The word meditation often conjures images of Buddhist monks in saffron robes or new-age beatniks surrounded by clouds of incense—but meditation isn’t just about religion. It’s about inspecting who you are and your place in the world; it’s about training your brain to usher your feelings and thoughts into awareness. Similar to doing bicep curls or running on the treadmill to develop our bodies, meditation tones and strengthens our minds. DU faculty and staff can now get their minds in tip-top shape with the program, Mindfulness: Boost Your Zen.

This eight-week program takes place in University Hall (room 306) every Wednesday from 12 – 12:45 p.m. through Dec. 2. It makes the benefits of meditation on the mind, body and soul—that Buddhist monks have long known and utilized—accessible in our hectic and often stress-inducing world. Recent scientific studies have been able to define the impacts it has on the brain: improved attention and productivity, stress reduction, better memory and even feelings of compassion. This course was developed specifically to help bring DU’s hard-working faculty and staff a sense of calm, relaxation and focus to their daily lives by learning a practical approach to handling stress.

Each class blends exercises in conscientiousness, meditation and stress reduction; helping the 50 lucky staff members that have enrolled to unwind and relax. While the course is at capacity, anyone interested in exploring the world of meditation can get an introduction to the course with online guided meditations.