January - February 2023 Transformation

American Meditation Institute

Transformation The Journal of Yoga Science as Holistic Mind/Body Medicine January-February 2023

americanmeditation.org

Newly Published in “Lifestyle Medicine”

Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study Finds

AMI MEDITATION® Reduces Burnout and Stress while increasing Compassion see pages 6 & 7

Hi! I’m Jiminy Cricket.

Don’t forget that January is

CONSCIENCE MONTH. Attend our 2 FREE Webinars and learn how Your Conscience really operates, and what it can do for you. see calendar pages 4 & 5 Disneyclips.com

AMI Classes for January - February 2023

AMI MEDITATION® FOUNDATION COURSE

A Proprietary Curriculum Proven Effective in a Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study

Developed and Taught by Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) How YOUR CONSCIENCE Can Work for You AMI MEDITATION® provides a practical, proprietary curriculum that will bring joy and fulfillment back into your life! You’ll learn how to easily transform burnout, stress, worry, anger, and sadness into energy, creativity and will power– by employing the Super Conscious Wisdom of Your Conscience. And as you practice what you learn, you’ll successfully balance all your personal and professional responsibilities.

AMI MEDITATION® PROPRIETARY CURRICULUM is derived from the award-winning book, The Heart and Science of Yoga ® and the new book, YOUR CONSCIENCE

by Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) Yoga Science & Philosophy–WEEK 1

Yoga Psychology & Ayurveda–WEEK 4

How to use the mind for the best choices How to create new, healthier habits Understanding pain as an agent for healing Increasing energy, will power & creativity Antidotes for worry, stress and depression

Coordinate the Four Functions of the Mind to access the power and Inner Wisdom of Your Conscience Use the power of NOW to build and heal relationships Ayurvedic Medicine & Nutrition for your health

AMI Meditation®–WEEK 2

Yoga stretches to detox the lymph system and benefit your muscles, nerves, joints, glands & internal organs Physiological benefits of yoga postures

Systematic procedure for AMI Meditation® Diminishing distractions with your Mantra Learning the one-minute meditation Building focus and fearlessness

Breathing Techniques–WEEK 3 Breath as Medicine How breathing irregularities foster dis-ease Three-part diaphragmatic breath

Easy-Gentle Yoga Exercises–WEEK 5

Mind/Body Self-Care Plan–WEEK 6 The healing power of prayer The practical benefits of contemplation Creating a therapeutic self-care plan for yourself Learning to budget your time Integrating spiritual beliefs into daily life

AMI MEDITATION® FOUNDATION COURSE – Live on ZOOM Endorsed by Dean Ornish MD, Bernie Siegel MD, Larry Dossey MD

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americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714

Taught by

Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) AMI’s Foundation Course was developed and is taught live on Zoom by Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev). Leonard is a noted educator, philosopher, Yoga scientist and founder of The American Meditation Institute. He is the author of The Heart and Science of Yoga® and the mind/body medicine journal, Transformation. He is a direct disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Leonard’s lectures are enlivened by his inspiring enthusiasm, vast experience, humor and clear teaching style. He has taught at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The New York Times Yoga Forum, Kaiser-Permanente, numerous medical schools and the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.

New Clinical Study finds AMI MEDITATION® reduces both Burnout & Secondary Traumatic Stress while increasing Compassion Satisfaction Levels

BURNOUT

SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS

COMPASSION

New Findings from the AMI MEDITATION® STUDY ©Lifestyle Medicine

“Mastery of the mind and consciousness IS the next frontier of well being. The AMI MEDITATION® curriculum contained in this Foundation Course is a profoundly important bridge that connects modern quantum science with ancient spiritual traditions.”

MARK PETTUS MD, LEAD CLINICAL STUDY AUTHOR

AMI MEDITATION®

Medical Accreditation PHYSICIANS • PAs • NPs (18 CMEs) americanmeditation.org/physician-cme This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Albany Medical College and The American Meditation Institute. Albany Medical College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Albany Medical College designates this Live activity for a maximum of 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.TM Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Registration Includes: Lifelong support, a 20-minute Guided Meditation, a copy of The Physiology of Easy-Gentle Yoga, and a FREE subscription to AMI’s Transformation journal.

