Meditation Works

When prosperity catches up to you

2011-08-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

My brother, Terry, and I have discussed how prosperity without caring is empty. Unless you care about another's prosperity, your own well-being will be limited. So we asked each other this question: "What would you see me doing when my prosperity catches up to me?" And then we gave each other the vision on which to focus. Here is what I asked him to see when I'm regaining prosperity:

I'm standing in the airport looking at departures to Europe, traveling light and light-hearted. I hear the announcement of my flight boarding. I lean down and pick up a small carry-on care and walk toward my gate. Just as I get to the security stop, I look over my shoulder at the person I'll be traveling with. "Hey, just in time. Let's rock and roll."

So we're using these shared visions to care about each other's well-being. Try it. Exchange your vision with someone for whom you wish the best of what you will be doing when your prosperity catches up to you -- that is, not a vision of paying your bills, sighing that you saved your home or that you can pay your car payment, but what you would do as a prosperous person. Let it be a vision of doing something fun and joyful that clearly represents ease, comfort and security.

And share that vision today!

Chesa
www.chesakeane.com

Fresh Air Experience - the Fund is almost there

2011-08-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Fresh Air Fund, an organization established to help New York City children from the toughest neighborhoods have a life-changing experience by spending some time with host families in the northeast section of the U.S.

So far, the Fresh Air Fund has managed to find 650 host families and they have one week left to find 200 more host families for the remaining children to be placed.

I work with Rotary International in Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership programs. I can tell you that when you give a child a chance to see a different view of the world, one that is not only different, but perhaps one that gives them a new hope that there is nothing they cannot accomplish, the world is changed by one more person whose future is positive.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Those were Gandhi's words. You can be the person who gives another person a better view of life. Step out of yourself and step into providing someone a life-changing experience.

Tsunesaburo Machiguchi, a Buddhist educator in Japan who founded SGI in 1930, believed that our children should be taught to be world citizens with a focus that expands beyond their local and national focus. This belief is one that will help to make the world a better place for everyone.

Help these children have an experience that is outside of the world they know and provide them with the vision that the world is theirs to conquer.

Visit their website: www.freshairfundhost.org and realize today that the Power of One begins with you.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Words matter....

2011-05-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I really like this one....

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Fresh Air Fund - looking for host families

2011-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

As a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, I am well aware that many children just don't have simple advantages that some families take for granted. Children living in New York City often cannot imagine what it is like to be in the open air of the countryside -- their restricted circumstances just don't provide them that perspective on life. I have now been made aware of a program that helps New York City children enjoy the experience of the country and suburbs in the Northeastern part of the U.S.

The host families who join the program will open their homes for a few weeks in the summer and children growing up in New York City's toughest neighborhoods will have an experience -- probably life-changing -- to enjoy the Fresh Air Experience.

This program has been so successful that more than 85% of these children are re-invited to stay with their host family, year after year.

You may think that this is a small event in a child's life - but I can assure you that children who have not been exposed to life outside of an inner city environment, will open their eyes to new understandings of life and the excitement of opportunities that never crossed their minds before.

To find out more about becoming a host, call 800.367.0003. Or go to the FreshAirFundHost.org website for more information.

The story of Brandon Mendoza and the McKnight family:

After all, if we want the future to be reflected in a more humanistic way than we sometimes witness today, never forget that the Youth are Our Future.

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

10-year-old BC girl offers song of anti-tanker sentiment in video

2011-03-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

A 10-year-old girl from British Columbia, Canada, of the Sliammon First Nation, has written a song that protests plans for west coast oil tanker traffic.

Chesa
www.MeditationWarrior.com

Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse on December 21, 2010

2010-12-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

Not since 1703 has this event occurred where on a full moon, there is also a total lunar eclipse at this time of the year. While it is the short day of the year (for those in the Northern hemisphere), it could be an opportunity to join with hundreds of thousands in shaping the future with out intentions.

So why not make it a time to join others around the world in a meditation/focus on a bright, positive, hopeful future? This video in its simplicity puts forth the idea:

Honestly, is there anything more important than the human race surviving? Growing positively? All people realizing their best potential? Simple, yet deep happiness? Really, what is more important?

Chesa
www.meditatingwell.com

And to all a good .....

2010-12-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

I just want to send out a message of good will and cheer to anyone who drops by to read this blog. So many people are in the throes of suffering with the touchy economic conditions. I would like to encourage you to make a difference -- in your life and in the lives of others. How? By breaking the fear-based economy and social viewpoint that is so prevalent right now.

I get it that our unemployment rate is high -- probably close to 20% in some states because those off the unemployment roles are not being counted. But without sounding like a PollyAnna, this also means that there is 80% employment. But don't you see and feel how the fear of loss is hampering everyone. Spending is down. People and businesses are holding tight. This only serves to prolong the down cycle. If there is no investment or opening to the awareness of cash flow, change cannot and will not occur.

I'm not suggesting that you spend yourself silly or in a foolish way. But please - know that all cycles comes to an end. For every down position, there is a replacing up position on it way. Let go of the fear, people! Trust in your ability to survive and survive well. Think and act with compassion and kindness to everyone around you. As we trust each other more, trust ourselves more, and with a knowing, proceed through these times, we will all be better for it.

Happy, happy holidays. Be safe. Enjoy your friends and family. Stretch. Live. Laugh. Release the fear.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Animated viewpoint 200 countries growth over 200 years

2010-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

This is really a fascinating presentation of the growth of 200 countries over the past 200 years by Hans Rosling. Check it out:

I love the hopeful perspective. How many people with this access to the data of societies and trends speaks so positively?

Chesa
www.meditatingwell.com

Face your shame

2010-12-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

I have just watched a video by Brené Brown, a researcher and profession at the University of Houston who gave a presentation on shame and how overcoming this lack of worthiness can impact not just your own life but the lives of others. It is a little long, but well worth the watch:

It's all about courage, really.

Chesa Keane

www.meditationwarrior.com

Meditation Sites filled with meditation tools and products

2010-11-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am always interested in finding the latest and greatest meditation tools and products. To showcase these findings, I have created the following websites:

You can find techniques, tips, tools and products to support your efforts in meditation. You already know the value -- these sites help you enhance your focusing and concentration skills so your meditations produce the results you are seeking.

I'm adding new products every day -- come back often and visit.

Enjoy!!

Chesa Keane

www.meditatingwell.com

First Nation soldiers - reminds me of my father, aunts and uncles

2010-11-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

My father was proud to have served in WWII and to the end, he was a soldier. This video makes me think of him, his courage, his fears and his contribution to my life.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Alice at 107 is oldest living holocaust survivor -- sees beauty in life

2010-11-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Alice will celebrate her 107th birthday this month. She was in a concentration camp during WWII and because she was a concert pianist, she survived. One might think that the experience would make her bitter, but no. Alice says that she has never hated -- hate only breeds hate. And she find each day a beautiful experience.

As a Buddhist, for me, her voice rings with the truth of Buddhist beliefs - life is precious and it is our goal to find happiness and joy on earth regardless of the circumstances under which we find ourselves. I would love to meet her in person. For now, meet her in the video which is a trailer for a new documentary short about the oldest Holocaust survivor in the world, Alice Herz-Sommer. Your life will be enriched in a short 12 minutes.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Believing in each other

2010-09-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is a great video by a kid - and I'm not always sold on kid videos when they feel contrived. She sends out a clear, honest and important message to us all: "You can do anything!"

