What is the benefit for spiritual practice of understanding the brain? Over 2600 years ago, the Buddha, through his own profound experience, “woke up” to his true nature though deeply understanding and transforming his own mind. His profound insights have since inspired many to walk this path. Neuroscience, the study of the brain, is relatively young by comparison, but is proving very useful in understanding the role that the body – particularly its nervous system – plays in shaping the mind.

Today we are gaining a clearer understanding of how strengthening our neural circuitry is related to transforming our mind, from understanding and interrupting reactivity to supporting greater wisdom, contentment and inner peace. In this workshop, we will share this understanding, including:

• An overview of the brain’s primary “job” and how it functions - how does your brain actually work?
• How thinking creates our reality and why what we think - even though in the privacy of our own minds - is so important for our wellbeing 
• Can changing your mind actually change your brain?
• The beneficial results of concentration, loving kindness, and other meditation practices on “re-wiring” the brain and transforming the mind

Course Objectives:

• To understand the anatomy, basic neurochemistry and biology of the nervous system
• To understand the various subsystems that are included in the nervous system and how they are integrated
• To understand the interface between thinking and brain function
• To integrate our understanding of our nervous system with our practice of mindfulness and meditation so that we can apply these teachings and insights to promote wellbeing

The course is structured to give a working understanding of the anatomy and function of the brain and is designed for practitioners of mindfulness and meditation. Our premise is that a better understanding of your brain can lead to a better mindfulness practice and meditation experience to support overall wellbeing. The workshop leaders will use their training and experience in medicine, Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation to create an environment for workshop participants to learn practical and easily applicable means to facilitate the workshop’s goals. Presentations, mindfulness practice, and guided experiential meditations will all be utilized during the workshop. The suggested fee for this workshop is $40 ($50 for CE credits), with reduced rate participation also available.

Please join us to learn more about how the emerging field of neuroscience informs the ancient wisdom of Dharma practice.

Workshop Leaders

Alex Lerner is a physician who specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology and practiced in Tampa for over 20 years.

He began on a mindfulness path in 2006 with teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. He has a deep interest in neuroscience and finds that the Buddhist teachings and approach to mindfulness is complimentary to modern scientific and philosophic thought and is now pursuing that connection.

Angie Parrish has been a student of Buddhism and mindfulness for over 20 years. After a 1999 retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh, she became a student of Fred Eppsteiner's and a member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness. Angie brought the fruits of her experience in mindfulness and meditation into her professional career as an employee benefits consultant for a wide variety of organizations, including many employee training programs.

Angie is a Dharma Leader with FCM, having been given permission by FCM’s teacher Fred Eppsteiner to share the Buddha’s teachings with the sangha. She is also a Qualified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and is a frequent teacher of mindful living classes.

* Florida Community of Mindfulness, Inc. is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling to provide continuing education credits through CE Provider # 50-14766. Total in-class time is 3 hours.

Mindfulness Institute Grievance Procedure

Mail a statement describing your complaint to: Director of Continuing Education, 6501 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604.

Questions? E-mail us at info@floridamindfulness.org or call 813-237-0746.