The term "Luddite" describes individuals opposed to new technology due to concerns about job security, understanding, or change.

The Luddite movement was a labor struggle focused on rights and poverty, not a rejection of technology or progress.

The Luddites opposed specific technologies that threatened their livelihoods as workers, not technology and progress in general.

The 21st century Luddite movement critiques technology development and advocates for workers' greater control over technological progress.

Psychological factors like fear, anxiety, and stress can make individuals resistant to new technologies due to feeling overwhelmed by rapid technological advancements.

Sociological factors, such as social identity and cultural values, can influence technology resistance by challenging existing beliefs and practices.

Perceived usefulness and ease of use can impact an individual's willingness to adopt a new technology.

Strategies like clear communication, training, and employee involvement can address psychological and sociological factors.

Supervisors can address employee concerns about new technologies through active listening, empathy, and open communication.

Creating a positive work environment is crucial for addressing employee concerns, which can be achieved by fostering open dialogue and recognizing employee contributions.

Empathy and active listening can help build trust with employees resistant to new technologies by addressing their concerns.

Regular feedback and updates can help build trust and reduce resistance to new technologies.

Finding a balance between new technologies and employee concerns requires a nuanced understanding of technological, social, and organizational factors.

The term "Luddite" describes individuals opposed to new technology due to concerns about job security, understanding, or change.

The Luddite movement was a labor struggle focused on rights and poverty, not a rejection of technology or progress.

Title:

Content: Brian Merchant, author: “Luddites are more dangerous to the rich than Robin Hood”

The Luddites have been a great historical resource. Any showy enemy of anything that looked like technological progress has been called a Luddite. Today with generative artificial intelligence and its critics, the word has been revived. The author and journalist Brian Merchant (Iowa City, USA, 1983) saw it coming and has written a book that reviews the Luddite revolt in England at the beginning of the 19th century and its similarities with current technologies: Blood in the Machine (Blood in the Machine, currently without a planned edition in Spanish) thus explores the origins of the current revolt against big technology.

Although the book has appeared in the midst of the AI hype, Merchant began his research a decade ago: “Uber was growing and it was beginning to be seen that it was having a hard impact on taxi drivers, I heard the term Luddite from the pro-Uber sector and wrote an article titled You don't understand anything about Luddites”. Now in his book he remembers that the Luddite revolt was a labor struggle, not anti-technology, at a time when unions were prohibited. In a conversation with EL PAÍS from his residence in Los Angeles, Merchant clarifies the historical impact of the Luddites and the possible similar struggles that are being played today in Silicon Valley.

1. The Luddites were not against progress

The labor revolt over the loss of rights was more important than the destruction of textile machines: “The biggest mistake about the Luddites is to say that they were against technology and progress,” says Merchant. “They were against certain technologies because they recognized the way in which they were going to be used in their context against them as workers. It was a labor movement, against poverty, not anti-technology. The British Government began to mold them in this way almost immediately, it was keen to mock the Luddites and present the argument that they were against progress. It is very similar to how today people in positions of power in technology companies accuse those who complain about poor working conditions. It's the same story for 200 years.”

The book quotes a phrase from historian Eric Hobsbawm that explains this stage: “It was collective bargaining through riots.” According to Merchant, this tactic in a workers' struggle was very powerful for two reasons: “First, it was symbolic because everyone understood that what they were destroying was not just a machine. It was also the specific machine used to transfer wealth from the workers to the employer. Second, it was useful because they destroyed the equipment that businessmen needed.”

2. Why Robin Hood is better accepted than Ned Ludd

Ned Ludd was a legendary character. No one knows for sure if he existed. It was the legend of a teenager who would have broken the first machines at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In 1811, rebellious workers used his legendary name to sign letters and further scare: “Ludd probably never existed. But the incarnation of it would become a mascot, an organizational tool, a wink: a powerful 19th-century meme,” Merchant writes.

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Ludd lived near Nottingham (United Kingdom), like another legendary figure who has been better treated by history. There must be a reason, says Merchant: “The Luddites organized a popular and powerful rebellion. People wrote popular songs about them. They were like Robin Hood. But it is interesting that Robin Hood has endured as a positive light, while the Luddites have not. He suggests that the myth of Ned Ludd is in some ways more dangerous to the elites and the wealthy than that of Robin Hood, which is a little more nebulous and open. The Luddites say: go ahead and break the machines of your oppression. Robin Hood says: steal from the rich and give to the poor. “I think that’s a little more tolerable.”

3. How are they similar to today's problems?

The background of the book is that the history of the Luddites is similar to what happens today in Silicon Valley, where a small group of corporations dominate new technologies. “The way technologies are developed has basically not changed. You have a handful of people with access to enough capital or political influence to be able to build a factory and use automation technologies. “Back then, the most aggressive owners didn’t ask anyone how to find a way to make this a win-win.”

Merchant has received criticism for equating the great businessmen of 19th century England with 21st century America. But there are details that he does not see that far away: “The technology development process is in some ways even more undemocratic today than then. There is this immense pool of capital available to Silicon Valley innovators through venture capital. Uber wasn't profitable for 10 years, but they had access to that capital. Did anyone really like that? Did it work for workers and delivery people? Nothing mattered, they just had more money and moved on.”

See also  Just the mystery

The Luddites opposed specific technologies that threatened their livelihoods as workers, not technology and progress in general.

The 21st century Luddite movement critiques technology development and advocates for workers' greater control over technological progress.

Psychological factors like fear, anxiety, and stress can make individuals resistant to new technologies due to feeling overwhelmed by rapid technological advancements.

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The Right Way To Evaluate A Technology Solution For Your Organization

Founder and CEO at Ludi, Inc., a healthcare technology company making it easy for hospitals to pay physicians.

Selecting a new technology for your company can be daunting. Organizations usually begin this process with a desire to either streamline or solve specific pain points. Regardless of your specific needs, implementing new technology will involve change. For your organization as an entity, change can be great. Change can reduce inefficiencies and errors, as well as usher in new opportunities. But for the people who work for your organization, change can trigger anxiety and ultimately resistance to the new technology. Here are six things to keep in mind when evaluating new technology:

1. Identify your problem. It sounds simple, but many organizations jump straight to the solutions they find appealing. If you focus on the true problem you’re trying to solve, you will stay goal-oriented while searching for a vendor.

