The Jiva Blog

Blog Shifted

2009-01-29T23:21:00.000-08:00

Blog changes: 1. There is now a general Jiva Blog (Ayur, Edu, Culture), and a separate blog for me just on learning.

For the Jiva Blog, visit:
http://jivablog.wordpress.com or
http://www.jiva.com

For Steve's Blog on Learning, visit
http://stevenrudolph.wordpress.com or
http://www.jiva.com/education

Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioners Course

2009-01-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

Students from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda spent a week at Jiva Faridabad learning the art of Ayurveda from Dr. Partap Chauhan. They are currently in Vrindavan studying topics related to Vedic philosophy with Dr. Satya Naryana Das. The program was set up for practioners of Ayurveda who wanted to explore the science in depth.

See some photos of the course that demonstrate students learning about various herbs, as well as how to create their own medicines.

If you are interested to know more about our special Ayurvedic courses, please visit our courses section.

Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Ayurvedic Text

2009-01-18T23:10:00.000-08:00

Bart Staub of the Kripalu Institute in Lenox, Mass. is here at Jiva for the next few months working on a project to unlock the mysteries of Charak Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic treatise that forms the basis of Ayurveda. Charak, as it is often referred to, consists of numerous sutras written in Sanskrit that explain the causes and cures of disease.

To carry out the task, Bart is meeting with Dr. Satya Naryana Dasa (a PhD in Sanskirt) alongside Dr. Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedic expert, to analyze the text from both a scholarly as well as practical perspective. We are hoping to see one of the most modern, powerful interpretations of Charak that has ever be done.

We'll keep you posted on the updates.

Jiva Suggests Changes for Obama

2009-01-18T01:20:00.001-08:00

As Barak Obama enters the Whitehouse, he will be bringing change. Here are some changes we at Jiva feel would benefit not just the US, but the world:

Suggestions by Dr. Chauhan

Introduce Ayurveda in Schools
Promote Ayurveda in all spheres healthcare
To do meditation and Yoga (Jivananda)
Promote the eating of natural foods, and less processed, junk, and microwaved food
Increase vegetarianism

Suggestions by Dr. Satya Narayana Dasa:

Make borrowing money difficult
Encourage people not to live so much on credit
Promote education about family unity and respect for elders.
Create more programs on TV that promote life-wellness

Suggestions by Steven Rudolph:

Promote the Multiple Natures concept in schools, colleges, and companies to ensure the right people wind up in the right jobs
Expand the scope of the school curriculum to cover life-wellness
Reduce watching TV and do more of anything beneficial

Additional thoughts by Dr. Chauhan:

I believe that most people suffer at an emotional/mental level. To bring a change in them, it is important to bring the education of how we should effectively use our intelligence before we take decisions or take our actions. Majority of the time we don't use our intelligence and do what the mind tells us to do. Generally the thoughts/desires arise in the mind and without using our discriminative power (buddh or intellect) we take the action and suffer in body (physical disorders) and mind (mental disorders). Mind is not designed for discrimination and has to be assisted or guided by the intelligence before we take an action. For example, someone has just finished a delicious lunch and after two minutes sees a chocolate cake on the dining table. Now if he doesn't use his intelligence and just listens to the mind then he will eat the cake and get all sorts of problems like obesity, diabetes, indigestion, and 'ama'. Whereas if he uses the intelligence, then the intelligence will tell the mind to wait for two hours because the liver and stomach are still working and over burdened by the lunch. So in both cases he eats the cake but in the second situation he does not suffers and enjoys the cake. In first situation he does not enjoy but only suffers.

I have just tried to explain the problem people face today. This is called "pragyaparadha" or misuse or non-use of intelligence. So we need to educate people about this very important thing that we possess but we don't use it often. Jivananda program or following simple Ayurvedic daily routine once can very easily clean the senses and subconscious mind. Sattvic food and life style is very important for having a healthy mind and emotions. So we need to promote sattva.

Another thing that we need to change is to inspire people to move from brain (mind) to heart (soul). People need education in a very simple and easy format about soul. They have to realize that they are souls and they are full of love. It may sound a bit deep but it is very easy. The "Jiva Meditation" (JM) can help people realize this very easily. This is also included in Jivananda.

People have been trying to promote many things in the world to help the humanity but I have seen that most of them do not work or work only temporarily. This because the real problem is not in the body or even in the mind. It is in the sub conscious level and ignorance about our real identity.

It's Dr. Chauhan's Birthday

2009-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today, January 15th, is Dr. Partap Chauhan's birthday. If you'd like to send him a birthday message, please do so here with a comment!

Eco-friendly Building

2009-01-14T00:57:00.000-08:00

If you want to see a super eco-friendly home, here it is. This morning, we paid a visit to the home of Vasant and Revathi Kamath, pioneering architects based just outside of Delhi.

Here are pics from a walkthrough of their home and beautiful property.

The Kamaths are working with Jiva on the design of "Jivagram", our Vedic village 2 hours south of Delhi in Hodal. The project, on 10 acres of land, will provide Ayurvedic treatment and education--an opportunity to help people get into a complete state of wellness. There will be courses offered to Ayurvedic practitioners, massage therapists, and even the general public--anyone interesting in learning how to use the power of natural elements and therapies to keep balanced.

The Kamath's place is located in the Aravalli Hills, in an area that was stripped of its timber and rock by miners. Over the last 12 years, they re-habilitated the land, and built a home made mostly of materials from the land itself, including clay bricks. Today there are over 50 varieties of trees. Birds, monkeys, and all sorts of animals come to experience the peaceful sanctuary they have created--and I can understand why, as it's the greenest place in the area!

Many of the inside floors and walls are made of mud, and adorned with modern and traditional artwork. The house is simple yet sophisticated, and utterly down to earth.

Their drainage system uses a natural recycling process that purifies the waste and water through an anaerobic chamber. Above the chamber are plants that draw up the water and purify it as well. No chemicals.

It's so hard to capture the beauty of the Kamath's home, the brilliance in their application of eco-responsible design, and their warmth and hospitality. I hope the photos give you a better idea, and demonstrate how lucky we are to have them with us on our project!

Solving the US Healthcare Crisis

2009-01-13T04:16:00.000-08:00

Francine Hardaway has posted a great article about how Ayurveda can remedy healthcare in the US. With unemployment rising, and healthcare costs escalating, and health problems on the rise due to unnatural lifestyles, Ayurveda can provide an immediate, effective, low cost solution.

Read the article here on her site dedicated to solving the US Healthcare Crisis.

Jiva's New Group on Facebook

2009-01-13T02:22:00.000-08:00

We've just created a Jiva group on Facebook to discuss life wellness. Feel free to join and talk about health, education, Ayurveda, culture and more! The group name is "Jiva".

Creating the group is just one of the steps we're taking to improve our "Social Media" practice at Jiva. Francine Hardaway our friend and mentor from Phoenix, is staying with us in India for a week to help us learn to utilize the many great tools out there that can connect us better with the people we care about.

You can look forward to more developments and improvements in our communication with you over the next few weeks--thanks to Francine!

What Teachers Make

2009-01-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

If you are a teacher, have been one before, or have thought of becoming one, you must see this video by Taylor Mali called "What Teachers Make". He delivers this poem in "poetry slam" style demonstrating his pride in being a teacher. Simply inspirational.

