, upset stomach, agoraphobia, and a distorted sense of reality—all while scratching my face constantly in desperation—were the symptoms I had when I entered the emergency care unit of the hospital while I was living in Germany.The doctor gave me a kind smile when he announced my diagnosis: “You have experienced a panic attack. You...

Patients usually understand when I recommend meditation to control stress in their lives, even when I prescribe it for anxiety or depression. But when I suggest that my patients learn to meditate to help them lose weight, change bad habits, or deal with disease, they seem surprised. They always ask how meditation could possibly help them deal with things like...

As a meditation teacher, I’m frequently asked which form of meditation is the best or the most effective. People also want to know if meditation is possible without a religious connection or belief in God. Then there are questions as to whether busy type A personalities can slow down enough to meditate.In order to be successful, meditation needs to be...

You know what it’s like to have a splinter in your finger: No matter how hard you try to ignore it, all you want to do is get it out. You grab tweezers or even a needle to get the job done. It might hurt, but once it’s gone you feel a tremendous sense of relief. Only then can you...

Primordial Sound Meditation is a healing practice that allows us to experience inner calm and deep relaxation. Learn more about primordial sounds for meditation with Chopra.

Yoga is a journey from the externalized, distracted, and often-crazy flood of thoughts in our minds … to the inner peace and wisdom of our deeper consciousness at our heart centers. All the poses, pranayama, meditation, and mantra we practice have a host of benefits for body, mind, and spirit, but they share a single goal: Bringing us to a...

You’re headed out for a meditation and yoga retreat, excited about the possibilities and open to new experiences. You’ve been looking forward to it for months, but now that it’s almost time to leave, you have no idea what to pack.There’s a fine line between over-packing and under-packing. You want to make sure you have what you need without lugging...

Editors Note: Read Part 1 and Part 2 of the series, “A Spiritual Mystery: Does God Listen to Prayers?"It may sound odd at first, but there are ways to improve the chances that God will answer your prayer. In the first and second post in this series, we saw that the whole subject of prayer is filled with assumptions and...

Editors Note: Read Part 1 of “A Spiritual Mystery: Does God Listen to Prayers?"To say that prayers are answered isn't the same as saying that God answers prayers. In the first case, a thought manifests as reality. You wish, intend, or ask for an outcome, and the outcome appears. In the second case, a supernatural being in the sky listens...

Have you ever heard anyone tell you, “Follow your heart,” or “Use your head a little more next time?” The opposing forces—the head and the heart—are muscles many of us wrestle with.It seems as if my journey in life has either had me making choices that favor my intellect (my head) or my emotions (my heart). With the practice of...

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An increasing number of children have been showing elevated signs of stress, restlessness, and anxiety starting at a very early age. We know meditation is a great tool to find peace and balance amid our hectic lives—that’s why we enjoy our practice. How do we get our kids to love meditation, too?The Benefits for KidsThe Journal of the American Academy...

“Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach." - Dr. George Sheehan, The Philosopher of RunningWhen asked when I started meditating, I always refer to when I began running about 12 years ago. With each run, I felt recharged, balanced, and ready to face whatever came my way. At the time, I had no...

I’ve answered thousands of questions over the years for folks new to retreats. If you’ve never been on a retreat and are curious, here are some common questions to quell your curiosities.I’ve never meditated before, what can I do to prepare?The best thing you can do to prepare is to make sure you’re here on time for the Primordial Sound...

The reasons we meditate are as varied as the many ways there are to meditate. In the West, most people are drawn to meditation to quiet the internal chatter of the brain and to reduce stress. Meditation is, indeed, a very effective stress reducer, but its benefits—sometimes mysteriously hidden—are far more bountiful.The actual act of meditation can be as simple...

In order to remain competitive in today’s market, successful companies need: To possess a clear vision of their goals Inspiration to be innovative in their approach to supplying products and services Leadership to guide individuals towards success Teamwork to enable employees to keep up in today’s global marketplace The practice of meditation helps to make all of this possible. The...

In 2012, I attended a small ceremony with my art teacher, a striking woman who paints abstract watercolors that speak directly to your heart. The ceremony was inspired by her spiritual study of Native American culture. We played drums, chanted, lit sage, and welcomed everyone as we went around in a circle. I was so impressed with her language and...

Without taking a poll, it's safe to say that people who believe in God also believe that he answers prayers. If he didn't, one would be left with an indifferent, distant deity who pays no attention to human affairs. This alternative is hard to reconcile with faith, and so believers are left with a God who seems to answer prayers...

“Ping!” “Bringg!” “Beep!” “Tap, tap, tap!”Our lives are inundated with sounds, we hear them everywhere we go. Our sense of hearing is a beautiful one. We are lucky to hear the birds chirping to announce the break of dawn, the gurgle of a baby observing life innocently, or the voice of a loved one whispering sweet words in our ear....

