We invite you to participate as a researcher for finding and adding resources on transformational change.   This is a dynamic tool for you to add information you find to your FW 311 individual group's wiki as you do research for class projects (click on the "Sidebar" located on the right in the "View" mode--select the appropriate Class Wiki).  We encourage you to share not only titles (for example, the citation of a journal article, a book, a blog, or title of a digital media stream), but also the places you found the resources and the search strategies you found useful, as we have in the links below. Students will post to the topic areas on the sidebar located on the right.

Required Assignment Materials:

Measuring the Immeasurable: The Scientific Case for Spirituality. (2008). Boulder, CO: Sounds True Publishers.  Read the following:

Austin, J. H. Selfless Insight-Wisdom: A Thalamic Gateway, pp. 211-230.

McTaggart, L. Entering Hyperspace, pp. 343-348.

Hageman, J. Not All Meditation is the Same, pp. 373-385.

Zielinski, K. (2005). The Healing Power of the Labyrinth: When Walking Around in Circles is Good for Your Health. Holistic Nursing, 1, 3-4.

healing labyrinth.pdf 

Supplementary Resource Materials:

Articles:

Peer Reviewed Articles:

Pritchard, M., Elison-Bowers, P., & Birdsall, B. (2009). Impact of integrative restoration (iRest) meditation on perceived stress levels in multiple sclerosis and cancer outpatients. Stress and Health, 26, 233-237.

meditationandstressMSCancer.pdf

Newberg, A. B. (2003). The neural basis of the complex mental task of meditation: neurotransmitter and neurochemical considerations.  Medical Hypotheses, 61(2), 282-291. Abstract: Meditation is a complex mental process involving changes in cognition, sensory perception, affect, hormones, and autonomic activity. Meditation has also become widely used in psychological and medical practices for stress management as well as a variety of physical and mental disorders. However, until now, there has been limited understanding of the overall biological mechanism of these practices in terms of the effects in both the brain and body. We have previously described a rudimentary neuropsychological model to explain the brain mechanisms underlying meditative experiences. This paper provides a substantial development by integrating neurotransmitter systems and the results of recent brain imaging advances into the model. The following is a review and synthesis of the current literature regarding the various neurophysiological mechanisms and neurochemical substrates that underlie the complex processes of meditation. It is hoped that this model will provide hypotheses for future biological and clinical studies of meditation.

To read the full text, click on the PDF link on this page.

Paul, G., Elam, B., & Verhulst, S.  (2007).  A Longitudinal Study of Students' Perceptions of Using Deep Breathing Meditation to Reduce Testing Stresses. Teaching and Learning in Medicine. 19(3), 287-292. Abstract: Background: Stress can impact student performance. Yet few medical schools provide students with a consistent opportunity to develop and regularly practice stress reduction techniques to aid them academically. Description: A curriculum component designed to assist 64 postbaccalaureate minority students in developing and practicing a stress-management technique was implemented on a regular basis from June 2004 to April 2006. Students participated in Deep Breathing Meditation exercises in two classes and completed pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys each academic year. Evaluation: Students reported having perceptions of decreased test anxiety, nervousness, self-doubt, and concentration loss, using the technique outside of the two classes, and believing it helped them academically and would help them as a physician. Conclusions: The Deep Breathing Meditation technique was successfully implemented each academic year, and it provided students with a promising solution for meeting challenging academic and professional situations.

To read the full text click on the PDF link on this page.

test stress meditation article peer reviewed.pdf

Electronic books from Cline Library:

Meditation.

8 minute meditation: quiet your mind, ease your life. New York : Perigee, 2004. Access ebook.

Calming your anxious mind:  how mindfulness and compassion can free you from anxiety, fear, and panic. Jeffrey Brantley. Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, c2007. Second edition. Chapter: A mindful approach to fear and anxiety -- Paying attention on purpose -- The body and its fear system -- Anxiety and the power of the mind -- Mindfulness and meditation -- Your attitude is important -- Building your practice foundation -- Mindfulness in everyday life -- Establishing mindfulness, breath by breath -- Mindfulness of the body -- Bringing full attention to life -- Befriending your anxious mind -- Making room for the upset -- Common concerns about these meditation practices -- Feeling safe, resting in silence -- Applying mindfulness to fear and anxiety -- Taking a larger view. Access ebook

The way of the Labyrinth : a powerful meditation for everyday life. New York : Penguin Compass, 2000. Access ebook.  

Relaxation, meditation and mindfulness: a practical guide. New York: Springer Pub. Co., 2005.  Access ebook.

Media: 

Video Stream Available from Cline Library:

Meditation. Open University, 2008. 60 min. View streaming video. Summary: What takes place in the brain and body during meditation? Can science shed any light on what is essentially a spiritual practice? This program pursues that possibility, examining the effects of meditation on the human mind, nervous system, and anatomy. Accompanied by physicist and science education expert Dr. Kathy Sykes, viewers meet practitioners and medical researchers who have developed theories and insights into meditation-related phenomena. Cardiologists and palliative caregivers who use meditation to treat angina, multiple sclerosis, and insomnia explain their findings. Renowned psychologist Paul Ekman provides commentary, while patients who use meditation to relieve clinical conditions recount their experiences. Produced by the Open University.

Digital Media Stream Available through Public Domain:

YouTube -  How to Meditate  6 Minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0rSmxsVHPE

YouTube -  Chakra Meditation 9 Minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFqHa4gOP3c

YouTube - Meditation w/ Anusara Yogi Bridget Woods Kramer (9minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu-qZugHXfc

Blog:

Meditation is Easy:

http://meditationiseasy.com/blog/

ZENCAST Blog

http://zencast.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/loving-kindness-meditation/

Pictures:

Labyrinth at the Pueblo Mountain Park designed by Carol Foust and build by PMP volunteers

Moutain Park Labyrinth

Carved rock donated by artist John Clay

This is the 54 ft. diameter labyrinth build at my home in Pueblo West CO.  Designed and built by Carol Foust.

This is a 36 ft. diameter canvas labyrinth.