Ayurveda and Mexico: An Interview with Liliana Flores Benavides

2009-01-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

Recently, Liliana Flores Benavides spent 2 weeks in India on with a group of health enthusiasts from Mexico. A former member of congress in Mexico, Liliana has taken steps to help improve the social and economic climate of the country which has been reeling since the financial downturn of its American neighbor.

I interviewed Liliana here at Jiva. In our talk, she discusses the potential of Ayurveda in Mexico, which has its own indigenous system of natural healthcare, explaining how Ayurveda can provide tremendous benefits to people who are unable to afford expensive and often ineffective allopathic treatment.

Listen to the interview on Radio Jiva.

Liliana and the group came as part of an Ayurtour, where they studied Ayurveda, received treatments for their own health issues, and also explored and experienced India through a variety of cultural activities.

Our New Gurgaon Center

2009-01-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that we just inaugurated a new Jiva Center in Gurgaon, India, located at 328 Galleria Towers (Galleria Market). If you are in Gurgaon, you will now have the ability to get a consultation with our doctors there 6 days a week, Mon-Sat, from 9am to 7pm. For more details call us at +91-124-4227400 or +91-129-4088152.

Have a look at the photos of the new clinic and the inauguration ceremony.

Dr. Chauhan will be visiting the clinic on a weekly basis (dates to be announced shortly). Educational consultations will also be available.

Jiva now has 6 clinics:
- Gurgaon (328, III Floor, Galleria Towers, DLF City, Phase IV, Gurgaon)
- Faridabad
- South Extension II, New Delhi
- Palwal, Haryana
- Vrindavan, UP
- Opatija, Croatia

We are planning to open 15 more Jiva Centers this year. Next in line are:
- Noida, UP
- North Delhi
- Surat, Gujarat
- Mumbai

The Art of Mehndi

2009-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Mehndi is a traditional Indian practice of creating temporary skin decoration on the hands, arms, and legs with henna. It is commonly applied by women during festivals and marriages. This past week I spent 3 days in Gujarat at a double wedding (my friend's two daughters both got married in a single grand celebration).

The first night of festivities was kicked off with the female family members getting their mehndi done. While most got simple designs on just their hands and forearms, the two brides received elaborate, exquisite artwork that was so dense, it could be mistaken for full-armed gloves and over-the-calf socks from a distance.

Viewing the mehdni patterns up close is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience, causing you to marvel at the depth of detail that has been created by an artisan with a simple conical tube resembling an icing dispenser. I've seen mehndi done in various parts of the country, but these artisans seemed to have a technique that enabled them to create extraordinarily intricate patterns. I imagine this is because of the practice of embroidery that is prevalent in this region.

Designs include flowers, geometric patterns, and even romantic depictions of characters reminiscent of Laila and Majnu (the Eastern version of Romeo and Juliette). The artisans also hide the name of the groom within the design, creating an enjoyable challenge for friends and family to find it.

The process of applying mehndi ranges from about 20 minutes for a simple design on a single hand on both sides, to 5 hours for a full bridal treatment. The mehndi must remain on the skin for about two hours to make a lasting impression. During this time, a mixture of lemon juice and sugar is applied to darken the tone. Although some say it is the quality of the mehndi that is responsible for the darkness of the application, others believe it is strength of the husband's love that determines how dark it becomes....

See a photostream here with other pictures of the mehndi ceremony in Gujarat.

Anekta Mein Ekta Song & Lyrics

2008-12-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a song I've written as a tribute to the Mumbai victims and for all the people of India, commemorating the solidarity and feeling of unity that emerged after the event. It's a first version that I did start to finish in about 3 days. I know there's plenty of scope for improvement, but I hope at least the feeling is conveyed.

You can listen to the song here on Radio Jiva.

Anekta Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)
Lyrics and Music by Steven Rudolph
December 2008
asksteve@jiva.com

So many people on the streets today
Raising their voices, we have something to say
People of every age and every faith were full of rage
But now we’ve finally learned turn the page

This is a brand new day
Satyam eva jayate (truth will prevail)
Ek hi hai (one indeed)
Ek hai hum (we are one)

Anekta mein ekta,
Anekta mein ekta
Ek hi hai
Ek hai hum

A billion pairs of ears have hear the cries so many lives
So many lies we’ve just refused to hear
A billion pairs of eyes look to the skies, we realize
There isn’t any need to fear

This is a brand new day
Satyam eva jayate
Ek hi hai
Ek hai hum

Anekta mein ekta
Anekta mein ekta
Ek hi hai
Ek hai hum

This is our chance to rise
A billion hearts, side by side
This is our moment to break free

Our fathers used to say
That we shall over come someday
And now celebrate that day is here
And now celebrate that day is here

Anekta mein ekta, Anekta mein ekta
Ek hi hai, ek hai hum

Copyright © 2009. All Rights Reserved

Save the Gulf of Mexico: Go Veg!

2008-12-19T20:04:00.001-08:00

The Discovery Channel website has an article explaining how America's consumption of meat could eventually turn the Gulf of Mexico into a "dead" sea. Here's a clip from the post:

Gidon Eshel of Bard College at Simon's Rock in Massachusetts and Pamela Martin of the University of Chicago calculate that if Americans kicked their meat habit, it would prevent seven million tons of nitrogen from spilling into the gulf -- a reduction of nearly 90 percent.

"When we did the calculations, it was astonishing," Eshel said. "The main reason is we're feeding so much corn to livestock. It takes 4.5 times more cropland to do that than if you feed people a plant diet, and corn is so nitrogen-intensive."

There are many great reasons to go Veg (or to reducing meat in one's diet)--one being the positive effects on the environment.

You can read the complete article here.

An Exam Tragedy

2008-12-18T00:27:00.000-08:00

People's concerns about exam scores often reach the point of obsession. And often, it is only when we reach tragic extremes that we realize how incompetent we've been as parents, teachers, and administrators in helping our children keep the matter of testing in perspective.

Today I found this short article that I wrote last year about a school where I did a workshop. I never published it, and in fact had completely forgotten about it. As I reread it, I suddenly recalled reading a recent, horrible news story about the school and shuddered. Please read through till the end:

I had an interesting experience today. I did a workshop for 50 teachers in a school in the NCR area. The institute is reputed for its student performance, with many children scoring very high marks on 10th and 12th class board exams. My workshop focused on my “The Laws of Learning”. Everyone was having a great time, especially when I was talking about the need to engage learners’ emotions. I gave examples of how you can use poetry or music the science class to teach the topic of “matter”.

However, one of the teachers stood up, and commented, “We’re not allowed to sing in our classrooms.” I looked at her with utter disbelief. “Really?” I asked. “Is it a rule?” (I thought she was exaggerating.) But other teachers were quick to validate her statement. They claimed, “No, no, our principle won’t allow it.” Though I still remained somewhat baffled, and not wanting to challenge an official order that they had been given, I got them to agree that it was still possible to do a science-related poem.

