Prime Video: Mastering Tai Chi

Prime Video: Mastering Tai Chi

Mastering Tai Chi

Season 1

These 24 half-hour lessons, taught by an International Master Tai Chi Instructor, take you deeply into the practice, focusing on a routine known as the Yang-style 40-movement form. Known as moving meditation, tai chi is part exercise, part relaxation and is accessible to everyone, regardless of age of the current level of physical fitness.

2020

24 episodes

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S1 E1 - The Path toward Mastery

June 1, 2020

37min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Welcome to the guan, or tai chi studio. Start your journey on the path of mastery by discovering how taijiquan is a complex system that weaves together martial artistry, the pursuit of health and longevity, and the philosophy of harmony and balance. Then, practice several stances that you will use throughout the Yang-style 40-movement form, and learn your first tai chi principle.

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S1 E2 - Harmony Is the Ultimate Goal

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Continue your study of the principles of tai chi with the art's most fundamental concept: when you're in harmony and balance, everything works better. Consider how this applies to your body, your mind, and your relationships with others. Learn the first two movements of the Yang-style 40 form: commencing and grasp the bird's tail.

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S1 E3 - Walking like a Cat

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Movements in tai chi are graceful, balanced, and unhurried, and this is accomplished through mindful awareness of your body, thoughts, and emotions. Mindfulness is an essential element of tai chi and a vital tool for a harmonious life. Use this awareness as you learn the next two movements of the form: single whip and step up and raise hands.

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S1 E4 - Mind over Muscles

June 1, 2020

28min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

The power in tai chi comes from your intention-your mind and will-not the physical exertion of your body. Muscular tension and emotional stress inhibit the flow of chi and waste your energy, making you weaker. Feel the strength and power within softness as you move with a weighted tai chi ball. Learn the next two form movements: white crane spreads its wings and brush knee and twist step.

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S1 E5 - Taming the Monkey Mind

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

The monkey represents our impulses, uncontrolled thoughts, desires, and flight/fight/freeze responses. Practice taming the monkey mind, cultivating the chi and the character by releasing points of tension, clearing energetic bottlenecks, and accumulating merit and virtue. Continue your study of the form with the hands strum the pipa and parry and punch.

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S1 E6 - The Bow and Arrow

June 1, 2020

28min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

A tai chi master is like an archer who never misses a target. Gaining clarity and calm through practice, you will learn to craft noble desires like straight arrows and release them from your bow with the force of your intent to manifest in the world. Ponder the power of your focused will, and learn the next form movements: sealing and closing and diagonal flying.

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S1 E7 - Practicing in a Small Space

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn the qigong form 8 pieces of brocade, which is an excellent warm-up or adjunct to tai chi chuan. Review all of the moves you have learned so far, and get strategies for how to do the form in a small space. With these techniques, you can practice anywhere-which means you'll practice more often.

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S1 E8 - Hips and Waist: The Center Is the Commander

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

In tai chi, the whole body is connected in smooth motion, and the hips and waist lead the movement. Relax your midsection and low back, and practice with the weighted tai chi ball to help you get the feeling of circling and spiraling. Continue with the next movements in the form: punch under elbow and repulse the monkey.

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S1 E9 - Feet: Separate Empty from Full

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Begin with a new stepping practice to get you focused on footwork. To have the proper balance and leverage, it's important to know which foot is weighted, or full, and which is empty-and to shift your weight smoothly and completely. Apply this new insight to the next form movements: fair lady works at the shuttles and part the horse's mane.

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S1 E10 - Shoulders: Finding Reasons to Let Go

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Tai chi becomes easy when you let go of mental and physical resistance and tension. By sinking the shoulders and relaxing the elbows, you improve your flow. Incorporate pivots to adjust your steps and alignment, and discover when the hands move in different rhythms. Learn the move cloud hands.

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S1 E11 - Inside Reflects the Outside

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

When your clear intention guides the chi and the chi directs the body, then your external actions are a reflection of your internal motivations. This unifies you into a coherent being, physicality led by spirit. Continue your study of the form with high pat on horse and kick with right heel.

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S1 E12 - Chest, Posture, and the Natural Curve

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Watch Mr. Ross with the tai chi straight sword, moving in tai chi's circles and spirals that are natural to the body. Your body has five natural curves, or bows, that increase the power of your movements. Learn relaxed postures that emphasize these gentle curves, and maintain your awareness of the body bows as you learn box both ears and separate the left foot.

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S1 E13 - Bring Out Your Flow

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Tai chi relies on continuous, harmonious motion, or flow. Maintaining your physical flow supports your ability to connect with universal flow-the exchange of ideas, information, and energy that creates new things in the world. Watch Mr. Ross demonstrate flow with the tai chi staff, and review all of the form movements that you have learned so far.

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S1 E14 - Transitions as Smooth as Silk

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Explore the history of silk and its connection to the principles of tai chi. Learn exercises to develop the motions of silk reeling and silk pulling, which are advanced techniques hidden within many form movements. Feel this smoothness and connection as you continue with the form with turn body and kick with heel and needle at the bottom of the sea.

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S1 E15 - Legs to Arms: Connecting Upper and Lower

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Discover the history, philosophy, and importance of tea in tai chi. As you savor this knowledge, contemplate the next tai chi principle: connecting upper with lower. The upper body moves in coordination with the lower body, and the energy at the top of the head is connected to the energy at the bottoms of the feet. Maintain this connection through the form movements of this ancient art.

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S1 E16 - A Movable Meditation

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Tai chi is both moving meditation and movable meditation-you can perform the form anywhere, and you carry the mental aspects with you in every situation. This exemplifies the principle of tranquility within movement, and movement within tranquility. Continue your study of the form with turn and pat the foot and ride the tiger.

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S1 E17 - Bouncing Away Conflict

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Explore the eight original intentions of tai chi, and see how they are exemplified in the form movements. These eight concepts also have practical applications in your daily life as conflict management strategies. Consider how to deal with conflict, and learn some stretches that will help you with the next form movement: snake creeps down.

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S1 E18 - The Peaceful Warrior

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Continue your consideration of the eight original intentions and their application to conflict. Ponder the wisdom of the Dao De Jing, and discover the five recommendations for cultivating the spirit of a peaceful warrior, as codified by the legendary founder of tai chi. Learn the next movements in the form: rooster stands on one leg and punch groin.

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S1 E19 - Qigong Breathing

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Deepen your understanding by reviewing all the movements you’ve learned so far, focusing on your internal sensations as you gently and continuously flow from movement to movement. Explore qigong meditative breathing, and uncover how the breath creates the continuous link from intentions to chi to body.

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S1 E20 - Partners: The Whole Body Is the Hand

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn the game of pushing hands with a partner, an essential pillar of tai chi chuan. This exercise will increase your sensitivity and understanding as well as your martial prowess. The secret: instead of focusing on how to defeat the opponent, a tai chi master focuses on recreating harmony.

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S1 E21 - Five Stages of Mastery

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Tai chi is a living art that grows and changes, as it has always been. Hear the story of Chen Won Tang, one of the most influential tai chi masters in history, and draw inspiration from his innovation and leadership. Learn a new hand position that is used in the form movement seven stars posture.