Take a look:

Keep breathing as my brother would tell us during this Mercury Retrograde period.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.mediationwarrior.com
www.computergoddess.com

BP Oil Spill -- just another day in our lives....

2010-03-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last year, the oil industry spent $168 million on lobbying for oil concerns -- and BP alone spent $16 million. Any concerns that the industry might have influenced the outcome we are seeing in the Gulf of Mexico today? Oh, maybe.

Just as an example, BP has claimed that its technology is safe, yet 11 men are dead and the oil continues to pour out of the broken line. In fact, BP has a long history of safety violations that have resulted in other deaths and environmental disasters. In 2008, BP stated that it could handle a scenario ten times the size of this current spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Really? Well, we don't think so.

Robert Redford, an environmental activist, is calling for the American public to use whatever political influence you might have - dollars, voice, votes -- to tell your senators to vote for the clean energy and climate bill now before Congress. This might be the path to regaining control over our environment -- it has to start somewhere.

Chesa

www.computergoddess.com

www.taoconsultants.net

www.focusingtools.com

GYN Disposables - unethical business

2010-03-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

GYN Disposables is a client that has proven to be deadbeats. They don't pay their bills, they don't return phone calls, and they purport to be a business in which women would benefit. I don't think so.

I am a woman in the business of helping get online businesses found by a targeted audience, delivering the positive message that company would like displayed. However this company that manufacturers single use disposable gynecological instruments - which would be a good product for women's safety - has proven to be unreliable, irresponsible, disreputable, dishonest, and dishonorable. Why would any woman want to do business with these people? Why would she encourage her OB/GYN doc to go to this band of disrespectful doctors for medical instruments when there are lots of other businesses out there that do the same thing without the negative business practices.

For the full story, go to the Eye of SEO Focus and TAO Consultants blogs.

Not only have they not paid my company, they have not paid the consultant who referred me -- even though he brought them some large contracts. Do these doctors in their arrogance think that negative behavior should be rewarded? Do they think that the world is so large that others won't find out about them?

I think they are mistaken in their actions and their business approach. GYN Disposables in Memphis, Tennessee. Avoid them.

Just think of the karmic impact they are making. A great, useful product sold by a disreputable company is the wrong combination we need in the world.

Chesa

www.computergoddess.com

Okanagan Chief slams "thinly veiled" attempt by Tolko to incite violence against band membership

2010-02-25T16:57:00.001-08:00

It gets worse:
February 25, 2010

Okanagan Chief slams “thinly veiled” attempt by Tolko to incite violence against band membership. Layoffs are due to poor markets and Tolko’s own unsustainable logging practices.

Okanagan Nation Territory, Vernon – Okanagan Indian Band Chief Fabian Alexis today slammed Tolko’s “irresponsible” and “thinly veiled attempt to incite violence against the Okanagan Indian Band membership.” “Blaming us for the closure of the Armstrong Plant is utterly ridiculous,” said Chief Alexis. “The amount of wood we are preventing Tolko from logging amounts to about 15,000 cubic metres which at most would only be a three day supply for the mill.”

“The fact is that Tolko had previously put out a news release on January 19th where it announced it was curtailing lumber production due to poor market conditions,” noted Chief Alexis. “Also in its news release of February 24th Tolko made reference to BC Ministry of Transportation load weight restrictions due to unseasonably warm weather.”

“We also have pictures showing that Tolko’s Armstrong sort yard is full of logs, so the fact they are laying off workers at that mill has everything to do with market conditions and nothing whatsoever to do with our decision to protect our drinking water supply,” added Chief Alexis.

“Last but not least, Tolko closed their Armstrong mill for two weeks last year, it has even been referred to by some industry insiders as Tolko’s annual curtailment,” noted Chief Alexis.

“We request that Tolko apologise for their highly misleading statements to the media and warn them that if they persist in trying to incite violence against our community we will not hesitate to take them before the BC Human Rights Commission,” concluded Chief Alexis.

“Before the introduction of Tree Farm licenses in 1962, most of the creeks running into Okanagan Lake were protected as water reserve areas. But thanks to decades of unsustainable logging practices the hills above the Okanagan Valley are a patchwork of clearcuts,” said Chief Alexis. “The result has been fish bearing creeks that flood in the Spring and go dry in the Summer because the forest ecosystem that used to absorb and then slowly release that water has been largely wiped out.”

-30-

For more information please contact: Chief Fabian Alexis, cell (250) 306-2838, phone (250) 542-4328

Kudos to Chief Alexis for his thoughtful and intelligent representation of OKIB.

A nation that does not know its history has no future.

2010-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

This video is one that touches my soul as a First Nation, Head of the Okanagan Band member. So many stories for me to tell. They will unfold. But this is a part of this country's heritage that is too easily forgotten. I do not celebrate Columbus Day. Why would I?

Chesa

www.MeditationWarrior.com

Zoom on steroids

2010-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is a cool way to view the world.....

Mandelbrot Fractal Set Trip To e214 HD from teamfresh on Vimeo.

Can you send your mind there?

Chesa
www.taoconsultants.com

Will's Wisdom - we all have it...

2010-01-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

I think you'll enjoy this YouTube video. It's all those great ideas we know but do we employ? Ask yourself what you are willing to die for -- your beliefs? If not, you're probably not reaching your potential. Do you think you make a difference? If not, then you probably don't. Do you step through life focused and with intention -- or just takes what life throws at you? If you know what you want and believe it to be achievable, act upon those goals, you will absolutely achieve whatever you wish to create in life.

One of my favorite quotes from Will Smith: "Being realistic is the most common road to mediocrity." My way of phrasing it is: Deny reality at all costs.

Now go out there and Make it happen!

Chesa

www.mediationwarrior.com

www.meditation-works.com

It's all about self-confidence...

2010-01-06T09:50:00.001-08:00

When this video started, I thought, "This woman has a strong sense of self. Her black shirt and pants were close-fitting and showed all of her lumps and bumps."

Then the video continues and I am laughing in amazement. This is the best example of self-acceptance I have ever seen. Enjoy and think of whether you can match this woman's self-confidence:

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

Staying in the Now helps

2009-12-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

I found myself letting go of someone recently through circumstances neither of us could change. So how do you deal with this kind of loss? The process follows the grieving steps -- denial, anger, etc. -- but then you're still left with the reality of that empty spot beside you and within your heart.

It has always been my habit to focus on the now rather than the past or future. Focusing on the past often shows itself in feelings or actions that are guilt-based. Focusing on the future usually expresses as fear of future outcome and worry. But focusing in the Now offers a centeredness that allows you to release the past that can't be changed and keeps you from straying into a future that cannot come about if you don't work in the now.

So my heart feels heavy and at the same time, I am aware of the potential for seeing my now evolve into a future that could have him here again. That will be nice.

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

40 Inspirational speeches in 2 minutes

2009-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder about what inspires you? How about these speeches?

Two Losses - One Lesson

2009-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last week, Mike, a business associate, lost a short and fierce battle to esophageal cancer. Last night, my dear friend Calvin's huge and loving heart let go.

Two friends gone and I have come to realize what I thought I already knew: leave nothing unsaid or undone each day. Being in now is the only answer to regrets for those words or actions that you're going to get around to soon, but too late realize they must now remain unspoken.

Mike and I belonged to a networking organization that I chose to leave because of an unfortunate situation. When Mike asked my assistant to have me drop by and see him at the store, I put it off. I didn't know he was fighting a losing battle and that he would be gone so quickly.

Calvin and I lived on the opposite sides of the country and I kept thinking I wanted him to know that I deeply appreciate his introducing me to my Buddhist practice and resulting deep faith. I know I said it before, but I didn't say it again as I was thinking it this morning -- just before I got the call.

I don't do guilt, but I do recognize that I don't want to miss these long-gone opportunities ever again. I know Mike felt my intense prayers during his hard battles with radiation and chemotherapies. And I know that Calvin is well-aware of how I feel toward him. I will miss him forever until we meet again.

But thoughts have to be turned into words to manifest the outcome you are seeking. I would have rather seen and heard their smile from my words rather than simply my thoughts.

See more about Calvin on his website: www.chkyo.com.

Chesa Keane

www.meditationwarrior.com

What is Romance?

2009-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked if I was a romantic person. Hmmm, I thought, "I think so, but how do you define romantic?"

Yes, I like the little notices that someone special gives me. I like that light touch on my face, my hand and that look that tells me I am special. I like the little unexpected displays of attention and affection. I like it when he runs his fingers through my hair and smiles into my eyes rather than at me.

I like it when he remembers something I told him I liked three months ago and surprises me by showing up with that very special remembrance.

But, I think that those things noble and above the fold for altruistic reasons and no hope for or desire for recognition are intensely romantic -- in the sense of deep and lasting awareness and inspiration. Those actions and thoughts and ideas that simply make life better for everyone, including me, are the most romantic. Those heroes make me realize that the romance in life is ever-unfolding and the best is yet to come.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
and more....

What is it to begrugde one's life?

2009-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

Begrudging one’s life takes many forms – from over-indulgence to self-denial; from self-loathing to false confidence; from lack of attention to health issues to hypochondria; from the inability to love others or even ourselves; from demanding attention to apathy regarding our presence.

Whenever we do not cherish the body, mind and spirit of our existence, we are denying the existence of the Buddha nature that lies within us awaiting recognition. It seems to me that it is in the extremes of expression that we get caught in the act of begrudging our lives. How to counter these very “human” traits is the question to ask.

Find joy in the moment; appreciate the wind, sky and stars; see the Buddha within others and accept the glorious life that surges through your blood with each breath. Find gratitude for the simplest of things and marvel at the complexity hidden in the simple. I guess, for me, it is just appreciating everything, finding joy in the now and expressing the compassionate understanding for others and myself.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com

Love is THE answer - every day of the year

2009-02-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

I know an oncology surgeon who has written an article related to her experience as a doctor who cannot always deliver good news to her patients. She is warm, understanding, compassionate and feels the pain her patients experience.

Read this article about how Love is the answer - every day and see if you don't come away both inspired and humbled.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Anti-aging is in the heart and the mind - it's all a matter of perception

2009-02-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this wonderful video and wanted to share it. Too many people listen to too many people. I remember when Mick Jagger said that once they reached 30, they would quit -- they couldn't imagine being a band of "old guys." Things didn't work out the way he thought they would. This video is proof that age is filled with experience, joy and wonderful expression -- if you want it to be:

Joyful youth.

Chesa
www. mediationwarriior.com

Gathering Your Energy

2008-08-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but last week was one of those weeks where there just wasn't enough time to do all that I felt I had to do. You know, those times where there are 15 different tasks that you should be getting finished and all of those tasks are shouting at you silently, "Me next, me, me next!? A friend told me recently told me that time has become compressed to about 50% of what we would consider normal. I can't really argue that claim after last week.

So how do you release the stress of juggling too many tasks at the same time and remain productive? Generally speaking, if you can't relax, you can't release the stress of the situation. On the Meditation Warrior website, there is an article called Relaxation First.

This relaxation technique is based on focusing on each part of the body and consciously releasing tension through alternating muscle tension and release. The exercise is explained and the page also contains an audio of the relaxation technique for you to try.

Maybe time is compressing. I know my days don't seem to be as long as they were in my 20's. And while there are days that feel very productive, often the day has almost escaped before I have checked off the last "to do." Or maybe my "to do" list is too long.

Regardless, it has been said that 90% of all disease and illness is either caused by or complicated by stress. Focus on stress reduction and your body will begin to heal itself. And this all starts with relaxation.

Give it a try . . .

Chesa Keane
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedback.com

The True Story

2008-06-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but I lied. My brother says it is because I was protecting myself. Regardless, I lied. What I lied about was my mother and her path of suffering.

In her memorial tribute I clearly stated in writing and in voice: I only wanted two things for my mother: to be with her when she died and for her to go peacefully.

The lie is that I said I got my wish. But I didn't.

I was with my beautiful courageous mother as she let go, but she did not pass peacefully. Why did I say she did? Why was it so necessary to tell myself and others that her passing was peaceful, when in fact it was torturous?

Two weeks before she died I was walking down the hallway toward the front desk where I could usually find her and I saw her facing the front desk alongside the hallway, closely examining the railing. It was at that moment I felt the painful state she was in, trapped in her body, trapped in her mind. She was nothing more than a prisoner; a very sad prisoner.

Throughout her life Mayleen was strong and healthy. In the last two years with my overseeing her health decisions that strength carried her through all her physical trials. It wasn't out of the realm of possibility that she could last in this condition for years - miserable, unhappy and unable to leave her body.

She was leaving me though, slowly but surely. I told her 50 times a night "I love you, Mommy," but now she only looked at me, detached and uninterested in returning my declarations of love. She knew it was me, but she no longer cared and still she lingered.

One Friday I got a call from Manor Care. "Your mother has aspirated but we're watching her closely."

I didn't realize what this meant. I didn't know that she was now Code Pink, wearing an oxygen mask with a rising temperature. I didn't know or I would have gone to her sooner.

When I arrived Friday afternoon, her breath was ragged, draggingly difficult. She was engaged in such a struggle that she couldn't even talk to me. But she could hold my hand and we clung to each other for two days.

Finally Sunday arrived. I sat with her from early morning, holding her hand and stroking her beautiful face. Then in the afternoon her hand slackened and it was no longer holding mine. I continue to hold her hand, stroking her soft skin with no response. Her grasping breath was hard to bear and even harder to watch.

I began chanting what I knew would be my last Buddhist prayers with her, slowing the cadence of the chant to prolong them as long as I could. I knew without doubt that the ending of the prayer sequence would be the time she released.

As my prayers reached out to our family no longer in the physical, I asked them to receive her and bring her into a lighter place, receiving her with joy. I asked them to make her smile again; to laugh with her again.

It was then as I finished this request that my Mommy took three hard gasping breaths and stopped breathing to finally let go .

It was not peaceful. It was not easy. And that is the truth I have at last faced.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Meditation Tools for beginners

2008-03-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

For anyone who has not yet done so, you might want to pick up the free Basic Meditation Technique from TAO Totem.

We are begin our journey to deeper awareness and meditation by learning to concentrate with the basics.

Enjoy!