A short while later, I had them perform a few cooperative activities. They were completely engaged in interacting with each other, but after the activity finished, again came another dismissal. “Mr. Rudolph, I agree that these activities are beneficial for our students, however our principal would never allow it. They make too much noise.” Another teacher added, “Our principal demands pin-drop silence.” Then the complaints came like torrents of rain:

"Our principal wants only that our children get high marks on exams."
" Yes, by hook or by crook."
"He even demands that we beat them."
"The principal should be here in this training."
"Mr. Rudolph, you should make him agree to let us do these types of activities."

I must admit that I was in a bit of an awkward position. However, I encouraged them to do their best, and at least agree that they would give these new ideas a try—which they agreed to.

Many times parents and principals are quick to blame teachers for their lack of interest in teaching. But we need to realize that without the support of parents and principals, even those teachers who are interested to innovate and work with new methods are completely stifled. We have to stop pointing our fingers at each other, and instead, put the children at the center of the educational experience, and figure out what it is that we can all do to create the most creative learning environments for them.

The news item I recalled was from some months back. It reported that a student from this school committed suicide after receiving low exam marks.

When will we realize we've gone too far with our obsession with exams? There are other aspects to life and lifeskills that are equally--if not more important. Had that girl, her parents, her teachers, and the principal realized so, she would still be alive today.

Ayurbaby Update

2008-12-17T01:48:00.000-08:00

Six weeks ago I blogged about our Ayurbaby in residence. Here is an update of 3-month old Aditya, who continues his Ayurvedic regimen, and in the photo below is pictured receiving his weekly baby massage.

It's good to be an Ayurbaby.

JIva Newsletter on Ending Terrorism

2008-12-17T01:04:00.000-08:00

If you haven't subscribed to the Jiva Newsletter yet, you can do so here. This issue focuses on the Vedic perspective of terrorism. Some really interesting stuff, so make sure you check it out.

The free e-newsletter appears monthly and each issue contains:

An Ayurvedic article
An Education article
A Culture/spirituality article
Ayurvedic remedies
An Ayurvedic disease in focus
A health case study
Parenting tips
News about Jiva activities
and more

ADD / ADHD Program from Jiva

2008-12-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

Many people have been contacting me over the past few months about providing a solution for their children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. The stories and case histories I'm reading are shocking as much as they are saddening.

ADD and ADHD cannot just be explained away as natural, biological disorders. They are conditions created by improper diet and unnatural ways of living. People often find solace in the allopathic perspective of these conditions, as it excuses them from poor lifestyle practices and provides a quick-fix solution that pacifies their kids for the short-term. They then unwittingly perpetuate behaviors and consume foods that compound the problem, resulting in further disorders that require stronger doses and that lead to drug dependency and serious, serious side effects. The cycle is indeed vicious.

To address this alarming problem, Dr. Chauhan and I have teamed up to create a natural solution that that draws from Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedic discipline. We're running a pilot right now that appears very promising. It includes holistic lifestyle practices, balancing diets, breathing exercises, meditation, and therapies such as oil massage. Not only will this help parents achieve results naturally, it will save them huge amounts of money. A year's supply of Ritalin for one child can cost $2400 per year!

It's an exciting new program, and I'll keep you up to date on the developments.

Conference on the Textbook Culture in India

2008-12-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

Arun Kapur and the Learn Today company organized a conference yesterday on the Textbook Culture in India. Over 100 principals and educators from the NCR area came to hear about a dozen people talk about their perspectives on the textbook and its role in education.

After an elucidating introduction by Arun (hoping to see his talk posted online!), Krishna Kumar, Director of the NCERT spoke about some of the challenges his organization faces not just in creating textbooks, but in inspiring innovation. Following him, MM Pant, Director of Planet Edu India, spoke about the death of the textbook as we know it, especially in a highly networked world--that the textbook can be one tool, but that learning now has to take advantage of the power of technology.

Interestingly, both Krishna Kumar and MM Pant concurred that the main challenge lies not in the creation of new textbooks, but with the teachers who have to implement them. Mr. Kumar expressed his regret that we are no longer attracting good teachers into the field of education, listing sundry reasons why, including poor pay. Mr. Pant agreed with Mr. Kumar to an extent, offering a more optimistic perspective--that indeed teachers might not be up to the mark at present, but that education will soon see a rebirth, where teachers have to become celebrities along the lines of Bollywood heros. For this bit of vision he received a generous round of applause.

As someone who has created over 70 textbooks (which I feel are highly innovative), I can offer dozens of stories of how teachers have, more often than not, been the point of limitation.

What I have come to learn this:

Problem: Not everyone has an Educative Nature. We must do a better job of identifying those that do, and guiding them into the teaching profession. The problem is that to date, there has not been a clear model or tool to help people do this.

And here are my solutions to the problem:

Solution A: My Multiple Natures model (a corollary to Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory), which identifies 9 human tendencies (Protective, Educative, Administrative, Creative, Healing, Entertaining, Providing, Entrepreneurial, and Adventurous). A brief explanation of the theory is here: www.multiplenatures.com. This model can help us more easily differentiate those who have a strong Educative Nature from those who do not.

Solution B:We have created a free online test at www.whatsmynature.com that helps people (especially students) identify their Multiple Natures in just 7 minutes. The site then makes appropriate career suggestions (including many professions in the teaching line).

My belief is that future dynamic teachers already exist. The problem is that they themselves might not realize their potential as educators, or that their parents are unwittingly pushing them into other professions. My hope is that the Multiple Natures model and the What's My Nature test can help us find these potential super-teachers, groom them, and get them into our classrooms for the benefit of the future generation of learners.

Experts back brain boosters for the healthy

2008-12-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today's Times of India has an article highlighting how certain "experts" are recommending allopathic drugs to boost the memory power in healthy people. (It was likely picked up from related stories on Salon.com and Newsmeat.)

Drugs like Ritalin are being used by college students to help them concentrate while preparing for exams. And some professionals are using these "pep pills" to give them an extra boost at work where concentration is required. A moral angle is being discussed (is it fair if one of three candidates in an interview takes the drug to boost her chances, or if an airline requires a pilot to take it to increase his concentration?). But what seems to be conspicuously absent from this discussion are the damaging effects of such drugs as well as natural alternatives.

The side effects of Ritalin? (from Drugfree.org)

What are its short-term effects?
Short-term effects can include nervousness and insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure (usually elevation of both, but occasionally depression), skin rashes and itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, and digestive problems, toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence syndrome, and severe depression upon withdrawal.

What are its long-term effects?
High doses of stimulants produce a predictable set of symptoms that include loss of appetite (may cause serious malnutrition), tremors and muscle twitching, fevers, convulsions, and headaches (may be severe), irregular heartbeat and respirations (may be profound and life threatening), anxiety, restlessness, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, excessive repetition of movements and meaningless tasks, and formicaton (sensation of bugs or worms crawling under the skin).

Meanwhile, Ayurveda has numerous natural remedies to enhance memory and alertness. These include herbs like Brahmi and Shankpushpi that also stimulate the central nervous system, but, which do so with no side effects. The herbs can be taken easily in the form of tablets, powders, and syrups. There are also memory enhancing teas. These herbs are safe and effective for children, as well as for the elderly in treating problems related to mental acuity.