2. Keep an open mind. You may have seen a solution you find appealing, but remember that you don’t know what you don’t know. The technology partner you choose should be an expert in the field and may offer you products that you didn’t even know existed. Stay open to new ideas and solutions. One of the things I’ve noticed is prospective clients saying, “We can’t buy this product unless it handles this exact case we’re trying to solve for.” That’s not always the most effective approach because it doesn’t take all the variables into consideration. For example, my company works with hospitals to streamline complex physician payment structures. The hospital may have had the doctor recording their time one way because they were using a paper system and approvals needed to be checked in a certain manner for that doctor to get paid. Once you eliminate paper, though, in that particular scenario, everything is up for discussion – not just the way doctors record their time, but the entire physician payment process at the hospital. Rigidity will not benefit you when evaluating new technology.

3. Get your people on the same page. Meet with department heads to pull together all the pain points that need to be solved. You must be comprehensive during your internal review because needs come out differently across different departments. You may not be able to solve everyone’s problem with the new technology, but it’s important to align your team before you bring in a vendor. Then prioritize your needs. Once your departments agree on the priorities, be clear with your team on who is making the final decision. Departmental input is important, but knowing who the purchaser is within your organization is equally important. Remember: Don’t lose sight of why you're buying this technology. Keep the ultimate purpose in mind.

4. Consider internal change management. Change is difficult for many of us, so it’s important to stop and consider the people who will be affected by this change. Resistance to change can originate from any of the following: loss of control, insecurities about competence, feeling defensive about past work, concern about more work and general uncertainty. Be proactive in preparing your staff for a change, because all of these responses tend to have a ripple effect in corporate cultures.

5. Focus on the future. If you’ve ever bought a house, you know that there are things you didn’t know you needed until you lived with your investment for a few years. Technology is no different. You may have a list of goals for your business, but there is no telling what you’ll need 10 years from now. The best technology partner will be flexible enough to support your organization as it grows. How can you find a partner with this type of future-focused outlook? See point number two.

6. Listen and be patient. The people delivering technology solutions in the market are experts and can offer you insights into the industry. I suggest finding a solution that can handle 90% of what you need out of the box. Work with your solution provider and try their out-of-the-box solutions for 90 days before you decide what you need next. Make sure the product you choose is flexible enough to grow with your business, but resist over-customizing the product because that can back you into a corner.

Technology solutions truly can help you streamline and standardize your business. Time spent organizing what problem you are trying to solve will make the search much more efficient. While there may not be a solution out there that does everything you hope to accomplish, keep an open mind and you'll find a solution that's right for your specific needs.

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6 Strategies To Alleviate Employees’ Fears Of AI In 2024

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The rise in AI has caused a mixture of excitement and fear as it becomes a standard part of our lives. Some say it’s a risk to civilization as we know it, while others insist it will transform the way we work, live and interact with one another. The part that is not debatable is that not only is AI not going away, it’s on the upswing. You can get that tattooed. So it’s important to develop a reasonable comfort around its use.

Is AI Coming For You Or To You?

One way to do that is to consider that AI is coming to you, not for you. The stigma and fear around the technology has caused some employees to shy away from a tool that can enhance productivity and certain mental health benefits like cognitive re-framing for anxiety. On the flip side, studies also show that workers who frequently use AI are at higher risk for burnout.

However, the opposite findings are reported in a new global survey from Sage. Out of over 1,000 HR leaders, 95% have experienced a workload increase over the last year, and 91% noted an increase in their responsibilities. Yet, instead of fearing AI usage, 77% of the respondents cite AI as having the potential to revolutionize their work processes by reducing time-consuming tasks and ultimately easing burnout.

Taylor Blake, senior vice president of new initiatives at Degreed, told me by email that there’s a lot of fear about AI, but avoiding the technology won’t make the risks go away. He explains that employees need to know what the AI tools are capable of, and they need to be experimenting. He also said that many companies want their employees to adopt this technology, adding that many workers are left wondering if AI will take their jobs in the next two years and what this means for their careers.

How Companies Can Help Assuage AI Fears

Mismanaged fear is responsible for most poor communication in organizations. It’s important that business leaders consider the psychological safety of their employees and how their mental health impacts the company’s bottom line.

The human mind is like Velcro for negativity and Teflon for positivity. Work-life’s inevitable uncertainties instantly arouse our fight-or-flight reaction. Our survival brain is constantly updating our world, making judgments about what's safe and what isn't. It will do almost anything for the sake of certainty because we’re hardwired to overestimate threats and underestimate your ability to handle them. Here is where business leaders can step in and offer a helping hand, according to the experts.

“Some companies are going all in on AI, wanting their employees to start adopting this technology, leaving employees wondering if AI will take their jobs in two years and what this means for their careers,” Blake says, adding that in this new reality, companies should be helping their employees navigate where they can best apply their skills and develop new ones simultaneously. “Many of us have the mindset that learning is something we do early in our careers, but we need to shift that to a mindset of being lifelong learners. Learning is the new competitive advantage in today’s AI-powered job market.”

According to Rick Hammell, founder and CEO of Helios, leaders play a crucial role in alleviating employees' fears of AI. He shared with me six strategies companies can implement to mitigate fear and misunderstanding

  1. Providing comprehensive education and training programs. By offering employees a deeper understanding of AI technologies, their benefits and limitations, Hammell suggests that leaders can demystify AI and address misconceptions that often fuel fear and uncertainty.
  2. Fostering open communication within the organization. Hammell believes that creating a culture where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns about AI allows leaders to actively listen to these fears and address them with empathy and clarity.
  3. Emphasizing the concept of human-machine collaboration. Hammell advocates highlighting how AI can complement and enhance employees' skills and productivity rather than replace them. He insists that this will enable leaders to help employees see AI as a tool that can improve their work experiences.
  4. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and policies for the use of AI in the workplace. Hammell sees this as crucial in addressing common fears related to AI. He acknowledges that employees often worry about job loss, privacy concerns, skill obsolescence, bias and discrimination and a lack of control when it comes to AI. To assuage these fears, he advises that leaders reassure employees about job security by emphasizing that AI is meant to augment their work, not replace it entirely.
  5. Implementing robust data protection measures and transparent data handling practices can help address privacy concerns. Hammell recommends offering upskilling and reskilling programs to help employees adapt to the changing skill requirements in the age of AI to alleviate fears related to skill obsolescence.
  6. Promoting diversity and inclusion in AI development and deployment. Hammell argues that it is essential to address concerns about bias and discrimination. “By involving employees in the design and implementation of AI systems and providing opportunities for feedback, leaders can empower employees and help them feel more in control of AI processes,” he concludes.

