The Science of the Calmed Mind

(PSY 209)

For thousands of years, meditation has been practiced to calm the mind. But only in the last few decades has science investigated how meditation changes the mind. This class will explore through lecture and practice how meditation influences the mind at many levels, including thoughts, emotions, brain activity, and even the structure of the brain. We will explore the most important research on how meditation can improve focus, self-control, self-acceptance, empathy, happiness, and physical health. Importantly, you will also learn the different meditation techniques used in each study, and investigate the effects of these techniques through direct experience. This class will give you the tools to establish a personal meditation practice as well as insights into why and how meditation works.

Kelly McGonigal, Lecturer in Continuing Studies

Kelly McGonigal received a PhD in psychology from Stanford. Her research and teaching focus on the connections among stress, emotions, social relationships, and physical health. She teaches in the School of Medicine’s Health Improvement Program, presents stress-reduction workshops nationally, and provides continuing education about the mind-body relationship to mental health and medical professionals. She has received numerous teaching awards, including the Walter J. Gores Award, Stanford’s highest teaching honor. She is author of Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind and Heal Your Pain.