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S1 E22 - Lotus Kick and Laughing Buddha

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Listen to the tale of the wandering monk and the two temple brothers, contemplate the Laughing Buddha, and gain an appreciation of the importance of not taking life too seriously. The Wu way of non-striving allows you to let go of control, tension, and expectation. Keep this playful attitude as you step back to ride the tiger and turn body and lotus kick.

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S1 E23 - Conserve Your Energy

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Discover the sources of the chi in your body, and consider the importance of circulating and cultivating the chi. Deeper states of relaxation permit smoother and more complete circulation, and the cultivation of chi refines and purifies your energy. This gives you more power-and allows you to conserve it.

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S1 E24 - Another River to Cross

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Add the last movements of the form: shoot the tiger, sealing and closing, cross hands, and closing form. Go through the entire 40-movement form, feeling the flow. Ponder the significance of your journey to tai chi mastery, and consider the next steps on your path-because studying the art of tai chi chuan yields rewards for a lifetime.

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Prime Video: Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

Prime Video: Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

Season 1

Science shows that tai chi and qigong are good medicine and good exercise. Discover the secrets of health and serenity with these 24 in-depth lessons from a renowned tai chi champion and instructor.

2020

24 episodes

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Documentary

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S1 E1 - The Snake and the Crane

31 min left

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

David-Dorian Ross recounts the history of tai chi and qigong, which are closely related practices. Then he introduces the Yang family short form of 24 individual movements, which is the most widely performed tai chi routine. He closes with his top ten tips for your personal practice.

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S1 E2 - First Steps in a Journey

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Start the first of the qigong exercises, called the Frolic of the Five Animals. You also begin a regular routine of simple tai chi drills. Then learn the first two movements in the 24-movement short form: Opening the Door and Parting the Wild Horse's Mane.

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S1 E3 - Harmony and Balance

June 1, 2020

28min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Continue with the Frolic of the Five Animals. Then delve into the concept of harmony and balance embodied in the idea of yin and yang, which inspires the philosophy and practice of tai chi. Close with Crane Spreads Wings in the short form routine.

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S1 E4 - The Ultimate Martial Art

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Tai chi as a martial art is called tai chi chuan (taijiquan), which can be translated as "the ultimate martial art." Investigate the defense and fighting aspects of tai chi, which deepen your appreciation for the power behind this seemingly gentle art. Then learn Brush Knee and Push in the short form.

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S1 E5 - The Five Families of Tai Chi Practice

June 1, 2020

35min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Branch out from the Yang style to see how other families of tai chi perform the movement called Single Whip. Mr. Ross also explains the fascinating history of the five families: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao, and Sun. Close with Playing the Pipa in the short form.

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S1 E6 - Qigong and the Five Animal Frolics

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn the final posture in the qigong series called the Frolic of the Five Animals. Then explore the ancient concept of qi, the life force that underlies the practice of qigong and tai chi. Finally, add Repulse the Monkey to your repertoire of the 24-movement short form.

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S1 E7 - Energy Exercise - A Branch of Chinese Medicine

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Deepen your understanding of qi and its role in traditional Chinese medicine, which is radically different from Western medicine. Discover how qigong and tai chi are designed to manipulate qi energy. Close by performing the next movement in the short form: Grasp the Bird's Tail on the left side.

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S1 E8 - The First Pillar of Practice - Forms

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn how to walk with mindfulness. Then study the first pillar of tai chi practice: forms, which are the choreographed dance-like movements that most people associate with tai chi. For the short form routine, practice Grasp the Bird's Tail on the right side.

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S1 E9 - The Second Pillar - Push Hands for Two

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Begin a new qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Next, explore the second pillar of tai chi practice: push hands, which involves gentle but challenging sparring with a partner. End with a movement called Single Whip.

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S1 E10 - The Third Pillar - Standing Meditation

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Experience the feeling of standing with proper alignment as you explore the third pillar of tai chi: standing meditation. Experiment with a qigong exercise called Standing Like a Tree. Then lose yourself in the next dream-like sequence of the 24 movements: Waving Hands Like Clouds.

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S1 E11 - Benefits to the Heart and Immune System

June 1, 2020

27min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Delve into clinical studies showing that tai chi excels as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for heart and lung disease, as well as being a valuable adjunct to cancer therapy. In the short form, repeat Single Whip.

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S1 E12 - A Healthy Weight and a Healthy Mind

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Continue your study of tai chi and health by looking at its documented benefits for treating obesity and Alzheimer's disease. Then reach the halfway point in your study of the 24-movement short form with a pose called High Pat on Horse.

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S1 E13 - Tai Chi Legends - Stories of the Masters

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Marvel at the amazing exploits of classic tai chi masters, including two legendary champions, Zhang San-Feng and Wang Tsung-Yueh, and a historical figure, Yang Lu-Chan, who invented the Yang style. Conclude with another segment of the short form: Stand Up and Kick with Heel.

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S1 E14 - Reading the Tai Chi Classics

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Study the oldest and newest chapters in the Tai Chi Classics, watching Mr. Ross demonstrate the principles of proper tai chi technique as he recites the texts. Then learn one of the more martial movements in the 24-part lesson: Boxing Both Ears.

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S1 E15 - A Superior Workout - Use More of Your Muscles

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

How can the slow dance of tai chi compete with running or weightlifting as a workout? The secret is that tai chi activates many muscles at the same time, burning calories at a high rate. For the short form routine, practice Stand Up and Kick on the other side.

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S1 E16 - Eight Pieces of Brocade and a Better Back

June 1, 2020

23min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn the last movement in the qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Then go through the entire routine from the beginning, concentrating on how qigong and tai chi promote correct posture and a better back. Close with Snake Creeps through the Grass from the short form routine.

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S1 E17 - Tai Chi Weapons - When Hands Are Not Empty

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

As students advance in tai chi, they move from empty hands forms to weapons play, which has the same elegant choreography but with sticks, swords, or spears. Try out this ancient martial art, seeing how even everyday objects can be used for practice. Then master a new movement in the short form: Rooster Stands on One Leg.

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S1 E18 - Using the Mind - Inner Organizing Principles

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Focus on tai chi's organizing principles, which underlie everything you have learned so far. These include the balance of yin and yang; softness overcomes hardness; and use mind, not strength. Close with Snake Creeps through the Grass on the other side.

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S1 E19 - Mental and Physical Flow

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Experiencing life with balance and harmony requires that you master flow, which is a traditional principle of tai chi. Look at both mental and physical aspects of flow. Then for the short form, study Rooster Stands on One Leg on the other side.

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S1 E20 - Creating Space for Choices

June 1, 2020

28min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Imagine what it would be like if you were never entrapped by stress again. Thanks to your study of tai chi and qigong, this blissful state is already in your grasp. For your next segment of the 24-movement routine, perform Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

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S1 E21 - Flow at Work - When Business Is in Balance

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Discover how to integrate the outlook and practice of tai chi into your work life. Study a routine that you can do in your office or cubicle, as it requires only one step in each direction. Then, learn Looking for the Needle at the Bottom of the Sea.

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S1 E22 - Energy Flow in Your Surroundings

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Qigong manipulates the flow of qi in your body. Learn how the art of feng shui allows you to harmonize qi energy in your surrounding environment. Also investigate the ancient Chinese five element theory. Close with Opening the Arms Like a Fan in the short form.

