Friday, January 26, 2024 - 1:30pm

Improve your mindset while learning various breathing techniques and mindfulness strategies.

Space is limited; please RSVP with Paola Perez at (786) 205-5427 or email atpperez@cutlerbay-fl.gov.

*Active Adults series of events are designed forTown residents aged 60 and over.

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Active Adults | Meditation - Town of Cutler Bay Florida (.gov)

AI companion company Replika partnered with the team behind the AI dating simulator Blush to release Tomo, a wellness and meditation app with an AI-generated avatar guiding users. Its the kind of concept that seemed destined as soon as generative AI took off, but in the time Ive spent with Tomo, I found myself wondering if I can ever open up to an AI like I can with a real therapist.

Tomo, now generally available on the Apple iOS store, brings users to a virtual island retreat, greeted by an AI-generated avatar guide named Tomo. Tomo offers programs to help people explore personal growth, mental well-being, and fulfillment. It also provides guided meditation, yoga, affirmation classes, and, most of all, talk therapy.

Users can try out Tomo for free for three days, after which they have to choose between paying $7.99 a week or $49.99 per year.

I got to try Tomo before the launch. The first time I launched the app, I was greeted by spa music, signaling that the app wants users to feel like theyre in a retreat rather than a therapists office. Then the avatar Tomo, drawn as a young woman standing in front of a traditional Japanese house on an island, asks me if Im ready to begin. Tomo started asking me some questions to figure out what I hoped to work on.

We worked with coaches and psychologists to come up with the programs for Tomo. We focused on the most common problems but also thought about what would work best with conversational AI, Eugenia Kuyda, founder and CEO of Replika, tells The Verge in an email. We had a lot of experience building coaching programs for Replika with clinical psychologists from UC Berkeley; for Tomo, we expanded that to mindfulness teachers to combine Eastern and Western practices.

The approach felt like texting a therapist on text-based therapy services like BetterHelp. I already go to in-person therapy, so the experience of sharing more about myself was not new. Yet I have never been a text therapy fan; I prefer stream-of-consciousness conversation to typing out my anxieties. But for the sake of a hands-on, I kept texting with Tomo. It began building a profile based on my answers. My profile shows I like to focus on work, have money anxieties, and need help coping with stress; in other words, a journalist existing in late-stage capitalism. Tomo summarized our conversation, but it did mistakenly assume I had a determination to pursue pottery when really Im just curious about it as a possible stress reliever.

After the initial conversation, users can explore other activities or areas of the island. There was no virtual pottery for me to apparently pursue; instead, the programs Tomo offers range from mastering the art of work-life balance, driving motivation, and improving sleep, which comes in the form of modules that users can finish in anywhere from two weeks to a month. Eventually, the developers said, people can unlock 3D objects around the island that facilitate a deeper exploration of their inner sanctuary.

Tomo, the avatar guide, is supposed to be powered by generative AI to have better conversations with users. But honestly, talking to Tomo didnt feel much different from speaking with a regular chatbot. I couldnt get it to participate in a little art therapy with me (it wouldnt draw) or retail therapy (it couldnt help with shopping or travel tasks I tried to assign it) which meant that instead of feeling like a fully formed digital being on which I could unload my troubles, it really just felt like someone put background music on ChatGPT.

And while I found the guided meditations helpful, it also felt like other guided meditation apps Ive tried before.Eventually I found myself losing interest, mainly because by the time I remembered to open Tomo, I already had assignments from my therapist to work on.

Using AI for mental health therapy remains controversial, especially as privacy protections still fall short for many technology-based mental health solutions. Its a tricky business, one for which Replika, which is behind Tomos digital avatar, has already gotten into hot water. Italy banned Replika last year for failing to meet security standards in its Replika chat app. But Replikas CEO says it is taking more precautions with Tomo, though the company did not give me its full privacy policy.

We dont share any information with any third parties and rely on a subscription business model. What users tell Tomo stays private between them and their coach, Kuyda said.

Tomo is only available on iPhones; an Android version will be released later this year. Replika also plans to launch an app on Apples Vision Pro, paving the way for an even more immersive Tomo-guided meditation.