Health Insurance Coverage Check with your health insurance plan provider.

UPCOMING CLASSES Live and Interactive

On ZOOM with

Leonard Perlmutter Founder of the American Meditation Institute

Jan 17 - Feb 21

Tuesdays

6:30-8:30pm ET, $695. (6 WKS)

Feb 28 - Apr 4

Tuesdays

6:30-8:30pm ET, $695. (6 WKS) Required Texts available at AMI Bookstore: The Heart and Science of Yoga ® Your Conscience Physicians: $995; PAs, NPs: $895

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americanmeditation.org • Tel. (518) 674-8714

CALENDAR

Save This Date!

12th Annual

AMI Physicians Conference October 17-21, 2023 in Manchester VT

FREE: EVERY SUNDAY GUIDED MEDITATION & SATSANG LIVE on ZOOM • Sundays 9:30-11:00am ET with Leonard (Ram Lev) & Jenness AmericanMeditation.org/sunday

THE CHAKRA SYSTEM Balancing Subtle Body Energies Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter

A psychological and physiological diagnostic tool to help heal the mind and body.

Crown HAMSA

JANUARY 2023 JAN 2 - FEB 6: GITA/YOGA PSYCHOLOGY see p. 5

Brow SO HUM

Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM ET (6 wks) Live on ZOOM

JAN 8 & 15: YOUR CONSCIENCE WEBINARS

Throat HUM (HOOM)

JAN 17 - FEB 21: AMI MEDITATION see p. 2-3 Tues Nights, 6:30-8:30 PM ET (6 wks) Live on ZOOM

February 2023 FEB 13 - 27: THE CHAKRA SYSTEM

Upward Pull of Divine Nature

Sun Nights, 7:30-8:30 PM ET Live on ZOOM

Heart YAM (YUM)

see p. 4

Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM ET (3 wks) Live on ZOOM Navel, Solar Plexus RAM

see p. 5 Thurs. Nights, 6:30-8:30 PM ET (2 wks) Live on ZOOM

FEB 28 - APR 4: AMI MEDITATION® see p. 2-3 Tues. Nights, 6:30-8:30 PM ET (6 wks) Live on ZOOM

March 2023

Downward Pull of Animal Nature

FEB 23 - MAR 2: YOGA SCIENCE LAB®

Genital VAM (WUM)

Root LAM (LUM)

MAR 6 - APR 10: GITA/YOGA PSYCHOLOGY see p. 5 Mon. Nights, 6:30 - 8:30 PM ET (6 wks) Live on ZOOM

High School Seniors! $2,000. Scholarship Essay Contest ConscienceMonth.org or 518.674.8714 for details

American Meditation Institute

Education for Enlightenment® January-February, 2023 • Vol. XXVI No. 3 ©2023 PO Box 430, Averill Park, NY 12018

americanmeditation.org \ Tel. (518) 674-8714 ami@americanmeditation.org AMI is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization. Donations are fully tax deductible.

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LEVEL II: The power to attain our own perfect health lies within each of us. It is simply a matter of attaining the necessary knowledge, and then cultivating our determination and will to employ the knowledge we have learned. This three-week course provides a detailed understanding of the meaning, anatomy, psychology and function of the ancient yogic chakra system. By learning to balance the chakras through the advanced mind/body medicine practices taught each week, you can increase your vitality and power of concentration, and rediscover your inner source of physical and mental health and well being.

