The history of mindfulness dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Eastern spiritual traditions. The practice was originally intended to cultivate awareness and insight into the nature of reality, suffering, and the self.

But, does mindfulness work in today's fast-paced society? Does it have a basis in science?

This talk will explore the science behind the reported benefits of mindfulness practices, including enhanced emotion regulation, increased focus and attention, and overall improvements in well-being. It will address the structural and functional changes in the brain observed during meditation, along with some of the caveats and methodological challenges associated with collecting such data. Finally, the talk will address the real-world challenges of integrating mindfulness into our contemporary lives and share effective strategies, particularly within a population that often resists traditional meditative practices: busy college students. Join us to explore mindfulness in today’s demanding world-- its science, practices, and challenges.

Our speaker, Professor Amy Griffin, grew up in Northwest Ohio and was a first-generation college student in Psychology at Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Memory and Brain at Boston University. Her area of expertise is the neurobiology of learning and memory. Specifically, her lab uses neurophysiology and optogenetic techniques in rats to understand the circuitry underlying memory-guided decision-making. Since 2007, she has been on the faculty of UD’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. She became a yoga teacher through Empowered Wellness Studio; and has her teacher certification from the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults.

Meeting ID: 870 3686 9112 Passcode: 957929
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87036869112?wd=RWR1UEMzMlFYL1dCQXI5QmFmV1NzUT09

The Scholars Gild, a part of the Arden Club, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September through June. We usually use a hybrid Live-Zoom model. There are sometimes technical glitches so your patience is appreciated.

There is no fee to attend Scholars Gild discussions.  We would like to encourage all to make a donation live or at http://ardenclub.org/donate/.  Your support helps keep the virtual and in-person lights on at the Club and makes possible dynamic programming like concerts, theater, dance, and of course, our Scholars Gild evenings. 

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