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Replika's new AI therapy app tries to bring you to a zen island - The Verge

Many college students experience persistent stress and anxiety, eagerly seeking a release. Many long for a space that would allow them to be fully present, fully engaged and without worry. But when the demands of college seem too great to overcome, a certain psychology professor may be able to provide some guidance.

Professor Michael Baranski floated the idea of a Mindfulness and Meditation Club in the spring 2023 semester. After many discussions and collaboration between students, the club will officially become a reality this spring.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly three out of four students have experienced a sense of overwhelming anxiety at some time. Mindfulness, though unfamiliar to some, may be a solution to this problem.

To some degree, there is no goal. There is no single definition of mindfulness, Baranski said. But one way that I like to think about it is clearly observing your consciousness, whatever makes up your mind right now, as youre aware that it happens.

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Attending college brings a high level of judgment, explains Baranski. Students are being judged on what they learn, and what they intend to do with what they learn in the new future. They experience the stress of a new environment and unfamiliar people.

Who you were in high school and living with your family might be very different from who you are in this new environment youre in, said Baranski. A lot of people feel isolated when theyre in that unfamiliar place, or have trouble connecting.

Connection is an important theme surrounding mindfulness. The solution to the challenges faced by many students could lie in simply connecting with oneself and the environment.

This is what mindfulness means to senior Josh Gutierrez, a student who worked with Baranski to lay the groundwork of the club.

Often, we identify with our thoughts, Gutierrez said. When we are identified with our thoughts, we get carried away into thought patterns, often negative. Mindfulness allows us to connect with the present in order to create meaning in our everyday lives.

Student Amy Grosser, a member of the new club, expressed that the aspect of mindfulness that she has benefited from most is non-judgement.

Learning to extend compassion to yourself and be kind to yourself is huge no matter who you are, said Grosser. Theres also an aspect of impermanence, which leads into the idea that failure isnt final. Just because you got a bad grade on that one paper or test doesnt mean your entire story for that class or semester is written.

Beyond the space in which PennWests Mindfulness and Meditation Club exists, students and professors alike can incorporate mindfulness into their personal lives. Baranski himself employs these ideas in his own classroom.

When I taught a Senior Seminar about mindfulness and meditation that was a big part of it, said Baranski. Lets not just learn about it, but lets experience it. For other classes, I certainly advocate for it.

Baranski explains that there is a science behind his methods, too.

Theres research showing that if you do a few minutes of mindfulness before a course lecture, youll learn more from that lecture, said Baranski. We dont know precisely why; maybe your mind wanders less, or maybe noticing when youre distracted. If youre feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it wont necessarily just take that away. But it helps you relate to it and manage it differently.

Gutierrez expressed that meditation is one of the most important things he has incorporated into his life.

I think the benefits of meditation are only beginning to be discovered by the human sciences. If creating a community of students to discuss, learn, and practice meditation at PennWest is a fraction of the importance to campus life as the meditation has been for me, then we have to do it.

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Mindfulness and Meditation Club Emerges at PennWest California - Cal Times

Transform your life, twelve minutes at a time

Meditation

Stuck in this rat race where hustle culture reigns supreme, stress seems to lurk around every corner which makes it vital to pause and take a breather. We're constantly bombarded with tasks, notifications and expectations, leaving very little room to tend to our inner selves but it's time to change that this year. Dont have the time? What if we told you that just 12 minutes a day could make a world of difference? Just 12 minutes of tranquillity. 12 minutes of You.

Stress Monster

Stress caused by release of stress hormones- Cortisol

Before getting into the meditation technique, we need to decipher what stress is. Understanding why we're stressed makes it easier to handle it. Whether it's tight deadlines, exams, or simply a rough day without explanation, stress is more common than we realise. When we encounter stress, our bodies kick into high gear, releasing the infamous stress hormone. While a bit of cortisol can be helpful in certain situations as it can scare the procrastination monster away, an excess of it wreaks havoc on our minds and bodies, leading to multiple health issues like headaches and insomnia among others.