There are many benefits to meditating with others. Meditation generates inner peace and the ability to connect with yourself at a deeper level. When you sit with others, it can be powerful to influence one another in a community setting.Benefits of Meditating in a GroupThere is power in numbers and creating intentions. Coming together with a shared intention can have...

You want to start a meditation practice … but … You have to be at the office early Your kids need to get to day-care You need to make breakfast—and dinner You are always running late You like to work out in the morning These excuses are all valid because you have a busy life. You probably have a suitcase...

From conception, we belong to community. Attachment to our clan is a biological necessity. We are wired to connect—and our bonds are crucial not only for security and survival—but also to thrive and for our well-being.Compassion is an essential element of a healthy community. It’s the awareness of suffering, and subsequent actions to alleviate the suffering. The absence of compassion...

Self-compassion involves becoming aware of the presence of suffering in our bodies, emotions, thoughts, and actions—and then taking steps to diminish the suffering. Compassion is the natural and spontaneous feeling that arises when we witness suffering, and that triggers our taking action to alleviate the suffering. While it may sound easy, practicing compassion for ourselves is the more difficult of...

Register and be the first to sign up and take part in the Global Meditation Event of the Year. On August 8, 2014, at 12:00pm EST, Deepak Chopra and Gabrielle Bernstein will broadcast a LIVE meditation for global peace from Toronto, Canada. Set your intention for peace within and peace in the world, and be part of this historic event.It’s...

From time to time we have the opportunity to speak publicly about something that is meaningful in our lives. In these moments, if we can find ways to ground ourselves and connect with our true self, we may be able to say what we really want to say in the way we really want to say it.I recently had an...

Each one of us has the power to shift global consciousness into the mind of peace. To achieve a mind of peace, we must understand healing as a perennial process, the ever-generating energy of being whole. Wholeness is not a state of being free from disease. We are forever whole, with disease, without disease, with despair, without despair, with pain,...

When I first began to meditate, I considered the Buddhist approach to things to be completely separate from the scientific. But over time, that changed. At the beginning of my practice, I associated spirituality with transcendence. Eventually, though, I realized that meditation was about being right up against things, in an intimate way. This was a surprise; suddenly, both my...

Concentration and Meditation To reach the meditative state, concentration is required first. A scattered, distracted, and inattentive mind cannot truly meditate, even if one sits silently for long periods of time. As the Yoga Sutras teach us, one must first develop the one-pointed mind (ekagra chitta) in order to reach state in which the mind is dissolved into higher awareness...

Don't you just love it when you've had a day or two when you felt completely in harmony with yourself and life? Perhaps you woke up feeling great, you had a chance to meditate, pray, journal or whatever your morning ritual is, your needs were being met before you even thought of them, your intuition was right on, you made...

(Article originally published in San Diego Magazine).My father’s death this past fall left me in a waking fog, completely adrift. I lost ten pounds and struggled through sleepless nights. I wondered if I would ever feel happy again. So I cleared my schedule and checked into a six-day spiritual boot camp. I had tried guided meditation before, but like most...

Joy is a divine quality of our true self, which is inherently lighthearted, playful, and free. You can see the full expression of this joy in young children who haven’t learned to worry or take themselves too seriously. They play and laugh freely, finding wonder in the smallest things. They are infinitely creative because they haven’t yet built up the...

We might also ask, Wouldn’t you rather be peaceful, centered, and awake? Meditation is a time-honored practice for accessing a deeper state of pure awareness, beyond the noisy mental chatter that so often dominates our experience. Meditation is effortless, silently dissolving old conditioning and restoring our inherent state of balance and wellbeing. For thousands of years, people have used the...

As we have explored in the first week of the 21-Day Meditation Challenge™―Miraculous Relationships, our essential nature is pure, unbounded spirit. We are born as radiant beings of love, and we are here to be the presence of love in the world. Early in our lives, however, many of us had experiences that led us to forget that we are...

There is a center in the body where love and spirit are joined, and that center is heart. It is your heart that aches or fills with love, that feels compassion and trust . . . that seems empty or overflowing. Within the heart is a subtler center that experiences spirit, but you can’t feel spirit as an emotion or...

For many years I wrote a column called Ask Deepak, answering questions about personal dilemmas that people sent in from all around the world, including India, China, the United States, Canada, and many countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Yet in a sense, everyone was writing from the same place inside, where confusion and darkness had...

If you were to ask me what the most important experience of my life has been, I would say it was learning to meditate. Meditation has been the key to my creativity, wellbeing, and happiness. I have enjoyed it in my own life, and it continues to be one of the most powerful healing tools we offer at Chopra.Meditation takes...

In the past few decades, there has been a revolution in how we perceive the body. What appears to be an object, a three-dimensional anatomical structure, is actually a process, a constant flow of energy and information.Consider that in this very moment, your body is changing as it reshuffles and exchanges its atoms and molecules with the rest of the...

