Ani Kalayjian

“Meditation” in its modern sense refers to the yogic meditation that originated in India. In the late 19th century, theosophists adopted the word “meditation” to refer to various spiritual practices drawn from Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Thus the English word meditation does not exclusively translate into any single term or concept. Meditation has been integral in all deliberations in the Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP) at Meaningfulworld. Meditation is utilized at the beginning and end of all our monthly training and empowerment programs as well as at all of our humanitarian global outreach projects in more than 35 calamities to date. Although most religions incorporate some form of meditation, at ATOP Meaningfulworld we focus on the healing aspects of meditation and its mind-body-eco-spirit effect, and so it is not based on any religious foundation. ATOP integrates meditation in the final stage of the seven-step healing framework, the Biopsychosocial and Eco-Spiritual Model. We use meditation to reduce stress in the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system. Our mind wanders and moves inward and outward like a pendulum: When you are able to relax the CNS, you are relaxing your mind. Of course relaxation is challenging for many individuals, since we live in a culture that over-identifies with production and volume of doing, rather than being mindful and conscious. Meditation is an ancient practice that has been in existence for centuries, but only in the last two decades has scientific research supported its usefulness and effectiveness. A recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant proved meditation’s effectiveness in generating alpha brain waves, which are relaxing and conducive to the sleep state. When our mind is tranquil and serene, our body then follows the mind’s lead and relaxes, thereby releasing fears and creating a metabolic state that is tranquil and pure consciousness. This state is not only free of fear and pessimism, it’s also a more optimistic state that heightens problem-solving skills and promotes an expanded view of the world in which we live and our role in it. A review of scientific studies identified relaxation, concentration, an altered state of awareness while suspending logical thought, and the maintenance of a self-observing attitude as the behavioral components of meditation; this mode is accompanied by a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body that alter metabolism and decrease heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and brain chemistry. Meditation has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction. Meditation has also been studied specifically for its effects on stress, and studies have shown that it does in fact consistently reduce stress. In June 2007, the United States National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine published an independent peer-reviewed meta-analysis of the state of meditation research, conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center. The report reviewed 813 studies in five broad categories of meditation: mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. The report concluded that further research is warranted. Breath is the foundation and center of any meditation. Based on the fight-freeze-flight protection system, our past traumatic history may have inhibited complete expression of our breath. When we start breathing deeply, diaphragmatically, limbically (Dr. Ali), or through our belly, we are able to heal the remaining suffering of old trauma, we are empowered – we establish a healthy distance between the traumatic memory and its effect. Through breath, meditation links our body with our heart and mind, providing emotional self-mastery and mindfulness. Mindfulness helps us practice self-love. Love is the center and the pendulum of duality swinging back and forth from positive/negative, masculine/feminine, light/darkness, yin/yang… Remember, throughout the course of existence, we have swung farther and farther into the realm of polarities. All disciplined religions incorporate some form of meditation. Meditative quiescence is said to have a quality of healing and of enhancing creativity. The Prophet Muhammad spent sustained periods in contemplation and meditation. It was during one such period that he began to receive the revelations of the Qur’an. Meditation also helps us ignite the fire within, activating our passion and love for humanity and Mother Earth. In order to create fire, we need two things: oxygen and fuel. Oxygen intake and distribution improves with meditation. Oxygen helps us expand our thoughts, concentrate on the important, and relax the joints, muscles, and all of our internal organs. Beginning meditation classes will be held on April 18 and April 28, 2012. Kindly visit www.Meaningfulworld.com or e-mail Dr. Kalayjian at DrKalayjian@Meaningfulworld.com.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act It is a permanent attitude – Martin Luther King, Jr. – Published: Kalayjian, A. (May 2014). Establishing Forgiveness and Peace Gardens Around the Globe. International Psychologist. 54.1 (B). pp 19-21.   