National Meditation Month on May, 2024: I have extreme shifts in my mood every few months, what could this be?

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I have extreme shifts in my mood every few months, what could this be?

No one can diagnose in this medium, but you should consult a physician to rule out physical problems, then ask if a referral for psychological counseling is warranted. One can be intelligent, civil, and decent and still suffer some mental problem (which is really a physical problem in the electrochemical processes of the brain). Large mood changes between elation and depression could be symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder, but everyone can experience this to some extent. If it is distressing or destructive to you functioning, you should seek psychological counseling.

Behavior comes down to habit, change your habits to change yourself. Thinking positively about one’s self and doing what needs to be done (particularly when it is hard to do) can go a long way, and thinking positive thoughts is more effective than trying to suppress negative thoughts. “Conscious parts of the brain train other parts of the neural machinery, establishing goals and allocating resources” (Eagleman, “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain”). Establishing a habit to replace a habit that is the result of many years of practice is very difficult, particularly if it involves behavior that has become a character trait. If you start slow and gradually increase you will have a better chance of making it a habit. Of course, it will take 3 weeks or more to establish a replacement habit, and longer if it involves a firmly entrenched trait. One must commit to doing something they don't want to do.

All mental processes are bio-chemical in nature. And, depression can be triggered by defective assimilation of sugar. One should not underestimate the effects of proper diet (minimal sugar and fat, avoiding processed and refined foods and soft drinks, minimal fast food; seek out vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, a small amount of whole grains, fish, poultry, and an occasional small amount of lean meat; but treat yourself occasionally), avoiding drugs (legal and illegal) and alcohol, and adequate sleep (consistent each day and preferably more than 7 hours , but note that excessive sleep can have negative effects), which are essential for optimal physical and mental functioning. ADHD can be treated in this way. And, meditation has been proven to reduce stress (many books are available). Also, self-absorption can be associated with some level of depression.

The American Journal of Physiology (Sep 2011) explained how exercise improves memory, treats depression, and makes people feel better. Dr. Gabe Mirkin's E-Zine reported that: “Exercise increases the size and number of mitochondria in the brains of mice. … This could explain how exercise improves memory, treats depression, and makes people feel better and helps them to think more clearly.”

While some require medication, examination of clinical research indicates that “antidepressants are not much better than placebos - dummy pills with no active ingredients in them at all. … Many of the studies sponsored by the drug companies were never published at all.” [The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth, by I. Kirsch] Moreover, the University of Washington School of Public Health research reviewed seven studies adults with major depressive disorder who had not been helped by medication. Patients were provided talk therapy instead of antidepressant medications, or talk therapy was added to medication. Studies indicated patients improved more with talk therapy and medication than with only medication; or indicated that adding or switching to talk therapy was beneficial.

Depression self-help: ;

WebMD depression health check:

National Mental Health Association Hotline

800-969-NMHA (6642)

American Psychological Association therapist locator:

Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the nonpharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.

John W. Gardner

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.

Buddha

A man is but the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

The mind is its own place, and in itself

Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.

John Milton, Paradise Lost, Chapter 1 (1667)

Hi am off to SE Asia in a few months any idea’s of quality places/trips.?

Hi am off to SE Asia in a few months any idea's of quality places/trips.?

Malaysia is a good choice for you to visit SE Asia, I strongly suggest you to visit Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

In Malaysia:

1. KL, it's a metropolitan city - modern cosmopolitan sophistication and nostalgic old world charm. You can visit Petronas Twin Tower.

2. Penang, an island with rich multicultural history full of colonial heritage and Chinese influence.

3. Langkawi, Pristine rainforests, caves with stunning stalactites and beautiful beaches washed by clear emerald waters.

4. Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas and reigns over an astonishing variety.

5. Genting Highlands, if you are looking to spend some quiet time to relax, this may not be the ideal vacation location especially during peak season.

6. Fraser's Hill, of all the hill stations, Fraser's Hill retains colonial charm, and is a quiet and relatively undeveloped place.

For more information about Malaysia you can also visit :

or

In Thailand (this is one of my fave place to visit in SE Asia):

You'll be arrived at the capital, Bangkok which is offer so many attract things such as a show called Siam Naramit takes about 2 hours of duration which presents all culture of Thailand.

Place to Visit in Thailand

1. Bangkok :

a. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo

The Emerald Buddha, and the palace of King. Open beginning at 8:30 until 3:30 pm. 200 Baht admission, including entrance to Vimanmek Mansion and the Coin Pavilion. For this location, visitors should wear appropriate clothing and must wear shoes (including women).

b. Wat Mahathat

Relics known as the Great Temple, located on the opposite Wat Phra Kaeo. For those interested in studying Buddhist meditation can be learned here, because there are meditation classes in English.

c.Vimanmek Mansion

Is the largest teak building in the world, built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Storing the treasure and priceless collection of 19th century and early 20th, along with crafts such as museums nielloware, Thai silk with various unique designs, and various jewelry. Open every day from 9:30 to 3:15 pm, and displays of traditional dances at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. Entrance fee 50 baht. Expected to wear appropriate clothing.

2. Chiang Mai:

a. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Providing various goods, open until midnight. Other shopping: Bo Sang Handicraft Village Center.

b. Trekking with Elephant

Trekking with elephant is one of the tourist activity of the most interesting. We can visit the tribal areas of the mountain like the Karen, Hmong, lahu, Yao, Akha and Lisu. Sometimes, trekking long-term combined with a boat, horse, or a jeep. Important: follow the trekking that has been registered by the TAT or the Tourist Police (Tel. 0 5324 8130)

c. Doi Ithanon National Park

Doi Ithanon is the highest mountain region in Thailand, and is part of the Himalayan mountains. Watch Mae Yes, waterfall from a height of 280 m is very fascinating, or visit the Royal Project Doi Ithanon, where the cultivation of flowers such as carnations plateau and chrysanthemum. Here there is also Sunrise Viewpoint, the most beautiful places to watch the sunrise from behind Doi Hua Suea (crouching Tiger Mountain). During the winter, the more breathtaking scenery with the fog that blanketed the valley below. Ithanon Doi is also very suitable for trekking and Birdwatching.

