Study finds a peaceful interlude refreshes
 by Molly Belmont

ALBANY, New York.  September 9, 2008 (The Times Union)

If you’re like most people, your day is so packed with obligations you don’t have time to breathe, let alone think. The computer, TV, and even radio only add to the confusion, overloading you with information, and making you feel worse, not better.

“We’re in a society that is filled with noise and stimulation, and the body and mind get stressed by that,” said Beth Netter, M.D. Netter is a holistic doctor with the Center for Integrative Health and Healing in Delmar. She said over-stimulation […]

by Leonard Perlmutter

ALBANY, New York.  September 24, 2005 (The Times Union)

Every American has experienced some effect of hurricane Katrina. Even if we did not feel her destruction firsthand, we have been caught in the mental and emotional floodwaters of shock, helplessness, anger and fear. In the face of Katrina’s physical fury, we are called to deal with our emotional storms to heal ourselves and the nation.

As we watch and read the news, it takes courage to witness our own emotions and judgments without giving in to negativity, despair and unproductive criticism. If we can recognize and utilize certain eternal truths […]

The King’s music helped lead author/teacher to Eastern traditions
by Paul Grondahl

SAND LAKE, New York.  September 7, 2005 (The Times Union)

Leonard Perlmutter is totally serious when he calls Elvis Presley “my guru.”

The 59-year-old yoga and meditation teacher, in fact, thanks the King in the acknowledgments to his new book, “The Heart and Science of Yoga.” Perlmutter began listening to Presley’s gospel recordings as a boy growing up in Albany. He was moved by Presley’s voice in a way he would not fully appreciate until much later, after decades of studying Eastern philosophy, world religions and mysticism.

“When I gave my attention to […]

THE SEARCH FOR JOYFUL LIFE  by Ray Parker
NAPLES, Florida. January 14, 2005 (Naples Daily News)

They sit on the edge of their seats. Back straight. Eyes closed. Hands in a relaxed position, thumb and index finger touching. Now, slowly, effortlessly, they begin silently repeating the mantra. If they do this for 30 minutes, twice a day, they will, if the ancient sages are correct, transform themselves into more centered and peaceful people.

Which is the beneficial outcome. If you can block out other useless thoughts, like if you’re doing it right or what you’re going to eat for lunch.

The students are reminded: Meditation […]