Although an abundance of peace organizations, non-governmental, as well as related university affiliations exist; conflict continues to flourish around the world. The roots of these conflicts and violence may be political, religious, territorial, tribal, generational, as well as those motivated by greed, rigidity, ego centrism, and shortsightedness. Since 1988 I have organized and delivered programs in over 45 countries to bring peace, conflict resolution, post trauma healing, forgiveness, and meaning-making through our organization, the Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention, Meaningfulworld (www.meaningfulworld.com). We have noticed repeatedly that in spite of the establishment of a number of peace centered groups there are at least a handful of oppositional groups, or extremist groups being formed in opposition to another group. In addition, many states including their police force have used extreme force, torture and violence in the name of peace and security. In the Middle East, we have seen Israeli government building a wall all around Palestine and complicating and delaying the check points. We have also seen many Islamic extremist groups formed to defy these new developments. Similar oppositional groups are formed in Africa, such as in Kenya, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, all in the name of peace and security while destroying lives and ecology. In addition to our educational and empowerment programs, we have recently integrated the establishment of Forgiveness and Peace Gardens around the world, in countries where we have collaborative centers and programs. These gardens have been welcomed as an alternative ecological connection, as well as a reinforcement of our educational programs. Forgiveness & Peace Gardens are a place where people can visit privately, or in a group, to renew their commitment to peace, and to be mindful of the importance forgiveness plays in establishing peace within, and all around. We can use these gardens to gather around and have educational, ecological, and emotional healing programs, especially on United Nations International Day of Peace annually 21 September. Peace begins in every individual, first on a personal level, and then spreads through our actions, behaviors, thoughts, and intentions. This extension happens both energetically as well as in learned and reinforced behaviors. Many individuals, as well as States, are not mindful of inconsistencies they engage in; they may talk about peace, yet yell, hit, or destroy in anger and rageful reaction. If one’s thoughts, actions and intentions are not harmonized we will not be able to establish peace on any level. We need to harmonize our head (thoughts), heart (intentions), and hands (actions) in order to be in peace. Central to our educational programs is the 7-Step Integrative Healing Model (Kalayjian 2002, Sofletea & Kalayjian 2012). This innovative model incorporates various theories including: psychodynamic (Freud, 1910), interpersonal (Sullivan, 1953), existential and humanistic (Viktor Frankl, 1962), electromagnetic field balancing (EMF, Dubro & Lapierre, 2002), learning theory, ecology, forgiveness (Kalayjian & Paloutzian, 2010), flower essences (Bach & other flower remedies), essential oils, physical release (yoga, martial arts), and mind-body-spirit chakra balancing exercises, prayers, meditation, indigenous rituals and celebration. The 6th step of this Model integrates ecological principles of Mother Earth, for engendering inner peace, peace all around, as well as physical, mental & spiritual health. Creating gardens as sanctuaries is important to reconnect with Mother Nature and honor our presence in this world in harmony with our Mother. Whether we have a window seat, a terrace, a porch, a corner in our room, or a garden is irrelevant; instead, what matters is a corner that we create with thoughtfulness, intention, and love to house a work of art that celebrates our connection with the earth and our unconditional love. Our feelings of fear, isolation, hopelessness, and uncertainty will decrease immensely once we establish and frequent this special sanctuary. We may explore a variety of themes, such as angels, flowers, wood, trees, bells, gongs, crystals, candles or colorful flags or scarves, with each theme representing an aspect of the earth. We need to be mindful to include something to represent love, something for passion, another for forgiveness, love, nurturing abundance, gratitude, and compassion. Therefore, we are mindful of including 7 elements: Water, such as a fountain or running water; earth, such as a plant with a planter; fire, such as candles; wind, created with chimes; rocks and crystals, especially rose quartz, jade or turquoise; sculptures, representing peace and forgiveness, and incense. We have sown the seeds to create these ecological peaceful places for students, faculty, clinics, hospitals, and community centers in eight countries in the Middle East, Haiti and Africa. Community is invited to gather around the garden to engender inner peace, to help forgive oneself and others, to raise consciousness on being mindful of one’s own feelings, managing and transforming negative feelings of anger, rage, envy, and greed, and replacing them with positive and uplifting feelings such as love, gratitude, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, abundance, and acceptance. These gardens will be in every house, in front of every university, secondary and primary schools and kindergartens, including in the slums, refugee centers, and other private or public community centers. Garden description: The garden should be circular, representing natural space. Evergreen short bushes are to be placed all around to mark the circularity, which represents unity, as well as follows the shape of a medicine wheel. Large river stones or rocks could be placed around the perimeter for definition and grounding. A small cedar tree could be central. The following flowers and herbs are recommended, with special attention to perennials for their endurance and practicality. > Hybrid Tea Roses, such as Peace, Pope John Paul II, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Innocence > Baby’s Breath, to connect us with our innocence and purity of our heart > Gardenias, for purity of purpose > Magnolias, to activate our heart > Allium Gigantean, for nurturing unity > Gladiolas, for sincerity > Bird of