Matt Swift – Phrase and Action Repetition and Overall WellbeingThe power of repeating words, thoughts, or movements during meditation can have a great effect on how bodily responses. When repeating phrases or thoughts of negativity, the body will respond to those as if in a negative situation invoking a fight or flight response, increasing stress, and possibly causing pain. When repeating positive phrases, the body will respond to those phrases as if in a positive situation reducing stress and increasing circulation in the body. Likewise, undertaking physical actions while focusing on or repeating various thoughts can cause the body to imbue those thoughts with the bodily reactions of the release of endorphins typically heightening those thoughts towards a positive realm of consciousness. This is a basic explanation for how the power of positive thinking, mantras, mindfulness, artistic mediational expression, and meditational exercise can impact overall wellness of the body.

Mantra Das is a non-traditionalist meditation teacher and spiritual seeker with a love of helping people learn to pause and chill out. Das became interested in meditation during college by reading about The Beatles and George Harrison’s involvement in India. In 2012, he was introduced to mindfulness and mantra meditation techniques through OSU’s Integrative Medicine clinic and has been heavily involved in the Columbus meditation scene ever since. Das’ meditation sessions usually include pranayama (yoga breathing), Pancha Kosha meditation, and sharing first-hand stories about mental health/meditation experiences with enthusiasm and a sense of humor.

Brad J. Bushman studies the causes, consequences, and cures to the problem of human aggression and violence. He was a member of President Obama’s committee on gun violence and has testified before the U.S. Congress on the topic of youth violence. His recently published a comprehensive review with his former PhD student that found techniques that lower physiological arousal (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure) such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing, and muscle relaxation can also lower anger and aggression. The meditation sessions he leads focus on 4-7-8 breathing techniques and self-guided meditation to the solo piano music of his friend Michiel Borstlap .

Cara Brown, a dedicated practitioner of mindful meditation since 2003. Her journey began with a transformative retreat led by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn and the monks and nuns of Plum Village. This profound experience ignited her passion for mindfulness and self-discovery. Cara now focuses on guided meditations, chants, and mantras, with a special interest in the Lotus Sutra. Through mindful living, she has found peace and clarity. Inspired by Thich Nhat Hahn and other mindfulness teachers, Cara shares the benefits of mindfulness with others.