Chesa
www.TAOTotem.com

An experiment

2007-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Announcing Meditation Warrior Guided Meditations

2007-12-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

The MW Guided Meditation Series I is a set of guided meditations designed to teach you the correct and necessary steps that will lead you along the path of solid concentration skills toward the ability to meditate deeply and focus upon any internal goals you set.

These guided meditations start with basic awareness of the breath, sounds, imagery and build toward self-examination, deepening awareness and goal-setting. Unlike other products that simply offer meditations, the MW Guided Meditation Series I teaches you how to concentrate first, the builds your skills step-by-step toward deliberate goals of self-awareness and focused outcomes.

The MW Guided Meditation Series I is a set of 9 concentration and meditation techniques that will teach you how to relax, release tension and focus on specific life-enhancing goals.

Containing more than 4 hours of techniques and exercises, the MW Guided Meditation Series I draws you along the path of skill development that allows you to progress at your own pace.

Each meditation has a specific focus and goal and the meditations are presented on a MP3 player designed to be easily taken with you so you can practice wherever it is convenient for you. The MP3 Player is of high quality with a full one-year warranty.

If you cannot find a way to regain your composure under stress, to direct your life as you wish it to evolve, or to remove the life stressors that cause you harm, you will never find the deep lasting sense of peace and joy that you deserve. Yes, deserve.

The MW Guided Meditation Series I is the tool that can bring you unsurpassed health, calmness when needed and a stress-free existence that opens all the doors to happiness in your life. The series is called The Mind is Like a Frisky Monkey and offers a smooth foundation of basic skills.

This has been a joyful experience of creating a way to teach people how to meditate effectively and successfully through guided meditations easy to use anywhere, anytime.

For more information, check out Meditation Warrior Guided Meditations Series I, The Mind is Like a Frisky Monkey.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedcat.com
www.computergoddess.com

The difficulty with distractions when meditating

2007-12-08T20:44:00.001-08:00

Distractions that keep you from meditation can be tough. You have children and work and commitments and you are trying to meditate at 3 am when you are really too tired but it is the only time you can find for yourself, right? As cavalier as this might sound, there are times when you need to put yourself first, because finding that center of self will in the long run be better for everyone in your family.

Maybe the struggle is with work because you enjoy it so much. But is this the way of keeping yourself from the hard work of going within and seeking self? Or the issues can be children, family or simply that you're just exhausted from your hectic day. Whatever the distraction, these issues are often related to whether you feel you deserve the time for just you and not always for others. Ask yourself these questions:

How much time do I need/want to move forward in my meditation goals?
How can I schedule that time for myself?
If I do schedule that time for myself, will I discipline myself and my family to this schedule?
If not, why not?
If I will, when will I start?

Life is not always on the surface, pretty, but it is always exciting and delicious in its own way. Look for the beauty, find the time and grow so you can be the example of joy and peace for everyone you come into contact with and for that family of yours. You are the soil to their garden — make it rich and nourishing. You know you are teaching others by example how to be the best human possible and showing them how to live up to their incredible potential.

We are all a point of influence and you can choose to be a positive influence or no influence at all. This begins when you learn how to love Self. Taking time for Self is a deep expression of love. And this is the foundation of changing the world for the better.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedcat.com
www.computergoddess.com

Elevating Your Life Condition Through Gratitude

2007-11-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

When life doesn't go so swimmingly, how do you deal with it? Many people don't face up to their challenges easily, but rather find that their problems just stack up one on top of another, getting worse and worse. The stress levels increase and the ability to relax seems to be far from available.

A few months ago, a publication called Kite Magazine began to publish my articles. This is a lovely magazine that calls itself, the magazine for meaningful living. The magazine is full of wonderful articles to help you see yourself more clearly and to offers ways to improve your life condition.

This month's issue focuses on Gratitude and my article is entitled, Elevating Your Life Condition Through Gratitude. I hope you will take a few moments to read the article, find your gratitudes and then enjoy the rest of this delightful magazine.

Here is the link: Kite Magazine - November 2007

Take care of yourself this holiday season and be safe. Find your
center and just keep breathing if you feel your stress level rising.

Chesa Keane
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedcat.com
www.computergoddess.com

Successful meditation with guided meditations

2007-11-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Frustrated with your meditation efforts?
Are you tired of trying to find that calm center, that quiet mind through meditation, but having no success? You sit down, take a deep breath, find a comfortable spot and try to focus but your mind begins to wander, you get itchy and edgy and can't sit still, and finally you give up in frustration.

Meditation is a means of changing your well-being by releasing stress and tension. Do you want to learn how to relax, release tension and increase your self-awareness? Don't give up on meditation; it works. You just have to use the correct techniques designed to prepare a strong foundation for successful meditation.

The Meditation Warrior Guided Meditation Series is a three-level series (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced) of 18 concentration and meditation techniques designed to teach you how to relax, release tension and focus on specific life-enhancing goals presented in almost 9 hours of techniques and exercises. Preloaded on an MP3 Player, you can progress at your own pace.

If you are interested in more information, please go to www.meditationwarrior.com and subscribe to the pre-announcement list.

Success to you in your meditation efforts!

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedback.com

Two years of good-byes

2007-10-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

My mom taught me to cry at the drop of a good-bye. For the past two years, I have been saying good-bye to my sweet Mommy. I never called her Mommy until I became her protector, her advocate, her supporter as she went down her long path of release.

My Mom, Mayleen, had been at Manor Care for almost two years, defying all estimates of lifespan. She had been under hospice care for over a year and has been amazingly resilient. But a week ago, she was put on Code Pink, which is close watch with the expectation that she will not recover.

This is not the first time she has coded Pink, and as the Miracle Mom I have always known her to be, she surprises everyone often with her ability to recover.

But she didn't make it this time. Mayleen died on Sunday, October 7th. The manner of her departure was mystical. I originally thought that my only wish was that she did not suffer. But I actually had two wishes: that she did not suffer; and that I would be with her chanting as she passed.

I realized on Sunday afternoon that I would be chanting my last Gongyo with her and I also somehow realized that as I finished, she would choose that time to leave. So I chanted a nice, strong, slow Gongyo, making it last as long as I could. When I got to the fourth prayer and asked that her family be there to greet her with laughter and joy as I gave her over to them, she took her last breath and I chanted the final prayer knowing she had made the transition.

It was perfect. I will miss her in my life, protecting me as the Mama Wolverine she always was. I will miss being #1 in someone's life. But most of all, I will miss her beautiful smile, her gentle nature that could be hard as steel when needed, her immeasurable courage and touching her whenever I wanted.

I will see her again, so I don't feel the tragedy of her death; I feel the emptiness of her leaving me behind.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts of my mother.

Chesa

Helping others help themselves . . .
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.taototem.com
www.biofeedcat.com

A Sense of Now

2007-06-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

So many people get wrapped up in the past – through regret or guilt. Or they focus fearfully on the future – worrying about some distant scary possibility. Neither of these focuses will work well for your personal inner peace. You can’t change the past. And you can’t create the future you want when your focus is on negative potential.

The only way you can create a life of joy, happiness and well-being is by landing and staying in the now, by being in the moment. Now. Not past, not future. The only potential you can efficiently create is based in the now of positive “feelings” which will evolve smoothly and completely into a future (which will become yet another now) that you can revel in.