We can't easily control the agenda of pharmaceutical companies who get rich by creating such dangerous designer drugs at the expense of our health. The "drug mafia" and their lobbies are indeed powerful, but they can only succeed as long as the public remains ignorant. It is here that the media can play an important role in creating this awareness. And lest reporters feel it's not newsy enough--take heart. There's also a relevant economic angle: Governments (and common folk as well) are looking to cut costs in various areas--especially in healthcare. Just see how natural remedies like these are a fraction of the cost of their harmful allopathic counterparts--in some cases 20-30 times cheaper! Thus, going green in this department will boost not only people's brain power, but also their savings.

Touching Testimonial

2008-12-08T02:02:00.000-08:00

We often get letters of thanks from people who benefit from our services, but this is one of the most touching testimonials ever. It is from a young Indian man who has been watching our TV show Jiva Ki Paatshala, and who has done the What's My Nature test on our site www.whatsmynature.com. (The message was posted to the WMN Discussion Board).

Subject: Appericiation message

Posted By : Ratnadeep G. on 12/7/2008 2:44:02 PM

Namaste Steve,
Your work is amazing,fantastict,A GIFT TO ALL MAN KIND,for sure.

I lost myself my carrer and 8 consicutive years of my life i.e after 12th i was hardly able to find an exact carrer for myself and also a job,which ultimately left me go in deppression(retarded deppression daigonosed by my psychaiatrist).

Somehow i have managed to get into BCA(Bachleor of computer application)course,by meeting a lot of astrologers to understand my nature my intrest areas and related topics.just because i was unaware of you and your work.

I WANT TO THANK FIRST OF ALL YOU AND CARE WORLD CHANNEL AND OFCOURSE DTH SERVICE PROVIDERS,for takeing this big step, so that there will be no more Ratnadeep present in India atleast.

I really have no words to thank the efforts and hard work of your team
regards,
Ratnadeep.

If you haven't taken the What's My Nature test yet, please be sure to give it a try: www.whatsmynature.com. And don't forget to share it with your friends, family, students, etc. Also, do tune in to Jiva Ki Paathsala daily. Timings are here along with some online episodes.

HACCP Certification for Jiva

2008-12-06T02:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Madhusudan and Rishi Pal Chauhan for securing HACCP certification for the Jiva Pharmacy this week. HACCP is a quality standard for manufacturing, similar to ISO. Jiva now manufactures over 200 medicines and health-related products (which you can check out here), and ships them to over 100 countries worldwide. It's been our goal to keep true to the original formulations in the traditional Ayurvedic literature, and at the same time, ensure they conform to the highest standards possible.

Wikipedia describes HACCP like this:

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic preventive approach to food safety and pharmaceutical safety that addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards as a means of prevention rather than finished product inspection. HACCP is used in the food industry to identify potential food safety hazards, so that key actions, known as Critical Control Points (CCP's) can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of the hazards being realized. The system is used at all stages of food production and preparation processes including packaging, distribution, etc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) use mandatory juice, seafood, meat and poultry HACCP programs as an effective approach to food safety and protecting public health. Meat and poultry HACCP systems are regulated by the USDA, while seafood and juice are regulated by the FDA. The use of HACCP is currently voluntary in other food industries.

So that's pretty big news. Nice going guys!

Alain Chevillat visits Jiva

2008-12-05T01:47:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to have Alain Chevillat here with us at Jiva. Alain is the founder of Terre Du Ciel, an organization based in Bruailles, France, which organizes workshops and conferences related to life-wellness and spirituality. Alan is a remarkable person, who simultaneously radiates energy, intellect, accomplishment, and humility.

Each year thousands of people attend his events which are publicized by only word of mouth. In a country which tends to be cold toward concepts with a spiritual tag, Alain has found a way to bridge the gap between the rational and the metaphysical with his practical, down-to-earth approach. Speakers from all parts of the globe are invited to share their wisdom with groups ranging from a dozen to as large as 1000. All of this takes place at the organization's castle on 40 acres of natural beauty.

The seminar style emphasizes experience over hype. You will not find banners with the organization's logo; speakers do not carry notes; audience members do not clap after presentations. Alain explains the philosophy in a single, simple sentence, "We invite people to come and share what they know."

This past year, Dr. Chauhan and Dr. Satya Narayana Dasa delivered talks there. Alain has invited me to speak there next August on education, and has also invited Neerja to speak as well on education next Nov. in a conference for women. We'll keep you posted on this.

Amritsar Workshops on Careers / Multiple Natures

2008-12-02T23:21:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a two-day trip to Amritsar, where I interacted with hundreds of teachers and students to discuss career planning. There were events in 5 schools (Springdales, Senior Study, Holy Heart Presidency, DAV International, and DAV Lawrence Road).

The teachers workshops were dynamic and energized, where I urged them to look beyond grades and the syllabus--to understand the unique personalities of each student, and to get back to the real purpose of education--identifying the natures of children and guiding and helping them achieve their potential in all spheres of life. I demonstrated how to use concepts in Multiple Intelligences (MI) and Multiple Natures (MN) as a basis for doing so.

But even more charged were the student sessions--90 minute programs with eager young guys and gals from Classes X-XII who are in the thick of preparing for board exams and deciding their career paths. I know kids--the last thing they want is to listen to some preachy adult spewing out vague platitudes about life. I walk into the room with a guitar slung over my shoulder, which tips them off that this isn't going to some run-of-the-mill counseling session. I then begin telling them when I was their age, I had a dream--of being a rock star. That I was in a band, and was sure I would be on MTV one day. (By this time, they are giggling like anything and I have their full attention.) I then explain how fate had a different plan for me, because I got a part time job as a teacher to pay the bills, and realized education was my calling. I use the MI/MN model to explain how even though my strongest MI is musical, my strongest nature is educative--which outshines my entertaining nature (but that I do keep a space for music in my educational pusuits).

Within an hour, all students understand the MI/MN model, and how it applies to them individually. They find out about Career Master and about the What's My Nature site, so they can immediately identify their natures and get some extra help from Jiva in the career planning process.

And before leaving, I finish with a few songs on the guitar. In these sessions in Amritsar, I performed "Allah Ke Bande", "No Woman No Cry", and my own rock version of "Sare Jahan Se Acha"(I thought a patriotic tune was important at a time like this)--and the kids really got into it. They asked for a Punjabi song, but I told them I'll have to prepare one for my next visit...

Random House to publish my book

2008-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to inform you that I've just signed with Random House to publish my book, the Laws of Learning. Designed for parents, it provides guidance on how to help children achieve their potential in academic studies.

I've made a page for the LOL concept -- www.lawsoflearning.com and will post updates there.

The book should be available in the second half of 2009. Stay tuned for more!

Terrorist Strikes

2008-11-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

Over the last few days, mails have been pouring in, asking us about the situation and how we are here at Jiva and what the situation is like in general. I would like to thank everyone for their concern and support at this very unfortunate moment.

First, we express our sympathies for those who have lost their lives, and to the families of the victims. A special respect and appreciation to those who fought bravely against the terrorists in this horrific ordeal. We also commend the journalists who worked diligently under dangerous conditions to keep the world informed about the events.

