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B R I D G EVOL 1 | ISSUE 1

THINKING ON A HIGHER LEVEL OF CONSIOUSNESS

WITH TRANCEDENTAL MEDITATION

CITIZENS OF HELPING HANDS

THE WELLBEING OF OUR FUTURE

M I A D B R I D G E

T A B L E O F

C O N T E N T S

P A G E 2 1 > K I C K S TA R T

P A G E 6 > M O N T H LY B I T EDo you know where your food comes from?

Check out this months hot spot where you can

get the freshest produce and eat your nutrients!

P A G E 1 5 > C H E C K I T O U T

P A G E 1 6 > Y O G A M O V E S

P A G E 2 3 > C O N T R I B U T O R S

P A G E 2 4 > S O U R C E S

Reviews on music, movies, and books. A wide variety of

old and new things for you to take a closer look the second

time around. Can you apply these to your own life?

Got the jitters or need to stretch? Try some of

these yoga positions which is known to help

balance your body and mind.

A special thanks to those who contributed to

this magazine.

Want to know more? Here’s a full page of

sources for you.

So you still don’t know how to step back into the

community? Here is a kick start list of 99 things you

can do to easily to give back to your community!

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C O N S I O U S N E S S W I T H T R A N C E D E N TA L M E D I TAT I O N

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L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O R

Here’s an edition of briding that gap that you have with your community. Yes we all have busy lives but didn’t you wish sometimes that people knew how good of a person you really are? Don’t you wish you didn’t feel that bad about not serving your community or doing someting for others?

I hope you will find this issue informative on how to improve yourself while at the same time giving back to the community with out having to set aside large amounts of time in your busy schedule. You will be able to do all of this in a way that gives back to your community as well as improving yourself as a person. Knowing what service is and seeing it it on many different levels, as well as in different shapes and sizes will help you distinguish what you are capable of and how you can give back to the community.

Lydia YangMagazine Editor

M I A D B R I D G E

O F O U R F U T U R E

T H E

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For the first time in American history, today’s children will actually have a shorter lifespan than their parents (5). Childhood obesity, malnutrition, and hunger are becoming more frequent as poverty signifi-cantly increases. The wellbeing of children can benefit through changes in welfare programs, changes in the food industry and improving nutrition education programs in school systems.

The wellbeing of future generations is at stake. Nutritionist Marion Nestle says “an ideal diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients to meet physiological requirements, maximize growth and lon-gevity, and prevent nutrient deficiencies as well as conditions of nutritional excess and imbalance” (4). The primary factor associ-ated with poor nutritional status is poverty, the inadequacy of family resources. Ine-

quality in food access increases the risk of malnutrition and disease. Changes need to be made in welfare programs and the public needs to be educated on how to maintain healthy nutritious diets.

The welfare system fails to provide an adequate safety net. Millions in the US are reported experiencing hunger and lack means to obtain food, despite the presence of a food system of great overabundance. Such inequalities to access food are fac-tors that increase the risk of malnutrition and disease. “USDA reported that 12 mil-lion US households lacked food security; of these, 3.3 million households reported hunger, and 800,000 households reported severe hunger” (4). The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey concluded that 9 to 12 million families lacked resources sufficient to ensure ade-

W R I T T E N B Y S T E P H A N I E R A S M U S S E N

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y LY D I A YA N G

M I A D B R I D G E

quate food intake (4). “Households with children under age 18 were most at risk of food insecurity and hunger, especially if the members were Black or Hispanic or headed by females. Hunger studies and analysis data collected from surveys show the correlation between food insecuri-ties and hunger with income. “Although children comprise 25% of the total popu-lation, 40% of them live in families with poverty-level incomes” (4). Household income both above and below federal poverty level are experiencing food inse-curity and hunger. The federal poverty income level is unrealistic when only “only half of the households reporting hunger were receiving federal food assis-tance” (4). “Below poverty incomes are unequally distributed among Americans; they are characteristic of 11% whites, 26.5% Blacks, and 27.1% Hispanics” (4). Inequality in poverty means inequality in the wellbeing of the population. Too many families and children are not receiving food assistance and go hungry. Welfare programs bring food to the hungry, but what kinds of food are being consumed? Is food insecurity measured by food quality or food quantity?