Unfortunately, most people have learned from childhood to belittle their existence with guilt and regret over an unchangeable past. Or if not wallowing in “what might have been,” they are fear what might be.

For just a moment, let’s explore the concept of the Law of Attraction. This concept is simple: What you focus on in life is what you attract in your life. But, let’s put this into practical terms. When you look back with regret, sadness and guilt, the only possible experiences you can attract will be low self-esteem, helplessness, hopelessness and certain immobility that will keep you from heading in a positive direction. If you worry about the future, what else can you draw into your life but failure, fear and more misery?

You are the creator of your existence. This simple statement bears repeating: You…are…the…creator…of your life!

Chesa Keane
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.biofeedback.com

Meditation Warrior Alive and Well

2007-01-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

Announcing that Meditation Warrior is now up and running with more than 15 new meditation articles to read and try out. There are exercises on breathing, visualization, relaxation, compassionate meditation, being in the now, manifestation and intention focusing to name just a few.

There is also information on biofeedback and color analysis which are the beginning of new websites and the information will expand. If you want information on any of these toptics, sign up for future announcements.

Welcome to the journey as it expands.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.meditationwarrior.com

Releasing . . . again

2006-12-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

After teaching how to let go how to release the ties that bind one to the no longer necessary connections, I still feel that releasing is not the easiest task at hand.

I remember too much. I think of the shorthand we used: IMU, ILU, IWU, M2.

And all that. Just meditate. That's the remedy. Maybe not the cure, but it's the remedy.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Before Meditation, Develop Skills of Concentration and Focus

2006-09-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

We talk about learning to meditate and that is a lofy and valuable skill to develop. However, most people think that they just sit down, close their eyes, position the hands comfortably and ... what? Yes, that is the point. What?

In order to meditate effectively, foundation skills of concentration have to be developed. Learning to focus is the only way to shape the mind into the awareness receptacle that will allow you to reap the benefits of meditation. Begin your path to meditation, then, by developing your concentration skills.

The steps I use to teach meditation begin with breathing exercises. Once breath control develops, the next focus is on sounds, beginning with the sounds of your environment and moving to focus on familiar, unfamiliar and finally unusual sounds. After the mind becomes focused at will, the next step to work on is visualization.

By developing skills of concentration and focus, it becomes easier to establish a meditative goal that you can actually accomplish because you have created a strong foundation of mental focus.

Remember, the point of meditation is to create your world as you wish it to be, not remove yourself from reality. It all begins with developing strong skills of concentration and focus.

Enroll in the free Basic Meditation Series offered by TAO Totem. The full series of meditation exercises will lead you down the path of successful meditation.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.computergoddess.com

Appreciation - the Key to Getting More

2006-08-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

How often do you find yourself looking around your life and saying, "Wow, what a fortunate person I am?" Not often enough? Well, if you want more of the things in life that are good, you need to spend several moments every day appreciating them so you attract more of the same.

How do you find appreciation when things are not going so well? If you look closely enough at the way that rocky path always leads to something better, it's not so difficult to anticipate that the rough times will blossom into a better you and an unexpected future that could not have come about if it were not for your struggles.

Remember when your best friend betrayed you? And then, it seemed like you had friends everywhere available to support you. Would you have even known of these gems if you hadn't experienced betrayal?

Or when you lost out on that beautiful home you bid on only to find yourself led to the absolutely perfect home that you would have missed if the first one had been available.

And on and on and on. Look to the future potential outcome of your struggles today and you will be able to appreciate more than just the good times. You will be able to appreciate that everything you get in life is designed to make you a better you.

Remember: it is not what you experience in life that matters; it is how you deal with your experiences in life that matters.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
[TAO Totem is offering a free online course in meditation. Just subscribe and you will begin receiving your first meditation exercise within one day.]
www.meditation-works.com
www.computergoddess.com

Just Keep Breathing . . .

2006-08-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

There are times when life doesn't feel so mellow and the layers of tension seem to build and build. The best way to release this tension is to gain control over your breath. In the practice of yoga, it is recognized that the breath contains Prana, or the life force shared by all living beings.

As a result, if you control your breath, you control your life force. Think of it this way: when you find yourself shocked, surprised or stunned at something outside of yourself, you are generally holding your breath. It is this holding of the breath that feeds the feeling of shock or lack of control. Once you start breathing again, your brain kicks in and your thought processes take over.

Using this same concept, I will say, just keep breathing. We are all faced with trauma and drama in our lives. If you just keep breathing, you will be thinking and deciding your way through the issue.

TAO Totem is offering a free online course in meditation. Just subscribe and you will begin receiving your first meditation exercise within one day.

Remember, just keep breathing.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com
www.computergoddess.com

Letting go

2006-08-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting how tightly we clutch what we have even though it isn't enough? Is it fear that keeps us hanging on to that intensely held hope in the hope that our hope has potential to evolve into reality?

Or is it a comparison to what we didn't have that wasn't as good as what we don't have now? Convoluted? Absolutely. The now seems better than the past, but we know it doesn't make for a good future. So just hang on until some signal appears out of the eastern sky or in the puddle on the ground or in the sound of the dog's breathing. Just hang on to something.

And when the darkness clears and the heart patter slows and steadies, reality dawns. And denying reality is my favorite thing to do. But finally, it is only when reality becomes my now that I can no longer deny it. And I let go.

I keep breathing. I continue to meditate and return to my center. I settle in with myself again. I withdraw again. I let go again. I'm back to me again.

C
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com

The Mama Wolverine is Stepping Down

2006-08-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

My mom has always been a good mom. She did the best she could with the cast of her die. She always put our safety before hers. And she was like a Mama Wolverine. I used to call her a Mama Wolverine and she would understand what I meant and stand taller. I would tell people that you would never want to get between this Mama Wolverine and her kids. The results would not be pretty. She was a fierce protector of her kids.

Tonight, there was clarity again; maybe for the last time. I told her how I always felt safe because she was the Mama Wolverine who protected me and never let anyone hurt me. And now is it my turn. I am now the Mama Wolverine and I will never allow anyone to hurt my mom or come between us. I told her I loved her more than any person on earth and I am grateful for her love and protection all these years. She smiled at me and she heard me. Maybe for the last time, but what a gift I got tonight!

Appreciate your Mamas. Too soon they will be gone.

Maintain your clarity by accepting your true role. We all have our karma to live and experience. We cannot change the karma of another. There are times when the only role we can play is to be the protector, the one who supports. I step up as the Mama Wolverine to my mom, happily.

Thanks for reading.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com

Habit Control - Making changes in 21 Days

2006-07-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Habits are simply actions and beliefs that are easier to repeat than change. But with focus and attention, you can change your unwanted habits in 21 days or less. It is all a matter of decision.

Those negative habit patterns that cause us problems only require a decision to change and, really, that is all that it takes. A decision. The hardest part of making a decision, however, is making a decision.

Which is why sometmes a physical tool is necessary to help as a constant reminder of that decision.

One of the best methods for habit change is Meditation, coupled with meditation techniques and meditation tools, which can bring us the quickest results. But remember, it all starts with a decision.

Good luck!

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com

Meditation is a means to peace

2006-07-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

When you are faced with the struggles that seem overwhelming, can you remain peaceful? Can you feel that inner happiness that you seek? Yes, you can. In Buddhism, it is known as detachment. But don't mistake detachment for apathy or denial. Detachment is finding and knowing your center at all times regardless of the activity whirling around you.

Is it easy? Not always and not often. But when you do find that connected center, you'll find it easier and easier to claim when your surroundings are in turmoil.

Like everything that has a means, there is a method. And that method is to meditate and be so aware of the inner peace when things are calm that it becomes easier and easier to re-claim the peace when your life seems upside-down.

Find your center. Explore your inner goals. Stay connected. No matter what you're experiencing -- light-hearted or heavy -- you are still you.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditation-works.com

But when the focus is gone....

2006-04-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

An evening with Mom. A very frustrating, sad, sad, sad night.

"What do I do to get ready to go there?"

"I'm so scared of being alone."

"I slept down in the basement last night."

"Will anyone come here? Are they all gone?"

What if ....?"

And on and on and on and on. A constant struggle. No matter how much I simplified the situation:

You live here in your apartment.
This is an apartment building where lots of people have their own apartments.
You have 24-hours of care -- you are never alone.
You are dreaming these bad things you fear.
Your room is here, nowhere else but here.

But it doesn't sink in. The fear-producing dreams win. The frustration is so deep - for both of us. It's an endless loop of circles. It's just so ....!!!!!

And she could hang on physically for a long time, if she can hold her weight. Which I don't think she can. Inside I have been saying, have said Good-bye.

I wonder how my brother will deal with his lack of involvement at her ending time. He has not been here for her. And when she's gone, she's gone. I'm lucky by comparison. But he only has to make a slight effort. And the effort seems still to be too much. Without judgment, I have compassion for his pain and his need to escape.

I would like him to step up for himself -- even more than for her. She forgets. And the forgetting is expanding to deeper and wider levels each day. I think she's headed over to the dark side. I've said, maybe going to the dark side where she remembers nothing -- where she isn't aware of her slippage, where she remembers none of her life -- would be best.

But what I see is not the quiet dark side where she is in a place of non-commital peace, but in a place of fear and foreboding. A place where her lack of involvement in the world judges her to be inadequate. A place where she feels unworthy -- her greatest dread.

Oh, my Mommy. I miss you so.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

It's all about focus

2006-03-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

My mother dreams sometimes and her dreams aren't happy. But she's on a lot of medications and it's difficult for her to know the difference between awake and dreaming. So when she wakes up, she is sometimes fearful.

What's the problem? She can't focus. Without focus, you can't move forward or control your life or make your intentions clear to self and others. My mom is past being able to focus. But if you really understand the concept of focus, you understand that focus is the core to self-control and direction.

If you are having trouble finding focus, maybe you should consider meditation. This is a sure-fire method of gaining what you want in life; accomplishing what you wish in life; finding your compass.

I feel bad for my Mom. She misses her focus.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Meditation as a Key to Success

2006-03-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Meditation is a wonderful means of finding peace, joy and happiness in your life. Learning to meditate is the key to finding success in all areas of your life. The first step in realizing this sense of well-being is by acknowledging that it is only through the acceptance of personal responsibility for your can you change your life condition to one that reflects success. No one can make you happy; no one can hand you peace; and joy is illusive if you can't find it within yourself, through your own efforts.

An important foundation in this understanding: You get in life what you focus on. Focusing on the miseries of your life, will only bring you more misery. If you turn your attention to the joys of life, to those things in life that you can appreciate, then you will receive more joy. Through practicing good meditation techniques you can develop strong, positive focusing skills.

There are those who feel that this approach to life is unrealistic and cannot understand why their lives are out of control. They might try another perspective? How about looking for the good, the balanced and forward-moving aspects in your life? Not every moment is stellar and lovely, but every moment has in it an aspect of truth, of clarity and a seed of potential for whatever you want to create.

The next time you find yourself suffering from anxiety, look beyond, look ahead. Realize that you have survived every crisis in your life only to become stronger. At the darkest moment, you sometimes feel hope slipping away. But just remember how you made it through every single period of turmoil, wiser and stronger. Treat the successes you've experienced in life as the stepping stones you will use to get through the next crisis. Focus on someone you love rather than someone who is causing you to feel hurt. Or find something about the one who is hurting you to appreciate. Honestly, it's there. Even in the worst of times, it is there.

So how do you get out of the rut of reaction and into the healthy pattern of self-determination? You go within rather than continue allow yourself to be drawn outside into the world of reacting to whatever is happening around you. You learn to relax at will; you teach yourself to find an inner calmness with which to identify and connect; and you begin to focus your attention where you want rather than helplessly react to every outside stimulus that wanders into your view. There are many techniques of meditation and with the use of some special meditation tools, supplies and products, it becomes easier to develop the necessary meditative skills to direct your life positively.

In short, choose a technique of meditation -- and there are lots of choices -- that will put you on a path of self-determination to succeed. Good luck! The journey will be exciting, but more importantly, the destination bring you joy.

Chesa
TaoTotem.com | Meditation Works

Focusing is the problem

2005-09-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

The challenge is always ignoring those little nagging thoughts that creep in when you're trying to let go of muscle tension, scampering thoughts and the "I gotta-dos" that seem to invade your reverie. So, how do you focus?

Well you can look back on the "Frisky Monkey" technique outlined below for a start. But secondly, ease up on yourself. If you're mind is that edgy or your body that jumpy, you haven't done the first step, which is relaxation. In order to truly be successful in your attempts to meditate, you must be relaxed.

You can get a start on that with the Basic Relaxation Technique found on TAOTotem.com. Once you have learned to relax and can command that physical state whether lying on the floor, sitting up or simply being anywhere, you will have a great jump-start to deeper and more successful meditation efforts. You might want to also look at the Basic Meditation Technique also found at TAOTotem.com.

Good luck. And give yourself a break. There's all the time you need and all you need is a little time. When you stop trying to "push the river" you'll find yourself flowing with the river.

Chesa Keane
www.taototem.com

2005-08-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

TAO Totem - relaxation, meditation, focusing, habit control

Articles of interest related to meditation, relaxation and learning to focus. Check out the articles for more information on various techniques that may be helpful to you in your mediation goals.

Chesa
www.taottoem.com

2005-08-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Meditation Tool

TAO-Totem reseller info

Meditation Tools and Supplies to help you focus

2005-08-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Meditation tool People have been using meditation tools and techniques for years to tap into their deeper self where creativity stirs. Through meditation a person can not only find more creative solutions to their daily problems, but steer their lives in defined directions to accomplish their chosen goals.

Manifestation of anything begins with a thought. Thoughts become words. Finally manifestation is physically evident as created reality. By learning to direct our thoughts throughmeditation techniques, we begin the manifestation process and create successfully our dreams and visions.

Your meditation skills will develop successful only if you begin physically relaxed. You can choose to sit on the floor for your meditation if you are comfortable, or you may want to begin by lying on the floor and doing the Basic Relaxation Technique first. This technique will allow you to find a deeper sense of relaxation than almost any other method you can employ. When you are relaxed completely, gently sit up and continue with the following relaxation technique.

A good meditation technique to start with is the Basic Meditation Technique. You can sit on the floor or in a chair. If you can easily sit in a cross-legged position without straining, do so. Or you can sit against a wall for support with the legs either crossed or stretched out in front of you. You can find very comfortable pillows and chairs designed to help enhance your comfort while meditating.