Here are some updates and thoughts related to many questions that have been asked:

From the latest news reports the attacks and encounters have come to an end, with all terrorists either being killed or captured.
There is no sense of sign of the situation escalating. It seems as this was a singly planned attack and that it is now over.
All flights in and out of Mumbai are still suspended.
There is a strong sense of unity among Indians. At the same time, there is a powerful feeling of outrage with people demanding accountability from the Pakistani government, as evidence shows the terrorists were trained in Pakistan.
Top Pakistani leaders have been summoned to Delhi to meet with Indian leaders to discuss the situation.
The election process is on in India, and a number of politicians from opposition parties are trying to politicize the event. Many people are condemning those leaders that are trying to gain mileage at a time like this.

It is our sincere hope that politicians avoid stirring up racial disharmony, and that the leaders of South Asia, as well as from other countries, work jointly and diplomatically to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

It's a day of mixed emotions today. While Thanksgiving is being celebrated in an economically-ravaged America, millions of people in India sit glued to their TV sets watching the today's terror attacks in Mumbai. God's name is surely being invoked on this day, perhaps more than usual.

Thanksgiving was a holiday that was meant to be thankful to God for providing us with prosperity. As I reflected on the economic and civil unrest that we are experiencing today, as well as on God's possible role in the situation, a quote came to mind: " You ask, 'In the Holocaust, where was God?' The question is 'Where was man?'"

God created a perfect world, with flawless laws of nature. However, in our own greed, we have egregiously exploited our environment and fellow man--and the karmic repercussions had to emerge eventually. Today, people might look to the heavens in their search for an answer to how their home was snatched from them, or why innocent people have become victims of terrorist attacks. But, as Neil Peart wrote in the Rush song Territories:

The whole wide word and endless universe
Yet we keep looking through the eyeglass in reverse.

Did you know that the popular notion of the original Thanksgiving being celebrated as a harmonious union of Pilgrims and Indians has been has been significantly romanticized by historians and teachers. Many of the early settlers arrived in the Americas knowing full well of the natives there, and with the intent of grabbing their land and riches. Check out this article Deconstructing the Myths of “The First Thanksgiving”,to read 11 myths about the holiday. Considering the complete disenfranchisement of the native Americans over the last two centuries, it seems as though the day should not be one merely of thanks, but also one of acknowledgment that the riches they enjoy today came at a great expense for an entire race of people.

In an equally interesting article, David Hulme writes about the first American astronaut's return to earth, and how their belief in God was galvanized upon seeing earth from space. Yet upon their return, they realized what a mess man was making of the place:

They did not return to a place as beautiful as they had seen it from a distance. Once close enough, they could see the pollution and despoliation of the earth by man's hand. In orbit they could probably barely identify the countries where war was still raging. Once back on the ground they could see the violence on the streets.

Perhaps its a good time for all of us to look within--to dig a bit deeper into our own souls for answers rather than appeal to God for answers. Vedic philosophy explains how we are each responsible for our own circumstances; it is our own desire and karmas that bring us into every new context. By looking into our own actions and misdeeds as individuals and communities--we will see how, through our own unbridled deisres and insensitivity, we have mistreated each other, animals, and the environment, and created these social and economic problems that are plaguing us today. In the process, we will also find that God has provided us with the wonderful capacity for humility, generosity, and empathy--the exact tools we need to create a true and lasting climate of peace and prosperity.

The Educator's Dilemma

2008-11-24T02:35:00.000-08:00

You're a teacher who wants to educate kids about life. However the curriculum is rooted in materialistic ideals, and the management wants you to teach to the test. What do you do?

This was a question posed by a colleague, David Progosh, in August 2007. In my bid to find an answer, I asked Dr. Satya Narayana Dasa to provide some insight from a Vedic perspective. I conducted a brief interview with him, and received some very practical advice. (That's what I like about SND--his answers are always sensible and down to earth).

Among other things of interest, he predicts the US economic meltdown a year in advance.

Have a listen here on Radio Jiva!

Weird Al's "Whatever You Like"

2008-11-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

I am an unabashed Weird Al fan. Apart from his spectacular musicianship, his ability to observe and lampoon the absurdities of modern life are beyond compare. After more than 2 decades in the industry, Al is still the undisputed champ of musical parody.

This summer, rapper T.I. released "Whatever You Like", a song about his own extravagant lifestyle, where he lavishly spoils his love with an array of luxuries--cars, cash, tropical vacations, and so on. Some lines include:

You know it ain't nothin' to drop a couple stacks on you...
Five million dollar home, drop Bently's I swear

My chick could have what she want.
And go in any store for any bag she want.

I'll gas up the jet for you tonight
Baby, you can go wherever you like

Gas up the jet? Hey, man, what the heck? What about Tom Friedman's "Code Green". I mean, this a serious breach of environmental responsibility! All joking aside, what's frightening is that this song (which music-wise is mediocre at best), was at number 1 for 7 weeks. It shows you where people's values are...

If America is to get it's act together and come out of the recession, it would be wise for people to take a clue from Weird Al's wisdom. His recently released parody under the same name is making waves on the web. (The complete lyrics are here.) Below are a few lines, where Al outdoes T.I. by demonstrating the new-age man's feelings for his beloved through more modest means:

Tater tots, Cold Duck on ice
And we can clip coupons all night
And baby you can have whatever you like

I can take you to the laundromat downtown
And watch all the clothes go round and round

My chick can have want she want
At Wal-mart she can pick out anything she want

And you can always ride the city bus
Got a stack of tokens just for us
Yo, my wallet’s fat and full of ones
It’s all about the Washingtons, that’s right

I'm not alone in my opinion that the song is superior than the original. The music is exceptional and worth listening to again and again even if just for the melodic value. The parody serves as an additional kicker. On top of this, if you read into it (as I'm prone to do), you'll discover the meaningful message behind the irony--that luxury is not defined by a brand name or fiscal excess, but rather by your valuing what you have. Whatever the case, I'm sure Tom would approve.

Jiva Logo gets HOT

2008-11-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

In my last post I wrote about the Class VI students and their "symbol" project. This morning they were to come to my office at 8am to tell me what the Jiva logo meant. I suddenly realized this morning that I had a teacher training session. OK, no problem. I used it as an opportunity to host a joint learning session.

There were 7 teachers and 6 students. I did a recap with the students about our previous day's discussion on the symbols of the Indus Valley civilization. As I walked them through the summary, I pointed out side by side to the teachers how I was making use of HOTS (higher order thinking skills). HOTS refers to deep level thinking--not just asking fact-based questions--that is meant to get students to think actively and critically. It is a slap in the face of teaching methods that require students to memorize, especially without really understanding what they are memorizing.

In 1956, Benjamin Bloom devised a taxonomy of educational objectives that demonstrate the hierarchical levels of such thinking. In my impromptu, self-commentated class, I demonstrated each level, along with the questions I had been asking the students (or was planning to ask):

(from lowest to highest)
1. Knowlege - What is a symbol? Give an example of a symbol.
2. Comprehension - What does this symbol mean?
3. Application - Come up with symbols that match different feelings (e.g., strength, grace, power, hard work, etc.)
4. Analysis - Why do you think we used the Lotus/Chakra for the Jiva logo? Why do you think the people of the Indus Valley civilization used those particular symbols?
5. Synthesis - What symbol would you use to represent yourself? Or, imagine you were a (clothing designer, furniture maker, etc.). What logo/symbol would you use?
6 Evaluation - Given an example of any symbol: Do you think this symbol is appropriate for this purpose? Why or why not?

