Chopra Center Launches 21-Day Meditation Challenge in Dr. David Simon’s Memory

Posted on by Tammy

On Monday, February 20, 2012, The Chopra Center is launching another 21-Day Meditation Challenge, and dedicating it to the memory of co-founder, Dr. David Simon.

This challenge is brand-new and called the “Mind-Body Odyssey.” In the past two years, more than 150,000 people have embraced the free online meditation program.

“We are dedicating this Meditation Challenge to David Simon, who has been my friend, partner, and teacher for more than twenty years,” said best-selling author and spiritual mentor Deepak Chopra, M.D., who co-founded the Chopra Center with David in 1996. “From our personal experience as meditators, and in working with patients, David and I both knew first-hand the power of meditation to balance the body, heal the mind, and transform the spirit. I know David was happy that the Meditation Challenge was opening the doors to many people who previously believed that meditation was too ‘hard’ or ‘mysterious.’

Each day, participants will receive a guided audio meditation and guidance for creating a regular meditation practice. A Meditation Challenge Facebook community is also open to participants who want to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded meditators.

“The upcoming Mind-Body Odyssey is ideal for anyone who is seeking more peace and balance and a lot less stress and ‘dis-ease’ in their lives,” said Chopra, who will lead the meditations, along with the Chopra Center’s lead meditation teacher, davidji, and other master Chopra Center instructors.

Registration and participation is free.

Chopra Center Co-Founder Dr. David Simon Passes Away

Posted on by Tammy

Chopra Center co-founder David Simon, M.D. passed away at home today, January 31, 2012, surrounded by his family, according to press release by The Chopra Center.

Known for his pioneering work in the field of mind-body medicine, David Simon, M.D. played a key role in bringing the healing practices of meditation, yoga and Ayurveda into the mainstream medical world and to countless people throughout the globe.

The Chopra Center staff and friends throughout the world expressed their sorrow at the news, responding with an outpouring of love on a special Web site, created for the community to share their stories and celebrate the life of a man who touched so many lives.

“David has been my friend, partner, teacher, trusted colleague,
and younger brother for more than twenty years,” said Deepak Chopra, a longtime medical colleague and friend who co-founded the Chopra Center for Wellbeing with Simon in 1996. “He has touched my heart, influenced the way I think, and expanded my spirit. David approached life from a place of pure potentiality and unlimited possibilities. His wisdom, courage and love will continue to inspire all of us for decades to come.”

Dr. Simon is the author of many best-selling books on health and well-being, including “Free to Love, Free to Heal: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Emotions,” “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Guidebook,” “Return to Wholeness: Embracing Body, Mind, and Spirit in the Face of Cancer,” “The Wisdom of Healing; Vital Energy,” and “The Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices.”

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to support Glioblastoma Cancer Research at U.C. San Diego.

Please visit the Remembering David Web site for the mailing
address or to make an online donation.

The Chopra Center Offers Free 21-Day Meditation Challenge

Posted on by Tammy

Starting August 15, The Chopra Center is launching its Summer 2011 Meditation Challenge, where participants will receive a free guided audio meditation and instruction each day based on the teachings of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, founded by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D.

“At the Chopra Center over the past few years we have seen a rapidly growing interest and demand for meditation instruction and meditation retreats as people become more and more aware of its profound benefits for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being,” Chopra said.

Those interested in participating can sign up for FREE at www.chopracentermeditation.com.

“We created the 21-Day Meditation Challenge to offer people step-by-step guidance and help them experience first-hand how practical meditation really is and how immediate and profound the benefits are,” Chopra said.

Chopra recently appeared on the Dr. Oz show to discuss meditation as a tool for weight loss, explaining: “Meditation is one of the most effective ways to release the stress, conditioned behavior, and negative thought-loops that keep many people in a cycle of overeating. We also know that regular meditation decreases the body’s production of cortisol and other ‘stress hormones’ that cause us to hold onto excess weight and accelerate aging,” he said.

Do something good for yourself this summer, and sign up for this! You WILL see a difference in 21 days!