A Final Wrap-Up

Companies are developing technology to help people feel more confident with the inevitable technology. A study by Genesys, for example, finds a consensus among most employees who say they don’t fear AI replacing their jobs. Only 10% of GenZ/millennials and seven percent of GenX/boomers worry about this in the long run. Instead, 23% of GenZ/millennials and 19% of GenX/boomers see its potential to make their jobs better. The study concluded that organizations should seize this opportunity to educate and train their employees on AI’s benefits.

Bill Salak, the CTO and COO of Brainly, is on a mission to ensure the country’s future workforce is well-educated and ready to wield AI properly. His company has validated its commitment to the future workforce with the launch of Test Prep, an AI-driven tool that builds good time management skills and bolsters their overall understanding of AI use. The new Brainly feature uses AI to generate personalized study experiences—boosting confidence and reducing anxiety.

The conflicting findings that are emerging around AI reflects our human inability to accept uncertainty. It shows that some workers have fear; others have appreciation, which raises the question, “Is AI a sword or a shield?” Too much or too little of anything can be harmful. In the final analysis, it’s how corporate America uses the technology to improve humanity that ultimately matters.

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Sociological factors, such as social identity and cultural values, can influence technology resistance by challenging existing beliefs and practices.

Perceived usefulness and ease of use can impact an individual's willingness to adopt a new technology.

Strategies like clear communication, training, and employee involvement can address psychological and sociological factors.

Supervisors can address employee concerns about new technologies through active listening, empathy, and open communication.

Title:

Content: Striking the right balance: How to integrate generative AI into your business like a boss

Nam Truong, human-centred technologist at Law Squared. Source: Supplied.

Generative AI has the game-changing potential to increase organisational efficiency, support strategy, and assist creativity.

Although most people are still in the learning and experimental phase of their generative AI journey, our experts say it will soon become a part of everyday work. Here’s their advice for how to leverage its power to grow your business and build resilience.

Use AI to enhance roles and increase engagement

Hareta McMullin, founder of Third Space People, emphasises generative AI’s ability to streamline tasks, increase productivity, and reduce the load for employees.

She advises employers to consider how automating certain aspects of people’s jobs can free them up to focus on more strategic and high-value work. The benefits of this approach include increased morale and engagement, improved retention and workplace culture, a boost to your employer brand, and greater innovation.

“If, from an employee perspective, generative AI can take away potential elements of my job that I find time-consuming or frustrating and give me the time to work on more fulfilling areas,” McMullin says, “that then leads back into your work design and organisational design.”

She suggests you start by asking your employees where they feel most bogged down by tedious tasks, and then brainstorm and experiment with ways to use generative AI to support them in these areas.

Register for our upcoming webinar AI & your business: how SMEs can get ready — a free webinar hosted by SmartCompany in partnership with Salesforce exploring what AI means for small-businesses.

Take a human-centred approach

Nam Truong, a human-centred technologist who leads the technology consulting team at Law Squared, believes that generative AI can be used to drive more efficient service delivery and a better customer experience. But he stresses that “the human touch” will be more valued now than ever.

“If technology provides too much of a personalised experience, it can become scary,” he says. “Like, if I was just speaking about something and now I’m seeing all these ads for it,” that can be eerie and uncomfortable, “But when humans provide that experience, it’s warming. It’s comforting to know that you can talk to someone, and they know your story, what you need, and can provide that.”

For Truong, the question then becomes: How can we use AI to deliver more value to customers and enhance human-facilitated experiences?

“With the advent of new technology, people always need to relearn and retrain,” he says. “But I think if we approach adopting this technology with a mindset of ‘We’re looking for it to help us be more human and deliver our services and products in a more ethical, human and sustainable way’, I think that people will be more open to changing their behaviour.”

So, what should growth-and future-focused employers do now?

1. Focus on change leadership and upskilling your workforce

McMullin underscores change leadership’s role in successfully adopting generative AI, explaining that effective communication, education, and addressing employee fears are essential to facilitating a smooth transition.

“If your people are resistant, it’s going to cause a lot of friction and make that process feel really clunky and negative, so change leadership is huge,” she says.

She also believes upskilling employees to understand and leverage generative AI is critical to ensuring they remain relevant in a changing landscape.

2. Consider risk governance and values alignment

Truong highlights the importance of mitigating risks by aligning with reputable software solutions and established frameworks. Ensuring security and corporate governance standards are in place is crucial, especially in industries where trust and confidentiality are paramount.

“One of the reasons why we selected Salesforce is because we view it as the world’s biggest and best CRM, and we have trust in the platform,” Truong says. “They are among the world’s biggest players with the most talented developers and the most secure frameworks and risk governance frameworks—and, as a law firm, that’s the security standard we need to adopt AI.”

He adds that another important factor to consider is your core values and how your use of generative AI aligns with and supports your vision, mission and goals.

Both Truong and McMullin advocate for a balanced approach to incorporating generative AI into the workplace, focusing on efficiency gains, human-AI collaboration, ethics, and values alignment.

Now that every organisation has access to this efficiency-optimising technology, Truong reminds us that doubling down on the human experience will be vital to helping your business stand out from the crowd.

Read now: Don’t risk your rep: The importance of ethics and compliance in generative AI

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Creating a positive work environment is crucial for addressing employee concerns, which can be achieved by fostering open dialogue and recognizing employee contributions.

Empathy and active listening can help build trust with employees resistant to new technologies by addressing their concerns.

Regular feedback and updates can help build trust and reduce resistance to new technologies.

Finding a balance between new technologies and employee concerns requires a nuanced understanding of technological, social, and organizational factors.


The Mozart Effect, which suggests that listening to Mozart's music can temporarily improve cognitive performance, has been found to be more complex than previously thought, with recent studies indicating that its effects may depend on individual differences and how music is listened to.

Recent research has shown that the beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to, with some studies finding that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning, while others have found that listening to "high-arousal" music can have a positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator.

The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease, found that the beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to, and that individual differences play a significant role in determining the impact of music on cognitive processes.

