May 2023 TDM
Welcome to the 49th issue of The Daily Meditator. This is your monthly resource for fun, quirky, interesting, and noteworthy happenings in and around the worldwide meditation community, curated by meditation teacher, Light Watkins and co. Our mission is simple: to help broaden the horizon of what a daily meditator looks like while providing you with relevant information and timely inspiration for staying committed to your daily practice.
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[ MEDITATION & NEWS ]
Harvard Goes Zen: Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness Launches with $25M Donation
Harvard taps into the power of mindfulness with a new center and a $25M donation. According to Lionsroad.com, Harvard University has opened the Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health, which will develop scientific assessment tools to evaluate the impacts of mindfulness interventions on health.
The center’s mission is to empower people around the globe to live with purpose, equanimity, and joy through the practice of mindfulness; pursue evidence-based approaches to improve health and well-being through mindfulness; and educate and train the public in mindfulness.
The center was founded with a $25M gift from an anonymous donor, representing one of the largest single donations in the school’s history. The center’s research will focus on developing scientific assessment tools to evaluate the impacts of mindfulness interventions on health, with a focus on mindfulness and living in relation to the environment and nutrition.
Bottom line: Harvard's new Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness proves that a clear mind is worth more than a clear wallet with $25 million in donations.
[ MEDITATION & BUSINESS ]
Deepak Chopra's New Venture Fund Offers Investors Inner Peace and ROI
Deepak Chopra is putting his money where his meditation is. According to INC.com, the wellness expert and founder of Chopra Global, has co-founded ChopraX, a venture "platform" that will invest in startups working on companies promoting mental health, wellness, fitness, longevity, and education.
The platform's first investment will be part of a $30 million Series D round of funding in Begin, a New York City-based ed-tech company valued at $500 million. Begin offers early education tech products such as learning apps Homer and CodeSpark Academy. ChopraX sees potential in integrating mental health and wellness tools into education platforms and future metaverse initiatives.
The platform plans to announce four more deals in the coming weeks, investing on a deal-by-deal basis. With ChopraX, Chopra hopes to promote innovative solutions that focus on prevention and holistic well-being.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a good investment and inner peace, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.
[ MEDITATION & LIFESTYLE ]
Are You Ready to Bathe Your Way to Inner Peace?
If you’ve never had a sound bath before, then you’ve been missing out. According to SCMP.com, Terence Lloren, founder of Sound Bath Sessions – a subscription-based collection of live gong bath recordings from practitioners in Hong Kong and Asia can be used for meditative purposes or entertainment.
The intimate and candid “sound portraits” allow you to experience the practice of deep sound vibrations created by instruments such as gongs and singing bowls. Lloren was inspired by his first gong session, which left him feeling like he was “seeing with his ears”.
He says the recordings are not just about the sound baths but also document the other noises heard in a typical session, such as traffic outside or people talking in the hall. Any money made from Sound Bath Sessions is split evenly between Lloren, the practitioners, and a chosen charity.
Bottom line: Looks like it's time to pause your meditation app and say hello to Sound Bath Sessions.
[ MEDITATION & TECHNIQUE ]
TikTok's Latest Trend Has Us Saying: Take a Hike, Stress!
If you're searching for a new way to work out that is both healthy and enjoyable, you're in luck because of this latest fitness trend on TikTok. According to WomanandHome.com, soft hiking is all about taking it slow and enjoying the great outdoors, no matter what your pace is.
The Soft Girls Who Hike creators, Emily Thornton and Lucy Hird, invented the term and say that it's all about the pure joy of spending time in nature and moving your body, rather than working out at a certain pace or ticking an item off your list.
Soft hiking reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, boosts cardiovascular health, and even improves mood. To get started, all you need are some essentials like a good pair of hiking boots and a rain jacket, a pre-planned route, and the willingness to engage your senses and practice mindfulness. Click here for an in-depth guide.