This is where our hero comes in. A simple yet powerful solution: meditation. And not just any meditation: The 12-in-12 method. This petite approach to mindfulness is for everyone out there but especially for the ones who are too busy hustling to make time for themselves. Its all about fitting tranquillity into our busy lives without sacrificing effectiveness.

This method promises that 12 minutes a day can help you find your calm amidst the chaos. It may sound too good to be true, but trust us, the benefits are real. Increased focus, creativity, and resilience are just the tip of the iceberg!

The Blueprint

If youre a newbie to meditation, heres how you can start:

We have two options: One is to dedicate a solid 12-minute block to meditation in a day or break it down into one-minute sessions spread throughout the day. If you are restless, you can test the waters with the one-minute sessions, gradually increasing the duration over the following weeks. It will eventually start to feel like mini resets for your soul. Whether it's heart-rhythm meditation or box breathing, these quick sessions will help to keep your stress at bay and productivity levels high. This method has caught the attention of business giants like Apple for good reason. Remember, while duration is crucial, being consistent is key. Your Happy Place

The environment around you can also significantly influence mood. Finding a quiet spot where distractions are minimal, whether it's first thing in the morning or just before bed if youre a night owl. By incorporating meditation into our daily routines, we not only enhance our well-being but also set the tone for a more centred day.

Dress to De-Stress

Imagine sitting for a minute in extremely tight-fitted clothes. The discomfort, suffocation, and inability to breathe don't sound quite appealing, do they? Now, imagine enduring 12 minutes in such attire-it could feel like torture. This is why we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitted clothes or opt for activewear during this session because the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you will feel.

The Art of Body Mapping

Body scanning is like levelling up your self-awareness game. It's all about checking in with every part of your body, from head to toe, helping you feel more connected and in control.

So, it's time to reclaim our peace of mind embrace the power of 12 minutes a day and focus on our overall well-being because when you're constantly being pulled in a million different directions, finding moments of stillness is nothing short of revolutionary.

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Meditation Made Simple: The 12 in 12 Method | Grazia India - Grazia India

Untold: The Retreat review why meditation can be fatal  The Times

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Untold: The Retreat review why meditation can be fatal - The Times

Dogged persistence lies behind the young Leinster locks remarkable ascent to the international ranks

The last time we saw Joe McCarthy in an Ireland jersey, he was the one walking around in the background of the nightmarish drama that was the World Cup quarter-final defeat by New Zealand in Paris.

Front of stage, of course, was Johnny Sexton. The fly-half went out on his shield that night. The cameras turned instinctively to the older stagers in Andy Farrells team, men who will not be seen in that arena again. As a kid of 22, McCarthy had a bit-part in the melancholy.

The dressing room was awful, says the Leinster and Ireland lock. It feels like a bit of a nightmare when you get back in the dressing room and you cant actually believe thats just happened. You have so much belief in the team to go the whole way and you didnt envision it going any other way so, yeah, it was tough.

There was silence for a few minutes and nobody really knows what to say. You feel especially bad for some of the lads, especially Johnny. You were meant to send him off on a high, end his career the way he would have wanted to, and we fell short.

Joe McCarthy was in a weird place that night.

Broken on one level but knowing that there will be many, many big days to come. Some World Cups, many Six Nations tournaments, Champions Cups and United Rugby Championships. Hes already played in one European final a loss to La Rochelle in 2002 and hes using the memory of it for fuel.

I meditate a bit, he says. Before I go to bed I like to lie on a spike mat and just lose myself for a few minutes. I think about a good carry, even just getting a good breakdown clear-out, things like that. Always positive thoughts. Sometimes I might think about being in a game. How are you reacting if you go behind by a few scores? If I think about it beforehand, Im not going to be shocked if it happens for real.

Can we back up a little here? A spike mat?

Ive just started doing that recently. I try new things. Its like a mat with a load of spikes. Its a little painful but then you relax into it. Its a good pain, though. You know when you like floss your teeth and its kinda sore but its kinda nice as well? Usually. Ill do ten minutes and by the end you dont want to get off it.