Classical music, such as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, is the most helpful type of music for improving cognitive function, with the International Institute of Science referring to this phenomenon as the "Mozart effect".

Studies have shown that musicians have a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia, with one study finding that musicians had a 64% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Additionally, analysis of two other studies found that musicians had an average 59% lower risk of dementia, suggesting that music training and performance may have a protective effect on cognitive decline.

However, it is essential to note that while music may have a positive impact on cognitive function, it cannot reverse or prevent brain cell shrinkage due to aging, but it can slow cognitive decline.

The incorporation of Mozart's music into elementary school curricula has been suggested as a means to enhance cognitive performance and spatial reasoning, with some studies indicating a positive correlation between listening to Mozart's music and improved spatial-temporal skills.

Research has shown that the Mozart Effect, which refers to the temporary improvement in cognitive performance after listening to Mozart's music, can be particularly beneficial for children in the elementary school age range.

Specific guidelines for incorporating Mozart's music into elementary school curricula include playing his music during math and spatial reasoning activities, as well as using his music as a tool for relaxation and focus.

Some studies recommend playing Mozart's music for at least 10-15 minutes per session, with a frequency of 2-3 times per week, in order to achieve optimal cognitive benefits.

The optimal duration for listening to Mozart's music to enhance cognitive performance is around 10-15 minutes, with longer exposure not necessarily leading to greater benefits.

In terms of frequency, research suggests that listening to Mozart's music 2-3 times a week can be effective in enhancing cognitive performance, with daily exposure not being necessary.

To measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the Mozart Effect in elementary school students, researchers have employed various assessment tools, including standardized tests and cognitive tasks.

One of the most commonly used assessment tools is the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, which measures spatial reasoning and other cognitive abilities.

Other studies have used the Raven's Progressive Matrices test to evaluate the impact of Mozart's music on spatial reasoning skills in elementary school students.

The use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has also been explored as a means of measuring the Mozart Effect in students.

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that elementary school students who listened to Mozart's music before completing a spatial reasoning task performed significantly better than those who did not listen to music.

The same study also found that the Mozart Effect was more pronounced in students who were exposed to the music for a longer period.

Overall, the existing research suggests that the Mozart Effect can be measured and evaluated in elementary school students using a range of assessment tools and methodologies, but that further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effects.

The Mozart Effect, which suggests that listening to Mozart's music can temporarily improve cognitive performance, has been found to be more complex than previously thought, with recent studies indicating that its effects may depend on individual differences and how music is listened to.

Title:

Content: 4/25/23 · Research

The beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to

The initial results of the study of the 'Mozart effect' on neurodegeneration show that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning
The research has been carried out with people experiencing mild cognitive impairment, and it did find individual differences when listening to 'high-arousal' music

Listening to 'high-arousal' music could have a positive effect on memory for people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator (Image: Clem Onojeghuo, Unsplash)

Given the lack of effective treatments to counteract cognitive impairment, background music has traditionally been proposed as a possible therapeutic alternative for improving memory-related tasks. Its effect has long been the focus of debate, but this relationship has now been found to be possibly determined by new interindividual parameters, which means that it may be more complex than was previously thought. This is shown by research led by Marco Calabria, a researcher in the Cognitive Neurolab group of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), who is now considering new experiments.

The initial results of the Mozart effect and memory in patients with cognitive impairment (MEM-COG) study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, suggest that listening to background classical music while performing memory tasks neither improves nor impairs learning levels among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to more 'high-arousal' music was found to have a possible positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator in their everyday lives, which suggests there is potential for further hypotheses and research.

The study, which has been published as open access in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, was carried out with patients at the neuropsychology unit of Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau, and involved researchers at the hospital, Montreal's Concordia University and Madrid's Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute.

There is no universal effect

"We found no general impact concerning the effect of music in terms of whether it had positive or negative effects on learning in cases of MCI, but we did find that it would be modulated for each individual. If people regularly use music as an emotional regulator in their daily life, such as to help them remain calm or for company, they will find it easier to obtain further benefits from music when they have to learn something new," explained Calabria, who has a PhD in Psychobiology.

The subjects of the study were people with mild amnestic cognitive impairment, i.e. they have memory problems as a result of an onset of neurodegeneration that is more specific in the parts of the brain dealing with aspects of learning and memory. The experiments consisted of observing 24 photographs of human faces. Participants were instructed to memorize them, and 10 minutes later, they were asked to look at a new series containing the previous 24 images and 24 new ones, in order to attempt to identify the ones that they had already seen.

A classical choice

The first test was performed with the subjects listening to classical music in the information consolidation phase but not in the recovery phase, while in the second exercise it was repeated with the auditory stimulus during both phases. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of results.

Classical music was used in these exercises because "it's a type of music that falls between relaxing and arousing, and has proven to be the most effective for enhancing memory". Furthermore, the fact that it is instrumental reduces the interference (that can come from lyrics) with the content that the participants have to learn in the memory task.

A ray of light

However, Calabria's team wanted to carry out a third experiment using popular music which was considered arousing rather than relaxing, and after a preliminary study, they used an instrumental version of Un rayo de sol (A ray of light), by the group Los Diablos. In that experiment, according to Calabria, the results suggested that "the use of music as a strategy for mood regulation is associated with better performance in memory tasks."

Ongoing research

This finding opens up the possibility of further research to continue exploring the role of interindividual preferences and attitudes towards music among patients with MCI. The group plans to continue the project until late 2024.

During this time, it will investigate whether background music could be more useful in other cognitive domains, such as in attention and concentration in patients with Parkinson's disease. The experiments will also involve the use of a new infrared spectroscopy device in the Neuro Lab, one of the recently opened new laboratories at the UOC, which will show the activation at the cerebral level while cognitive processes are taking place. This will help to determine whether or not there are any alterations in the brain's modulation, in which areas this takes place, and whether it depends on the type of person studied, regardless of the level of response to music.

In overall terms, this will help to find a type of marker which determines the people most likely to benefit from music in cognitive tasks. "The more we know about how background music shapes cognitive processes, the better the use we can make of music as a therapeutic tool in cognitive stimulation," concluded Calabria, an expert in the study of cognitive processes and a member of teaching staff on the UOC's Master's Degree in Neuropsychology.

This research project receives funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, Good health and well-being.

