Becky West, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, left, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and meditation instructor. She will offer a “Mindfulness Meditation” program on Thursday, September 29, 2016, that will help participants learn to quiet and focus their minds. The class will be held in the Odell Public Library Program Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison IL, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The calming event is sponsored by the Odell Public Library Friends.
“Mindfulness meditation is like strength training for your attention,” explains West, who has taught meditation techniques for nearly four years and is the founder of the Morrison Meditation Center, which offers weekly classes. “With practice, it helps your mind stay focused and helps you make more thoughtful decisions.”
“Both in studies I have researched and anecdotally, people report that they just ‘feel better’ and are more able to cope with stressors, after practicing mindfulness meditation,” she added.
Meditation has also been found to have several health benefits, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening the immune system, says West.
In the program, she will explain what mindfulness meditation is; discuss its health benefits; answer questions; guide participants through mindfulness meditation exercises.
“We are excited that Dr. West will share her extensive knowledge and practical experience with mindfulness meditation at the library,” says Anne Frame, President of the Odell Public Library Friends.
All are welcome. No experience with meditation is necessary to attend and benefit from the program. The program is free, however, donations will be accepted to support Odell Public Library Friends programming.