Most of us can remember getting so absorbed in a suspenseful movie or masterful novel that the rest of the world dropped away and we were completely identified with the plot and characters. It’s just as easy to get caught up in our own stories and reactions – particularly when we’re feeling threatened in some way. For instance, imagine that...

Most of us can remember getting so absorbed in a suspenseful movie or masterful novel that the rest of the world dropped away and we were completely identified with the plot and characters. It’s just as easy to get caught up in our own stories and reactions – particularly when we’re feeling threatened in some way. For instance, imagine that...

The So Hum meditation is a simple but powerful technique that uses the breath and the repetition of a mantra to quiet the mind and relax the body. This meditation will help you move beyond your mind’s busy chatter to the peace of present moment awareness. Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit in a chair or on...

Throughout my years of teaching at the Chopra Center, one of the questions that I am most frequently asked by students is, “What do YOU do to stay balanced?” The stress-producing assumption buried in that question is that balance is a static state that we can reach and hold onto. In reality, balance is a dynamic state. In every moment...

In just a couple of weeks, Eckhart Tolle will be joining Deepak and other master teachers at the Chopra Center's Seduction of Spirit meditation and yoga retreat. On Wednesday, April 24, we will host "A Conversation with Deepak and Eckhart," as part of the retreat. We will also be offering the option to participate in the event via live streaming...

We spend a good deal of time gazing at ourselves in the mirror with the physical eye, and into the mirror of our mind with an analytical eye, endeavoring in each case to size ourselves up in our own estimation as well as determining how others might evaluate us. Both of these mirrors are clouded with egoic dust, distorting our...

True health and wellbeing is a lifestyle that does not happen overnight. It is a series of gradual, subtle shifts. A gentle unfolding of a more balanced existence. One could certainly spend hundreds of hours reading, attending seminars, practicing, falling off the wagon, getting back on said wagon, and continually striving to get it “right.” While walking the path toward...

In his transformational book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra describes seven timeless principles for living a life filled with love, fulfillment, abundance, peace, and joy. One of these principles is known as the Law of Dharma. The word dharma is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as our purpose in life. The Law of Dharma states...

Perhaps the greatest gift of meditation is the way in which it cleanses the windows of perception, allowing us to experience our natural state of simple and open awareness. When we’re awake to our essential self, we feel happy, light, and at peace. In contrast, unhappiness is a state of complication and imbalance in our body, mind, and environment. Complications...

The good news is that you can free yourself from your mind. This is the only true liberation. You can take the first step right now.Start listening to the voice in your head as often as you can. Pay particular attention to any repetitive thought patterns, those old audiotapes that have been playing in your head perhaps for many years.This...

Since its inception in 2010, more than half a million people from 200 countries around the world have participated in the 21-Day Meditation Challenge. We’ve been inspired by the thousands of heart-warming emails and comments from people sharing how the practice of meditation has transformed their lives. We are grateful to everyone who has participated and shared in our intention...

Transform a Small Corner of Your Home into a Peaceful RetreatAs we teach participants in the 21-Day Meditation Challenge, creating a daily meditation practice that allows you to spend time each day in peace, silence and restful alertness will give you the greatest benefits. To make meditation part of your daily routine, it helps to create a special space that...

During most of our waking lives, our minds are engaged in a continuous internal dialogue in which the meaning and emotional associations of one thought trigger the next. We hear a snippet of music and suddenly we’re thinking about the first time we heard that song with an old boyfriend or girlfriend and how that relationship ended. If we’re still...

In the past forty years, meditation has entered the mainstream of modern Western culture, prescribed by physicians and practiced by everyone from business executives, artists, and scientists to students, teachers, military personnel, and – on a promising note – politicians. Despite the growing popularity of meditation, prevailing misconceptions about the practice are a barrier that prevents many people from trying...

It’s never too late to have a (brain that’s wired as if it had a) happy childhood.Therapists get this question a lot: “Okay, so now that I understand how my history made me a mess when it comes to relationships, what now? It’s not like I can go back in time and change my childhood.”The “what now” is that there’s...

As the ancient Vedic sages taught, where our attention goes, our energy flows. Whatever we focus on will expand in our experience, so if we want our lives to be filled with love, joy, and abundance, it's important to focus on these qualities as often as possible.Sometime today, take a few moments to quiet your mind and allow yourself to...

For decades, scientists believed that once we reached adulthood, our brain was incapable of any change beyond than the negative alterations associated with disease and aging. We now know that the brain is incredibly dynamic, with a potentially unlimited ability to change throughout our entire lifespan. At any age, new neural pathways can be created and refined, and our gray...

We weave lifes story from thoughts, feelings, emotions We live our life with expectations for the future meditation self discovery is a tool to find your true self.

Question: I came across an article that you wrote about meditation in which you said that to to be content in life spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally, you should ask yourself three questions everyday before you meditation and wait for the answer: “Who am I?” “What do I want?” and “What is my dharma or purpose in life?”What should I...

