Mini Course: Demystifying Meditation

***If you’re just getting started or new to the art and science of meditation, join this interactive class that will support your journey. Experienced meditator? Join us for a refresher!***

Where should you start? What are the different approaches? When should you meditate and for how long? What are the benefits of meditation and what does science tell us?

There are many approaches, benefits, techniques, and schools of practice. ***This mini course is an opportunity for you to actively learn and participate in meditation and mindfulness practices.***

**Connect. Discuss. Reflect. Grow.**

**REGISTRATION REQUIRED:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/303012367147](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/303012367147)

*”Your mind will think, that’s what they do. But when you notice it drift, just gently bring your awareness back to your body.”* Meditating is not about “stopping” your thoughts. You can observe your thoughts but let them go, don’t get sucked into their content.

Neuroscientists at Harvard have shown through MRI brain scans that 50-year-old meditators have key brain structures similar to that of 25-year-old non-meditators. ***Brain tissue naturally breaks down with aging but this research suggests that meditation may slow down or even prevent this process!*** *Research also shows that your brain can **start making these changes within eight weeks**, resulting in better memory and improved problem-solving.*

**What to expect**
– Connection: The experience of being in a community
– Discussion: Space to express insight discovered
– Tools: Practices to take home with you to deepen your practice
– Meditation: We’ll practice a variety of guided meditations together

**REGISTRATION REQUIRED:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/303012367147](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/303012367147)