Reference article:

Calabria, Marco et al. 'Background Music and Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Interindividual Differences'. 1 Jan. 2023: 815 – 829. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-221051

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Over 500 researchers and more than 50 research groups work in the UOC's seven faculties, its eLearning Research programme and its two research centres: the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) and the eHealth Center (eHC).

The university also develops online learning innovations at its eLearning Innovation Center (eLinC), as well as UOC community entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer via the Hubbik platform.

Open knowledge and the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serve as strategic pillars for the UOC's teaching, research and innovation. More information: research.uoc.edu.

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Recent research has shown that the beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to, with some studies finding that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning, while others have found that listening to "high-arousal" music can have a positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator.

The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease, found that the beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to, and that individual differences play a significant role in determining the impact of music on cognitive processes.

Classical music, such as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, is the most helpful type of music for improving cognitive function, with the International Institute of Science referring to this phenomenon as the "Mozart effect".

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In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer ’ s disease.
Dementia in the elderly is an incurable disease. It is easy for patients to become isolated, because they will feel isolated and helpless about their own uselessness, and they are used to being alone in order to avoid embarrassment.
In the latter stages, they often lose the ability to communicate with people around them.
It is very painful for the patients themselves and the caregivers and family members who care for them.
In recent years, it has been found that music therapy can intervene and make up for this lack of progress.
It also increases the patient ’ s engagement with the surrounding environment and reduces many neurological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and unexplained tantrums.
In other words, when people with dementia are unable to connect with their loved ones, that is, when they are unable to speak their language, music is the last bridge to interact with each other.
Q1: Do people with dementia have special feelings about music?
A1: According to nearly a decade of research by the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University, it has been found that even though people with dementia lose language and other memories, memories related to music often remain in the brain.
This is because areas of the brain involved in musical memory (e.g., the cerebellum) are not affected until late in the disease process.
Familiar music can help people with dementia recover certain aspects of their memory, make them feel calm, and greatly improve their mood.
Q2: Why do people with dementia remember their favorite songs?
A2: Although suffering from severe dementia, it means that a person has very little memory of their past.
Even if you can ’ t remember your son ’ s name, familiar songs that you ’ ve heard and sung will always come to mind.
Q3: In addition to music, is listening to the radio good for elderly people with dementia?
A3: In fact, the radio can not only provide good music, but also play emotional dialogue, which can truly relieve the loneliness of the dementia patient and bring comfort and peace.
Q4: How do people with dementia react to music?
A4: According to the research of clinical psychiatrists, it is found that people with dementia who are generally slow to respond to music, especially to their favorite music.
Hearing a familiar concert naturally shows a pleasant response, such as smiling or moving your body or even starting to dance.
And it seems to produce a unique and powerful stimulus response to familiar music that awakens the patient ’ s past personal and social connections.
In theory, if music can evoke memories, it may also help patients evoke other memories or related memories of that period.
In several studies, it has been consistently found that music tends to evoke more positive and positive memories from life than other clues.
Q5: Can music also prevent cognitive decline?
A5: Playing and listening to music can help slow the decline of cognitive function in older adults, according to a new study in Medical Journal Today.
Active note vibrations increase gray matter in certain areas of the brain and increase the plasticity of brain cells. Although music does not reverse or prevent brain cell shrinkage due to aging, it can slow cognitive decline.
Q6: What kind of music is most helpful?
A6: Studies have proved that classical music is the best choice.
The International Institute of Science calls this phenomenon the "Mozart effect."
It is recommended to listen to classical music such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and other famous composers.
Classical music seems to move the brain more easily than other music, is best suited for concentration, and is more able to produce substantial effects in absorbing new information.
Q7: Do musicians suffer from dementia?
A7: According to the International Institute of Science, a study of twins reported that musicians have a 64% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
The analysis of two other studies found that musicians had an average 59% lower risk of dementia.
Training and performance, which can be attributed to music, stimulates the brain and improves its ability to respond to the outside world.
Q8: Which organ is most stimulated by music?
A8: Although most activities such as visual art, computing, and language are mainly only half of the brain.
But music is one of the few that can pass through the auditory nerve and stimulate neurons on both sides of the brain at the same time.
Q9: How does music react in the brain?
A9: Music can promote the production of hormones dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
These are neurotransmitters that increase the sense of pleasure and ease.
There is also the so-called love hormone - oxytocin.
At the same time, research evidence shows that music can help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, instantly relieving feelings of anxiety and depression.
Q10: How long does the music last?
A10: It ’ s a concern that in people with dementia, music can improve mood, behavior, and in some cases cognitive function, which, according to the Clinical Psychiatric Society, lasts for hours or even days after the music stops.
Q11: Can people without dementia benefit from music?
A11: A recent study suggests that playing an instrument and actively listening to music can help slow cognitive decline in people aged 62-78.
This study once again determined that musical activity increases the gray matter in many areas of the brain. Gray matter is an essential nerve tissue in the brain and spinal cord.
In particular, it plays an important role in psychology, memory, mood and movement. The increase in gray matter also increases the plasticity of the brain ’ s nerves – the brain ’ s ability to reconnect itself, which is important for learning cognition and memory preservation.
In addition to actively playing music, the 2023 study also showed that long-term music training, regardless of the age of the participants, can bring potential functional benefits to the brain and help keep the brain young and slow down aging.
(The author is a practicing physician in the Greater Washington area)
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Studies have shown that musicians have a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia, with one study finding that musicians had a 64% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Additionally, analysis of two other studies found that musicians had an average 59% lower risk of dementia, suggesting that music training and performance may have a protective effect on cognitive decline.

However, it is essential to note that while music may have a positive impact on cognitive function, it cannot reverse or prevent brain cell shrinkage due to aging, but it can slow cognitive decline.

The incorporation of Mozart's music into elementary school curricula has been suggested as a means to enhance cognitive performance and spatial reasoning, with some studies indicating a positive correlation between listening to Mozart's music and improved spatial-temporal skills.

Research has shown that the Mozart Effect, which refers to the temporary improvement in cognitive performance after listening to Mozart's music, can be particularly beneficial for children in the elementary school age range.

Specific guidelines for incorporating Mozart's music into elementary school curricula include playing his music during math and spatial reasoning activities, as well as using his music as a tool for relaxation and focus.

Some studies recommend playing Mozart's music for at least 10-15 minutes per session, with a frequency of 2-3 times per week, in order to achieve optimal cognitive benefits.

