It's not about how you bow your head, it's about what's in your head! Prayer has been around for thousands of years, people of all religions and faiths practicing it on an often daily basis. Whether you bow your head and kneel, dance, or fast, your meditations are probably a key contributing factor to your peace and happiness.

 If you’re overweight and have tried to go on a diet, more than likely you’ve heard the phrase: “It’s not a diet—it’s a lifestyle change.” As cliché as that phrase may be, it’s extremely accurate. Buddhism is not necessarily a religion; it should be viewed as more of a way of life. Consider it a more complicated form of Aesop’s fables. Buddhism is a guide by which to live. It’s a way to simplify your life and realize who you truly are.

 When I was young, I always wished that I had the ability to move things with my mind! I would hold out my hand and focus on an empty soda can. Then I would focus all of my power on that can and hope that it knocked over. It never did. As I have become an adult, the possibility of moving things with just your mind still intrigues me. Is it really possible to move something without touching it?

The well-known concept of yin and yang originated in Chinese metaphysics, and represents two opposing but complimentary forces, something that’s found throughout all of nature.

Yin is often symbolized as water or earth, and is considered the receptive, feminine force.

Yang is symbolized by fire or wind, and is the creative, masculine opposite of Yin. While opposites, they are not absolutes – nothing can exist without each, and neither is superior to the other, and you must find the right balance of yin and yang in your own life

Breathing and feeling love creates a calmer, more positive attitude

One of the most important teachings of the Buddha was one called “metta,” a Pali word for “loving kindness.” Like most people, I find myself often getting snappish and impatient with other people, and wish that I could just be kinder, more tolerant and more constructive when dealing with others. But it’s not always easy, is it? The Buddha knew that we’re all human, and we’re all flawed – which is why he taught that meditating on loving kindness can help us be the better people that we strive to become.

One translation of the Buddha’s teachings on loving kindness reads, in part, as follows:

This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who seeks the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech.
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful,
Not proud and demanding in nature …
… Let none deceive another,
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings.