Calming Corner

In going along with Einstein’s belief that we cannot solve our problems from the same level of thinking that created them, the calming corner provides practices to help you move beyond your current level of thinking and into a new state of awareness to face your challenges. 

Meditation is the doorway to mindfulness and mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment, not wrapped up in a thought or emotion yet aware of your surroundings, your being and the thoughts and emotions passing through it. It allows you to detach and respond to life rather than be swept up by it.

Meditation creates a gap between stimulus and reaction.

Meditation helps diminish traits such as fear, stress, and anxiety and strengthens the area of the brain responsible for emotional balance, planning, and problem-solving. Meditation also increases levels of dopamine, often referred to as the brain’s pleasure hormone. Mindfulness gives us a better chance of reacting calmly and empathetically when faced with stress or challenges.

*Dr. Andrew Newberg M.D., neuroscientist and director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital.