Neuroscientist Richard Davidson’s research on the effects of meditation on brain function made waves when it was released in 2002 — and the work continues to drive growing interest in meditative practices. He’ll deliver talks at UNC Asheville on Thursday, Feb. 13, and Friday, Feb. 14, both free and open to the public. First, though, associate psychology professor Patrick Foo will lay some groundwork on the science with a presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Local centers report that the silent meditation retreat business is booming. Ranging from a single day to a full two weeks off the grid, the retreats eliminate unnecessary external stimulation by emphasizing meditation, maintaining an inward focus — and, yes, disconnecting from all tech devices.
To help prison inmates along the path of personal change, a local woman-owned business supplies meditation mats to create a space for contemplation and rest inside the prison walls. Carolina Morning Designs, located in the Toe River Valley south of Burnsville, has modified its products to meet correctional facility requirements.
Asheville-area meditation instructors offer tips for starting a meditation practice, discuss common misconceptions about meditation and explore its health benefits.
Where do movement and mindfulness meet? Asheville-based organization Slack-Librium instills kids with confidence and inspires the art of balance.
The benefits of meditation for adults are well-researched and supported by science. Improved cognition, decreased anxiety and increased focus are just a few of meditation’s touted effects. The research on children’s meditation isn’t as plentiful, but studies have shown that kids, too, can reap the benefits of “quieting the mind.” Asheville parents and teachers are […]
Writing your resolutions can be tough, and keeping them can even tougher. Asheville wellness practitioners offer their resolutions and intentions as a way to inspire community members and remind them of the local support, education and opportunities to stay healthy and motivated throughout the year.
Female-only circles and retreats provide space for women to express themselves more freely and let their feminine energy and power come through. Expressive movement, meditation, and goddess circles are among local offerings for women to explore themselves and find connection with each other.
As mindfulness-based healing modalities with prison populations gather attention in the public eye, and research supports their effectiveness generally, more volunteers are coming forward in Western North Carolina to create wellness among incarcerated people.
In Asheville, most meditation groups incorporate community building through open public sittings, group discussions, potlucks, hikes, book shares and, in some cases, volunteer projects.
The Asheville wellness scene only gets more vibrant as the spring months approach. Take a look at some of these upcoming, healthy events in WNC from learning to use weeds as medicine to walking for a cause.
Jerome Smith, spiritual director at Asheville Meditation Center and ordained Pandit in the Himalayan tradition, says that while meditation can be intimidating, it’s a state of mind that everyone can access. Xpress talks with Smith about the challenges and benefits that go along with starting a meditation practice, as well as his advice for beginners.
A group of middle school-age yogis from Odyssey Community School busted out their downward-facing dogs and tree poses in a student-organized flash mob downtown on Oct. 31 at the Vance Memorial.
Blythe Brown, a 27-year-old youth yoga instructor and art educator, offers a creative movement and meditation experience in Asheville. (photo by Kate Lundquist)
Mindfulness for children can be found all over town, from the hospital to a small West Asheville school.
Robin and Corey Costanzo, yoga instructor and somatic psychologist, respectively, offer a unique opportunity for Asheville residents and visitors to relax and rejuvenate.
Cloud Cottage Community of Mindful Living in Black Mountain hosts this by-donation event next Saturday.
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the last day of the global peace initiative called “Winter Feast for the Soul,” the community is invited to a celebratory closing event and poetry reading.
An Asheville business will open its doors to the community on March 30 for a week of meditation, community lunches and discussions about finding meaning in work.