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S1 E23 - Taking Practice Deeper

June 1, 2020

39min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Mr. Ross devotes this entire lesson to the 24-movement short form, showing you how to take your practice to a deeper level by mastering subtleties in the poses and transitions. Go through all the moves you have learned so far.

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S1 E24 - The Evolution of Tai Chi

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

After warming up with a final qigong exercise, analyze how tai chi is helping millions in the Western world adapt to the challenges of 21st-century life. Then learn the concluding exercises of the short form: Deflect Downward, Parry, and Punch; and Closing the Door. See how everything you've learned comes together while performing the entire 24-movement series.

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Snapshot of Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

Snapshot of Wherever You Go, There You Are: 

Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life 

by Jon Kabat-Zinn

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Introduction 

 

Are you so busy looking toward the future or living in the past that you forget to live in the present moment? If you’re 

willing and open to embracing mindfulness and meditation practice, you’ll learn a new way of observing yourself and 

others with kindness and in a nonjudgmental way. You’ll start to see things for what they are, and this awareness will 

guide you through everyday problems. 

This Snapshot breaks mindfulness and meditation down into three parts that will make it easy to understand and 

learn how to practice effectively: 

 

1.The bloom of the present moment: Learn how and why you should experiment with mindfulness as part of 

your daily life. 

2.The heart of practice: Discover helpful methods and basic aspects of formal meditation and how to practice 

mindfulness. 

3.In the spirit of mindfulness: Explore different perspectives and ways to apply mindfulness.

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The Bloom of the Present Moment 

 

Mindfulness an ancient Buddhist practice. It’s about understanding who you are and what your place in the world is. 

By learning to nonjudgmentally live in the present moment, you’ll open yourself up to fully experiencing life as it un- 

folds. Mindfulness can help you overcome your fears and get in touch with your true self. Having a strong sense of 

awareness will not only help you understand your path in life but give you better control over it. 

Mindfulness is simple to practice but it requires a lot of discipline. You will have to be committed and willing to 

work in order to sustain it and reap its benefits. Mindfulness puts you in touch with aspects of life that are often 

overlooked, and it will help you better understand your feelings. This is liberating and empowering because it will 

open channels within you that will lead to a greater awareness of self. Actions that are driven without awareness may 

take you to places you don’t want to go, but meditation can help you focus your own energies so that they can act as 

a guide. Meditation is about observing yourself, but doing so without judgment. You are simply there to reach a 

deeper level of self-understanding and learn from it. 

Are you running around like crazy all the time? What would happen if you simply stopped and enjoyed the present 

moment? This is where meditation comes in. It’s all about pausing things and being present in each moment of life. 

Stopping life, even just for a minute, to practice mindfulness will allow you to gain some clarity and perspective that 

will be a valuable guide going forward. Take a moment to just observe, breathe, and let go. Don’t try to change any- 

thing but simply realize where you are. Accepting the present moment will allow you to let go of the past and be open 

for the future, without getting ahead of yourself and learning to cherish every moment. 

Acceptance doesn’t tell you what to do, but it opens your mind up to figuring that out. You might be tempted to 

jump out of mindfulness if you aren’t satisfied with what you’re seeing out of the desire to change it. In this case, use 

an anchor to help your mind stay focused on observing, not acting. Focusing on your breath can help you stay in 

tune with the moment. You are constantly breathing in and out but rarely notice it. Think about each breath coming 

in and out of your body and it will help bring your mind back to stillness. 

A lot of people feel that it’s impossible to meditate when first getting started, but meditation is as simple as 

breathing or relaxing. People often confuse it with reaching a special state of being — but it’s not about feeling a cer- 

tain way. Rather, it’s about finding understanding within yourself. It’s not even necessarily about clearing your mind. 

The purpose of meditation is to observe what your mind is doing and let it be what it is without trying to change it. 

When people say they can’t do meditation, it’s because they haven’t fully committed to it and let go of the expec- 

tations of what they think should happen. Patience is key when it comes to growing your meditation practice. Flowers 

don’t bloom overnight and neither will this. It takes time and dedication. 

Another thing people often struggle with when it comes to meditation and mindfulness is not judging. The mind is 

always comparing experiences to others. This stems from the fear that you’re not good enough or that you’re the 

only one who doesn’t know something. The judging mind can easily creep in when you’re working on practicing still- 

ness but it weighs down the mind. It’s key to observe good and bad thoughts, even judgmental ones, without judg- 

ing them or trying to change them. Judgment is in the mind’s nature but it can keep you from seeing things clearly. 

It’s important to have a vision and understanding of why you are doing meditation in the first place. If you don’t, it 

will be easy to put off. If you want to make it part of your life for the long term, then you need to see the value that 

mindfulness and meditation will have in your life. This is the only thing that will keep your motivation up, allow you 

to surrender fully to the present moment, and apply the teachings in your daily life. 

You can use any moment as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. If angry feelings come up during the day, 

observe them and how you express them. How is the anger coming out in your voice, your movements, and what ef- 

fect is it having on others? Approaching anger with awareness will allow you to examine it, give you clarity on the 

situation, and then enable you to express it in a positive way or let it go. 

Think about how you are now and how you want to be. Meditation and mindfulness about development through 

mental training and can help you grow as a person. It does this by forcing you to come face to face with each mo- 

ment of your life, including the dark ones, and observing it without judgment. Life is a journey, so where are you 

going? Meditation will help you realized that the path is unfolding in the present moment right in front of you. You 

don’t need to know where you are going but you can learn something about where you are now if you’re willing to lis- 

ten. 

Awareness isn’t the same thing as thinking. It’s about watching your thoughts and learning from them. Imagine 

that your thoughts are a waterfall. Awareness is the cave hidden behind it. Your thoughts are likely to change through 

practicing awareness and mindfulness, but not because you are forcing them to change. The change will occur as a 

result of your relationship with your thoughts changing. 

By incorporating meditation and mindfulness into your life, you’ll be able to be at home wherever you are. You 

don’t need any outside force to make you happy. You already have everything you need inside, you just need to be 

open to listening to it.

===

The Heart of Practice 

 

Mindfulness and meditation can be practiced anywhere and in any posture. However, whichever posture you choose 

needs to involve stable energy. Posture itself makes a statement. If you’re slouching, then it shows low energy and a 

lack of clarity. If you’re overly rigid and straight, that can symbolize tension and trying too hard. 

There are many postures and poses that can be used when practicing meditation, but sitting is one of the most 

popular. That’s because when people sit to meditate, the body automatically adjusts to a more dignified position. 

Have you ever noticed that you sit up straighter than you would normally when you sit with the intention to meditate? 

Sitting this way opens you up to accepting the moment. 

When practicing meditation, it’s important to be mindful of what your body and brain are telling you. Are you feel- 

ing tired or bored? Then, perhaps, your body is telling you that it’s had enough for today. Instead of jumping out of 

the practice, linger on those feelings for a little bit and slowly transition out of it. Practicing this movement from one 

stage to another can be applied to other aspects of your life. For example, when you’re waking up in the morning, 

don’t jump straight out of bed. Give your mind and body time to transition from being asleep to awake and observe 

it without judgment. 