Is School to Blame?Millions of children rely on school meals during the school year. However, schools are no longer safe environments for our children to make healthy choices. The food industry recognizes the vulnerability in children, and thus they are the prime marketing target. More than 23 thousand schools have fast food franchises in the cafeteria (5). In 2003 New York City cre-ated a contract with Snapple giving them exclusive rights to sell drinks through vending machines at all city schools. Snapple was assumed to be a healthier choice than soda by city officials however the juice drink contains more calories and sugar than Coca-cola. Such sugary drinks have been associated with obesity in chil-dren (5). A learning environment should be the last place to receive misleading information. It is the public responsibility

to set the example to make choices that better our wellbeing. Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are banned from school campuses and junk food should be too.

Malnutrition can have negative influence on the cognitive development of children. Cognitive impairments from malnutri-tion can stay with a child into adulthood. Productivity and success rate in school are directly influenced by inadequate nutri-tion. In order to provide a better education for children we need to first address issues of food insecurity which is “highly corre-lated with deficient intake of calories and essential nutrients” (4). Even moderate levels of malnutrition, common in the US, “induce physiological and cognitive conse-quences that are especially pronounced in young children: fatigue, impaired immune function, attention deficits, and impaired learning” (4). Children in food insecure households or have hunger have “lower general health status, more physical symp-toms, more mental health and behavioral problems, and more academic difficul-

ties” (2). Healthy nutritious foods need to be provided within the school system and easily available to all children, especially those with household food insecurities. Household and child food insecurities are also influencing the “risk for overweight and overweight status among many demographic categories of children” (2). Academic standards can’t be met on an empty stomach. A child suffering from malnutrition is at risk for dropping out of school. Stronger nutritional education pro-grams are needed in the school system and available to the public.

Children who rely on meals through the school during the school year are going hungry during the summer months. The USDA asks for “communities and locales” to operate summer food programs using money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. According to a recent news release, the USDA is working on “alternative approaches to provide food benefits to children during the summer” but specifics are not outlined. If the gov-

“Although children comprise 25% of the total population, 40% of

them live in families with poverty-level incomes... Below poverty

incomes are unequally distributed among Americans; they are

characteristic of 11% whites, 26.5% Blacks, and 27.1% Hispanics”

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ernment fails to provide food for our children, the community needs to become more involved. The welfare program often relies on the support of the community, but shortages of resources in a declining economy leave many without food.

Previous information based nutrition educa-tion programs in schools are failing to make an impact. Behavior change programs with the involvement of families and community are a suggested replacement. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutri-tion assistance programs. It is difficult to measure the success of nutrition assistance programs when information is from a biased source. While the USDA offers an abun-dance of information of current food and nutrition programs, statements regarding success in providing “a safety net” in a government news release lacked sufficient

support when nutritionists and pediatricians provide data stating otherwise (6).

The USDA awarded Child Care Wellness Grants to fourteen states, including Wis-consin. The program provides nutritious meals and snacks to infants, children and adults daily. Funds awarded to “local child care sponsoring organizations and institu-tions through states agencies” to “inspire innovative improvements to enhance nutri-tion and promote physical activity of the children” (6 Grants). During an interview for my service placement at A.W.E. (Art-ists Working in Education), I was informed of the possible integration of wellness and nutrition activities into the art program. A few weeks after I started volunteering, I was approached with the opportunity to suggest some ideas. Through research and brainstorming I created several ideas for visual art based projects that reflected

nutrition and healthy food choices. The ideas now make up a new nutrition and wellness curriculum that A.W.E. will offer to the urban community.

Michelle Obama’s Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act passed on Thursday December 2nd, 2010 to reduce childhood hunger, promote health, reduce childhood obesity, improve program management and improve program integ-rity. The bill includes improvement of school meals and the involvement of the commu-nity. The bill addresses changes needed in the programs themselves, schools, commu-nity, and those running the programs. The bill allows more schools to provide meals to children and adults afterschool through the Child and Adult Food Program. Eligibility to free meals during school is expanded to cover a greater percentage of children. The bill allows for mandatory funding for pilot programs that provide food for children out-

USDA REPORT12 Million Homes Lacking Food Security

3.3 Million Reporting HUNGER800 Thousand Reporting SEVERE HUNGER

KEY =

1 Million

USDA reported that 12 million US

households lacked food security;

of these, 3.3 million households

reported hunger, and 800,000

households reported severe

hunger

M I A D B R I D G E

side of school. It requires schools to become involved in the promotion and distribution of materials that inform families of meals available during the summer. Standards for quality of meals served at schools will help children receive the amount of nutrition needed. Funding will connect the school with local and fresh produce. Improvements in wellness policies and funds for food will be addressed at schools. The bill summary addresses many issues regarding quality of food and accessibility of food in schools and states that it will enforce wellness and nutri-tion education programs schools and child care settings.