As fall approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, many of us are trying to re-establish the routines that kept us grounded before we began riding the whimsical waves of summer.If you’re finding it difficult to return to the familiarity of your daily routine, or finding one that works for you, the holistic healing system known as Ayurveda offers some powerful daily...

Enjoy this recipe of Ayurvedic rituals that can support you on your sacred journey of motherhood and beyond.

There are three essences that govern the functions of the sthula sharira and sukshma sharira (gross and subtle bodies) on a finer plane than the three doshas. These subtle essences are known as Prana, Tejas, and Ojas.Prana – Life ForcePrana, or life force, is the subtle essence of the ether and air elements. Prana is the vital principle that keeps...

Traveling endows us with the clear, light, mobile qualities of Vata, and can provide insights and open our eyes to a perspective we may have been missing. Vacations inspire us with new beauties of the world, cultures, and nature, and remove us from the redundance of our day-to-day energy bubble and life routine.Whether you are embarking on a romantic getaway,...

We all want to age gracefully, but sometimes it can feel like life is working against us. So how can we stay on top of our health while also managing a busy life?Ayurvedic medicine shows us that the key to longevity comes down to having regular practices. Just like any other habit, once a healthy practice becomes a part of...

Stress is an inevitable part of life. The impact of stress on human health, especially in today’s world of overstimulation, is alarming. April has been observed as Stress Awareness Month since 1992 to raise awareness about this condition that lies at the root of most diseases.Stress Awareness Month is a national effort designed to create awareness about the detrimental effects...

The New Year brings about feelings of starting fresh and being inspired. During times of change, it’s helpful to have a guide, offering glimpses into the possibilities of the life you desire. It doesn’t have to be big changes; small changes every day can lead to major transformation. Here are some pieces of wisdom inspired by Ayurvedic teachings that can...

Every month, Dr. Sheila, Chopra’s Chief Medical Officer answers questions from our followers. If you have a general question for her around health and wellness. This month sha answers questions around meditation and preventing boils, abscesses, and cysts.

If you are wondering where to begin, a good place to start is “cleansing” the home. Most of us spend a great deal of time at home, and it becomes our sanctuary full of our creature comforts. Over time, natural accumulation occurs, both physically and energetically, which can impact the feeling of the house and also affect your psyche.For example,...

“Reality is a selective act of attention and interpretation.” This deeply profound insight (attributed to Chopra Center co-founder Dr. David Simon) reveals your hidden ability to influence the experience of life. You may consciously choose what you give your attention to and how you process what you perceive. Consider the phrase, “you are what you eat.” Dr. Simon’s understanding goes...

According to the principles of Ayurveda, spring is the cleansing season. The same way that you spring clean your home, this is a great time of year to cleanse the toxins from your body.While there are many cleanse programs available, some methods can be intimidating and extreme. The good news is that there are more subtle and gentle techniques that...

The Shatavari plant has many health benefits and uses that help your mind and body. Originating from Ayurvedic medicine, Shatava

Psychologist Dr. Jean Houston has said that we are the victims of an "age of interrupted process." Meaning, you generally know a bit about how things begin and how they end, but you are rarely present throughout the middle – or the process. The point she makes is that people tend to either be ruminating about the past or worrying...

We live in a diet-obsessed culture. It seems like every week a new diet makes headlines, claiming to be the best path to weight loss. From Paleo, South Beach, and Atkins, to Primal, Ketogenic, and Zone, it can be hard to decipher the best way to shed excess weight. Isn’t there a tried-and-true plan that has been around the block...

Dosha in astrology indicates our unique energy patterning that manifests as our physical, mental emotional characteristics Planets constellations are types of doshas.

If we have been blessed with general good health, we may tend to take our body for granted, not paying attention to what a miracle it is that we can see the colors of the landscape, hold the hand of a loved one, savor a delicious meal, listen to our favorite music, and breathe in the scent of freshly mowed...

"Making your doshas happy will make you happy. This is the secret to balancing the whole mind-body system.”In the past decade, personalized medicine has emerged as one of the most promising developments in modern healthcare, offering an approach that tailors medical care and treatment to an individual’s unique characteristics, including a person’s molecular and genetic profile. Advances in scientific research...

In Ayurveda winter is known as “Vata season” because the season is characterized by some of teh same quare marked by some of the same qualities that characterize Vata: cold, dry, light, clear, and moving.As long as these qualities are in balance, a person whose dosha is predominantly Vata will be healthy, creative, and exuberant. But when too much Vata...

According to Ayurveda, sleep is the nursemaid to humanity. During deep, restful sleep, our body recovers from stress and we wake up feeling refreshed, clear-minded, and energized. Unfortunately, with the turbulence in people’s personal lives and in the world at large, many of us suffer from insomnia and a lack of adequate rest.While sleep medication can provide a temporary altered...