How long you practice meditation depends on many factors, but it’s advised to try to commit to 45 minutes each 

day. This may seem like a lot of time but that’s intentional. This amount of time will allow you to settle into the still- 

ness and reach deeper levels of the mind while challenging you to stay focussed when boredom, anxiety, or impa- 

tience set in. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all time amount that will work for everyone, so flexibility is essential. 

When it comes to meditation, effort matters more than time, and a five-minute practice can be just as impactful if 

done properly. It’s all about intention. If you’re planning a 45-mile hike you don’t complete it all at once. You start by 

taking one step at a time. It’s the same with meditation. Even just taking a minute out of each day to pause and re- 

flect makes a difference because it is a step toward mindfulness. 

Rest assured that there’s no one right way to practice meditation and you will find yours. When you are hiking, you 

don’t rely on someone else to tell you where to put your feet with each step. You simply do it and trust yourself. The 

same principle applies to meditation. Trust in the moment and see where it takes you. This will free up your mind to 

enjoy its surroundings and live in the moment. 

Meditation often takes cues from nature. Mountain meditation involves sitting strong like a mountain and em- 

bodying stillness and stability. Throughout the seasons, mountains weather snow, sun, fog, and more, yet they re- 

main present and unmoved. This is symbolic of life’s changes. Trees are another great example of stillness. With 

standing meditation, embody trees with their roots dug deep into the ground and standing tall. 

Some people find that walking meditation suits them better, and it can be just as beneficial as holding a single 

position. The key elements of practicing meditation in this way are to combine the awareness of walking with breath- 

ing and to walk with no destination other than being present in the current moment. Even though you’re moving, 

walking meditation is about the stillness of mind. 

Lying down is another a good way to practice meditation as this position makes it easier for your muscles to relax. 

Once this happens, the mind can follow. A useful way to meditate in this position is to do a body scan. Focus on 

each area of your body and breathe out from those places, relaxing that region with your breath. Turn your focus to 

your feet as you breathe in and out. Next, move to your ankles and visualize their relaxation. Continue with each part 

of your body until you’ve completed the scan. 

Hatha yoga is also a popular method used to practice mindfulness and awareness, combining stretching, holding 

postures, and breathing. Pay attention to how you handle everyday stress when you are regularly practicing medi- 

tation and yoga and how you handle it at times when you aren’t. Do you feel a difference? Try to be aware of the im- 

pact mindfulness is having on your behavior. 

Changing yourself can change the world. By embracing love and kindness, you are benefiting yourself and others. 

Use loving-kindness meditation to find acceptance in your own heart and of your own self. Center yourself in a medi- 

tation posture and invite feelings of kindness and love in. Breathe it in as if you were starving and this was food. 

Once you’ve accepted love and kindness for yourself, you can direct it outward as well. It’s a realization of intercon- 

nectedness and understanding. It’s not about trying to change things, but understanding what is present on a deeper 

level and pushing against the boundary of ignorance.

===

In the Spirit of Mindfulness 

 

Ancient humans used to sit by fires to let their mind unwind from the day and experience stillness. Since people’s 

lives are no longer dictated by the light of day, it sometimes is much harder to find this time. 

Understanding the harmony of nature is something that humans generally have a difficult time with. People accept 

that things happen, but don’t acknowledge the role they played in making it happen. For example, logging cleared big 

chunks of rainforests in the South Philippines and when a typhoon struck in the early 1990s, the land was no longer 

able to hold the water without the trees. The water then rushed into the lowlands, killing thousands of people. Har- 

mony with nature is a balance that’s often only noticed in retrospect despite being all around and within. Think about 

your body. It functions pretty well most days, but it’s only on days when you have a headache or some other kind of 

ailment that you pay attention to what it’s doing. A greater sense of awareness will bring you more in tune with nature 

and yourself. 

One of the easiest ways to make time to practice mindfulness and meditation is to simply get up earlier. It will re- 

quire discipline to get out of bed, but the real challenge will be not trying to cram more into your day. Instead, enjoy 

the stillness of the morning. Grounding yourself in the morning builds a foundation of mindfulness and calm that 

will set you up to accept anything that comes along that day. Even five minutes of practice in the morning can be 

beneficial. Think of it not as forcing yourself to get up, but rather as making a commitment to mindfulness. 

You can’t escape your problems. That’s because you can’t escape yourself, but you can make changes by focusing 

inward. You have everything you need to be successful in meditation and life wherever you are. It’s within you. It’s 

crucial to slow things down and be present in the moment. Think about the food you are eating. Are you even tasting 

it? Use everyday occurrences, such as eating, to help practice mindfulness. 

What is your purpose on this planet? If you’re not sure, keep asking yourself this question. Imagine that the uni- 

verse is your employer. What’s your job? Thinking about this can have an impact on how you see what you do and 

how you do it. The world is an interconnected place but sometimes it’s hard to see how each action is affecting the 

bigger picture. For example, honey is important to bees but they don’t see how vitally important their everyday ac- 

tions are to cross-pollinating flowers. This interconnectedness isn’t always obvious, so you have to be perceptive to 

what your place in it is. 

Try to cause as little harm as possible to both yourself and others. Remember this principle if you’re being hard on 

yourself or find yourself talking behind someone’s back. The willingness to harm stems from fear so making the 

commitment to cause as little harm as possible requires understanding your fears and acknowledging them. Things 

don’t just happen, you have control. By being fully present, you’ll be able to approach future moments with greater 

clarity, understanding, and acceptance. If you’re in a relationship and don’t acknowledge your feelings of anger, they 

will likely build up over time and possibly turn into feelings of resentment. By being aware of these feelings early on 

and acknowledging them, you have the power to change what happens next. 

Who are you? What are you doing? Asking yourself these types of questions will help you stay in touch with your- 

self. This kind of exercise isn’t about finding the answers, but bringing awareness to yourself and listening to what 

asking the questions evokes. Mindfulness is about understanding yourself and not trying to be more or less than you 

are. 

You can also employ mindfulness when it comes to parenting. Pay close attention to what children are doing, their 

body language, what they are saying, and how they carry themselves. Generally, children have a much more mindful 

existence because their brains haven’t been bogged down by adult thoughts and worries yet. View children as your 

teachers. 

In the Spirit of Mindfulness

Ancient humans used to sit by fires to let their mind unwind from the day and experience stillness. Since people’s lives are no longer dictated by the light of day, it sometimes is much harder to find this time.

Understanding the harmony of nature is something that humans generally have a difficult time with. People accept that things happen, but don’t acknowledge the role they played in making it happen. For example, logging cleared big chunks of rainforests in the South Philippines and when a typhoon struck in the early 1990s, the land was no longer able to hold the water without the trees. The water then rushed into the lowlands, killing thousands of people. Harmony with nature is a balance that’s often only noticed in retrospect despite being all around and within. Think about your body. It functions pretty well most days, but it’s only on days when you have a headache or some other kind of ailment that you pay attention to what it’s doing. A greater sense of awareness will bring you more in tune with nature and yourself.

One of the easiest ways to make time to practice mindfulness and meditation is to simply get up earlier. It will require discipline to get out of bed, but the real challenge will be not trying to cram more into your day. Instead, enjoy the stillness of the morning. Grounding yourself in the morning builds a foundation of mindfulness and calm that will set you up to accept anything that comes along that day. Even five minutes of practice in the morning can be beneficial. Think of it not as forcing yourself to get up, but rather as making a commitment to mindfulness.