Most teachers do not venture beyond questions related to knowledge or comprehension. However, as you can see, things start getting interesting only after these two levels. They unlock the imagination create the potential for all sorts of learning opportunities to happen.

The teachers gained quite a bit from the session--and I think the students enjoyed the experience (especially witnessing their teachers as learners). In the end, we did achieve our objective of exploring why Jiva uses the Lotus/Chakra symbol, but it seemed like the session today wound up being about a lot more than that.

Indian Symbols / The Jiva Logo

2008-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

A group of 6 students from Class VI spilled into my office during their lunch break today. Each of them was armed with posters they made featuring symbols used in India during the Indus Valley civilization. Their subject teacher thought I would be interested to see the creative work that they did.

Indeed I was. After appreciating their work, I began asking them lots of questions--what were these symbols? Who made them? Why do you think they made them? Some of these queries seemed to escape them...so I tried to contextualize things a bit.

I asked them what a symbol was, and after a while they agreed that it was some pictoral/graphical representation of something. I gave some examples of symbols--including alphabets (symbols for sounds) and numbers (symbols for quantities of something). We pulled out a newspaper and began scouring it for other symbols. We found an ad published by the government of India which bore the Ashoka emblem, and I asked what it represented? "Lions represent power, courage, and kingliness". They got that easily. But what about the pillar...hmmm, that was a bit tough. I told them to turn their bodies into pillars--and they stood erect, tightening all their muscles..."Ah, strength and straightforwardness!". We continued our exploration finding all sorts of symbols of in the paper, and around my room on books, trophies, and electronic gadgets, and did a similar study on each.

I then pointed to their sweaters and asked them what symbol was there. "The Jiva logo," they replied. I asked them to analyze it--what is it, what does it represent, etc. "A flower." Yes, but which? "A lotus." Correct. But why a lotus? And it also represents something else--a chakra. "Yes, yes, it's a chakra too." But why a chakra? (Puzzled faces on the verge of an explosive Aha moment.) But waiiiiiit!! Don't tell me now. I want you to think about it. These are your homework questions...

So the group is coming to meet me tomorrow 8.00am with their analysis. In addition to telling me about the Jiva logo, they will then address the first question I asked, "Who made those ancient symbols and why." Let's see what our Junior anthropologists turn up tomorrow morning!

Add Life to Your Style!

2008-11-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

When people ask me what Jiva is, I often refer to our slogan: We're an organization that helps you "Add Life to Your Style". Sometimes they pause and say, "Wait, don't you mean add style to your life?"

That's exactly my point. Today's world has become overrun with style. Designer clothes, cars, homes, foods, gadgets--people have become so caught up in brands and consumerism that they are missing out on the essential stuff of life. So Jiva's thought is that we don't need to help people add style to their lives (they've already got enough of that). What folks could use is a little more stamina in their step, solace in their sleep, wow in their work, pleasure in their play, and so on.

Browse through our site to see different ways that we fulfill this goal. In addition to our existing courses, workshops, and products, we'll be adding lots of new content and programs on our website in the coming months. These include:

So stay tuned. Check back frequently so we can help you find lots of ways to add style to your...wait, no...I mean, Add Life to Your Style. Right!

Cleaning the Senses

2008-11-17T23:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice tip from Dr. Chauhan that I picked up from the Radio Jiva interview I did with him last week. It's called "Cleaning the Senses".

In the morning, after waking up, part of our routine for getting ready includes an amount of cleaning. The two key aspects of this process include brushing our teeth and bathing. However, Ayurveda has a different perspective on morning hygiene: it instead suggests that we "clean our senses". This includes cleaning:

The Eyes - after waking splash water into the eyes. You can do this by leaning over the sink, cupping the hands, filling them with water, and making gentle upward tosses.
The Nose - you can do so simply by blowing out gently from the nostrils. (The night before you can put a drop or two of almond oil in each nostril and inhale it deeply. This lubricates the nasal passage and pacifies olfactory nerves.)
The Tongue - after brushing your teeth, you can clean the tongue by using a tongue scraper. This removes toxins (ama) from the tongue.
The Ears - Clean the ears gently with an ear bud. (The night before, you can take a cottonball soaked in seasame or mustard oil and put it in the ear overnight).
The Skin - Bathe in water that is neither too hot or too cold. Be sure to natural, herbal cleansers. Avoid chemical based products. (You can do an oil massage with natural oils 1-3 times a week to nourish the skin).

What I like about this approach is it's not just about waking up and mindlessly brushing and showering. Here, the morning routine is transformed into a deeper life practice. I'm recognizing myself as a sentient being, who interacts with the world through these 5 channels. And if I'm going to do so effectively, then I should take care to see that they are all operating at peak performance.

Ayurveda (and Dr. Chauhan) assure us that when we clean our senses, they will automatically be drawn to sattvic things--i.e., those things that are good, clean, healthy, and beneficial for keeping our minds and bodies balanced.

Give it a try, and let me know how it works!

My Morning Session with Students

2008-11-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

Just about every morning, I start the day at Jiva Public School with a student interaction session from 8-8:30am. This is what it looks like across my desk.

Because I don't teach regular classes, this is a way for me to stay connected with kids. I have a lot of fun talking with them about all sorts of topics. I usually let them pick the topic--today, these three 5th graders picked "careers" (not surprising, as this has been a hot topic at Jiva recently). And so we talked about Multiple Intelligences and Multiple Natures and different job types that require strengths of different types. I was impressed with how curious and articulate they were--we really had a lot of fun and 30 minutes just went like that.

Can Everyone Be An Einstein? (Creativity)

2008-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Times Online has an interesting article entitled Can Everyone Be an Einstein, about the location of creativity in the brain, some myths about creativity, and techniques which can be done to improve it.

Here's a quote from the article:

In fact, the whole process seems to be centred on one small part of the brain: the anterior superior temporal gyrus. This seems to be the point at which bits of information stored far apart in the brain are brought together. This may be an important clue as to how the brain organises itself. But it's only the beginning. At Goldsmiths College in London, Dr Joydeep Bhattacharya says the real issue is not the 'Aha!' moment itself, but the way it is produced in the brain and how we recognise it. 'We need to know the brain processes involved, to find how this moment is strong enough to reach consciousness. We know insight does not come from the sky.' This is the problem with all neuroscience. We don't really know what we are seeing.

Radio Jiva / Consumption Interview

2008-11-12T23:13:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce we've added a new section to our site: Radio Jiva. This section will contain audio files with interviews and lectures related to Ayurveda, education, and spirituality. Here, we invite you to "Listen to Your Inner Beat".

The first show is a Skype interview with Dr. Chauhan about the current economic crisis and the link to its cause: Overconsumption. I did the anchoring (my first go at it), with me in Faridabad and Dr. C in France.

In the 25-minute interview, Dr. C discusses the root cause of over-consumption, it's negative effects on the body, mind, and soul, and simple solutions at each level to help you keep balanced in a world which screams at you to buy more, eat more, and live life supersize. He's also got some suggestions for Barak Obama on how the president elect can stimulate the American economy with Ayurvedic way of life!

