What?!?! Excuse me?! That might have been the longest pause or break in conversation I have ever been a part of. I remember the odd feeling more than the actual thoughts, but I am sure I was thinking, “What did you break?” Then, the revelation. “I entered us into an ugly bathroom contest,” he said.

Researchers included 399 nursing home residents who had dementia or other agerelated problems. They were visited weekly by an ElderClown. It was found that the participants in the clown sessions had a 20 percent decrease in overall agitation. This benefit lasted for at least 14 weeks after the program ended.

Making a living these days is not easy. For some, both spouses work, some work two jobs, and making ends meet with costs rising to raise a family and for necessities result in living paycheck to paycheck. And it doesn’t help matters that governmental entities take a big bite out of our income every payday to spend as they see fit – often not wisely.

The primary benefits of meditation are immediate relaxation and a better understanding of how your body, mind and spirit work together so that you can handle stressful situations. Over time, you will gain greater peace for yourself and those around you.