Once you have managed to develop the skill of relaxing at will and learned the basic meditation technique, you will want to introduce a meditation tool that will allow you to associate these skills immediately whenever and wherever you are with the simple touch of the meditation tool. One of the best meditation tools you can use is the TAO Totem.

To use your TAO Totem, hold your TAO Totem in your hand, gently stroking the surface curve as you begin to associate the resulting feelings of calmness from your meditation using the TAO Totem. As you continue to practice the Basic Meditation Technique, you will begin to see your life open up to new opportunities and ideas as you reach deeper and deeper into your awareness of self.

One of the great joys resulting from expanded and creative thinking is when an answer comes all of a sudden, like a bolt of lightning. Such sudden answers are the result of your mind working in a more focused and deeper manner. Once you have experienced this, you will know the great pleasure of expanded consciousness and creativity. The meditation tool that you choose to use is up to you -- but consider it a great aid to developing deeper awareness.

Chesa
mediation-tools.com

Focusing on what you want

2005-08-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

When you meditate on all that you want in life, you will find that your desire creates the decisions that bring about success. From this perspective you could say that all of life is a decision. We can make anything we want happen once we have decided to make it so.

Everyone sets personal goals. New Year resolutions, which are goals, are made and remade year after year. Some goals are lofty in nature, some are more mundane. When you learn to focus, you develop an attitude that lays the foundation for goal-setting. In order to reach these goals, you need to develop the ability to focus your attention on those goals.

Setting goals is easy. Focusing on achieving those goals takes a bit more doing. Setting goals and not achieving them leads to frustration and often an "I give up!" attitude. Your TAO Totem can you help achieve any goal by allowing your focus to sharpen through relaxation and positive association.

In reaching your goals, you'll find that success breeds success. The more successes you achieve, the easier the next success will become. You achieve those goals when you learn to focus clearly and sharply.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Relaxation is key to success

2005-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Learning to relax with the help of the meditation tool, a TAO Totem, is at the very heart of all of its other uses. In fact, it's the first step when you learn how to focus and develop habit control, relaxation, reduction of stress and pain management. When you learn to relaxm through association, in less than a minute with the aid of your TAO Totem, you are ready to move on to creating life as you wish to see it by embracing self-control, focus and relaxation.

To understand how to relax, to meditate, to reduce stress in your life, you need to understand how your brain works. Your brain is like a busy switchboard that processes thousands of calls every minute. These switches send messages throughout your body. Some of your mental switches operate automatically, but you can consciously control the others. Breathing, heartbeat, and most physical reflexes are controlled by automatic switches in one part of your brain.

The other part of your brain, known as the cognitive brain, however, is usually very busy processing all kinds of information related and unrelated. You can control these other activities to a considerable degree. Seeing, hearing, feeling, and thinking are examples of this brain activity that you can control.

How do you take charge of your cognitive brain? It's simple: relaxation and focusing your attention. You must relax your body and mind, clearing the distractions, and then focus on the task you wish to accomplish. Use the Basic Relaxation Technique to help you achieve a deep sense of awareness and the ability to relax at will.

While many people have a hard time relaxing, any technique that allows you relaxation and better focusing will enhance your success rate, reduce your stress, help you sleep better and manage physical pain more easily.

Once you have learned to associate your TAO Totem with relaxation, you can relax within 15 to 30 seconds -- whenever and wherever you happen to be -- so that focusing becomes easier. Using your TAO Totem, one of the best meditation tools available, will help you relax for one or two minutes once or twice a day, reduce stress, break negative habits and focus on your goals for success.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

2005-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Meditation tool, focusing tool

TAO Totem - what is it?

The Mind Is Like a Frisky Monkey

2005-08-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

People are often discouraged about the results of their meditative efforts. They feel that they are not only not relaxed, but anxious because they couldn't focus at all. Well, to quote one of my favorite teachers, George Curnoles, "Your mind is like a frisky monkey. Don't beat your monkey."

No, that's not an R-rated statement, but a realistic way to look at how your mind works. Do you find yourself unable to focus on the goal of your meditation, whether it is a candle light, a sound, a thought, a concept? Then your mind is just acting normally. Our minds and thought processes are so complex, that we can literally hold multi-dimensional focuses at the same time. When you let yourself relax in your meditation, you mind will often head off in the direction of that latest thought, image, sound, dream or problem you're working on. If you are at an early phase of developing your meditation skills, just let the mind go. Here's a secret: go ahead and follow the thought rather than wrench yourself back with frustration to the original goal.

So, how will I be able to control my thoughts and direct my meditations if I do this? Easy. While you let your mind take those avenues of exploration, just pay attention. Instead of waking up in a few minutes to realize that you are no longer where you wanted to focus, just follow the trail. Then see if you can follow the trail backwards to the point you diverted from your goal. This will develop a strong focused mind and in no time at all, you'll be a successful, focused meditator.

Remember, let that friskly monkey romp in the beginning. Soon, he'll settle down.

Chesa Keane
www.taototem.com

Intention of Meditation

2005-08-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Why meditate? First to find a sense of center, calmness and self-control. When you meditate, your breathing slows, your blood pressure lowers and you feel calm and relaxed, But meditation can also be used to create a "focused intention" as well. That is, if there is something in your life you want to be, have or do, you can create an intention, meditate on it and let it flow to you.

Until you have had some meditation time under your belt, it might be helpful to have a meditation tool to help you focus your attention. Many use a candle in low light, or listen to soft music and follow the notes with their mind and imagination. There are many ways to learn to focus your attention, but one of the most successful ways is to have a object that you can infuse with your intention as a reminder of your desired results that you can carry with you. A TAO Totem will work well for this purpose, reminding you with a simple touch of your calm, purposeful intentions and the resulting calmness your meditation brings.

Explore the world of meditation and find a new depth and purpose to your life.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

How to Meditate - Meditation Techniques to Try

2005-07-22T01:35:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a wonderful means of finding peace, joy and happiness in your life. The most important aspect of realizing this sense of well-being is the knowledge that it is only through the acceptance of personal responsibility for that state of mind can you possible achieve success. No one can make you happy; no one can hand you peace; and joy is illusive if you can't find it within yourself, through your own efforts.

There are many meditation techniques, several ways to learn to meditate, and when you discover how to meditate, a whole new world opens to you. A world of confidence, self-determination and success.

Mediation-Works.com is a website with many meditation resources to help you develop your meditation skills.

Chesa Keane
www.taototem.com

Learn to Meditate

2005-07-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

We all want that sense of peace, confidence, control, direction. But it eludes if you haven't developed the skills of meditation and concentration. Two websites that can help you right away:

TAO Totem - a website about a great meditation tool, a focusing tool, helping you with finding balance from relaxation to habit control.

Meditation-Works - a website designed to offer you the world of meditation resources, techniques, and the means to learn how to meditate.

The benefits of meditation are endless. Check out these sites.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Learning to focus

2005-07-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

When you meditate on all that you want in life, you will find that your desire turns into the decisions that bring about success. From this perspective you could say that all of life is a decision. We can make anything we want happen once we have decided to make it so.