Celebrating a try (Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile/Getty Images)

When you hear people talking about big Joe McCarthy, when you hear the eulogies about his size and power and game intelligence, and all those predictions of the decade and more that folk believe he will spend in the Leinster and Ireland second row, you automatically assume that this is a 22-year-old who was destined for greatness.

But he wasnt. Joe McCarthy has played in a Champions Cup final and at a World Cup but this was not a natural progression. Nobody tipped this. Nobody saw him coming through the ranks at Blackrock College, despite the fact that his hulking presence is hard to miss.

Not at all, he laughs. I meet people from school now and theyre kinda shocked that Im playing professional rugby. I mean, I wasnt even near the Junior Cup team. I always loved rugby and had a drive to get better. I really wanted to be on the first team the whole time but I was on the thirds. I was always trying to push but it never happened. I remember the summ

er before the Junior Cup, I was eating loads, trying to bulk up, gymming like crazy and I didnt even make the squad. I was absolutely gutted.

McCarthy represents a twist in the tale of the Leinster production line, a kid who might well have been missed but wasnt. Its a tribute to his own passion and ability on the one hand, but its also a sign of how sophisticated the talent identification process is in the province. Not many players of genuine talent get left behind.

In McCarthys case, it came pretty close to petering out, though.

I ended up finishing that year coming off the bench for the junior fourths. I was subbing for the junior fourths team. He laughs at the memory of it. Back then, the notion that he would soon be playing for Leinster and Ireland on the biggest stages the sport can offer would have seemed idiotic.

If you told him then what would be happening to him now he says hed have walked away from you, presuming you were a madman.

We won our cup competition with the fourths. It wasnt the highest level but it was still a trophy. I came off the bench in the final, but then the following year I was nearly giving up rugby altogether. That lasted a few weeks, I was saying to myself, Jeez, am I getting screwed over by coaches here? Is there any point in playing rugby? Id put in the effort and I wasnt anywhere near it and I was kinda considering giving up.

But without rugby I didnt know what to do with myself, so I went back. I was gymming loads, every day after school. Ive always loved the gym to be fair. I loved the physical side of the game and being able to dominate in contact, and in sixth year it started to happen for me. I made the first team. I stuck at it and, eventually, it came good.

McCarthy scores against Leicester (Sportsfile/Getty Images)

McCarthy talks about family, most notably his two brothers, Paddy and Andrew. Paddy is a Leinsterman too, a fine loosehead prop a couple of years his junior. Some operator, Paddy. He was in the Ireland team that won the U20 Grand Slam in 2023 and was a key part of the side that went all the way to the World Cup final last summer.

Paddy is one of my best mates. Weve been on different rugby journeys but were extremely close. He studied the same degree in Trinity as me, global business, and we do everything together. Its handy having a brother who knows what youre going through in rugby. I think Im more social than him, more outgoing; he keeps to his own more than I do but he loves the craic as well.

And then theres Andrew, my older brother. Andrew has Downs syndrome but no way is he letting the condition get in his way. He plays with a tag rugby team called Seapoint Dragons, loves his basketball, is big into Manchester United and adores Leinster and Ireland rugby.

He plays table tennis as well. Hes a massive sports fan. Ive gone down to coach Seapoint. Its good craic being around the lads. They bring such good energy and dont worry about the small things in life, they just enjoy where they are. Andrew would be on to me, Jeez, you need to win the Champions Cup this year, dont you? Ye left it behind you the last time. Ive learned loads from him. He doesnt worry about social media or what people think about him, he doesnt care about any of that, he just wants to enjoy life. Hes an unbelievable older brother.

Some people underestimate somebody with disabilities. I know that if you put time and effort into any kid who has Downs syndrome its crazy how fast they excel. Ive also realised, through Andrew mostly, that sport can play a massive role in peoples lives. Its an incredible force for good.

The speed of Joe McCarthys rise has been phenomenal. He only made his Leinster debut in January 2022. His sixth and seventh games were the Champions Cup quarter-final against Leicester and the Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse. His ninth appearance was the final against La Rochelle. He made his Ireland debut, against Australia, that autumn.

