The New Science of Wellbeing
Week of November 6, 2021
The goal of these presentations is to explain what modern psychology, biology, and neuroscience tell us about how to increase our well-being in this complicated world. More and more, current research science and medical practice are turning to ancient practices like yoga and meditation to increase well-being. When we understand the underlying components of these practices and how they fit our psychological and biological needs, we can use them more effectively and benefit more from them. Each class will present fascinating insights on one ancient practice each session.
Session-By-Session Breakdown:
Session 1: Eastern philosophy was first used as a medical treatment in the US in the 1970s for treatment-resistant chronic pain. It is now seen in a range of therapies for mental and physical health. The active components of Eastern philosophy that appear in increasingly common therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy will be discussed in detail, along with experiential exercises that demonstrate the impact.
Session 2: Mindfulness has become a buzz word in our modern culture, with promises of benefits to almost every problem. We will explore the actual practice, why it works, and what the science, brain scans, and clinical practice actually say about it. The presenter’s clinical work will be used as stories and examples of the practice in healthcare.
Session 3: Compassion Meditation is an ancient practice that we now increasingly understand how to use effectively. This session with explain the history and variations of compassion meditation traditions across cultures, define the experience of compassion vs. empathy, and explore the science about how these meditation techniques impact physical health and mental health, including information about this presenter’s own research.
Session 4: Yoga is an ancient practice that we now understand is a uniquely good fit for our nervous system and psychology. This session will explain the physiological and psychological benefits of breathing techniques, embodiment, distress tolerance and attentional control. Additionally, the presenter’s own research in yoga for Veterans with PTSD will be discussed.
Julie Kangas, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified yoga teacher, and certified compassion meditation teacher. She is an assistant clinical professor at University of California, San Diego and a psychologist at the San Diego Veteran’s Hospital. She treats Veterans with PTSD and conducts research applying yoga and meditation as treatments for mental and physical illness. She serves as the Co-Director of the Advanced Fellowship for Women’s Health and teaches doctoral and post-doctoral candidates in clinical psychology. She was recently honored by the George W. Bush Presidential Center for her leadership in serving post-9/11 Veterans.