You can’t escape your problems. That’s because you can’t escape yourself, but you can make changes by focusing inward. You have everything you need to be successful in meditation and life wherever you are. It’s within you. It’s crucial to slow things down and be present in the moment. Think about the food you are eating. Are you even tasting it? Use everyday occurrences, such as eating, to help practice mindfulness.

What is your purpose on this planet? If you’re not sure, keep asking yourself this question. Imagine that the universe is your employer. What’s your job? Thinking about this can have an impact on how you see what you do and how you do it. The world is an interconnected place but sometimes it’s hard to see how each action is affecting the bigger picture. For example, honey is important to bees but they don’t see how vitally important their everyday actions are to cross-pollinating flowers. This interconnectedness isn’t always obvious, so you have to be perceptive to what your place in it is.

Try to cause as little harm as possible to both yourself and others. Remember this principle if you’re being hard on yourself or find yourself talking behind someone’s back. The willingness to harm stems from fear so making the commitment to cause as little harm as possible requires understanding your fears and acknowledging them. Things don’t just happen, you have control. By being fully present, you’ll be able to approach future moments with greater clarity, understanding, and acceptance. If you’re in a relationship and don’t acknowledge your feelings of anger, they will likely build up over time and possibly turn into feelings of resentment. By being aware of these feelings early on and acknowledging them, you have the power to change what happens next.

Who are you? What are you doing? Asking yourself these types of questions will help you stay in touch with yourself. This kind of exercise isn’t about finding the answers, but bringing awareness to yourself and listening to what asking the questions evokes. Mindfulness is about understanding yourself and not trying to be more or less than you are.

You can also employ mindfulness when it comes to parenting. Pay close attention to what children are doing, their body language, what they are saying, and how they carry themselves. Generally, children have a much more mindful existence because their brains haven’t been bogged down by adult thoughts and worries yet. View children as your

teachers.

Previous ChapterNext Chapter

===

Conclusion 

 

Meditation isn’t about finding enlightenment, but about paying attention to the present moment. When you think 

you’ve gotten somewhere or are worried that you aren’t getting where you’re supposed to, stop and ask yourself 

where you are supposed to be. Remind yourself that meditation isn’t about getting anywhere, but simply being where 

you already are. In a way, meditation is a mirror through which you can look at your own journey of development and 

growth. 

If you find yourself struggling with mindfulness and meditation, breaking it down and thinking about it in these 

three areas will make it easier to put into practice: 

 

1.The bloom of the present moment: Learn how and why you should experiment with mindfulness as part of 

your daily life. 

2.The heart of practice: Discover helpful methods and basic aspects of formal meditation and how to practice 

mindfulness. 

3.In the spirit of mindfulness: Explore different perspectives and ways to apply mindfulness. 

Conclusion

Meditation isn’t about finding enlightenment, but about paying attention to the present moment. When you think you’ve gotten somewhere or are worried that you aren’t getting where you’re supposed to, stop and ask yourself where you are supposed to be. Remind yourself that meditation isn’t about getting anywhere, but simply being where you already are. In a way, meditation is a mirror through which you can look at your own journey of development and growth.

If you find yourself struggling with mindfulness and meditation, breaking it down and thinking about it in these three areas will make it easier to put into practice:

The bloom of the present moment: Learn how and why you should experiment with mindfulness as part of your daily life.

The heart of practice: Discover helpful methods and basic aspects of formal meditation and how to practice mindfulness.

In the spirit of mindfulness: Explore different perspectives and ways to apply mindfulness.

Previous ChapterNext Chapter

===

** Prime Video: The Science of Integrative Medicine, The Great Courses

Prime Video: The Science of Integrative Medicine

Audible available, but not free

===

12 Lectures

Average 30 minutes each

1

Complementary and Integrative Medicine

2

Making the Case for Integrative Medicine

3

Herbal Supplements

4

Supplements in Practice

5

Mind-Body Medicine

6

Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, and Spirituality

7

Practicing Meditation

8

Moving Meditation: Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong

9

Relaxation Therapies

10

Effective Acupuncture

11

Massage Therapy and Spinal Manipulation

12

Living Well

===

Audible review

---

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Profile Image for Rosie Bank

Rosie Bank

15-06-2016

Thank you Dr. Bauer

This was lovely. So informative. So easy to listen to. Just the right blend of science and actionable items. I'm a health coach and I completely support Dr. Bowers perspective.

9 people found this helpful

Overall    2 out of 5 stars

Performance    3 out of 5 stars

Story    1 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Alessandro

Alessandro

28-02-2020

Advertisment for private Clinic

Dr. Bauer is evidently informed on the consensus of the scientific community regarding so called "alternative medicines". He is well aware of the evidence, or lack thereof, of the effectiveness of the cures that are proposed in his clinic. He never ventures to claim that there is any science based proof that integrative medicines work but only that, in some cases, some experiments suggest a possible correlation between certain non western cures and a perceived improvement of a patient's health conditions.

Most of the integrative treatments proposed are in fact easily correlated with well being. Relaxing, exercise, a healthy diet and meditation are all factors that understandably improve a person's health conditions and that is no mistery. Just as reckless drunk driving can be hazardous to your health (and that of others).

So for the most part this lecture states what should be quite obvious.

Not so when he proceeds to illustrate the supposed benefits of acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Here he borders closely on quackery when he omits to state that both treatments have been largely debunked and limits himself to state that "some studies seem to show that there mught be beneficial effects". A

For a different, more skeptical (and in my opinion, correct) view, I suggest Dr. Steven Novella's "Medical Myths" and "A Skeptic's Guide" also in the Great Courses or Paul Offit's "Do you believe in magic?" or any book by Dr. Michael Shermer.

The above books give details about the studies they refer to so you can check facts out for yourself.

Hope this is helpful.

5 people found this helpful

Overall    3 out of 5 stars

Performance    2 out of 5 stars

Story    2 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Judi Heitz

Judi Heitz

20-06-2017

All about meditation NOT integrative medicine

If you want to know all the ways meditation can help your health, this course is good. If you want to know what integrated medicine is, what to expect in integrated medicine, or how to access it, forget it....

The information is good, but this course is not what it the title says....

3 people found this helpful

Overall    2 out of 5 stars

Performance    4 out of 5 stars

Story    2 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Terrie Kirkpatrick

Terrie Kirkpatrick

17-11-2016

Very basic.

Would you try another book from The Great Courses and/or Professor Brent A. Bauer?

The only Great Courses Book I have heard so far that I would not recommend.

What was most disappointing about The Great Courses’s story?

I feel like any adult would have known everything in this book just from living in our culture.

3 people found this helpful

Overall    5 out of 5 stars

Performance    5 out of 5 stars

Story    5 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for cocoloustaunau

cocoloustaunau

06-03-2019

Just Wonderful.

As human beings are integrative, this concept of medicine managing different aspects of the effect of disease in the whole person is very practical and realistic. I loved it.

2 people found this helpful

Overall    5 out of 5 stars

Performance    3 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Mary C

Mary C

31-10-2016

Too bad these weren't recorded live

This audio seems to have come from the author reading his lecture notes rather than actual lectures. I think he would have had more energy had he been actually delivering this information live. I am sure they were very interesting in-person, but I had to speed up the recording to make it through.