Almost two years ago, I attended the Chopra Center’s Perfect Health with Panchakarma program, and the experience was transformational. The classes were chock full of valuable tips to help live a healthy, balanced lifestyle from the perspective of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old healing system that originated in India.In fact, so many tips and tools were provided that initially I felt a...

Gabriella Wright appears on our video call and instantly exudes warmth and tenderness. At her home in California, wearing a white button-down, her hair loose and long, Wright settles in with a green juice and greets me just the same as the first time we spoke—with kindness, joy, and a sparkle in her eyes.It’s not because Wright hasn’t experienced hardships,...

Imagine driving down a road and suddenly coming to a detour sign. Without warning, you are taken off course, heading from a smooth path onto a bumpy road. As you maneuver and adjust to the new circumstance, you strengthen your capacity to expand and adapt. This is resilience.Through a change in course, we hone into our unique strengths and skills,...

How to heal and transform your career into something you can love and successfully manage without losing balance.

It’s normal and beneficial for our nervous system to oscillate between anxiety (the upper/stuck ‘on’ portion of the window) and numbed out (the lower/stuck ‘off’ portion of the window). What becomes problematic is when we get stuck in one portion or the other.

Almost everyone appreciates the power of creativity. Unique things or novel ideas can catch our eye, brighten our day, and ignite change. Creativity is inspiring, and feeling inspired is fun! Of course, having fun is its own kind of medicine. Fun enhances our sense of connection (to others, self, and life). It reduces stress and increases happiness. Creativity, specifically, can...

We live in a fast-paced world. Take a break and rejuvenate with our mindfulness and wellness retreats in beautiful locations.

For many of us, it’s easy for each day to fly by in a blur of work and family responsibilities.A morning routine can be incredibly beneficial in helping us to find a little peace, promote our health and well-being, and establish a good foundation for the rest of the day.Over time, my family and I have established daily practices and...

For most professionals, the feeling of burnout is a familiar one. The energy that once filled your workday slowly trickles away. You notice your efficiency slip but cannot find the inspiration to regain it. The fatigue settles into your body. You can feel it in your back, your temples. Even if you entered your profession with lofty inspirations and a...

Discover how to create a daily toolkit to manage stress, cultivate inner peace, and build lasting resilience.

Oftentimes we search for meaningful work that fulfills us, or we strive for work-life balance trying to avoid burnout. These are admirable pursuits, however on their own they aren’t enough to support our mental health; it’s important to take care of our whole self during the workday not only afterhours.Brilliant thought leaders and spiritual teachers often share practices they use...

With a record number of people either in lockdown or working from home, the incidence of depression and anxiety has sharply risen. Relationships are frayed, and in the face of these conditions, people are often reacting badly to their current situation.There are coping behaviors that can help, and one of the best is focused awareness. Normally you focus your mind...

The word “empowerment” suggests something very desirable, namely, being in charge of your own life. But personal empowerment seems far out of reach during difficult times—a global pandemic creates uncertainty, economic hardship, fear of contagion, and widespread increases in anxiety, depression, and domestic violence. Who doesn’t feel powerless at such a time?Yet, there is one advantage to such distressing experiences....

La palabra "empoderamiento" sugiere algo muy deseable, a saber, estar a cargo de tu propia vida. Pero el empoderamiento personal parece estar fuera de alcance en tiempos difíciles: una pandemia mundial crea incertidumbre, dificultades económicas, miedo al contagio y un aumento generalizado de la ansiedad, la depresión y la violencia doméstica. ¿Quién no se siente impotente en un momento así?Sin...

This program for peacemakers offers a specific practice for you to follow every day, each one centered on the theme of peace by our founder, Deepak Chopra, M.D.

It’s already been a stressful year, and it’s not over yet. That’s why it’s important to be resilient. Learn how to overcome chronic stress and be resilient.

It’s difficult to maintain your spiritual equanimity during these trying times. Chopra has several methods to better balance yourself spiritually no matter what gets throw your way. Read more online today.

Anxiety is a difficult to live with. With the help of the experts from Chopra, we have 5 coping mechanisms to better handle anxiety. Learn more on our blog today.

Las prácticas de autorregulación ayudan al cuerpo-mente a dejar atrás el estrés crónico, la preocupación y los efectos debilitantes de la ansiedad y el pánico.

Pavamana MantraOm Asato Ma Sad GamayaTamaso Ma Jyotir GamayaMrtyor Ma Amritam GamayaOm Shanti Shanti ShantihiLead us from untruth to truth.Lead us from darkness to light.Lead us from death to immortality.Peace, peace, eternal peace.- The UpanishadsWhen you were dreaming last night, the dream you were in seemed real. The sights, sounds, and smells were recognizable, as were the people. However, when...

Have you ever stopped to wonder what makes you you? Of the countless, unimaginably infinite possible forms that consciousness could take, what made you turn out the way you have? In the ocean of consciousness, spirit takes innumerable forms—waves, currents, tides, whirlpools, surges—but there’s only one unique expression of that ocean unlike any other that is you. How did that...