MONDAYS, 6:30 - 8:30PM ET, $225. (3 WKS) FEB 13 - 27

AMI Classes for January - February 2023

YOGA SCIENCE LAB ® How to Practice Meditation-in-Action Valerie Chakedis Ed.D. and Kristin Kaelber MD PhD

YOGA PSYCHOLOGY BHAGAVAD GITA STUDY

Prerequisite: AMI’s Foundation Course

Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter

LEVEL II: Level II: In the AMI Meditation® Course, you learned that your thoughts are your most valuable asset. The Yoga Science Lab® will help you examine your thoughts and expand your ability to focus your attention. The techniques learned in seated AMI Meditation® are applied in every duty and responsibility throughout the day. This process is called Meditation-in-Action. As you experiment with the Truth reflected by your Conscience, you’ll develop decisionmaking skills that will enhance your confidence in all relationships. As you have already learned, to experience real freedom you must be centered in the present moment, know who you are, and follow your Inner Wisdom. The Yoga Science Lab® can help you achieve that freedom!

LEVEL II: In continuous six week installments this course presents the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as a handbook on the science of life and the art of living. If you are seeking a manual or guide for the supreme task of living a fulfilling and purposeful life in the world today, this ongoing study will provide you the practical wisdom, tools, meaning, courage and confidence you need.

Each week Leonard and Jenness will teach you how to reduce stress, enhance your health and creative abilities, while offering you a fresh, positive perspective on all your family and business relationships.

THURSDAYS, 6:30PM -8:30 PM ET, $75.

FEBRUARY 23 & MARCH 2 (2 WKS) LIVE ON ZOOM

MONDAYS, 6:30 - 8:30 PM ET, $150. (6 WKS) JAN 2 - FEB 6; MAR 6 - APRIL 10 LIVE ON ZOOM JAN 8: YOUR CONSCIENCE–It’s not what you think it is!

JAN 15: YOUR CONSCIENCE–Everywhere, Every Day Free Webinars Sun Nights, 7:30-8:30 PM ET Live on ZOOM

The American Meditation Institute

26th Annual Appeal for 2023 Please help us reach AMI’s new goal of $150,000.

Support Leonard and Jenness in keeping this teaching alive!

Call: (518) 674-8714 Online: americanmeditation.org/annual-appeal

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An Important Message from Mark Pettus MD on the

New Peer-Reviewed AMI Meditation Study “As a participant and longstanding faculty member of The American Meditation Institute’s CME-accredited annual Heart and Science of Yoga® Physicians Conference, I have experienced, first-hand, the elegance of the teachings, the power of the science, and the possibility to transform a trajectory of life truly limitless. It is this beautiful nexus of science and spirituality where the “magic” manifests. We are SO much more than we perceive ourselves to be! Our perceptions and patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving are so much more malleable and amenable to deeper alignment than modern life would suggest possible!

The peer-reviewers at Lifestyle Medicine, THE premiere international publication of applied lifestyle medicine, welcomed our study with great enthusiasm. I believe many will be inspired by its findings.” burden. A biologic response essential for survival in the short-term becomes systemwide breakdown if chronic and overwhelming.

The research is clear that more humans than ever are experiencing signs and symptoms of unrelenting allostatic load and the diagnoses that accompany it. It would seem the inability to effectively cope has never been more profound. This is particularly pervasive in health care professionals where burnout rates are as high as 50% across the workforce.

Resistance to Stress

Pioneering Research In 1949, Dr. Hans Selye, a Hungarian-Canadian physician, was runner-up for the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his pioneering research in the understanding and biologic mechanisms of the human stress response. It was Selye who first described the relationship between chronic stress and illness. While the medical enterprise was rapidly evolving toward disease-specific diagnosis and treatment, Selye recognized features common to all diseases that could be traced to the chronic effects of stress.

His research demonstrated three phases of the stress response. The first was the “alarm phase” with rapid rises in adrenal-based cortisol and adrenaline, essential to assist an organism in fight-flight. The second phase he referred to as “resistance” as one’s biology shifts to best support repair and biologic resilience. Selye noted that if this second phase was prolonged, a Time third phase which he termed “exhaustion” would ensue. In this phase an individual (or organism) would manifest fatigue, despair, anxiety, decreased concentration, social withdrawal and diminished stress tolerance.