Everyone sets personal goals at some time during their life. New Year resolutions, which are goals, are made and remade year after year. Some goals are lofty in nature, some are more mundane. Focusing on affirmations is a type of personal goal. In order to reach these goals, you need to develop the ability to focus your attention on those goals.

Setting goals is easy. Focusing on achieving those goals takes a bit more doing. Setting goals and not achieving them leads to frustration and often an "I give up!" attitude. Havng a mental focus to remind you of your goals can you help achieve any goal by allowing your focus to sharpen through relaxation. One of the most effective focusing tools is the TAO Totem.

In reaching personal goals, success breeds success. The more successes you achieve, the easier the next success will become. You achieve those goals when you learn to focus clearly and sharply.

Your TAO Totem can be a great help in making decisions by removing distractions and clearing your mind, allowing you to relax into the decision-making process. This greatly improves your ability to properly evaluate each decision

Keep your TAO Totem with you to help you clear your mind, to help you relax. Experts estimate that most of us use only about 10% of our brain power. Your TAO Totem as a meditation tool can be the key that helps you unlock your untapped mental capacity.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Meditation Techniques

2005-07-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

You've heard of meditation and there may be a part of you that just can't see yourself sitting cross-legged and cross-eyed, humming some obscure phrase to reach nirvana. Well, if these are your ideas about meditation, you are really missing the boat.

Meditation is a wonderful way of calming the system, focusing the mind, and finding a clear direction. There are several techniques that work, and the website, www.meditation-works.com, can give you a head start.

Check it out. Find out that meditation works!

Meditation Works - How to Meditate

2005-07-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

If you want to have a basic and simple approach to learning to meditate, check out www.meditation-works.com. You'll see what the benefits are and how to start meditating to improve your life-condition.

See you there.

Chesa Keane
www.taototem.com

Habit Control

2005-07-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Habit control is something almost everyone struggles with from time to time. It can be controlling eating habits, smoking habits, drug or alcohol addiction, or even nail-biting. The hardest part of finding relief from these annoying or destructive habits is the feeling of helplessness when you keep promising yourself that you'll stop or change, but each day you feel you've failed again.

I have found that the TAO Totem is a great tool for habit control. By creating an association to this physical -- and comfortable in the hand - tool and your desires, you are able to establish a positive reinforcement that will bring you success. Go to the TAO Totem website (www.taototem.com) and see all the many benefits that using this tool as a positive reinforcement tool will offer you.

Chesa

Focusing on your goals -- and achieving them!

2005-03-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Focus on what you want: Focusing with the TAO Totem, a meditation tool. In order to improve your focus, learn to focus with the TAO Totem, a wonderful, beautiful meditation tool that feels silky in the hand.

If you have been having difficulty with achieving your goals, manifesting what you want in life, maybe you need to learn how to focus better. A tool like the TAO Totem gives you a clear, physical focal point of attention and once you calm your mind and clear yourself of distraction, focusing on your goals becomes easy.

Check out the TAO Totem: www.taototem.com

Relaxation with the TAO Totem for better health

2005-03-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Tension, stress, poor sleep habits all come from the inability to relax at will. When you learn to release tension and relax in all situations, you will overcome those life-threatening pressures that prevent you from enjoying a life of well-being.

The TAO Totem is a tool to help you with the problems associated with not being able to relax or release stress.
For more information: www.taototem.com

Habit control

2005-03-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

What habits are ruiing your happiness and well-being? Smoking, weight control, nail-biting, alcohol or drug abuse? Everyone is meant to and can have the life they envision. It sometimes just takes a tool to focus upon to find the means to that successful path to habit control.

For only $34.99, you can have just the tool that will enable you to find the path to enabling the positive habits and releasing the negative habits that keep you from success.

For more information: www.taototem.com.

Do you meditate?

2005-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

Do you meditate? If so, you know that there are times that you can't seem to release the tension, relax and focus on your intended meditation.

Using the TAO Totem, you will learn to associate every successful, relaxing meditation experience with a touch to the TAO Totem you hold in your pocket.

Check out the beauty and imagine the silky, smooth wood in your hand as you begin to feel the deeper results of a successful meditation. www.taototem.com

How is the TAO Totem like a worry stone?

2005-03-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

How does the TAO Totem compare to a worry stone? Functionally, it is similar. You hold the TAO Totem in your hand with your finger curling around the shank and your thumb moves along the slide, a concave shaft that fits the thumb. The TAO Totem feels like a silky wood. The layered, laminated wood has a beauty that is very pleasing to the eye. Like a worry stone, it is relaxing; it helps you focus on your mediation, your focusing intention, and it eases your path to habit control.

Check out all the details at: www.taototem.com.

Habit Control with the TAO Totem

2005-03-01T19:20:00.004-08:00

Habit Control with the TAO Totem:How to turn negative habits into positive life patterns. For all those negative habits, turn them in to positive habits. Use the TAO Totem with expectation of great success.

www.taototem.com

Meditation Works - with the TAO Totem meditation tool

2005-03-01T19:20:00.003-08:00

Meditation Works - with the TAO Totem meditation tool:Improve your mediatation success with the TAO Totem. This meditation tool will help you make a positive association to focusing and relaxation the minute you touch its silky wood curves.

www.taototem.com

Focus on what you want

2005-03-01T19:20:00.002-08:00

www.taototem.com

Relaxation with the TAO Totem

2005-03-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

Relaxation with the TAO Totem: Relaxation is easy with the meditation tool, the TAO Totem. Stress reduction is important and easy to accomplish with the TAO Totem, a beautiful meditation tool.

www.taototem.com

Meditation tool for focusing-like a worry stone

2005-03-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Meditation tool for focusing-like a worry stone: What is a TAO Totem? Like a worry stone for the hand, the TAO totem is a beautiful wood tool that fits in the hand. You curl your fingers around the tool, and stroke the slide with your thumb. Your tensions leave and you associate this meditation tool with relaxation and focusing from now on.

www.taototem.com

Meditation works

2004-10-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

Meditation works

Focus, focus, focus. Is your life filled with everything you want? Do you find that you just have to think of something and you know you will get it? Or do you think of what you want and fixate on how you won't get it no matter what?

Both of these perspectives are their own truth. What you focus on is what you get.

Welcome to Meditation works . . .

2004-10-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't been exposed to meditation, let me disavow you of the notion that meditation is some weird exercise of removing oneself from the world. In fact, it is the very benefits of learning to focus, relax and direct your attention where and how you want that make the time spent to learn these skills more valuable than anything you can do for yourself.

In another life this life, I taught Yoga and meditation. I was able to learn and share the skills necessary for developing your life to accomplish anything that you want. By learning to focus your intentions, you will begin to see that everything in life for you is a result of what you focus on.

That is, look around at your life. What isn't working? What is working? Try this. For those things in your life that don't seem to be working, try focusing on what you want rather than on what you have. As long as you continue to focus on where you are (and you're not happy where you are, you can be sure that you will get more of what you have and where you are.

This is not always easy, of course. When you are in pain, that seems to be all that you can feel and see. But through the practice of meditation, you begin to develop a strong focus, an ability to control your thoughts. Not from the negative connotation of "control," but rather from the sense that "you" direct your thoughts, you create your thoughts and as a result, you create your life.

Welcome to the Meditation Works Blog. I hope to enjoy future conversations with you.

http://www.taototem.com