Lição 1
Understanding Meditation Through a Scientific Lens: An Overview of Levels of Evidence
In this lesson, our focus is on the scientific process and how it is applied to studying meditation. You will learn the scientific definition of meditation as used by researchers. We will break down the scientific process and how it applies to studying meditation. We explain the different levels of evidence that can be used to support its effects on health. We discuss the importance of both science and personal experience when it comes to exploring the effects of meditation.
Lição 2
The Stress Response: How it Impacts your Body and Mind
We take an in-depth look at how different types of stress can affect our bodies, examining the biological infrastructure of our nervous system and how acute, chronic, and emotional stress can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. We explore how meditation brings our bodies and minds back into balance.
Lição 3
Top-Down Processing: Strengthening the Connection Between Mind and Body
The vagus nerve, often referred to as the "superhighway" of our parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for regulating our relaxation response and ability to heal. We introduce you to your relaxation response and explain how your body regulates stress and relaxation. You will learn how meditation can increase vagal tone and improve our resilience to stress.
Lição 4
Unlocking the Power of Neuroplasticity: How Meditation Re-Wires Our Brain
We explore how meditation can strengthen the connections between different parts of our brain, including the pre-frontal cortex. Our brains adapt to our external environment and the way we use it. We investigate the parts of our brains that work when we meditate and how we can gain greater control over our minds and emotions.
Lição 5
Finding Peace and Emotional Regulation Through Mindful Meditation
Understanding and regulating our emotions can be challenging. We explore how mindfulness meditation can develop better emotional intelligence, remain focused under pressure, and act with greater authenticity. Mindfulness meditation helps us to recognize and regulate our emotions and learn to respond with greater compassion and connection to our core values.
Lição 6
Meditation as Medicine: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
We build on our knowledge about how our body responds to meditation and take a deep dive into how it can improve our physical health - from lowering blood pressure to improving digestion. We expand our practice to include pranayama—breath work to help improve vagal tone—and unlock the mental and physical benefits that come with it.
Lição 7
Taking Control of Your Health: How Mediation Enhances Immunity and Slows Aging Processes
We will explore the connection between your stress, meditation, and your immune system. We investigate the basics of the complex immune system and aging while explaining the science of how meditation supports your health and improves markers of aging. Discover simple lifestyle changes that will help support your immune system and keep it functioning optimally.
Lição 8
Transforming Our Relationship with Sleep Through Meditation
We learn how meditation can lead to more restful sleep. We dive into the circadian rhythm and the aspects of modern life that can alter our natural cycles and affect our sleep. Explore the physiology of what happens to our brains and bodies when we sleep and discover how meditation helps improve our health by supporting our natural sleep cycles. Walk through the best meditations for sleep.
Lição 9
Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness to Manage Chronic Pain
We discuss what happens when we are in pain and how our body responds differently to acute and chronic pain. We explore the dynamic interplay between stress and pain and they affect our brains. We will learn the science behind how meditation and other mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and can help manage chronic pain.
Lição 10
Uniting Mind, Body and Spirit with Mediation and Yoga Practice
We are only just scratching the surface of what meditation can do for us and what its many forms can teach us. In this lesson, we will summarize what we have learned so far and we will look to the future to explore the prospect of science unlocking the true power of yoga. We walk through different types of meditation and the potential ways that they can help us to be healthier and happier.