Children enrolled in the federally funded School Breakfast Program and the Special Supplemental Food Program for Woman, Infants, and Children have shown to achieve higher scores on standardized testing (1). There is hope that the new adjustments in welfare programs and school system will

make an impressionable impact on the wellbeing of children, but family and com-munity involvement are important factors that aren’t addressed through the Obama’s new bill. In addition, funding for the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act is from cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once known as the food stamp program. Another issue that still needs to be addressed is of the food industry taking responsibility by ending the marketing of junk foods on children. There are several factors that contribute to the wellbeing of children and one giant leap won’t solve all the current issues. By spreading awareness and getting involved at schools, organiza-tions, and the community we can help children in making healthy choices and providing them with nutritious foods.

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Have you ever wanted to get your groceries as fresh as they could get and know where they came from? The Riverwest

Co-Op is a natural foods grocery store that also has a cafe open to the public. They have been open since November of 2001 and is community-based, member-owned, volunteer-run, and supports local gardens and farms.

If you’re vegan or vegitarian this is probably the best place for you to get all of your natural needs. This grocery store specializes in organic produce and has a bulk food section available to shop from. Don’t just think this grocery store holds only veggies, like any other grocery shop they also carry other goods such as pet food, child care, health and beauty supplies, and more.

If this has you interested and you’d like to learn more visit their website: www.riverwestcoop.org or go visit the shop today!

MONTLY BITE

“A lovely grocer-Cafe in the heart of the

Riverwest Neighborhood serving delectable

vegetarian and vegan treats. I enjoy going here

whenever I’m looking for a place to go that will

satisfy my immense hunger as well as the pallet

of my vegan friends. What I truely appreciate

about the cafe is the sense of community. I feel

like everyone there is familiar with their regular

clientel, and the kitchen in plain site of the cafe

is really nice as I can interact with the chefs as I

wait for my delicious food.” - SKYLAr

“Overall, if you aren’t looking to get a lot of

groceries, but instead some delicious snacks,

produce, and ingredients, this is a place to check

out. The quality, freshness, and reasonable

prices help set the Riverwest Co Operative apart

from other grocers.” - GABRIELLA

Address:

733 East Clarke Street | Milwaukee, WI 53212 | 414 - 264 - 7933

Hours:

Hours: M-F: 7am-9pm | Sat & Sun: 8am-9pm | Call for Holiday hours

The Riverwest Co-Op & Cafe

Taste Factor Overall: 4.5/5

REVIEWS

M O N T H L Y B I T E |

P H O T O S TA K E N B Y Z O E K R Y L O V A

M I A D B R I D G E

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To extend the reach of TM and promote availability The David Lynch Foundation provides scholarships to students interested in attending “Consciousness Based Educa-tion” schools, through donation The DLF offers the TM technique to war veterans to combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder though “Operation Warrior Wellness”. They also offer TM to American Indians who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes as well as incarcerated prisoners to promote recovery and lessen the chances of relapse in bad behavior. Although the TM move-ment is often misunderstood, there are over six hundred scientific research studies at two hundred and fifty different universities and medical schools to prove the inherent benefits of the TM program; information readily available to educate individuals on what TM actually is as well as help to dis-miss any unnecessary stigma (2).

Before presenting specific scientific data the first question on someone’s mind after hearing about TM should be addressed.

“How is TM practiced?” and with the answer comes the tricky part. TM is taught the same way everywhere and TM instruc-

W R I T T E N B Y A D A M F O R B E S

The Transcendental Mediation technique has endured and remained consistent for thousands of years. Based on the Vedic tradition of Enlightenment in India and handed down by Vedic masters genera-tion after generation modern teachers of the TM technique adhere to strict proce-dures to ensure that the teaching remains consistent. Around fifty years ago the TM technique was brought to the rest of the world by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, spreading the knowledge of how to attain higher levels of Consciousness through the effortless technique of TM. TM is not associated with any religion, and in fact requires no belief at all “you can be thor-oughly skeptical and the technique will still be fully effective” (1). TM requires no life-style changes other than of course finding twenty minutes twice a day to practice; yet the health benefits attributed to this regular practice are staggering. “The TM program is the most thoroughly researched and widely practiced program in the world for developing the full creative potential of the brain and mind, improving health, reducing stress, and improving academic outcomes” (2).