3. Phuket:

a. Kata Beach

Two lines are stunning beaches, and enjoy a Thai massage on the beach. The surfers came to the word during the June to November to conquer the waves.

b. Phi Phi Island

The island is the location of the movie The Beach (Leonardo Di Caprio). You can also see the Viking Cave (with ancient paintings on the walls), and snorkeling.

c. Phang Nga Bay

One of the natural wonders of the world's stunning, with rock formations are truly unique. You can also see the Bat Cave, or the James Bond Island (the location where the movie The Man with the Golden Gun), or stop by Panyee island, an island inhabited by Muslims of Thailand.

d. Patong Beach

Is the most popular beach, is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing and parasailing. Nightlife and the shopping centre also a favorite.

In Singapore:

1. Arts, entertainments, museums, etc : Dempsey and Tanglin, Little India, and Riverside for the Arts. The museum, I suggest you go to Singapore Art Museum.

2.Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, allows people to explore Asian, African and South American habitats at night, without any visible barriers between guests and the wild animals.

3. Singapore Botanical Gardens

Open to the public that is 52 hectares large, and includes the National Orchid collection with over 3000 types of orchids growing.

4. Pulau Ubin

An island offshore Singapore, is slowly becoming a popular tourist spot. The nature wildlife there is left undisturbed.

5. Sentosa Island

In Indonesia you can visit Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, and Papua.

1. Jakarta.

There's a National Monument which is located right in the front of Indonesia's white house.

Textile Museum which you can learn how to make Batik arts (it's originally from Java, Indonesia).

There's an Old City a.k.a Kota Tua which you can see the dutch colonial heritage.

2. Bali

The beaches you can visit Kuta, Mengiat, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Benoa, and Dreamland. My favorite sunset is at Kuta.

If you want to tanning without any obstruction, you can visit Mengiat Beach.

Jimbaran is the paradise of culinary, you can taste all kind of traditional fresh seafood in Jimbaran.

Benoa is the place for watersport; banana boat, jetski, flying fish, scuba diving, canoing, parasailing, snorkling, glass bottom, visit the near turtle island which is full of turtles.

Dreamland, well, this is place used to be close for public because the visitors are nude only, but now, it's open for public and it's your choice to getting naked or not in Dreamland. If I may say, this beach is perfect for surfing, the waves are awesome, so it's paradise for the surfer.

The mountains are the contrary to the beaches. It's very cold and you'll have a bit of sunshines. In Kintamani Mountains you can see a lake while have some culinary hunting too, it also has a garden of strawberry which you can ripe it fresh from the tree.

If you like playing golf, you can visit Ubud, it's in the mountain, when I was playing golf there, I really can't sweat because it's really cold eventhough i refuse to take the golf minicar.

The nightlife in Bali! You can feel the nightlife in Bali around Kuta and Legian. Here is my latest experience when I was visit Bali. I went to Kuta Square at about 4pm, shopping around Kuta Square street, then I go to Kuta Beach at 5.30pm and watch the sunset. I go dinner in a restaurant until 8, then I walk to Legian from Kuta which taken 2 hour long (I was shopping while walk). In Legian I come to every club along the street, from every kind of musics. You have to do this activity by walking, because in the middle of walking I always find a lot of things that is very attractive!

My favorite club is Paddy's, Kama Sutera, and Bounty.

3. Papua

Since the first time I came, I straightly fell in love to this island. Very exotic, natural, traditional, and some of the people is totally primitive (they're still wearing nothing while walking around the city!). Do you know that Papua has more than 300 languages? It's totally unique. I love visiting Wamena and hiking to Puncak Jaya Mountains or going to see alligators at the Mamberamo rivers. Coming to the village seeing their culture, there's a mummy also! The mummy is the dead body from their chieftain, you can take pictures with the mummy as well. Pigs are the holy animal and pigs have their own house and the biggest in the village. In a city called Merauke, there's a lot of house of ants in every corner of the city.

There's so many more place to explore in this island and the natural things which we are barely found in life now, you can found it in this island.

Well, I don't know much about anyother South East Asia country, but I think it's worth to try such as Phillipines, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.

Enjoy your trip! See you around SE Asia and hope you have a good day!

Cheers!

I’m interested in going on a yoga retreat, suggestions?

I'm interested in going on a yoga retreat, suggestions?

Orange Springs Retreat

This overnight retreat is open from mid-August through May each year and can accommodate large groups of up to 200 people. The 100-acre retreat is located near the edge of Ocala National Forest so you'll be far, far away from the commercial and business districts around Florida. The venue features cabins and deluxe bathrooms where you can enjoy a private getaway, and daytime activities include canoeing on the river, participating in group yoga sessions and doing daily meditations. Visit the Orange Springs Retreat website or call (800) 279-0401 for more information.

Rasayana Cove Ayurvedic Retreat

Escape to the 25-acres of natural forest in Ona near Sarasota, Florida for this private Ayurvedic experience. The venue features solitary cabins so you can enjoy the peace and solitude of nature. It's designed specifically for wellness, yoga practice and meditation, and the Ayurvedic practitioners will guide you through a complete detoxification and deep relaxation process. Rasayana Cove is located at 4224 Solomon Road in Ona, Florida; call (863) 494-7565 for more information.

Also on this date Wednesday, May 1, 2024...