What is Mindfulness?

What is mindfulness?   I have written before about the many beneficial effects of mindfulness and deep breathing techniques. "Every Breath You Take," May 2, 2012. These include lower blood pressure, better cognitive skills and many other health related benefits.  It is clearly a practice that everyone can and should do everyday if you value your health or want to become healthier. But what is it about mindfulness that makes it so beneficial and why has it become so popular?

While I don't claim to be an expert and certainly I am not a doctor or health professional, I think the answer lies in the fact that our nervous systems today are so overtaxed by all the outside forces that bombard us from every corner of our world. We are constantly exposed to numerous stimuli which is fueled by the belief that the more things we can do at the same time, the more productive we are. I think mindfulness offers a form of relief that eases both the mind and the body by reducing the number of stimuli. In a world of multitasking, mindfulness is the ultimate form of unitasking.

In other words, by concentrating on just one thing at a time, we find relief from all the other outside forces that seek to demand our attention. And all it takes is to concentrate our mind on what we are doing right now and not try to do too many things at the same time.  If you are watching a football game on the television, watch the game but don't read the newspaper at the same time. If you are walking down the street, notice how you are walking, pay attention to your stride, the movement of your arms and every aspect of your body. If engaged in conversation, just listen rather than thinking only about what you are going to say.

 If you try these simple measures, I believe you will enjoy the benefits of mindfulness everyday without even thinking about it (no pun intended).

Is the Flu Shot Right for You?

We have been told for years that we must get a flu shot every year. Those over 65 were especially encouraged to get a shot. Recently, however, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota issued a report suggesting that in reality, a flu shot offers little protection to those over 65. In fact, it as found that the flu shots of today offer only a limited degree of protection for those younger than 65.

In the New York Times dated, November 6, 2012, reporter Roni Caryn Rabin analyzes the results of that study. "Reassessing Flu Shots as the Season Draws Near," www.nytimes.com. She points out that while there are many studies that purport to show the benefits of flu shots for those over 65, those studies really only show that those over 65 who take care of themselves physically, are less likely to get the flu or suffer serious illness as a result of contracting the flu.

So, what should you do? Since there is probably no harm in getting the shot, I plan on getting one. In addition, I think everyone should make sure they are careful in what they touch and who they come in contact with-----avoid public hand rails and those persons who sneeze or cough. And remember: good old-fashioned soap and water is the best remedy to avoid the flu. So, wash those hands as often as you can.

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

The Reader's Digest has always run a column entitled "Laughter is the Best Medicine."  It turns out they may well have been right.  In today's New York Times, there is an article reporting on a study conducted in England by a researcher at Oxford University that suggests that laughter is really a form of exercise that can help raise your pain threshold. "The Chemical Payoff of Belly Laugh With Friends." www.nytimes.com.

The study was conducted by Robin Dunbar, an Oxford professor of evolutionary psychology. She showed a group of volunteers a series of two sets of movies, one set of documentaries and a set of comedies.  She then measured their pain thresholds and found that when shown the comedies, the thresholds rose, but not when shown the documentaries. She concluded that was because the laughter, like exercise, causes an increase in endorphins in the brain, which act as a natural analgesic. The same result occurs in runners and may explain the so-called "runner's high" some runners report experiencing Apparently, that effect is even greater when in a group setting or at least with one other person.

So, if you don't have time to exercise or don't want to take a pain reliever, maybe you should sit down with family or friends and watch a  Marx Brothers movie or reruns of Seinfeld.

A Few of My Favorite Quotations

"The past is never dead, it's not even past."
                                     William Faulkner


"We live forwards, but understand backwards."
                                      William James

"Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
                                     Buddha

If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is "thank you," it will be enough.”
― Meister Eckhart

How to Live Forever

Do you want to live forever?  Of course you do.  While living forever is impossible, there are things you can do that may prolong your life and enable you to function well into old age. In Sunday's New York Times Magazine, author Dan Buettner chronicles the lives of men and women who live on the Greek island of Ikaria who seem to live forever or at least live very long lives.  "The Enchanted Island of Centenarians." The New York Times Magazine, October 28, 2012. The article reports that the 10,000 residents of the island are two and a half times more likely to reach the age of 90 than people in the United States.

The article discusses the lifestyle that seems to be the basis for the longevity of the people on the island, located about 30 miles from Turkey. The article is derived from a new edition of the author's book, "Blue Zones", which was written with the support of the National Geographic Society. And no, "blue zones" does not refer to the political designation of states in the United States as either blue or red states. 

So, what is the secret. Well, part of it is really no secret any longer.  We have all heard of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil. Red wine, coffee and tea are the drinks of choice.  Meat, particularly red meat, is eaten sparingly.  In addition to diet, it appears that a laid back approach to life. Many of the residents do not have watches or clocks. No alarm clocks for them.  They arise naturally and often have a breakfast of yogurt with honey. In the afternoon, they will usually take a nap.  In the meanwhile, they work in their gardens and perform other physical activity.

Another key factor in the islanders longevity appears to be their social interactions with their neighbors.  They attend church together, they get together for various holidays and are very much involved with what is going on in their communities.

While there is no guarantee that you will live as long as the Ikarians if you follow this program, there is no harm in trying and, who knows, you might well make it to the 100 year mark after all!

Monte Carlo Revisited

A week or so, I wrote a blog, The Road to Monte Carlo, and discussed the Grand Casino. As I stated, I would also address certain other sites in Monte Carlo.  These include the aquarium, palace and cathedral. This post should give you a flavor of those.

This is the palace where Prince Albert lives with his wife, Charlene.  Parts of the palace are open to visitors and certainly worthwhile to visit. In one of the rooms, there is an impressive portrait of the Prince Rainier III, his wife, the former Grace Kelly and their children.

These are the tombs of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.  They are located inside the Monaco cathedral. The day were there, the Archbishop was confirming several children in a Mass entirely in French, the official language of Monaco.

This is a photograph of one of the impressive specimens in the Oceanographic Museum. Prince Albert is very much involved with the aquarium and it is said to be one of the best in the world.

Why Boomers Love to Travel

Why do boomers love to travel?  The answer is really quite simple. The early Christian bishop, Saint Augustine of Hippo, one of the fathers of the Church, probably said it best, "The world is like a book and those who do not travel, read only a page."

We boomers opened that book when we were young and have kept it open. Our thirst for travel has never waned.  I know in my case, we took only two vacations as a child, but after I was drafted and sent to Vietnam, my desire to see the world was formed and has never left. I believe that there are many others out there like me.  Boomers love to travel and with luck, will never finish that book.

Please let me know what you think.