Check it out. Post your comments. And if you have requests for specific types of audio content on Radio Jiva, let me know.

Best,

Steve

Jiva School Celebrates Education Day

2008-11-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

A new holiday has been declared to commemorate the birthday of the late Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, an eminent educationist and the first Union Minister of Education of independent India. November 11th is now National Education Day in India.

Jiva Public School celebrated with a day dedicated to Indian culture and Multiple Intelligences. There were over 20 game booths set up, where students tried their hands (and bodies, minds, tongues, etc.) to demonstrate their multiply intellectual prowess. These included an interpersonal game where friends had to guess their partners' likes and dislikes, a magnetic dartboard where students had to hit targets representing "good human qualities" (such as honesty, hard work, and optimism), and a musical intelligence activiity that had students mapping words of one song to another.

Jiva Education Day 2008 photoset

View an awesome photostream here!

There was also a rangoli competition, where students created traditional (and modern) designs on the ground with colored powders, and a mehndi competition (students creating henna designs on each others' hands).

Words that described the scene: energetic, frenetic, exciting, surprising, stimulating, meaningful, chaotic (and orderly)--fun!

I think Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad would have approved highly of the traditional + modern twist created by the Jiva teachers and staff. Nice work team!

Stroke of Genius

2008-11-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here's an extremely interesting video...

A talk given by Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist who suffered a stroke and lived to tell about the experience. As she explains, "It's not often a brain expert undergoes such an ordeal and gets to describe the situation from the inside out."

Taylor provides a fascinating recount of the event, and in the process, offers a wonderful primer of how the brain works--right and left hemispheres, language centers, and more.

The end gets a little emotional, the tone shifting from the scientific to the spiritual. Caught me a bit off guard as it started out so clinically, but fascinating nonetheless.

(Thanks to Anil Mehta for pointing it out.)

Obama Starts Day One with Parent-Teacher Conference

2008-11-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

CNN reports:

... for Barack Obama, the day started with a more personal duty, that of father. The Obama Transition Office announced this morning that the President-elect would start his day, along with his wife Michelle, by attending a parent teacher conference at his daughters' school in Chicago.

I'm glad to see he's got his priorities straight!

I meet so many parents who have lots of excuses that they don't have enough time when it comes to their kids. My answer is: You make time.

You can't consume your way to growth

2008-11-07T02:14:00.000-08:00

Sunita Narain of Centre for Science and Environment has a great editorial about the current economic crisis:

The fact is we have been taught, and have practised what has been preached, we can consume our way to growth and consume our way through and out of any slow-down period. “Don’t worry, just consume” is the mantra. If we cannot ‘afford’ to consume, then, too, we should not worry. The financial systems will ensure we get cheap loans to buy homes, cars, washing machines, or anything else we may not need but desire. After all, it is only if we consume that growth indicators will look rosy again, and the world will remain happy.

It would be way cool if "contientious consumption" became the in thing. People thinking about their footprint on the world--how much they give/create vs. how much they consume.

Stay tuned for some Jiva articles by Dr. Satya Narayana Dasa and Dr. Partap Chauhan about the Vedic/Ayurvedic perspectives of consumption.

Unity in Diversity (Anekta Mein Ekta)

2008-11-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Most of the Indians I speak with are curious about the American elections, not as much with respect to the issues as with the fact that Obama is a person of color. Or maybe more so because America has never had a minority or female president. Folks here find this sort of skewed representation perplexing, because America is supposed to be the quintessential democracy. The country whose currency bares the slogan "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one) to demonstrate its commitment to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But to Indians it looked as if Americans had just been paying lip service to the ideal until recently.

You see, in the mere 61 years of its democratic rule, India can boast of a female president, a Sikh PM, an Italian-born female as president of the ruling party, and a former president who is a Muslim. Indians actively demonstrate their value in diversity. In fact, it is common for school children to enact a play at least once a year (usually near Independence Day or Republic Day) based on the importance of Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians living and working together cooperatively.

No doubt, one of India's greatest assets is its diversity, which I feel has accounted for its resiliency over the millennia. Living System Theory shows us how beneficial diversity is in all systems of life--biological, ecological, sociological, economic, etc., and how nature has its own ways of balancing organisms when they become too large, too powerful, too deviant, etc. It also explains how systems that are too centralized or homogeneous often pay the largest price when corrections take place.

Obama's election formally signals the onset of this corrective period. And I feel that America will find the bottom soon (and that it won't be so deep). However, I believe that because of the extent to which globalization has affected our world in the past decade, America's ability to balance itself will be dependent on its ability to increase its interdependence with other countries.

Here is an area where I think India will serve the US well (far better than as a destination for outsourcing)--helping to improve the quality of life by sharing a wealth of knowledge on the science of life, related to yoga, pranayam (breathing techniques), Ayurveda, meditation, etc. Such knowledge will help people find ways of balancing themselves physically, helping them get in tune with their bodies and to reduce stress and anxiety. It will help them stay healthy with inexpensive, natural healthcare, including herbal remedies and massage therapies. And spiritually, people will learn to find greater joy with what they already have in their lives rather than by acquiring more and more material goods.

Making this type of knowledge available in a current context with modern technology is Jiva's mission. We've been working for the past 14 years to create an array of tools, courses, and resources in the area of life-wellness based on Vedic wisdom. It seems that things are suddenly coming together--a tipping point of sorts, where our work may soon be of value to a much wider audience.

We're excited about the opportunity to share these assets and to be an active part of the balancing process. Get ready for some informative articles and videos in the coming days and weeks from Dr. Satya Narayna Dasa, Dr. Partap Chauhan, and our team members. In the meantime, let's remember:

E Pluribus Unum / Anekta Mein Ekta
(Out of Many One / Diversity in Unity)

Steve

Breathing from the Stomach

2008-11-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you've ever watched infants sleeping, you'll notice that their stomachs go up and down when they breathe. This might seem like an insignificant fact, however, most adults could learn a thing or two from these diminutive dozing creatures--as they demonstrate perfect breathing technique!

Most of us lose our original, instinctive way of breathing as young adults and even as kids because of the high levels of stress brought about by unnatural lifestyles. Stress then leads to physical tension, which causes the stomach muscles to tighten and our breathing to shift upward into the chest region.

Want to see what I mean? Here's a challenge: Go ahead right now and take a deep breath. A huge, deep breath...

Did you see your chest expand? If yes, then you are among those who have developed an improper breathing habit. Try it again, this time ensuring your chest doesn't move, but that your stomach expands as you breathe in, and contracts when you breath out. It should feel like a bellows inflating as it sucks in air and deflating as the air is released. (It's not as easy as it sounds! If you need some help, try putting your on your navel. Slowly ease your hand away and ensure your stomach follows it.)

What happens when you breathe this way is that the stomach expands outward, causing your intestines and other innards to move out of the way, and to make room for the diaphragm to pull the lungs down to their fullest capacity. As a result, you get the largest breath of air possible. More air in the lungs means more oxygen in the blood stream--which means more oxygen going to the body parts and brain, and ultimately, better brain performance.