M I A D B R I D G E

tors go through rigorous training in order to preserve the ancient teaching of the technique to ensure its effectiveness and successfulness in all of whom learn. The TM movement encourages new meditator’s to come into instruction with no precon-ceived notions or ideas on how to meditate properly. They also discourage those who already know the technique from trying to teach others, or talking about how to medi-tate. There is no more mystery involved, it is not cult-like surreptitiousness, but a way to ensure quality and consistency in a place where they could easily be lost. TM does not have any sub-groups or vari-ances, TM is TM. TM instructors make it very clear that if something new is added to the TM technique that comes from out-side a certified instructor, that this is no longer TM. With all of the peer-reviewed studies and extremely positive findings on the results of regular practice, no one can blame the TM movement for disassociating themselves from what could hurt their out-standing reputation and interfere with the help TM can provide for all those who use it. The TM movement takes quality and consistency extremely seriously, to ensure benefits to all of those whom learn (3).

The health benefits of the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation program

are staggering. Ranging from decreased blood pressure among hypertensive’s, reduced anxiety, reduced drug and alcohol use, increased functional capacity among congestive heart failure patients and the list goes on. In a study measuring Basal Skin Conductance (BSC), Respiration Rate (RR) and Plasma Lactate (PL) levels (all variables associated with stress levels) in those practicing TM in contrast to a con-trol group sitting with eyes closed resting without use of the TM technique. The results were shocking, those practicing TM levels dropped significantly in all three categories while those resting with eyes closed experienced much less of a decline in levels of BSC RR and PLH. Here we will begin to explore some of the specific sci-entific findings in order to gain a clearer understanding of just how effective TM is. (4,5,6).

A study done in 2009 by the International Journal of Psychophysiology studied the results in Universities that practice the TM technique over a ten week period in contrast to control group of randomly

assigned to a delayed-start condition. The students practicing TM showed significant improvement on a Brain Integration Scale comprising of various different electroen-cephalogram (EEG) measures during task performance tests. This “Brain Integration Scale” included “increased broadband frontal EEG coherence and more efficient preparatory brain responses to stimuli”… TM students also showed a decrease in sleepiness and faster habituation to stressful stimuli as compared to the control group (7).” Other physiological studies have found “Increased Blood Flow to the Brain (8).” “Decreased Stress Hormone (Plasma Cortisol) (9)” “Less Emotional Sensitivity to Stress, Indicated by Neuroimaging of Brain Activation (10)” “Lower Baseline Levels of Heart Rate, Respiration Rate, Plasma Lactate, and Spontaneous Skin Resistance Responses (11)” All of which are the results of the deep rest achieved during practice of the TM program.

Transcendental Meditation is also known to reduce Atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries related to plaque deposits of fatty

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material on their inner walls). In a study released in 2000 those who learned TM showed reduced thickening of the carotid artery (an artery that supplies the head and neck with oxygenated blood). In contrast to the control group which attended a health education program on proper diet and exercise habits to avoid exacerbating cardiovascular troubles. Although, this does not suppose that those who attended the course followed the instructions of the recommended diet and exercise habits, but does still illustrate that TM reduces carotid intima-media thickness. (12) Which is something to be taken quite seriously when it comes to treatment options for those at risk of Atherosclerosis.

Along with reducing plaque in arteries TM can decrease blood pressure among hyper-tensive’s. In an analysis on all published studies on stress reduction and blood pressure among hypertensive patients, which met the criteria of well designed randomized control trials with multiple studies for each treatment category, TM was the only method to have a statisti-

cally significant impact on reducing high blood pressure among hypertensive’s – as compared to Stress Management, Muscle Relaxation, Biofeedback (the use of elec-tronic monitoring of a normally automatic bodily function in order to train someone to acquire voluntary control of that func-tion), Relaxation assisted Biofeedback. Dramatic results, followed by a second meta-analysis which replicated the find-ings of significantly reduced blood pressure among hypertensive’s, both systolic and diastolic with the practice of TM. (13, 14).

In a study released in 2007 TM was shown to Increase Functional Capacity among Congestive Heart Failure Patients meas-ured in a six minute walk test, contrasting those who were randomly assigned to a health education control group. (15). TM was shown to decrease insulin resistance among cardiac heart disease patients found in a study released in 2005. This study found that four months of practice of the TM program resulted in a signifi-cant reduction in insulin resistance among individuals with stable cardiac heart dis-

“It has changed my life, my world. I am not alone. Millions of other

people of all ages, religions, and walks of life practice the technique

and enjoy incredible benefits”

M I A D B R I D G E

David Lynch Foundation was born, a 501 C 3 organization that set out to broaden the reach of the TM program for at-risk populations such as veterans with PTSD, American Indians suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high suicide rates

– as well as for the homeless in reentry pro-grams and juvenile and adult prisoners.

