The Mindfulness Movement has been an exciting success in terms of public uptake – more people are practicing mindfulness now than ever before. But the movement has run into some interesting problems due to unaddressed human needs and spiritual concepts that were not included in the creation of secular practice programs.
In David Tacey’s book “Post-Secular Sacred,” he predicts that just as the Age of Science took people away from certain aspects of established religions and the ensuing sense of mystery and sacredness in one’s life, science may have the ability to help redirect humanity’s course back toward sacredness, in a manner that transcends sectarianism.
In this talk, Dr. Julie Brefczynski-Lewis will describe the “Science of Awe” spoken of in recent researchers’ books and discuss how these moments of transcendence (whether through nature, art, or spiritual disciplines) can become the basis for a new frontier in the “science of happiness.”
Dr. Julie Brefczynski-Lewis will describe her own research at the University of West Virginia as well as teach exercises now being studied as the “next frontier” in Mindfulness research.
TICKETS for this COSI Science Festival event will be available starting Monday March 13 through 12 Midnight on Thursday May 4. We would appreciate a donation of $1 or more to defray costs, but if you do not have financial means, please feel welcome to obtain a Free Ticket. Register here.
ABOUT DR. JULIE: Dr. Julie Brefczynski-Lewis is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at West Virginia University. She received her PhD in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Brefczynski-Lewis has been practicing mindfulness for more than 20 years and researching its effects for the past decade.
ABOUT LAMA KATHY: A student of buddhism since meeting Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in 1977, Lama Kathy participated in the first 3-Year Retreat conducted by Khenpo Rinpoche in the United States. Since graduating from retreat in 1996, Lama Kathy has served as the Resident Teacher of the Columbus KTC.