However, that said, it was well-researched and had good information. Worth listening to if you are exploring integrative medicine. Anyone considering using Mayo Clinic services should listen to the last two chapters at a minimum, because they speak of options that are available there.

2 people found this helpful

Overall    5 out of 5 stars

Performance    5 out of 5 stars

Story    5 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Glen I.

Glen I.

24-10-2016

Loved it

This course was informative, instructional, uplifting and enjoyable to listen to. The pros and cons of each complementary therapy were fairly represented and supported with research.

2 people found this helpful

Overall    4 out of 5 stars

Performance    4 out of 5 stars

Story    4 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for RachelsReads

RachelsReads

20-06-2023

Great Overview!

Great information and overview of how lifestyle changes and integrative medicine can work together with main stream medicine to improve overall health. Definitely worth the read!

Overall    5 out of 5 stars

Performance    5 out of 5 stars

Story    5 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for laura

laura

27-05-2019

good stuff

mayo clinic is sincere. what a fabulous place to work I would imagine. Well done. valid suggestions and to the point information.

Overall    1 out of 5 stars

Performance    3 out of 5 stars

Story    1 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Mike R. Sabedra

Mike R. Sabedra

19-12-2018

unrealistic

29 yrs as M.D. Not helpful. Real patients in real world won't do this. Would not recommend wasting your time.

===

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☆☆☆☆☆4 out of 5 stars. NanNehl · 7 years ago  

The Science of Integrative Medicine

This presentation was well done with good information. The reason I only gave it four stars was only because it was very basic. For anyone just starting their study of integrative medicine, it was great! I have read and studied the topic quite a bit over the years, so there was no new information for me. I would highly recommend it to someone with little knowledge of the subject.

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☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. kentkemmerling · 7 years ago  

Very interesting

I have not completed this entire course, but am 75% done. I am captivated by the material. The author is great at telling the story and explaining the medical terminology. I am not a doctor nor do I work in this environment, but have always liked to know more about the medical profession. 

I find this course very good at describing the various ailments people may have as they come into an ED unit. It makes me appreciate how hard the job is as an MD in the emergency room. I love the presenters voice and tone. He makes the story so real and is a good teacher.

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☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. Kymberly · 7 years ago  

Clear, Concise, Convincing!

Nothing like science-based, proven strategies that improve wellness to get my happy dance going. Dr Bauer offers a friendly manner and well-paced course that is accessible, achievable, and believable. As a fitness professional, I have already seen and experienced the benefits of alternative medicine. Given the Mayo Clinic's chops and this course, I can now point to one polished, comprehensive source that can help people age actively. Well-organized, well-defined terms, well researched. Listen, learn, feel and heal!

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☆☆☆☆☆4 out of 5 stars. Knowledge Hound · 4 years ago  

Not a Great Use of Time

I have completed well over 100 of the Great Courses. I almost always come away feeling that the time invested in watching them was well worth while. Not so with this course.

Dr. Bauer is personable and easy to listen to, and he is certainly well informed about the various aspects of supplementary treatments and activities. He does an admirable job of explaining what can be undertaken to improve one’s health, and encourages consultation with your primary health care provider in many cases. Research findings are presented to support the activities, showing the benefits of them.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of repetition in his discourse, as well as in the images that are used. The course also seems to have a secondary agenda of laying accolades on the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health unit, which isn’t particularly useful when one doesn’t live anywhere near it. That said, though, it does provide a good foundation for the ideas he presents.

I recommend the course because of the breadth of information it provides, but caution the viewer that for many there may not be a strong correlation between the time spent watching and the benefits from it.

As a final comment, Kanopy streaming service offers about 100 Great Courses through our library, which is how I watched this course. My compliments to The Great Courses for supporting this service!

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☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. Bruce Belcher · 7 years ago  

Good Common Sense Approach to Medicine

Brent Bauer presents a survey of alternative medicine. His approach is based on a logical application of various methods which is grounded in medical research. I often consult the Mayo Clinic's website to see what they think of various types of herbal medicine, and Bauer takes the same sensible approach that one can see on the Mayo Clinic's website. Many doctors closely follow guidelines, which are often developed partly in response to political pressures, and it is refreshing to see a doctor who thinks through the issues before arriving at a recommendation.

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☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. Almond Breeze · 2 years ago  

I enjoyed this course. Dr. Bauer provided a stellar presentation.

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☆☆☆☆☆4 out of 5 stars. JimHu · a year ago  

The Science of Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine is a hot buzzword these days and I bought this course so I could get an authoritative take on what it is and how it differs from traditional. medicine. It turns out to be an alternate take on how to deal with medical issues, through acupuncture, hypnosis, and other approaches rather than traditional medicine's "pill or knife" approach. Integrative medicine is light on peer-review studies and solid proof of its effectiveness, but is part of a holistic view of medicine. and should be considered by anyone.

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☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. Gaia · 3 years ago  

A great course!

I think it's fantastic that clinics like the Mayo clinic are taking such a strong interest in complementary therapies. It's great to see science catching up with ancient medical techniques by carrying out proper clinical, and much needed, trials. I really enjoyed this course. Very informative. An excellent resource to quote from if your doctor is still sceptical about certain complementary therapies, as sadly many still are, and hasn't bothered to do any research.

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☆☆☆☆☆4.1 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for The Science of Integrative Medicine 4.1 36 ReviewsThis action will navigate to reviews.

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S2023 · 2 months ago  

When was this course published?

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TracyTGC · 2 months ago  

Hello,

Thank you for your question! This course was published in 2016.

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Penelope · 5 years ago  

Does the video streaming option also include a guidebook or does that only come with the DVD option?

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TracyTGC · 5 years ago  

Thank you for your question. The downloadable option includes a PDF of the guidebook. The physical book only comes with the DVD.

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Maya · 5 years ago  

Can i have a certificate after completing the program?

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TracyTGC · 5 years ago  

Thank you for your question. We don't provide completion certificates.

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yesiamapirate · 7 years ago  

When was this course produced?

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TheGreatCourses · 7 years ago  

This is actually quite a new course, released in April of 2016. It is also the first course we have produced in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

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Soren · 7 years ago  

How did the Mayo Clinic itself contribute to this course?

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===

The Science of Integrative Medicine

Season 1

Integrative medicine describes the addition of natural or holistic practices into the health-care paradigm to complement conventional Western medicine and promote overall wellness. 

The Science of Integrative Medicine, produced in collaboration with Mayo Clinic provides insight into the science-based facts of commonly used integrative treatments.

===

2020

12 episodes

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

=====

S1 E1 - Complementary and Integrative Medicine

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Explore the history of alternative approaches to care. The discussion begins with research investigating how nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social support (NESS) positively affected men diagnosed with prostate cancer. You'll understand why some doctors may still have questions about integrative practices, while others firmly believe they are worthwhile.

===

S1 E2 - Making the Case for Integrative Medicine

June 1, 2020

28min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Review the science behind the benefits of healthy habits, including eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Discover the multitude of positive impacts these habits can have on your mind, body, and overall wellness. Get tips to easily integrate simple changes into your daily routines.

===

S1 E3 - Herbal Supplements

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Delve into the world of herbal supplements to understand the pros and cons of adding them to your health-care regimen. Get a handle on why no herbal supplement is necessarily "good" or "bad," and learn why it is so important to use supplements responsibly, with your doctor's input and guidance.