In addition to the programs previously mentioned The DLF also funds Univer-sity and medical school research to better understand the effects of TM on academics, also taken into consideration throughout these studies are anxiety, depression, ADHD, diabetes, substance abuse and car-diovascular disease. Many leading medical schools including Harvard Medical School, Stanford Medical School and Yale Medical School have done research regarding the effectiveness of the DLF programs. The DLF has received endorsements from reputable companies such as National Institutes of Health, The Chrysler Founda-tion, and The Kellogg Foundation along with many others. The mission is clear, to spread the knowledge and benefits of TM to those who would otherwise never have the opportunity to learn and experience the great effects of TM (22).

As mentioned earlier one of the areas that the DLF offers help to is American Indians. Native Americans are 2.6 times

ease, those who received health education did not benefit. “Insulin resistance is an element of metabolic syndrome which is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia – a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; insulin resistance may also lead to type 2 diabetes “(2).” (16)

The list of positive effects with scientific backing goes on, Reduced Anxiety (17) Reduced Drug and Alcohol Use (18) Improved Health Among Work Force (19) Enhanced Job Performance and Job Satisfaction (20) Reduced Recidivism six months to six years after parole in parolees (21). The health benefits of TM are apparent to say the least, and the amount of information available on the beneficial results of TM continues to grow. But, what do individuals have to say about their expe-rience? And how available is TM for those who need it the most?

Part II: Justice David Lynch, acclaimed Hollywood film director has been practicing TM for over thirty years “I have been ‘diving within’ through the Transcendental Meditation technique for over 30 years “It has changed my life, my world. I am not alone. Millions of other people of all ages, religions, and walks of life practice the technique and enjoy incredible benefits” (22). In 2005 The

more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than the general population, 70 percent suffer from type 2 diabetes. Suicide is the second-leading cause of mortality among Native American adolescents. The causes for these statistics are predominantly excessive stress and unhealthy lifestyle. Chronic and extreme stress are common in reservations, as well as PTSD (higher than in Vietnam veterans) which can lead to addiction problems that only serve to exacerbate the risks of diabetes and car-diovascular disease. All of which (chronic stress, extreme stress, PTSD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) are associated with discrimination, psychological stresses, and dysfunction in families and the community as a whole. (22)

The DLF has proposed a research project to take place in Winnebago, Nebraska in accordance with the Ho Chunk Council of Elders to improve the health of the tribe through implementation of the TM pro-gram. The TM program will be offered to whole families at a time, suggested by Tribal Leaders in order to bring successful outcomes. Because stress influences hyper-tension, heart disease and diabetes as well as being proven effective in the past, it is hypothesized that the TM will have a great positive effect on these conditions. The goal of this project is to document diabetes-related changes through practice

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of TM in two major areas. Physiological health (physical health largely concerning diabetes and heart disease) and Psycho-logical (dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, quality of life, diet, physical activity, substance abuse, cardiovascular medica-tions, and treatment compliance). TM will be added to two preexisting programs

“The Ho Chunk Hope Program” (diabetes prevention) and “The Whirling Thunder Wellness Program”(reducing diabetic symptoms and complications). (22)

The study will work in cooperation with The Chief Medical Officer in the Win-nebago First Treaty Hospital and as mentioned earlier, The Ho Chunk Elders Council. The study will call upon adult members of two hundred households in the Winnebago community to learn TM. Some households will randomly begin practicing TM immediately and others will begin five months later (control group). This five-month period will allow scien-tists to evaluate the effects of the program without implementation of TM. There will be a third round of tests given one year after learning as a follow up, this allowing researchers to compare the results of the one year meditators vs. the seven-month meditators and the continued benefits of persistent practice. This study will allow for better understanding of health effects of TM on Native American adults, effects

YOGA MOVES

Got the jitters or need to stretch?

Try some of these yoga positions

which is known to help balance

your body and mind.

R E V E R S E TA B L E -T O P

H E A R T S T R E N G T H N E R

The perfect way to stretch and tone the chest wall and massage the heart. Helps increase circulation and lower blood pressure.

F I S H

S O R E T H R O AT

Helps stretch and stimulate the throat area, tones the vocal cords and releases tension in the jaw. Open lips slightly, exhaling through the mouth.