Bottom line: If you're tired of scrolling through fitness trends that make you wince or feel exhausted, soft hiking might just be the answer you're looking for.
The Happiness Insiders® is a diverse community of folks who are actively engaged in cultivating real, lasting happiness through daily inner work, created and facilitated by long-time meditation teacher and inspiration author, Light Watkins. The Happiness Insiders® is the world’s first secular online community for learning a variety of practical, real-world spiritual practices that are intended to help you create the lasting happiness you ultimately desire. Click here for more info
Popular Challenges:
108-Day Meditation Challenge
108-Day Healthy Eating Challenge
108-Day Movement Challenge
108-Day Strength Challenge
108-Day Double-Dose Challenge
30-Day Mindfulness Triathlon
30-Day No Complaining Challenge
30 Days of Gratitude Challenge
Popular Masterclasses:
Find Your Purpose
Overcoming Fear
Radical Authenticity
How to Stop Overthinking
Preparing for The One
Manifesting Abundance
Accessing Your Potential
How to Move On After Breaking Up
[ MEDITATION & WELLNESS ]
Why "Monk Mode" Might Be the Wellness Trend You Never Knew You Needed
Looking to become the best version of yourself? You might want to try going into "monk mode"! No, this doesn't mean you have to shave your head and don a robe. According to InsiderHook.com, the idea behind this productivity hack is simple: take time out of your day to focus solely on one task, whether it's meditating, exercising, or working on a project without any distractions.
It might seem extreme to commit to a full month of monk mode, but there's no denying the benefits, including increased productivity and decreased stress. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even try emulating the daily routine of a real monk. But for those who aren't quite ready to take the plunge, just leaving your phone at home and going for a walk can be a great way to start incorporating monk mode into your life.
Bottom line: You can now unleash your inner monk without having to shave your head or give up Netflix.
[ MEDITATION & POP-CULTURE ]
Find Your Inner Rockstar and Meditate Like Kirk Hammett
Rockstars are known for their wild lifestyles and raucous behavior, but Metallica's lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, has a surprisingly spiritual side. According to LoudWire.com, the legendary guitarist of the iconic heavy metal band Metallica, claims to be extremely invested in meditation and spirituality, stating that meditation is what we are and that we are all connected.
In his latest profile, Hammett revealed that he meditates a few hours a day and has been practicing it for 25 years. He further explained that meditation is pure consciousness, and everything is pure consciousness, and that he believes in the unity of being.
Hammett added that we are all the same being, and when he talks to someone, he is basically talking to himself. He even recommended the book "The Direct Path" by spiritual leader Rupert Spira, saying that it changed his life. Hammett's beliefs have dictated how he treats people, and he thinks that being present in the moment is crucial because it contains all the possibilities that are available in life.
Bottom line: Who knew heavy metal and spirituality could go hand-in-hand?
[ REALITY CHECK ]
Challenges and setbacks
By Light Watkins
"Sometimes you have to take five steps back in order to take a thousand steps forward." — Preston Smiles
While writing my first book, I remember working for an entire day on a chapter about why it's good to practice blind acceptance. Then the program I was using crashed and everything I had written was lost.
I was so pissed at myself for not having saved it beforehand, until I realized the irony of the situation. Then I couldn't stop laughing about it. And when I went back and rewrote the chapter on acceptance, I intuitively wrote from a much deeper level of experience.
We tend to get excited when we feel like we're making progress yet bothered when it feels like we're being blocked. But what if, like the lost chapter on acceptance, the perceived obstacle (i.e. the computer crashing) is there to help us get better at the thing we ultimately want?
If we pull back the lens (something meditation allows us to do more easily) we may discover that most if not all of the challenges and setbacks we face are actually assisting us in developing a greater capacity to love and connect with one another from a deeper level of experience.