Hans Selye’s Stress Adaptation Response Selye described in detail what today we would refer to as burnout. His successor, the late Dr. Bruce McEwen at Rockefeller University would describe this as “allostatic load,” or 6

While there are many well-described systemic and structural drivers of clinician burnout e.g., less time on direct patient care; onerous electronic records; time-consuming documentation needs; productivity pressures; a protracted pandemic; etc., there is also a greater need than ever to empower clinicians (and those they serve) with knowledge and skill to bring more ease into the effort of serving others, feeling healthy and enjoying life.

While stressors feel unrelenting, there is hope in our ability to choose an interpretation and response that can serve us (and others) in a more balanced and compassionate way.

After my many years of bringing Yoga Science to health care professionals, there seemed an opportunity to subject this unique and powerful AMI curriculum to a formal study protocol. With these intentions Beth Netter MD (Chair Emeritus, AMI Department of Medical Education), Leonard and Jenness Cortez Perlmutter (Founders and Directors of AMI), Akiko S. Hosler PhD (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at The University at Albany) and I embarked on a 5year journey that culminated in this recent Lifestyle Medicine publication.

With approval from the Berkshire Health System IRB (an affiliate of The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School) 54 professional caregivers were enrolled as a cohort to receive a mantra-based AMI meditation intervention including a 5-day in person training. This intervention included a 20-minute mp3 guided AMI Meditation recording, a

Baseline

3 Months

6 Months

n = 21

monthly motivational letter and use of the many mind/body skills and applied Yoga Science teachings and self-care tools they had learned during the in-person training that are unique to AMI’s curriculum. Study participants completed the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) measure at baseline and at 3 and 6-months follow-up. The ProQOL tool is a widely validated measure of burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion satisfaction.

For the 21 participants who completed all the requirements of the study, statistically significant results were realized at 3-months and sustained over the 6-month follow-up period.

Our data demonstrated most participants were able to maintain a regular or daily practice when shorter (in this case, the 20-minute guided

AMI Meditation) and easy to integrate into one’s daily workflow. This is consistent with the feasibility of sustaining a meditation practice that is shorter, easy to learn and engage, and immediately enjoyable.

Compelling, Noteworthy Participant Feedback “I never feel rage come up anymore as it did when I was not focused on self-care and allowed anger to build before exploding.”

“My practice feels more sustainable and rewarding.”

“I feel calmer and more compassionate.”

“Greater empathy.”

“Less reactive and more grounded.”

“Calmer, better blood pressure, off medications and off low dose Lexapro.”

“I feel more myself––more grounded, content, less reactive, improved energy.”

“I’m sleeping better and more. I feel better equipped to deal with the stress of COVID-19.”

Most participants included other acquired practices from the AMI curriculum including The Bridge of Yoga, Easy-Gentle Yoga, Diaphragmatic Breathing, One-Pointed Attention, and Nadi Shodhana (alternative nostril breathing).

This AMI study adds to a growing body of clinical research supporting the effectiveness of regular stressreduction practices, leveraging the many available tools and Yoga Science for more effective adaptation of the stress response Hans Selye characterized 75 years ago. While reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress, along with enhanced experiences of compassion satisfaction are the trifecta of professional quality of life, they will continue to become more elusive to many who perceive themselves as “stuck” on the slippery slide of complex modern life.

To view the entire AMI Meditation Study in “Lifestyle Medicine,” scan this QR Code

Mark Pettus MD

Beth Netter MD

AMI Meditation Study Lead Author

AMI Meditation Study Co-Author

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American Meditation Institute Education for Enlightenment® Tel. 518.674.8714 • PO Box 430, Averill Park, NY 12018

Our First Post-COVID !

Conference

SAVE THE DATE!

12th Annual Conference for Physicians • PAs • NPs • General Public

Comprehensive Training in AMI MEDITATION ® A Proprietary Curriculum of Yoga Science as Holistic Mind/Body Medicine, Proven Effective in a Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study

OCTOBER 17-21, 2023

EQUINOX RESORT & SPA • MANCHESTER, VT americanmeditation.org

American Meditation Institute

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American Meditation Institute