M I A D B R I D G E | T H I N K I N G O N A H I G H E R L E V E L O F C O N S C I O U S N E S S

States and around the world” (22). With outstanding results “Reduced psycholog-ical distress in racial and ethnic minority students practicing the Transcendental Meditation program” (13). “Use of the Tran-scendental Meditation technique to reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperac-tivity Disorder (ADHD) by reducing stress and anxiety” (21). The DLF’s sixth and final mission at this time is a global outreach programs to at-risk youths, providing TM as a tool to children from the favelas of Brasil to Muslim teenagers in West Bank all the way to Belfast to help the Catholic and Protestant children.

The power and effectiveness of Tran-scendental Meditation has, and continues to be proven by scientific data. With

overcome the terrors of PTSD. Given that eighteen veterans commit suicide every day the need for help is colossal. Stress is also a huge problem in prisons, The DLF has worked in coordination with prisons for the last thirty-five years, including San Quentin, Walpole and Folsom. Both prisoners and guards learn TM in order to promote a calm and safe environment, seeing a warden meditate in the same room as prisoners is a shocking sight to see. With over two million incarcerated in the U.S. at a 55,670 average yearly cost per inmate, the reduced recidivism associated with TM practice could be of a huge advantage.

The DLF offers the “Quiet Time” program in over “hundreds of public, charter, and private schools throughout the United

of conducting the program on a “family basis”, effects of many members of the community beginning at once. (22)

The DLF also offers TM to the homeless through a reentry program in order to reduce stress related disorders, depression, anxiety, and to help overcome addictions as well as develop the brain and creative potential in a healthy, productive way. There were an estimated three and a half million people who were homeless at some point in 2010; 1.35 million of those were children. An estimated seven hundred thousand go without a home every night, almost forty percent of which are families. Approximately forty percent of all home-less men are veterans and around thirty percent of homeless people have been incarcerated at some point of their life. The need for recovery is there, and the DLF is offering an effective program to those in desperate need. (18)

Through “Operation Warrior Wellness” The DLF offers TM to war veterans to

“With over two million incarcerated in the U.S. at a 55,670 average yearly cost per inmate, the reduced recidivism associated with TM practice could be of a huge advantage.”

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the help of the David Lynch Foundation progress seems inevitable. With the mys-teries debunked and the facts on the table TM can be seen for what it actually is, a noninvasive and effective method of pre-vention and healing available to everyone. No matter what one believes, practices or discredits the results of TM are real and require no change in lifestyle other than taking the twenty minutes twice a day to practice. The movement is well established and continues to grow with the Maharishi University of Management an accredited University in Iowa and certified teachers in almost every city of the world. The TM movement continues to promote health and well being in natural effortless process than anyone can do.

YOGA MOVESCONTINUED

CONTINUED on pg 15

H A L F M O O N

B O N E H E A L T H

Challenges balance and stregnthens your bones. Focuses on your lower spinal region. This is good to balance energy distribution in the body.

T R E E

C O F F E E B R E A K

if you can’t focus, this pose will help you increase concentration and reduce stress.

M I A D B R I D G E | Y O G A M O V E S

YOGA MOVES

D O W N WA R D F A C I N G D O G

P E P P I L L

When in this position, shoulder blades and joints are stimulated. One with arthuritis would feel soothing. Good for rejuvenation and refreshment.

P I G E O N

P E LV I C A N D U R I N A R Y H E A L T H

Helps prostate problems and stregthens the urinary tract. Good for balance and regulating sexual organs.

H E A D T O K N E E

D I A B E T E S

Stimulates spleen, liver, digestive tract, and makes a good position for those with diabetes. Increases energy, and cools hot body temperatures.

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Nawang Khechog has found from his studies and experi-ence are the foundation of true happiness and are at the core of humanity’s possibility of peaceful coexistence with one another, with other species, and with our environment. Through his music, he varies high frequencies of noise along with delicate intimate instruments that will help relax and release tension.

Females, young and old have always experienced social issues crucial to their sense of self. In this book, Girls

Speak Out groups have traveld out all over the country to share and relate to other females that are experiencing the same struggle. This book is full of real stories and poems

from all over the world that will move you and inspire.

Kate, diagnosed with leukemia has always relied on her younger sister, Anna. As Anna was born to help Kate survive by donating her organs, she now seeks medical emancipation from her parents who have always relied on her. As the story unfolds, experience the emotional bonds between the family as they sacrifice their lifestyle to accomodate Kate in her life journey.