Scoring against Romania, in France (Sportsfile/Getty Images)

He recalls the mix of disappointment and shock he felt when he lost on his Leinster debut against Cardiff. I was really down about it. His next game, mercifully, was a win over the Lions. I felt I was pretty dominant, so that was a huge relief. I can play at this level, Im up to this. I can kick on from here. Thats what I was thinking afterwards.

Like, you need to take your chances, dont you? The Leinster squad is crazy competitive. Theres a couple of players coming through in my position and theyre excellent, so you have to be ready in every training session. Perform or you wont be in the team next week. Its pressurised and tough but it does bring the best out in you.

At Leinster you refer back to the legacy of the club and the legends that have come before, but the younger lads talk about what we want to add. A lot of us have never won anything. We want to put our stamp on it, to write our own bit of history. Everyones so hungry at Leinster and Ireland level. The World Cup was hard to take but we have to move on. Theres a Six Nations down the road and Id love to be involved. Thats a dream of mine. Get in the mix. Hopefully get a chance. Itll be brutally hard but nothing is easy.

Unquestionably Joe McCarthy is a future stalwart of Irelands second row but hes also a contender in the present. Big and powerful, mobile and skilful, and only 22 years old hes setting pulses racing in his province and beyond.

Check out the Ireland squad page to see if Joe McCarthy has been selected.

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Joe McCarthy: Spike mats and meditation aid in "brutally hard" Six Nations - Rugby World

Mikel Arteta has numerous techniques to help him turn his brain off from football with the Arsenal boss turning his hand to meditation as well as a bit of reading

Arteta reaffirms commitment to Arsenal amid Barcelona links

Mikel Arteta has revealed he uses mediation to get himself ready for games.

Arteta has gained a reputation for being one of the most intense and temperamental managers on the touchline during the heat of battle. But Arteta likes to calm himself down as part of his pre-match preparation as he admitted the rollercoaster of emotions can have a big impact on managers.

You can be certain that he will be pumped for Arsenal s visit to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night with the pressure on the Gunners to win and send out a statement in the title race.

Gunners boss Arteta is not the only manager to use meditation to get himself in the right mindset for games as Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said during his time in charge at Chelsea that he also uses the technique.

Arteta said: I think it is very necessary. Every day you need to have moments. I have moments during my day when I do certain things to bring everything down. Your brain goes 100mph and you cannot see the picture with clarity you need to bring it down sometimes.

"There are ways to do it your family, sometimes meditation, sometimes sport is a great way to put those things away, talking to people. There are a lot of things that you need. You need holidays, days off, stay away from your phone at times. A lot of things that are needed and very very healthy. But the temptation is always to do more.

I would do meditation in the afternoon, yes. Reading. I love reading, sitting there and reading about a topic that can inspire you to prepare for a game or develop a thought that you have on the day. It is something very good.

Arteta has got himself into trouble on the touchline for being too excitable with officials and has already served a one game ban this season. The Spaniard used to watch Arsene Wenger work when he played under him at Arsenal and the job has arguably got more demanding.

Arteta is driven by detail, obsessed by stats and preparation which means he finds it difficult to switch off. Reading and meditation are his way of making sure he is in a good place mentally.

Arteta added: I used to speak with Arsene and he took his job like we all do, we put so many hours and ours lives to it and all the energy. It is extremely demanding, I love it and I am young and have a lot of energy.

But it is a daily challenge. Every day there is a rollercoaster of things you have to go through. Emotions. You have to try to inspire people, to impact people, sometimes to calm down people, to motivate people, you have to deal with a lot of things you cannot control.

On top of that, there are opponents, results and a lot of things that are difficult to manage on a daily basis. But I think overall there is something: how much we love the game, the passion we have for what we do and actually when you have an emotional relationship with a club, that is where the energy source comes from.

You wake up every day and you want to face that challenge, be better and be more competitive. It is a lot every single day. It is a lot. That is why you need a lot of good people around you to support you.