The optimal duration for listening to Mozart's music to enhance cognitive performance is around 10-15 minutes, with longer exposure not necessarily leading to greater benefits.

In terms of frequency, research suggests that listening to Mozart's music 2-3 times a week can be effective in enhancing cognitive performance, with daily exposure not being necessary.

To measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the Mozart Effect in elementary school students, researchers have employed various assessment tools, including standardized tests and cognitive tasks.

One of the most commonly used assessment tools is the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, which measures spatial reasoning and other cognitive abilities.

Other studies have used the Raven's Progressive Matrices test to evaluate the impact of Mozart's music on spatial reasoning skills in elementary school students.

The use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has also been explored as a means of measuring the Mozart Effect in students.

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that elementary school students who listened to Mozart's music before completing a spatial reasoning task performed significantly better than those who did not listen to music.

The same study also found that the Mozart Effect was more pronounced in students who were exposed to the music for a longer period.

Overall, the existing research suggests that the Mozart Effect can be measured and evaluated in elementary school students using a range of assessment tools and methodologies, but that further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effects.


In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were valued for exterminating rodents and associated with joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians revered cats, earning them the nickname "sunny eye", for their ability to see in the dark and importance in Egyptian mythology.

Cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

Bastet was a goddess of pregnancy, childbirth, and family, originally a war goddess who transformed into a guardian symbolizing warmth and joy.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were believed to have a sacred gift that protected homes and owners from unfavorable energies.

The Egyptians mummified various animals, including cats, to emphasize their special status.

There is no consistent evidence that Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat.

Cats held spiritual significance in ancient Egyptian culture, associated with the goddess Bastet and depicted as home defenders and family patrons.

In ancient Egyptian mythology and religion, cats were associated with Bastet and believed to ward off evil spirits and protect their owners.

Mummifying and burying pets, including cats, shows their special status in Egyptian eyes and the desire to give them eternal life.

The ancient Egyptians valued cats due to their association with the goddess Bastet, a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and protection.

In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were considered sacred animals with spiritual and symbolic significance.

The Egyptians admired and revered cats for their independence, agility, and playfulness.

The Egyptians valued cats for their spiritual connections and ability to hunt rodents that threatened their food and homes.

In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were valued for exterminating rodents and associated with joy, love, and fertility.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

The Egyptians revered cats, earning them the nickname "sunny eye", for their ability to see in the dark and importance in Egyptian mythology.

Cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

Bastet was a goddess of pregnancy, childbirth, and family, originally a war goddess who transformed into a guardian symbolizing warmth and joy.

Title:

Content: The cat becomes the goddess Baxter! 2 Meow to look: Are you also suffering?
Editorial Center / General Report
2022-09-02 13: 35: 40
In Egyptian mythology, Bastet is the goddess of the head of the cat, also known as the goddess of the cat, the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, who was once a goddess of war, and slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.
And the Japanese master uses "simple one thing", so that their two black cats into the goddess Bastet, they look at each other high and low, as if to comfort each other: "It seems that you can not escape the master's claws ah ~".
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.
On the 1st, the Lord posted a message saying that he put a fruit net on his cat ’ s head to make it look noble and cute, and his wife laughed and said that he was like the Egyptian goddess Bastet. Soon after he ate the marrow and made another cat change, and two black cats forced to become goddesses, one standing on a higher cupboard, with the door as the center. They look down at each other, and they look at each other with a thousand words in their eyes.
Netizens reply "My cat also has imitation haha", "round eyes are so cute", "Sorry, I did the same thing to my parents' cat" XDD "," My dog has been played by my wife before, but it looks good (laughs) ".
(Editor: Li Huiting)
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were believed to have a sacred gift that protected homes and owners from unfavorable energies.

Title:

Content: As before, cats were used to ward off evil spirits: try it yourself
Where did the idea that cats ward off evil spirits come from?
1: 39
Since ancient times, cats have been famous for their mystery and special abilities.
In the world of folklore and legends, they often act as protectors against evil spirits and evil forces.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was believed that cats have a special sacred gift that helps them protect their homes and their owners from unfavorable energies.
In Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were depicted as defenders of the home, as well as patrons of the family.
In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with magic and witchcraft, leading to their persecution during the Inquisition.
However, among the peoples of Scandinavia and Great Britain, cats were often seen as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
In Scandinavian mythology, cats were considered companions of warriors and guides of souls of the dead on Asgard.
They were also supposed to be able to see hidden worlds and predict the future.
In the English folklore tradition, the black cat was considered a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits.
In medieval England, it was even believed that the owners of black cats have a special charm and protection from misfortune.
In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat visits a house, it brings good luck and well-being to the family.
Traditions and legends about the protective power of cats are preserved in the modern world.
Many people still consider their furry friends not only faithful companions, but also mystical guardians, able to scare away evil spirits and bring harmony to the house.
Author Ilya Panferov
Ilya Panferov — freelance correspondent of Pravda.Ru

The Egyptians mummified various animals, including cats, to emphasize their special status.

There is no consistent evidence that Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat.

Cats held spiritual significance in ancient Egyptian culture, associated with the goddess Bastet and depicted as home defenders and family patrons.

In ancient Egyptian mythology and religion, cats were associated with Bastet and believed to ward off evil spirits and protect their owners.

Mummifying and burying pets, including cats, shows their special status in Egyptian eyes and the desire to give them eternal life.

The ancient Egyptians valued cats due to their association with the goddess Bastet, a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and protection.

In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were considered sacred animals with spiritual and symbolic significance.

The Egyptians admired and revered cats for their independence, agility, and playfulness.

The Egyptians valued cats for their spiritual connections and ability to hunt rodents that threatened their food and homes.


In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were highly valued for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, and they were also associated with joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians revered cats for their ability to see in the dark, earning them the nickname "sunny eye", which made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.

Cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility, and was often depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat's head.

The goddess Bastet was also known as the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, and was once a goddess of war, but slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were depicted as defenders of the home and patrons of the family, and were believed to have a special sacred gift that helped them protect their homes and owners from unfavorable energies.

The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, including cats, and believed that they could take different forms, which is why they mummified various animals, including cats, to emphasize their special status in the eyes of the Egyptians.

However, there is no mention in the search results of the Egyptians shaving their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, except for some sources that mention this practice as a sign of grief, but these sources are not consistent with the rest of the information.

