Behind the Ivy - Summer 2018

LIFE

23

over-hypes the wonders of yoga, meditation, and similar practices as cures for nearly every ailment imaginable. Dr. Steven Novella, an academic clinical neurologist at the Yale University School of Medicine, writes on his blog, Science Based Medicine , that there are many problems with science- based research on mindfulness and its touted benefits. While he acknowledges benefits, he believes that the existing scientific research still has a way to go to substantiate many of the claims being made. Regardless, he agrees that the benefits of exercise, eating well, and relaxation techniques

founded in meditation certainly result in health benefits.

important for anxiety, fear and stress, became smaller in size.

If you are interested in trying meditation, there are lots of YouTube videos offering guided meditation. A quick nine minute introduction can be found at “Waking up with Sam Harris – Mindfulness Meditation” (https://youtu.be/ tw7XBKhZJh4). Additionally, there are also many popular meditation apps, including: Calm, Imagine Clarity, Headspace, Smiling Mind, Buddify and The Mindfulness App.

Along with scientific studies, there is also an abundance of interesting literature on the effects of meditation and wellness. Matthieu Ricard and neuroscientist Wolf Singer recently released their book, Beyond the Self: Conversations between Buddhism and Neuroscience which examines the mind, consciousness, neuroplasticity and the effects of meditation. It is important to be aware that the billion dollar “mindfulness” industry often

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