NAWANG KHECHONGT I B E T A N M E D I T A T I O N

my sister’s keeper

Book: Health & Wellbeing

Stars:

Music: Meditation & Relaxation

Stars:

Movie: Drama

Stars:

girls s p e a k o u t finding your true self

CHECK IT OUTMusic | Movies | Books

M I A D B R I D G E

Usually, when I think of service, I think strictly of volunteering: of going out into a needy part of the community and doing something to help. Which, certainly, is a part of service, and an important one at that. However, more and more I’m starting to believe that service can encompass more things that just strictly volunteering. Maybe service is just doing something for someone else, without any notion of the favor being returned, without expecting anything back. Living with five other people, sometimes I feel like even acts as simple as cleaning other people’s messes or doing all of the dishes instead of just my own can be a form of service. However, I think it’s important that these acts of service have a benefit to someone who is in genuine need, someone who, for whatever reason, is unable to do whatever it is that you are doing for them.

In general, I think that my definition of ser-vice is pretty standard to the collective idea of service. Through talking to my peers and people in my life, I found that most have similar ideas. Two of my co-workers got

into a discussion on whether or not voting is service; one argued that it was service and the other thought it was more a civil duty than service. Much of my spare time in high school was spent doing community service. I had a couple of friends who I served with and it seemed to be more of a way for us to spend time together than a duty. Almost like service opportunities were also places that we could just hang out. (Not that we were distracted from our work, more that we had fun while doing it). Though I’m not really religious, I did a lot of service through my church. In high school I mentored a group of middle school girls once a week for three years. We also worked concession stands at Badger games, hockey, basketball, and football (I’m from Madison). On weekends, I coached a group of underprivileged kids on a soccer team.

Since high school, I think that my com-munity service has taken a backseat to my overwhelming workload from school as well as my job, but I spent last spring break in Mississippi on a Habitat for Humanity

W R I T T E N B Y A B I G A I L M A L E S Y T C K I

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y J U L I E R O T H

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M I A D B R I D G E

build. As far as less organized forms of service, I feel like I’ve established myself amongst my group of friends as someone to rely on. I am lucky enough to have access to a car and I give my friends rides places whenever they need them. I edit my room-mates’ papers before they hand them in. I work in a bakery and I hate when we throw things away that are less than perfect but still completely edible and delicious. Most of the drawing majors know that I bring all the ‘not-good-enough’ baked goods to school with me and give them to anyone who needs a cookie.

I think that a lot of the times that I’ve ben-efited from someone else’s service has been while I was in a public elementary school. I distinctly remember in first grade when a student’s mother came in and helped us type up sentences we had written. My friend’s dad coached my soccer team in middle school. Even my Girl Scout leader up through high school was a volunteer. A lot of my experience on the receiving end of service has to do with being a kid and having a friend or classmates parent help out, I guess. The most mean-

ingful experience I‘ve had with service had to be while building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi this spring break. The community we were located in was, without a doubt, the poorest one I’ve ever been in. The dirt roads had no signs and dogs just roamed aimlessly. The only store in the town was open irregularly, and the shelves were practically bare. However, the people in this town were quite possibly the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

They recognized us as Habitat for Humanity volunteers and every car that passed if we were just walking to the gas station or whatever would wave, pull over, and chat for a while, usually showing us pictures of their children.On our last night, the whole town came together and threw us a potluck dinner. It meant so much coming from people who were obviously not well off in life. I don’t think I’ve ever seen how much direct impact my service has had on people. We met the single mom who was going to move into the house that we were building and got to see her reaction to our progress, she was thrilled.

I interviewed my co-worker Tina Twersky, who is 68 years old. Tina is a phenomenal woman. I knew that Tina had a service heavy lifestyle before I interviewed her, but upon hearing her talk, I’ve come to fully understand how much. Tina spoke of her neighbor who recently passed away. He was very elderly when he died, and for the past couple years, Tina has been taking care of him. He was an Auschwitz survivor and had rather serious emotional issues. He wasn’t very close with his few family members in Milwaukee, so Tina saw to it that he got the places he needed to go, even leaving work early at times so that she could give him rides places. Tina also cooked food for him every week. Though it wasn’t through an organization, Tina feels that her relationship with the man was a form a service.

Tina explained to me that there’s a certain aspect of service in many friendships, but that it’s not always reciprocal. While she very much enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her neighbor, she cer-tainly didn’t ever expect him to ever do

“...one of the main reasons to do service is so that she can appreciateeverything that she has.”

| C I T I Z E N S O F H E L P I N G H A N D S

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anything for her. What she got out of her service was more a peace of mind. She felt a connection for her neighbor, and by making sure he was taken care of herself she didn’t have to worry about his well being. Tina said that you can get a sense of well being through witnessing how your actions improve someone else’s well being.