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Mikel Arteta admits meditation helps slow down 100mph brain as he eyes Arsenal success - The Mirror

All great cinema is a journey of sorts, but there comes a point when it feels as though film-makers are treading the same well-worn paths. Not so with Spanish director Lois Patios remarkable immersive voyage Samsara (the title refers to the Buddhist cycle of deaths and rebirths): part film, part guided meditation, its unlike anything else you can experience in the cinema.

The film starts in Laos, where a Buddhist boy is reading to an elderly woman, Mon (Simone Milavanh), from the Bardo Thdol, a guide to the journey between death and reincarnation. When Mon dies, a message on screen invites us to close our eyes in order to accompany her on her journey to her next life, as a young goat born on the coast of the island of Zanzibar. This 15-minute segment plays out to a textured tapestry of sound woven from the natural world; flickering, rippling colours and strobing light pulses on the screen viewed through closed eyelids create a kind of lightshow in the minds eye. Theres a distant kinship perhaps, in the theme of cycles of life, with Michelangelo Frammartinos documentary Le Quattro Volte. But Samsara is a strikingly original and profound artwork. See it (and hear it) in a cinema, if at all possible.

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Samsara review unlike anything else you will experience in the cinema - The Guardian

Throughout my 20 years of life, I have constantly heard how important it is to meditate and journal. Doctors, therapists, friends and family have always informed me how beneficial both actions are for ones mental health, including being able to mitigate stress and provide a sense of calmness. I dabbled in meditation and journaling, but I never devoted a ton of time to it. Instagram reels, emails, schoolwork, and my social life always seemed more important to me.

Recently, however, I have begun a routine that the author Julia Cameron calls morning pages. I wake up about 20 minutes earlier than my normal start time each day, and journal three pages. What I am writing isnt life-changing by any means. Rather, it's my stream of consciousness laid out on the page as soon as I open my eyes.

At the beginning of this journaling process, my pages consisted of me complaining about how I had other things to do, or how I was too tired to think. One day, I just wrote ugh over and over.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday or finishing an exam, check out these food spots.

Now that I am farther along in the process, I have seen a difference in the journals contents. I know, I sound like every other person in my life, but its true. I have become calmer, more laid back, and I am more aware of myself and the things I want to achieve. I no longer say yes to everything that comes my way, but rather consider whether the event will make me happy, or if staying home and doing something else will spark my interest more.

I have also become more creative. I am overcoming the inner voice inside of me I always listened to the one telling me my ideas werent good enough or that I wouldnt be able to articulate them well. Instead, I go for it. I paint the idea I had, or I write the article I thought about. These morning journal entries have let me think more freely and express myself.

Although it takes time and effort to wake up and hand write three pages of my inner thoughts every morning, it has helped a lot. From various Google searches and talking to family and friends, I have found it beneficial for other individuals as well.

Others simply do it for the aesthetic. It doesnt matter if Olivia Rodrigo does the morning journals every day - or if Kylie Jenner does them either. If their influence is what is inspiring you to sit down and write, you arent doing it for yourself, and you're losing the purpose of the whole exercise. Everything starts to unfold when you want to do it yourself. So, I will not tell you to sit and journal, but I will recommend it.

IU students founded Raas Royalty 15 years ago.

Meditation, on the other hand, is still a challenge for me. I have not sat down and meditated in probably five years, and at this moment, I don't see myself doing it. Meditation has been said to be important for a healthy life, but sitting for an hour with just myself honestly sounds exhausting. I dont think my brain can fully handle just my thoughts for that long. I need to be able to write out my thoughts rather than sit with them and let them pass. Journaling has helped me so much, and I do believe meditation would too, however, I would like to master one skill at a time.

At some point, I hope that by continuing the morning pages I will be able to sit with myself in meditation for an hour or so and not think of anything to allow mental clarity. For now, though, writing my morning pages has helped. With every morning page, I learn more about myself, and I plan to stick with them to grow even more in the future.

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Column: A journal entry a day keeps the doctor away - Indiana Daily Student

Meditation key to dealing with stress of being a manager, reveals Arsenal boss Arteta  Evening Standard

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Meditation key to dealing with stress of being a manager, reveals Arsenal boss Arteta - Evening Standard