The spiritual significance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is evident in their association with the goddess Bastet and their depiction as defenders of the home and patrons of the family, highlighting their importance in the ancient Egyptian worldview.

The role of cats in ancient Egyptian mythology and religion was not limited to their association with Bastet, but also extended to their perceived ability to ward off evil spirits and protect their owners from unfavorable energies.

The practice of mummifying and burying pets, including cats, emphasizes the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians and their desire to provide them with eternal life.

The ancient Egyptians highly valued cats due to their association with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted as a cat or a woman with the head of a cat, and was revered as a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and protection.

Cats were considered to be sacred animals in ancient Egyptian culture, and their importance extended beyond their role as household pets to include spiritual and symbolic significance.

The Egyptians believed that cats possessed certain qualities, such as independence, agility, and playfulness, which made them worthy of admiration and reverence.

In addition to their spiritual connections to cats, the Egyptians also valued them for their ability to hunt rodents and other small animals that threatened their food supplies and homes.

In ancient Egyptian culture, cats were highly valued for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, and they were also associated with joy, love, and fertility.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

The Egyptians revered cats for their ability to see in the dark, earning them the nickname "sunny eye", which made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.

Cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility, and was often depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat's head.

The goddess Bastet was also known as the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, and was once a goddess of war, but slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.

Title:

Content: The cat becomes the goddess Baxter! 2 Meow to look: Are you also suffering?
Editorial Center / General Report
2022-09-02 13: 35: 40
In Egyptian mythology, Bastet is the goddess of the head of the cat, also known as the goddess of the cat, the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, who was once a goddess of war, and slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.
And the Japanese master uses "simple one thing", so that their two black cats into the goddess Bastet, they look at each other high and low, as if to comfort each other: "It seems that you can not escape the master's claws ah ~".
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.
On the 1st, the Lord posted a message saying that he put a fruit net on his cat ’ s head to make it look noble and cute, and his wife laughed and said that he was like the Egyptian goddess Bastet. Soon after he ate the marrow and made another cat change, and two black cats forced to become goddesses, one standing on a higher cupboard, with the door as the center. They look down at each other, and they look at each other with a thousand words in their eyes.
Netizens reply "My cat also has imitation haha", "round eyes are so cute", "Sorry, I did the same thing to my parents' cat" XDD "," My dog has been played by my wife before, but it looks good (laughs) ".
(Editor: Li Huiting)
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were depicted as defenders of the home and patrons of the family, and were believed to have a special sacred gift that helped them protect their homes and owners from unfavorable energies.

Title:

Content: As before, cats were used to ward off evil spirits: try it yourself
Where did the idea that cats ward off evil spirits come from?
1: 39
Since ancient times, cats have been famous for their mystery and special abilities.
In the world of folklore and legends, they often act as protectors against evil spirits and evil forces.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was believed that cats have a special sacred gift that helps them protect their homes and their owners from unfavorable energies.
In Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were depicted as defenders of the home, as well as patrons of the family.
In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with magic and witchcraft, leading to their persecution during the Inquisition.
However, among the peoples of Scandinavia and Great Britain, cats were often seen as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
In Scandinavian mythology, cats were considered companions of warriors and guides of souls of the dead on Asgard.
They were also supposed to be able to see hidden worlds and predict the future.
In the English folklore tradition, the black cat was considered a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits.
In medieval England, it was even believed that the owners of black cats have a special charm and protection from misfortune.
In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat visits a house, it brings good luck and well-being to the family.
Traditions and legends about the protective power of cats are preserved in the modern world.
Many people still consider their furry friends not only faithful companions, but also mystical guardians, able to scare away evil spirits and bring harmony to the house.
Author Ilya Panferov
Ilya Panferov — freelance correspondent of Pravda.Ru

The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, including cats, and believed that they could take different forms, which is why they mummified various animals, including cats, to emphasize their special status in the eyes of the Egyptians.

However, there is no mention in the search results of the Egyptians shaving their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, except for some sources that mention this practice as a sign of grief, but these sources are not consistent with the rest of the information.

The spiritual significance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is evident in their association with the goddess Bastet and their depiction as defenders of the home and patrons of the family, highlighting their importance in the ancient Egyptian worldview.

The role of cats in ancient Egyptian mythology and religion was not limited to their association with Bastet, but also extended to their perceived ability to ward off evil spirits and protect their owners from unfavorable energies.

The practice of mummifying and burying pets, including cats, emphasizes the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians and their desire to provide them with eternal life.

The ancient Egyptians highly valued cats due to their association with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted as a cat or a woman with the head of a cat, and was revered as a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and protection.

Cats were considered to be sacred animals in ancient Egyptian culture, and their importance extended beyond their role as household pets to include spiritual and symbolic significance.

The Egyptians believed that cats possessed certain qualities, such as independence, agility, and playfulness, which made them worthy of admiration and reverence.

In addition to their spiritual connections to cats, the Egyptians also valued them for their ability to hunt rodents and other small animals that threatened their food supplies and homes.


As a physical trainer looking to expand your portfolio of classes, incorporating novelty elements into yoga classes can be an effective way to enhance client engagement and motivation.

The evolution of yoga has led to the development of non-traditional practices that deviate from the ancient art's original form, with modern society adapting and modifying it to suit various needs and preferences.

Non-traditional yoga practices, such as those that focus on physical fitness regimens, have emerged, and some yogis have developed new postural systems, like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who viewed yoga as a physical fitness regimen.

Fusion yoga methods, which combine traditional yoga movements with novel or entertaining elements, have gained popularity in recent years and are also reported to have various health benefits, such as improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

Themed yoga classes, which incorporate novel or entertaining elements into traditional yoga practices, have been found to be highly popular among yoga enthusiasts, particularly among younger generations.

The perception of themed yoga classes as a fun and engaging way to practice yoga has contributed to their increasing popularity, with many students reporting a higher level of motivation and enjoyment compared to traditional yoga classes.

To effectively incorporate novelty elements into yoga classes, instructors should consider the needs and preferences of their clients, as well as the overall goals and objectives of the class.

The optimal class size for novelty-based yoga classes is typically smaller, ranging from 5 to 15 students, to allow for personalized attention and instruction.

Physical trainers should take safety protocols and precautions to prevent injuries and ensure a supportive and inclusive environment, such as conducting thorough risk assessments and obtaining informed consent from participants.