My second interviewee was none other than my mother. Bridget Malesytcki is in her fifties and works as in a middle school as a helper for mentally or behaviorally challenged students. Service is a big part of her life too. We discussed that her job could even be a form of service, because she spends her time helping these students who otherwise would really struggle to be a part of the class, though she does get paid. We talked about the service mentality; the idea that her job is one of service despite the fact that she gets paid, she is helping students who greatly need attention and often go without it. We had a pretty inter-esting discussion about compensation for service and whether or not that disqualifies it. Does a cancer researcher who devotes

his or her life to saving lives work not count as service only because they are being paid? My mom said that for her, one of the main reasons to do service is so that she can appreciate everything she has. Serving people who are less fortunate than her helps her put her life into perspective and truly see how lucky she is.

What surprised me the most about my research into the notions of service is the idea that maybe some service is not unre-warded. Of course, all service is rewarding in a mental or spiritual way, but some also may be rewarding in a monetary way, such as my mom’s service-esque job. Like the foster program that we see in Flight, many of the foster families in the story sort of abused the foster program. The idea of allowing a foster child to live in your house is hugely service based. However, as we see in Flight, the families get financial benefits from the government. Does this unqualify raising foster children as service? I think not. Taking in a child allows for a possibly very rewarding experience, a new child in your life, and one who really needs a home.

M I A D B R I D G E

FOR PLACES AT HOME

1. Help your siblings with homework.

2. Help cook or serve a meal for your family.

4. Box up old clothes to send to a Goodwill

or Salvation Army.

5. Offer to help your neighbors with yard

work, babysit, or walk their dog.

FOR PLACES AT WORK:

1. Bring in a breakfast snack such as

muffins or fruit to drink with your coffee.

2. Answer the phones at the receptionist

desk if they need help.

3. Offer to grab lunch for someone who

can’t take a lunch break.

5. Pick up any trash laying around and

throw it away.

Have you felt inspired or motivated after reading the articles? If you feel you’d like to get up and onto your feet, here are some

ideas that I consider to be a simple way of serving your community. As read in the article “Citizens of Helping Hands”, giving back to the community can be in many different ways. Many of these ideas are easy kick starts for you to dip your feet into. Eventually you

| K I C K S T A R T

KICK START From The Editor Herself,

A Short Guide to Giving Back

3

4

Make breakfast for your family.

Grab the door for someone.

may want to try other methods of service which may include you serving food at the homless shelter, volunteering at the Humane Society, or maybe even starting a small community garden. There are many local places in Milwaukee that need volunteers, all you have to do is search! Some places that are great to start volun-teering are nonprofit organizations. These organizations run solely

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FOR PLACES AT SCHOOL:

2. Lend someone supplies if they forgot.

3. Offer them a ride somewhere near by.

4. Help someone move into the dorms.

5. Help someone having trouble on the

comptuer.

FOR PLACES IN PUBLIC:

1. Buy someone a cup of coffee.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home.

3. Give up your seat for someone older on

the bus.

4. Hold the elevator for someone.

on a volunteer basis and need it the most. Organizations like these would be the Urban Ecology Center, Riverwest Co-Op, Coffee House, Outpost, Safe & Sound, and so many more. Volunteering at these places not only help the organization run, but you also get to meet new people and create new friendships. If you still feel that you aren’t ready to fully commit to a nonprofit organization,

1

5

Revise someone’s paper.

Help someone carry their groceries.

don’t forget that you can still help others around you. Although some people may not recognize it as a form of service, you should feel good about yourself in what you’re doing when you decide to help others. Whether you’re helping at home or out in public, for a friend or a stranger, there are always opportunities that arrise.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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A D A M F O R B E S

A B I G A I L M A L E S Y T C K I

G A B R I E L L A G R A N T

S K Y L A R D A M I A N O

LY D I A YA N G

T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R S

Z O E K R Y L O V A

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SOURCES

A R T I C L E S

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United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Hearings 111th Cong., 2nd sess. Washington: GPO, 2010. Web. 3 Dec 2010.

T H I N K I N G O N A H I G H E R L E V E L

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T R A N C E D E N T A L M E D I T A T I O N

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C I T I Z E N S O F H E L P I N G H A N D S

Alexie, Sherman. Flight : a Novel. New York: Black Cat, 2007. Print.

Malesytcki, Bridget. Personal interview. 27 Jan. 2011.

Twersky, Tina. Personal interview. 30 Jan. 2011.

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