Deep breathing has many implications for learning. One is that it can control nervousness. When learners are under stress (e.g., they have to give a test or speak in front of an audience), they become tense, and start taking shallow breaths from the chest. The lack of oxygen teams up with the psychological fear factor, robbing the brain of oxygen, and cutting off the mind's access to the cerebral cortext (the seat of long-term memory). You might recall a time where you had to give a speech or take a test and your mind went blank. That's what was going on.

In the future, whenever you're in a situation where you need to perform cognitively, and you find yourself feeling stressed, tense, or nervous, immediately shift you attention to your breathing. Begin taking deep breaths from the stomach—slowly and rhythmically. Within a few breaths, your tension will ease and clarity of thought will resume. Try it--it's not so hard. In fact, even a baby could do it.

My Twitter Account

2008-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm now on Twitter in case you're interested:

www.twitter.com/stevejiva

For the uninitiated, Twitter is like a blog or message board with really short messages (less than 160 characters in length). It's used to update others about what you are doing, what you are thinking, things you think others should check out, etc.

In a way it embraces both the best and worst of technology...while it is yet another tool that keeps digital gizmos in our face, it does enable us to remain connected--to keep those who are interested in our lives in the loop. Twitter messages provide others with a slice of life, letting you know about where people are, what music they are listening to, what the weather's like. And while messages often border on banality, if it's someone you care about, banalities can be supremely endearing and entertaining.

Breakfast Brainfood

2008-11-01T18:24:00.001-07:00

I get about 50 queries on average per day from both parents and children about problems related to learning. Though I haven't done a formal analysis, I would say that about 75% of the questions deal with memory and concentration. There are many reasons why people are unable to focus or retain what they study, and my responses include an array of suggestions and techniques such as creating timetables, revising newly learned information within 24 hours, studying in the same place at the same time, removing distractions while studying, and so on.

Another tip I share with them is the power food has on the brain. Apart from the general "healthy diet" stuff, my best secret is the super brain boosting 1-2 knockout punch. Milk and Chyawanprash (my morning dose pictured above).

Milk contains a host of good stuff, including Thiamine (a B-vitamin) that is essential for cognitive function. It also contains a chemical called "calpain", which is like a dental floss for your brain. Calpain goes into the synapses (the spaces between neurons), and cleans out the plaque there. This enables your brain cells to communicate more quickly and efficiently, making you more alert and more capable of picking up new information.

Chywanprash (pronounced CHOW-IN-PRASH), is an age-old Indian tonic made from Indian Gooseberry (a fruit that contains 400 times more vitamin C than an orange) and over 50 different herbs. This sweet, brown sticky jam can be found in just about every Indian home. And while mothers often insist on their kids eating it as an immunity enhancer (especially in winters), most don't realize its power on boosting brain power.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant (a chemical that bonds with free floating oxygen molecules that destroy healthy cells), which is known for its role in memory retention. In addition, the combination of herbs in Chyawanprash relax the central nervous system and strengthen receptor activity associated with memory and concentration.

And this special brain food is not just for kids. It is also beneficial for seniors who are interested in keeping their gray-matter fit!

Jiva's Chyawanprash is the best I've tasted. (Of course I'm biased, but I've done taste tests, and I'm really partial to ours.). Whatever the case, just make sure you make both Chyawanprash and milk a part of your family's regular diet to keep everyone's body and mind at their best.

A Real Ayurbaby!

2008-10-31T09:06:00.001-07:00

...and Ayur-mommy. Meet Meenakshi Singh, neice of Dr. Partap Chauhan, and her 1 month old son, Aditya. Being the grandnephew of a famous Ayurvedic doctor has its advantages, as his mother has learned to follow an Ayurvedic diet and regimen right from the start.

This includes eating sattvic foods (e.g., avoiding spices), creating a peaceful home environment, avoiding watching TV and using electronic gadgets, engaging in spiritual activities (books, music, mantras), and spending quality time with her baby. To keep her system strong and to provide her baby with extra nourishment, Meenakshi takes specially prepared Ayurvedic herbs created specifically for her pitta (fire) body type. She gets regular panch karma massage to ease the back pain and stress associated with newborns, and in turn, she regularly pampers her son with Ayurvedic baby massage with both natural oil and ubtan (a traditional paste made of herbs and pulses) to stimulate his rapidly developing body and brain.

It's no surprise that he's turning out to be such a cute, healthy baby boy. The Charak Samhita (Ayurveda's main treatise) assures this regimen will result in a strong immune system, a healthy body, and a balanced mind. It will be exciting to watch Aditya grow up with such a solid Ayurvedic foundation.

Stress During Pregnancy Has Detrimental Effect On Offspring

2008-10-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (2008-10-29) reports that

stress during pregnancy may have unfortunate consequences for children born under those conditions – slower development, learning and attention difficulties, anxiety and depressive symptoms and possibly even autism.

While we are surely grateful for the study and its results, scientists should give a bit of credit to Indian's scientists of yore, who arrived at the same conclusions thousands of years ago. Ayurvedic texts discuss not only the implications of stress during pregnancy, but also effective ways of planning for conception, and the diet and lifestyle that should be followed in order to produce a healthy, balanced child.

People frequently come to me with problems they face with their children regarding learning and especially behavior. I usually ask them to describe the state of their lives while the mother was pregnant--what she ate, what she did, where she lived, who else stayed in the home, the general mood, etc. I also ask them similar questions related to the the child's infancy--first three years of the child's life. Inevitably, I find that parents with the most extreme problems violated a majority of the principles clearly defined by Ayurveda.

The unfortunate thing is that by the time they meet me, the damage is done. During the early stages of development, the brain's wiring--the essential configuration of its neural networks is more or less laid down permanently--like the infrastructure of a building such as pipes, electrical lines, vents, etc. Once a building is up, redoing infrastructure is nearly impossible. In the case of both buildings and people, this doesn't mean nothing can be done if problems exist in the basic foundation. But then the process of remedy is more about damage control than cure, and in many instances, the problems resurface repeatedly over time.

I hope more new and expecting parents take note of this, and take greater care with respect to the period of pregnancy and infancy. You are always welcome to speak with a Jiva doctor for free advice via email info@jiva.com or by phone +91-129-4088152.

Till then, see what Dr. Partap Chauhan has to say about Ayurveda and a healthy pregnancy:

Ayurveda in Eastern Europe

2008-10-29T10:19:00.001-07:00

Over the past few years we've had numerous groups come to visit Jiva from Eastern Europe--folks coming in from Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania. I was speaking with Ela Zuk-Widmanska of Poland (an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant), who explained that these countries were trapped between Western Europe and Russia in Cold War. During this time, as she explains, the healthcare system was a complete mess. As a result, people took health into their own hands, resorting to numerous natural healing methods. Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the fall of communism, people of these countries have made India a preferred destination, traveling here to explore the depths of Yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

Here are some pics of Dr. Chauhan's Jivananda retreat in Lithuania.

What Teachers Make

2008-10-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

I find Taylor Mali's poem about what it means to be a teacher extremely powerful--and funny. Have a look:

India is changing

2008-10-29T08:36:00.001-07:00

When I came to faridabad 14 years ago, you couldn't find pasta. Now
you can find not just pasta, but a whole lot more.

I'm Back

2008-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Back to blogging after a long break. I went way deep into the heart of India and Jiva, and have returned with quite a bit to tell. Stay tuned...