===

S1 E4 - Supplements in Practice

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Take a deeper dive into some of the most common supplements, and find out which ones Dr. Bauer recommends and uses in his own practice. Understand why he'll sometimes suggest treatments even when they haven't been definitively proven to be widely effective, or have produced mixed results.

===

S1 E5 - Mind-Body Medicine

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Examine the phenomenon of the mind-body connection to see how you can positively influence your mind in order to improve your body. This area of research is opening the door to new ways of thinking about and approaching various healing techniques. Dr. Bauer shares the latest findings and examples.

===

S1 E6 - Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, and Spirituality

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Focusing your mind has been known to help alleviate pain, symptoms of illness, and side effects of medications, and even to aid in changing negative behaviors. Dr. Bauer takes you through three practices - guided imagery, hypnotherapy, and spirituality - to demonstrate how these methods can be used in conjunction with Western medicine.

===

S1 E7 - Practicing Meditation

June 1, 2020

27min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Taking the mindful approach a step further, Dr. Bauer provides you with an insightful examination of meditation. In addition to reviewing the multitude of benefits that meditation can provide as both a coping strategy and a preventive measure, Dr. Bauer walks you through a number of steps you can take to help establish a successful meditation session so you can make the most of this practice.

===

S1 E8 - Moving Meditation: Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Dr. Bauer focuses on moving meditation, including yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. Although these methods have existed for thousands of years, the scientific benefits of integrating these practices into modern Western healing have just recently begun to emerge. Dr. Bauer reviews this research and provides examples of how these techniques could help you.

===

S1 E9 - Relaxation Therapies

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Superficially, relaxation therapies seem easy, but Dr. Bauer points out that to really get the maximum health benefits, you have to fully immerse yourself in these practices, and doing so can be challenging at first. He guides you through the process, noting the many mental and physical advantages that come with true relaxation. Once you've mastered it, relaxation will become second nature.

===

S1 E10 - Effective Acupuncture

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

“Does acupuncture work?” is a question that’s often met with controversy. Dr. Bauer discusses scientific evidence that demonstrates both the effectiveness of this technique and the medical conditions it has been known to help alleviate. He also provides valuable tips to help you prepare yourself and make the most out of each acupuncture session.

===

S1 E11 - Massage Therapy and Spinal Manipulation

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Many people appreciate a good massage, yet few really grasp the science behind how effectively it can help with healing. Based on ancient principals such as acupressure, Dr. Bauer illustrates how this practice is more than just a back rub and, when done properly, can have long-lasting effects that go beyond the session.

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S1 E12 - Living Well

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Dr. Bauer offers suggestions on how to approach the topic of integrative medicine with your doctor. He also touches on new integrative strategies that are being researched. By the end, you'll be equipped with a variety of options for how to create a comprehensive wellness program that can positively affect your mental and physical health for years to come.

Prime Video: Mind-Body Philosophy

Prime Video: Mind-Body Philosophy

Mind-Body Philosophy

Season 1

How is it that our very physical brain creates the very subjective experience we call reality? That is the mind-body problem. In Mind-Body Philosophy, award-winning Professor Patrick Grim of SUNY Stony Brook leads an exhilarating tour through millennia of philosophy and science addressing one of life’s greatest conundrums: What is consciousness and how does it arise?

2020

24 episodes

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S1 E1 - Mind, Body, and Questions of Consciousness

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

The 3.5 pounds of gray matter in your skull processes all the information you need to live and thrive - from the functioning of your physical body to your relationships with loved ones. But how can the physical matter of the brain create the subjective experience of your life? That is the mind-body problem.

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S1 E2 - Mind and Body in Greek Philosophy

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Humans have been asking this question for thousands of years: exactly how are we related to the world around us? Learn what modern Western thought inherited from the Greeks and how the theories of Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle still affect our thinking and questioning today.

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S1 E3 - Eastern Perspectives on Mind and Body

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Western philosophers want to understand how the physical brain produces the reality of subjective experience. But Hindu and Buddhist traditions don't recognize that same dualism. Unlike the Western attempt to discover the truth of how things are, Eastern philosophy takes a more practical line of inquiry, examining how to best live.

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S1 E4 - Using the Body to Shape the Mind

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

We tend to think of the mind being in charge of, and giving instructions to, the body. But is it possible for the body to direct the mind? Learn how the Eastern practical disciplines of yoga and meditation and Western habits of physical exercise can affect the brain and the mind.

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S1 E5 - History of the Soul

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

While the concept of the soul has been of great philosophical importance over the millennia, it is not addressed by contemporary brain science or philosophy of the mind. Learn why William James encouraged people to believe in the soul if they wanted to, but "exiled" the subject from the concerns of modern psychology.

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S1 E6 - How Descartes Divided Mental from Physical

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

How can you know with absolute certainty that you exist? Rene Descartes famously answered: "I think; therefore I am." He also suggested a complete split between the mind and the physical body. The vast and sharply divided responses to Descartes' dualism still influence the ways in which we address the mind-body problem today.

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S1 E7 - Mistakes about Our Own Consciousness

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

One thing we know we can count on is the validity of our everyday experiences. After all, we know what we see, hear, feel, and think on a daily basis, right? You'll be surprised to learn how wrong we can be even about the realm of experience itself and our own everyday consciousness.

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S1 E8 - Strange Cases of Consciousness

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

The study of individuals with unusual brains - e.g., those with split brains, color-blindness, face-blindness, synesthesia - has revealed brain modularity, differentiation, blending, and other mechanisms of consciousness. Do we really see with our eyes? Learn how the brain's organization affects even our most basic perception of the world around us.

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S1 E9 - Altered States of Consciousness

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Learn what dreams, lucid dreams, hallucinations, and other altered states teach us about brain structure and function. Why do so many hallucinations include the same geometric shapes? And after thousands of years of inquiry, do we finally understand the purpose of our dreams? Do dreams help us remember - or forget?

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S1 E10 - Memory, Mind, and Brain

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Philosopher John Locke suggested it is your continuous sequence of memories that allows you to be "you." But what is memory and how is it related to our emotions and dreams? Learn about the many different ways in which the brain stores the information we later retrieve and experience as memory.

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S1 E11 - Self-Consciousness and the Self

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Throughout the centuries, philosophers and scientists have tried to come to a definitive understanding of the self and self-consciousness - and failed. The exciting intellectual journey through these theories and experiments will lead you to a new way of seeing yourself and the world around you.

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S1 E12 - Rival Psychologies of the Mind

June 1, 2020

33min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

William James, Sigmund Freud, and Wilhelm Wundt all aimed for a science of consciousness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, differing significantly in ideas and methodology. Learn why Wundt left the strongest mark on contemporary psychology, with the neuroscience revolution of the early 21st century picking up where he left off.

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S1 E13 - The Enigma of Free Will

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Our daily experiences tell us we are acting with a free will. But you'll be surprised to learn what quantum mechanics and the latest studies in readiness potential reveal about our decision making. Is it possible that scientific inquiry is just not germane to the ongoing philosophical conundrum of free will and determinism?

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S1 E14 - Emotions: Where Mind and Body Meet

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

We all know emotions can affect the body - e.g., heart-pounding fear, tears of joy. But can the physical body affect emotions as well? And could emotions be a requirement for rationality itself? You'll be surprised by the latest research on the very complex relationships between body, mind, and emotions.

