Looking for Resources for Self Improvement, Motivation, Etc.

[Kevin Perry]

I know of Zen Habits and have a couple books, what are some other good resources on the above as well as things that could aid in stress management, concentration, depression, etc.?

[Garrett Smith]

www.brainsync.com

[Jay Cohen]

Originally Posted by Kevin Perry

I know of Zen Habits and have a couple books, what are some other good resources on the above as well as things that could aid in stress management, concentration, depression, etc.?

Books don't cut it. Seek out a Zen Center/Temple, or try a retreat. Google is your friend.

* Charleston Zen Center - Affiliate of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. Offers weekly zazen practice.
* Columbia Zen Buddhist Priory - Affiliated with Shasta Abbey and the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. Offers a regular practice schedule and dharma talks.
* Zen Centers in South Carolina - Complete list of Zen centers in South Carolina maintained by the International Research Institute for Zen Buddhism.

[Kevin Perry]

I never even heard of zen centers... I'll check one out asap if there is one nearby.

[Jay Cohen]

Originally Posted by Kevin Perry

I never even heard of zen centers... I'll check one out asap if there is one nearby.

Kev;

I have a few links along with articles on my blog: http://jaycohen.blogspot.com/

Regardless of length of drive, you should try to go. Most offer a 3 hr intro, or a one day sit that will help you in your everyday practice.

After that, get a cushion, and sit.

Good luck.

[Daniel Labuz]

Thanks, I am also interested in this. I need to learn how to meditate, I just can't stop thinking about thinking!

[Cassidy Drake]

For me I head to my local zen center www.kzci.org he has some great books and dvd's. i also like anything by Krishnamurti

[Gant Grimes]

Originally Posted by Kevin Perry

...as well as things that could aid in stress management, concentration, depression, etc.?

Grappling arts (wrestling, judo, BJJ, sambo, etc.) will address all those issues.

[George Mounce]

One day in a Zen center you will learn that nothing is everything.

[Mike ODonnell]

You've probably read these posts from the blog....but they may help inspire a bit:
Winning the mental battle in life

How to be Happy right now

Get Anything you want in life

The whole living in the present moment/Now is how to achieve happiness and drop all the other negative emotions associated with the past or future....as there is only happiness in the now (or I like to think so).

At some point I would love to go sit in a Buddha temple for 3 months in solitude to see what kind of mental clarity I can get....but until then I can make time daily to get away with my own thoughts wherever I am. My favorite 2 books on the topic are (and there are probably a ton of them out there...but until I master any of these I have no need for more reading):
- The Power of Now (Tolle)
- Awareness (Anthony DeMello)

DeMello is by far my favorite author as I call his stuff "end game" material....once you can read his stuff and get it, there is really nothing left to do but just live it.