In a world full of chaos, it becomes even more important to focus on balance for your overall well-being. The good news is it’s your natural state. But if you go astray, there are ways to find your way back.

En nuestra búsqueda del bienestar total, hay un principio, una guía que, como un faro, siempre nos llevará de vuelta a nuestro estado más natural de calma y bienestar centrado. Ese principio es el equilibrio.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Week, I wanted to offer a collection of questions, statements, and inspirational bits of wisdom gleaned from my years of practice as a holistic and spiritually oriented psychiatrist. Review this list and make a mental note of the words and phrases that resonate the most. Repeat these to yourself when you need to reorient to...

Hey there! Devi Brown here. I am Chopra Global’s Chief Impact Officer and for those enjoying the new Chopra app, mine is the voice that shares space with you each day in meditation. Having a daily practice has radically transformed my life, and I am so excited to share some of it with you here now. When we think about...

Relieve stress. Restore balance. Become the best you. Meet the new Chopra app—your guide to total well-being.For more than 25 years, Chopra has been helping millions of people balance their bodies, revive their minds, and activate their spirits. Now, we're making this knowledge available to you 24/7, in the palm of your hand.What’s InsideInside, you'll find a comprehensive well-being library,...

Dogs aren’t only our best friends, but they can also be powerful teachers. Living life in the present, embracing our lot, giving to others, and enjoying time together all contribute to a healthier well-being.Anyone who has loved a dog knows the immense value they bring. Canines can provide us a sense of ease and comfort, along with feelings of joy...

Every month, Dr. Suhas will be answering questions from our followers around men’s health and wellness. If you have general questions for him, please send us an email to askdrsuhas@chopra.com, and your question may be the one he answers next month.This month, Dr. Suhas answers a question around how men can create and maintain healthy habits.How Do Men Cultivate Good...

If you are looking to renew your vitality, reset your focus, and recharge your body, meditation is the tried and true path that will lead you to the fulfillment of these goals. Here’s how meditation renews your body and brain.

Si buscas renovar tu vitalidad, reajustar tu enfoque y recargar tu cuerpo, la meditación es el camino probado y verdadero que te llevará al cumplimiento de estos objetivos. Aquí está cómo.Para la gran mayoría de la gente, el año 2020 ha estado lleno de desafíos inesperados. Preocupaciones de salud inducidas por una pandemia, turbulencias en las carreras, pérdida de rutinas...

En los Estados Unidos, los latinos tienden a tener vínculos religiosos más fuertes que la mayoría de los grupos raciales y étnicos. Como tales, las religiones, principalmente el catolicismo y el protestantismo, a menudo juegan un papel importante en sus vidas, incluidas las formas en que enfrentan la adversidad. Para algunos, la curación se produce únicamente a través de la...

While Latinos are experiencing mental health issues at about the same rate as non-Latino whites, they are half as likely to seek treatment largely due to stigma-related culture and religion.

How to Cultivate Total Meditation: Its basic principle is that the mind wants to be calm, centered, open, alert, present, and free of stress. You cannot change what you aren’t aware of. Awareness brings you back to yourself with calm clarity.

Everything that you encounter can either increase or deplete your personal energy. Like a solar panel uses the sun more effectively when it’s not obscured by trees or covered in dust, your body does its best energy management when you have the right balance of sleep, nutrition, movement, purposeful activity, passion projects, social connection, and fun. Regulating your energy plays...

The foundation of Ayurveda is that you can use your five senses as tools in order to experience healing and return to your most natural state of balance in mind and body. Your daily routine as it relates to the five senses—sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch—can all influence the way you feel and make a notable impact on your...

Would you believe me if I told you there is an endless wellspring of joy that lives within you, and tapping into it doesn’t have to be complicated? Even amid a pandemic, it’s there in your heart, just waiting for you!You might be experiencing feelings like hopelessness, despair, fear, anxiety, anger, grief, loneliness, and more right now. And you’re not...

These are uncertain and challenging times. It is probably the first time where all of humanity, in every corner of the world, is collectively affected. The most difficult aspect is the lack of clarity about the future. Everybody is anxious—from children to seniors—about health, money, travels, and much more.Thoughts and emotions affect everyone, but how you respond to them can...

All these global changes due to the coronavirus can be overwhelming, but here are five simple steps you can take to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy during this time.The coronavirus (COVID-19) is sparking anxiety across the globe. The virus has everyone making changes to their daily routines, washing their hands more often, practicing social distancing, and even quarantining themselves...

You are socialized by your caretakers from the day you are born, but what you start to learn is that your external world holds the cues on how you need to be. You take on patterns of behaviors, thoughts, and actions from others to navigate the world. You form a connection through contact, share emotional experiences with others, and bond...