[ READ. WATCH. LISTEN. ]
Read: The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything=Have Everything
The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha is a fascinating and practical guide to achieving true happiness in life. The book provides a simple, yet powerful equation for happiness - Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything. Pasricha challenges conventional thinking about happiness and offers a fresh perspective on how to achieve lasting joy and fulfillment. With practical tips and engaging anecdotes, the author presents a step-by-step plan for readers to find their own happiness equation. If you're looking to lead a happier and more fulfilling life, The Happiness Equation is a must-read book that will inspire you to take action and make positive changes in your life. Read more.
Watch: The Louie Channel
The Louie Channel is a must-see for those who love documentaries and learning about fascinating stories from all around the world. This platform offers a variety of content, from exploring hidden corners of Japan to showcasing the work of innovative entrepreneurs. The documentaries are expertly crafted, providing viewers with an in-depth understanding of the topics and the people behind them. With a wide range of categories to choose from, such as culture, lifestyle, and technology, there is something for everyone. The Louie Channel is the perfect platform for those who seek inspiration and entertainment while learning something new. Check it out now!
Listen: Take Back Your Mind
Hosted by Rev. Michael Beckwith, "Take Back Your Mind” is a must-listen if you’re looking for inspiration and guidance on your spiritual journey. With over 40 years of experience as a spiritual teacher and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, Beckwith shares his wisdom and insights on how to cultivate inner peace, joy, and purpose in a chaotic world. His guests include leading experts in spirituality, wellness, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with themselves and the universe. Tune in now.
Have you listened to Light’s podcast, The Light Watkins Show? If inspiration was a drop of water, The Light Watkins Show would be like an ocean. Each candid interview is sure to leave you uplifted, inspired, and motivated to follow your heart, take a leap of faith, and believe in yourself. Listen or watch now.
[ REPORT FROM THE FIELD ]
What have you gotten from meditation? It helps me to let go of the sh*t (anxiety, anger, depression, insecurity, illusions) that gets in the way of truly LIVING. It helps me to lean into love, service, connection with myself & others joy, and ease. It reminds me who I am, to be myself, and to take things slow. It helps me to remember that that hand-on-the-shoulder, sweet kiss on the forehead, getting tucked into bed, GRANDMA HUG, somebody-playing-with-your-hair-feeling is just on the other side of a few deep breaths.
Strangest meditation moment? During meditation, I’ve seen light effects, images and scenes, and I’ve even heard sounds. I’ve learned in some traditions that these are signs to come back to the mantra. In others, they say these experiences are signs of progress, that our awareness is getting more refined, or that we’re actually developing inner vision. I’m a sound practitioner and use sound as the point of focus in meditation. I’ve often heard voices of passed loved ones emerging from gongs, visuals of what feel like memories of past lives, and the sound of the bowls has left me feeling like I’m actually floating. The list goes on, baby.
An unexpected benefit from meditation? A better sense of humor and better connective sex. It’s really helped me to be more intimate with myself, which in turn affects my relation to everything and everyone around me.
[To see the latest from Jackie, go to jackiecantwell.com]
Two of Our Favorite Instagram Accounts with a Purpose
Ray Singleton (left) is not just a talented singer and songwriter, but he's also America's Husband. Ray went viral after serenading his wife as she battled brain cancer, and his love and devotion to her captured the hearts of people around the world. His appearance on America's Got Talent and The Ellen Show further cemented his place in the hearts of fans everywhere. Ray's Instagram page is a reflection of his warm and positive personality, and he shares his music, love for his wife, and inspiring messages with his followers. If you're looking for a talented musician who spreads positivity and joy, be sure to follow him @willie_qool
Jamie Hess is a fitness and wellness expert who has made it her mission to help people achieve their health goals through her business, The Big Ask Method. She's passionate about living an active and healthy lifestyle and wants to inspire others to do the same. Jamie is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and an advocate for mental health. Jamie has also been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and Well+Good. She's a sought-after speaker and has shared her knowledge and experience at various fitness and wellness events. If you're looking for inspiration and guidance to help you reach your fitness and wellness goals, then be sure to follow her @nycfitfam
You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.
— Eckhart Tolle
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