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S1 E15 - Could a Machine Be Conscious?

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Twentieth-century mathematicians Alan Turing and Ludwig Wittgenstein both asked: "Could machines think?" Learn how they addressed the complex concepts of language, thinking, intelligence, and consciousness. All contemporary computers and the fields of artificial intelligence and neural networks trace their origin to Turing. But Wittgenstein seems to have the last word.

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S1 E16 - Computational Approaches to the Mind

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Since the development of computers, philosophers and scientists have wondered what we could learn about our own intelligence by building intelligent machines. What would a deeper understanding of computerized information processing teach us about the brain? Learn how these lines of inquiry have led to revelations about the differences between mind and machine.

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S1 E17 - A Guided Tour of the Brain

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

We've made great strides in understanding the workings of the human brain - from our hundred billion neurons and trillions of synapses, to more than fifty neurotransmitters. We've mapped the brain and described each part's functions, evolutionary history, and methods of processing information. What have we not "found?" Consciousness.

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S1 E18 - Thinking Body and Extended Mind

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

We believe our thinking occurs in our head. But that's not entirely correct. In some cases, cognition requires the mind and the body. Learn how the autonomic, sympathetic, and enteric nervous systems are linked to the brain, integrated into the body, and even connected to the outside world.

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S1 E19 - Francis Crick and Binding in the Brain

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

After co-discovering the structure of DNA, Francis Crick turned his research attention to mind-body issues. He believed in an underlying physical structure of consciousness. Was he correct? Learn about Crick's spatial and temporal hypotheses, the binding problem, and the reasons he pinned his research hopes on the brain's claustrum.

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S1 E20 - Clues on Consciousness from Anesthesiology

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Is it possible to be certain that an anesthetized patient who seems to be unconscious during surgery really feels no pain? Our current knowledge of the brain, anesthetics, and consciousness at the physiological level, lead us to believe in the possibility of building a "consciousness monitor." But would even that answer the question?

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S1 E21 - Of Mind, Materialism, and Zombies

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Distinguished philosophers and scientists have put forth their theories about the mind, brain, and consciousness. But each of us has our own views, too. "Zombie thought experiments" can help identify and clarify your personal views. Are you a materialist, a reductionist, an anti-behaviorist, a dualist? Find out with the aid of your zombie scorecard.

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S1 E22 - Thought Experiments against Materialism

June 1, 2020

30min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Physicists and philosophers have relied on thought experiments for thousands of years. But how can we know that the conclusions of thought experiments are correct? Learn what Leibniz' "giant head" and Searle's "Chinese room" can tell us about materialism - and about the potential limits of our own imaginations.

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S1 E23 - Consciousness and the Explanatory Gap

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

What is consciousness? Some scientists describe it as a result of emergence, much as "wet" emerges from a particular combination of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Others propose that neuroscience will answer the question - or already has. But is it possible that the human mind will never be able to fully understand its own consciousness?

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S1 E24 - A Philosophical Science of Consciousness?

June 1, 2020

35min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

If the fields of brain science, philosophy, and artificial intelligence alone cannot adequately explain the relationship between body, mind, and consciousness, where should we look for answers? Explore an exciting step-by-step approach that could lead to a richer understanding of the process of consciousness and its evolutionary benefit.

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Prime Video: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body

Prime Video: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body

Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body

Season 1

Today, millions of people practice yoga, from young to old, from the hyper-athletic to those dealing with chronic diseases. Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, taught by acclaimed yoga teacher Dr. Heidi Sormaz, are the ideal first step for a newcomer and a fascinating journey of discovery for those who already practice.

2020

12 episodes

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Documentary

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

Episode 2

Continue watching

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S1 E1 - Western Yoga

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Explore the roots of hatha yoga, the form of yoga widely practiced in the West. Focus on the three principles of hatha yoga - breath exercises, physical postures (called asanas), and meditation - which promote a healthy mind and body. Get started with some simple yoga exercises.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E2 - Yoga Begins with the Breath

26 min left

June 1, 2020

27min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

The tension we accumulate every day tightens the muscles in the upper body, making it hard to breathe. Practice a mini yoga class that highlights mindful breathing to relieve this stress. Then add three new asanas to your yoga routine: warrior 2, bound angle, and downward facing dog.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E3 - Yoga and Pain Relief

June 1, 2020

27min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Consider some key tools used in yoga to address physical pain: attention to breath and sensation, release of chronic muscle contractions, and healthier movement patterns. Practice asanas for each of these pain reduction techniques - including a chest opener, yoga pushup, plank, and staff pose.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E4 - Yoga for a Healthy Heart

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Yoga can lead to a healthier heart by providing a transition from a more sedentary lifestyle to a more active one. Trace the steps that will help you gradually build your yoga practice. Learn two new breathing exercises together with asanas that include warrior 1, knee-to-chest, and bridge.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E5 - Yoga and Addictive Behavior

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Discover how yoga and attention to the body's sensations can aid in breaking the vicious cycle of addictive behaviors. Perform patterned breathing, side bends, cat/cow, downward dog, lunges, forward fold, and reclined twist. End with savasana, the traditional closing posture in a yoga practice.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E6 - Yoga for Depression and Anxiety

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Examine how mindful, moving yoga can help interrupt the physical and psychological habits that lead to depression. Focus on sun salutations, a series of movements and poses linked by one breath per move. Perform the classic sun salutation, and then Surya namaskar A and B.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E7 - Iyengar Yoga

June 1, 2020

31min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

In the first of several different styles of yoga, experience a beginner sequence of Iyengar yoga. Named for pioneer yoga teacher B. K. S. Iyengar, this practice makes extensive use of props. Practice nine essential asanas, with optional props such as a wall, chair, strap, and blocks.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E8 - Power Yoga

June 1, 2020

29min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Transition to a more aerobic form of yoga - power vinyasa - in which a sequence of poses is strung together at an energetic pace. This is the form of yoga taught in many health clubs and gyms. Try a challenging flow, modifying the poses where appropriate for your level of fitness.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E9 - Yin Yoga

June 1, 2020

27min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Yin yoga is a complementary practice to a yang form, such as power yoga. The goal is very simple: Assume a shape with your body, relax with gravity, and rest in stillness. Unwind with yin poses that gently stretch your connective tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E10 - Anusara Yoga

June 1, 2020

32min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Explore the spiritual dimension of yoga through an Anusara practice, which combines the Iyengar system of alignment with elements of Hindu spirituality. After a Sanskrit invocation, follow a sequence of asanas that emphasizes awareness of energy flow and muscle action in your body.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E11 - Forrest Yoga

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Developed by American yoga teacher Ana Forrest, Forrest yoga is known for helping people deal with emotional issues, trauma, and addiction by creating a calm and untroubled internal state. Discover a new way of tuning into your feelings, using many techniques and postures you have already learned.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription

S1 E12 - Everyday Yoga

June 1, 2020

34min

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Draw on the poses and routines presented so far to develop a personalized yoga routine that will work for you in the everyday realities of 21st-century life. Keep sight of three principles: Breathe deliberately, move in non-habitual ways, and pursue mindful awareness.

Included with your The Great Courses Signature Collection subscription