The long-term effects of novelty-based yoga classes have been found to be positive, with many participants reporting increased motivation and enjoyment of physical activity.

To balance novelty and tradition in yoga classes, physical trainers can incorporate unique themes or props while still maintaining the core principles and benefits of traditional yoga practices.

By finding this balance, physical trainers can create a unique and effective yoga class that not only attracts new students but also retains existing ones, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and popularity of the class.

As a physical trainer looking to expand your portfolio of classes, incorporating novelty elements into yoga classes can be an effective way to enhance client engagement and motivation.

The evolution of yoga has led to the development of non-traditional practices that deviate from the ancient art's original form, with modern society adapting and modifying it to suit various needs and preferences.

Title:

Content: Teachers, tough love and the twinning of body and mind

My yoga class is a microcosm of modern society. A group of individuals who come together in a space-time context to achieve different objectives. It is also a study in efficiency or lack thereof; efficiency not only of the body, which tries to twist and turn, but also of the belief system.

It is difficult to adopt any ancient art, craft, belief system, or even word without navigating a landmine of sensibilities. For example, it is not easy to say that hatha yoga, or the physical practice of postures (asanas), is not the pure form of yoga. Although it is considered the most central yogic practice, this is probably not how yoga originated. And I’m not even talking about the pop styles of yoga practices that have emerged around the world simply thanks to laissez-faire.

Understanding the practice of yoga

Today, a lot of breath is wasted, literally, decoding whether yoga practice is oriented toward an “inward-oriented detachment from material outcomes and desires,” or if it is just another exercise routine. If it’s only the latter, why do some yoga teachers insist on following a puritanical pedagogical system of self-surrender?

Opinion | Prime Minister Modi leads a yoga session in Srinagar to mark the 10th International Yoga Day

The large-scale export of yoga from the Indian subcontinent to the world began in the early 20th century, when different Indian yogis evangelized this Indian knowledge system following different paths. Swami Vivekananda, for example, can be seen as largely dismissive of the bodily practices of yoga and presents it more as a spiritual system. Ramana Maharshi saw yoga as facilitating a state called self-realization: “simply being oneself, knowing nothing and becoming nothing.” Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya focused on the corporeality of yoga practice, viewing it as a physical fitness regimen, and even developing new postural systems. Krishnamacharya’s student, BKS Iyengar, went a step ahead and insisted on absolute precision and body alignment.

Beginning with Vivekananda, all these yogis drew selectively on texts such as Patanjali’s Yogasutras and the Bhagavad Gita. While some sought to link their postural systems to these spiritual texts, others saw them simply as guiding lights. An Iyengar Yoga practice session, for example, begins with an invocation to Patanjali. However, Iyengar is not known to have ever forced his students to adopt any type of Hindu belief.

Yoga and pride

Now, what should a modern yogi or yogini look for before even embarking on this journey? As a regular practitioner now, all I can say is that the possibility of annihilating the ego is a good goal to start with. Once you’re on the yoga mat, all of your accomplishments and underlying pride should leave the room. If that doesn’t happen after practicing for a while, maybe yoga isn’t for you. Pride and prejudice block our path to recovery and healing. It is helpful to think of yoga practice as psychotherapy.

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I have many vices, but pride is not one of them. So what have I gained from the yoga mat? Looking back on my brief journey, I can confirm that yoga has given me the patience to deal with other people’s pride. I have learned to distance myself from situations and contexts where pride invaded me. I also realized that relying on your innate virtues is not very helpful in any situation: intention must be followed by action, or it will be meaningless. The practice of yoga has also made me braver when it comes to expressing myself. The reason is simple. Once you are on the mat, you are aware of every tissue in your body. What you are capable of and what you should expect. Hypocrisy on the yoga mat is the gateway to a hospital bed.

I may not be the fittest person thanks to my Covid-ravaged body, but yoga has encouraged me to take care of myself. He has allowed me to differentiate between empty, kind words and harsh, painful instructions. While my heart may long for the former, I understand the importance of the bitter verbal pill.

Improve body and mind

I’ve stayed with my yoga teacher for a while now, despite her not-so-friendly behavior, because I’m clear about her pedagogy. Hard love. Most people use “tough love” to mask their cruelty and lack of empathy. It is a much maligned phrase today with its history of hiding abuse. To some, my teacher’s words may seem like abuse (they are surely not kind!). I have seen many of them opt out of programs.

See | Indian Navy personnel perform yoga asanas on board INS Teg

Lest this essay be seen as an apology for my teacher’s pedagogy, let me reiterate that we are not close in personal life. Our interactions occur strictly in the space and context of yoga practice. I don’t strive to be the best or the favorite student. What defines this relationship, however, is his stubbornness in making my body (and therefore my mind) the best it can be and my often frustrated attempts to do the same. Neither is giving up.

(Nishtha Gautam is a Delhi-based author and academic.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.

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Non-traditional yoga practices, such as those that focus on physical fitness regimens, have emerged, and some yogis have developed new postural systems, like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who viewed yoga as a physical fitness regimen.

Fusion yoga methods, which combine traditional yoga movements with novel or entertaining elements, have gained popularity in recent years and are also reported to have various health benefits, such as improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

Themed yoga classes, which incorporate novel or entertaining elements into traditional yoga practices, have been found to be highly popular among yoga enthusiasts, particularly among younger generations.

The perception of themed yoga classes as a fun and engaging way to practice yoga has contributed to their increasing popularity, with many students reporting a higher level of motivation and enjoyment compared to traditional yoga classes.

To effectively incorporate novelty elements into yoga classes, instructors should consider the needs and preferences of their clients, as well as the overall goals and objectives of the class.

The optimal class size for novelty-based yoga classes is typically smaller, ranging from 5 to 15 students, to allow for personalized attention and instruction.

Physical trainers should take safety protocols and precautions to prevent injuries and ensure a supportive and inclusive environment, such as conducting thorough risk assessments and obtaining informed consent from participants.

The long-term effects of novelty-based yoga classes have been found to be positive, with many participants reporting increased motivation and enjoyment of physical activity.

To balance novelty and tradition in yoga classes, physical trainers can incorporate unique themes or props while still maintaining the core principles and benefits of traditional yoga practices.

By finding this balance, physical trainers can create a unique and effective yoga class that not only attracts new students but also retains existing ones, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and popularity of the class.