An entire industry has emerged around the concept of detoxification—the notion that specific practices, diets, or products can scrub your body free of long-stored pollutants or poisons that can negatively impact your health. While it’s tempting to believe in the magic bullet—that one simple remedy or treatment could undo years of unhealthy lifestyle choices—you’d, unfortunately, be fooling yourself.The truth is...

It’s hard to escape the coronavirus updates, especially when it’s talked about all over the media. As much as it’s important to stay healthy physically, it’s also important to stay healthy mentally—and not go into panic mode.As a social being, you are conditioned by the environment to respond to changes in everyday circumstances. When those changes are registered as atypical...

Try these practices to ground your energy in the cooler months and expand your well-being.

You have likely experienced stress and digestive issues at some point during your life. These two common conditions are often closely related to each other as is evident in the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder that is often influenced by stress.Stress: A Pervasive Lifestyle Factor with Profound Influences on HealthWhen you experience a situation or...

If you are like many people, you want to start off the new year with clear goals for yourself. While there are many types of goals to consider as you begin a brand-new year, weight loss is one that many people choose to focus on.There are many healthy ways to lose weight in the New Year. Some of them are...

Sleep is a foundational component of the human experience. Along with wakefulness and dreaming, sleep is one of the three most familiar states of consciousness you experience on a daily basis. Despite its primary importance, however, in a modern busy life, sleep is often overlooked, undervalued, or taken for granted. In truth though, the importance of quality sleep cannot be...

While you may think that winter weight gain is inevitable with the colder, shorter days; the holiday bustle; and your inherent urge to hibernate more, consider these tips for taking charge of your weight and health.1. Eat Whole FoodsYou may have heard of the whole food movement. This eating style is focused on eating foods that are in their whole...

Before you reach for a boring glass of orange, apple, or grape juice. Try these 5 immune booster recipes that are healthy and great tasting.

You’re busy. In the race to finish the seemingly never-ending list of tasks, you speed up and multitask while thinking about what’s coming next or dwelling on what just happened. Through it all, you miss out on the present moment.Although you continue to do it, you know it’s not good for you or the people in your life. And so...

One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Swami Satchidananda, once said that there is nothing in this world more valuable than your own peace. The first time I heard that statement the words sank so deeply into my being I was changed forever. I feel grateful when I am mindful enough to remember this simple wisdom in a moment of worry...

Relaxation may feel like an indulgence, but it is a necessity for not only your mind and soul, but also your physical body. Learn about relaxation’s health benefits and get started chilling out today!When most of society is over-scheduled, overstimulated, overworked, and overburdened, you need practical ways to counteract the deleterious health effects of a high-pressure lifestyle. Fortunately, there is...

Learning how to let someone or something go is an important step to start living from a place of happiness. Learn about practicing detachment today.

Thanks to Marie Kondo and her Konmari Method, decluttering and finding what “sparks joy” is all the rage right now. Of course, spiritual practices around cleanliness and order are age-old practices, and the yogic teachings found in the Yoga Sutra contain powerful inspiration for how to create an inner environment for peace, joy, and freedom.Saucha means cleanliness or purity, and...

Surrendering yourself spiritually through meditation can help you live a more fulfilled life. Learn from Chopra how you can practice this concept.

Emotions are an important part of daily life, significantly affecting your well-being. You can eat the healthiest foods, exercise, and meditate, but when something weighs heavy on the heart, you’ll feel like something isn’t quite right. True health is experienced when your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony, working together toward creating a life that you desire. When any...

There are many types of healing one goes through, be it mental, spiritual, or physical. Learn how these 5 traditional practices can heal and rejuvenate.

Turbulence. Chaos. Frustration. These words may describe your days. You are over-stimulated, frenzied, stressed, exhausted, fatigued, and desperate as you attempt to cope with the challenges of modern life. If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. You live in a culture of compulsive over activity—a society driven to work harder, faster, and longer to accomplish more in less...

Self-care has become quite the buzzword. Hashtags such as #selfcare or #selfcaresunday pepper social media feeds as people display activities, quotes, foods, etc., that reflect their “self-care” lifestyle. Numerous books and magazine articles are dedicated to this trending topic. It’s overwhelming, with the amount of information available, to figure out what this is really about and if it’s something you...

We all face stress at work. No matter what kind of job you have, every day brings minor hassles such as traffic jams, boring commutes, computer breakdowns, short-tempered clients, sensory overload, and tight deadlines. Sometimes you barely notice you’re living with chronic stress because you’ve learned to adapt to it. Feeling tired, distracted, irritated, and plagued by a nagging sense...

Despite all the standard advice about exercise – much of it is very worthwhile – the issue of having energy all your life runs deeper than just getting more exercise. At present, more than half of young adults regularly exercise, in contrast to the obesity epidemic that is occurring at the same time, but there's a steady decline in exercise...

