Breath, Body, and Brain: The Neuroscience of Mindfulness

The brain may be the most complex system in the known universe, and staggeringly, this three-pound organ appears to give rise to you — your thoughts, feelings, fears, and hopes. The brain is a system that is shaped by interaction, context, and surroundings, and even its own thoughts. Many studies demonstrate that the practice of mindfulness may cause significant changes in the structure and function of the brain in areas involved in introspection, bodily awareness, and compassion.

In this day retreat, we will deeply explore this profound concept in numerous ways, including how the brain and mind can be cultivated toward enhanced understandings of ourselves, what surrounds us, and the nature of our relationships. The day will be highly experiential with numerous opportunities for reflection, and will involve presentation as well as periods of quiet meditation, small group discussion, and moments of spontaneity, active engagement, and play