In the past three articles in this series, we learned about people who live in Blue Zones (areas in the world where there is a high rate of centenarians) and how cultivating a healthy diet, having a purpose, and staying active are all factors that are involved in their longevity.This series of articles is based on a 2004 study led...

Are you tired of walking around feeling bloated? You feel bloated in your belly when air or gas is trapped in your gastrointestinal tract. It can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even embarrassing to experience on a daily basis. Sometimes bloating can be an internal feeling of feeling full in the lower abdomen while other times there is physical distension that...

No matter where you find yourself on this planet or what language you speak, you’ll know a smile when you see one. While cross-cultural studies reveal slightly different meanings ascribed to smiling, they appear throughout the lifespan of all human (and some non-human) beings. Scientists have identified three different kinds of authentic smiles as well as identified the traits of...

Getting through the holidays well is part of being on your own path. What works at this time of year is the same as the rest of the year, except that you need to be more mindful of pitfalls and possible stresses.Stress over-stimulates the body-mind, throwing off its tendency to remain in dynamic balance. "Dynamic" means that your body-mind is...

Yoga has always been a practice of mental development (and for many, in recent years, physical development) with the goal to experience expanded consciousness and enlightenment. As the ancient sage Patanjali describes in the first lines of the Yoga Sutras, the purpose of yoga is to still the turbulence of the mind.As the rising popularity of yoga in the U.S....

According to happiness researcher Gretchen Rubin, what you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. Since you go to sleep every day (well, late-night study sessions, new parenthood, and the occasional all-nighter aside), how you go to bed can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep you get.Getting a good night’s sleep...

Many individuals recovering from addiction feel they’ve lost touch with how their minds and bodies feel, because addiction serves as a way to numb and disconnect you from your mind and body.Many studies have observed the effect of yoga and meditation on the fight-or-flight response, which is the body’s natural reaction to stressful and life-threatening situations. While this response is...

Spring cleaning is a ritual some people enjoy and others skip, but whatever your attitude might be, spring is a time of renewal and freshness. Your body is programmed by evolution to sense the awakening of spring, but what about your mind? Mind and body are intimately connected, so spring is already affecting your whole system. In short, you are...

Have you ever noticed how grounded you feel after strolling barefoot along the beach? Or how invigorated you feel after playing with your kids in the grass?Well, it’s not just the respite from your daily life contributing to that positive feeling. New research suggests that the body’s direct contact with the Earth’s negative electric charge actually influences the electric charge...

Nearly every person has experienced cancer in some way. Whether you have had a bout with cancer yourself or have known someone who has, one thing is for sure, cancer has become a prevalent world problem.According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. While there are many things that can purportedly lower your risk...

2016 is not for the faint of heart; news about climate change, terrorism, racism, and gun violence inundate the headlines. United States presidential elections have created clear divides between our friends, neighbors, and families. You may try to avoid the pain by turning off the news and turning on fiction. Tuning out by binge-watching Netflix may seem like a good...

If you’re getting into the swing of things this season, chances are you may be interested in doing a little gardening. You may be aware of the nutritional benefits of gardening your own food; however, you may want to consider the positive effects that gardening can have on your consciousness.Just about all nature experiences can be beneficial to your spirit....

The spring season is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. As beautiful spring flowers slowly emerge from the earth, humans, too, must slowly emerge from the heaviness of winter and embrace this season of sunshine and blossoms. Now is the perfect time to integrate the lightness and energy of spring into your body, mind, and spirit, and like a rebirth,...

Do you struggle with maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced relationship with food? Almost every week, a new diet emerges in the media, proclaiming a quick fix and promising better health. These are hard to ignore when we’re on a mission to shed pounds.Unfortunately, most fad diets don’t address the underlying mindset and ingrained habits that can trigger your...

“A dream not interpreted is like a letter not read.” —The TalmudDreams can be fun adventures that you don’t want to wake up from, or scary nightmares that shake you out of sleep. More often than not, however, there’s deeper meaning behind the storyline. With the right intention, you can extract wisdom from your dreams, which can help guide you...

Question: Meditation Versus Sleep?Dear Deepak,I've been interested in the subject of meditating and finding relaxation through it, however, whenever I've tried one of the practices, I keep ending up asking myself: Wait! Isn't this exactly what sleeping does?! Closing my eyes and letting go of all thoughts is exactly what I go through when I am asleep. I might get...

If you were to eavesdrop on the conversations taking place around you, stress would likely be one of the most common words you would hear. People talk about feeling stressed about their work, the economy, global politics, deadlines, their relationships, and just about everything else. Many suffer from the emotional and physical consequences of chronic stress, which include accelerated aging...

A young mother recently brought her two-year-old son to see me in the emergency department of a small rural hospital. He had been playing with a toy truck with small removable wheels. They were fun because they were made of a soft plastic that gripped surfaces like a speeding Baja Bug on the dusty desert road from Tijuana to La...

Learn how to choose love and focus your attention on what really matters in life with these tips from the experts from Chopra.