Sunday Topic: How Meditation Works on the Brain

Sunday Topic: How Meditation Works on the Brain

9:30am-4pm NZD $108

This aspect of the retreat will be especially valuable to those wanting to deliver engaging, rewarding meditation practises to a class or in the form of a course of meditation classes. This workshop effectively summarizes decades of scientific research in understanding what brain regions are engaged in during meditation and in turn how meditation develops specific brain regions and function. Attendees will develop a working understanding of the brain in meditation and gain an appreciation for how long-term meditation practice can change the health and function of the brain.

Read more in our Blog Interview with Dr Immink.

We are not offering transport to and from the daily workshops.

Teachers

Dr Maarten A. Immink is a cognitive neuroscientist who investigates brain, mind and cognitive processes underlying learning, memory and performance. He holds a doctorate from Texas A&M University in the USA and is currently a Senior Lecturer within the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia. 

His current theoretical research investigates the effects of meditation, both short and long-term, on the function of attention, executive function and performance. His applied research has tested the benefits of yoga in clinical settings including stroke, chronic headache, brain injury and breast cancer. Other applied research involves investigating the effects of meditation on psychological wellbeing and performance in elite athletes.

Dr Immink, is a dynamic and engaging presenter with the ability to explain complex topics in a very accessible manner. With his experience as a research scientist and a yoga and meditation teacher, Dr Immink has a wealth of knowledge that allows him to integrate the ancient wisdom of yoga with more contemporary western scientific principles. 

As well as publishing articles in scholarly journals, Dr Immink has also published essays appearing in print and online including SBS News and The Conversation. He has also been interviewed for Australian Yoga Journal, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Advertiser and has made regular appearances on television, including Ten News, and radio to discuss his research in yoga and meditation.

Anahata Teachers – we have an ever-changing group of visiting and resident teachers at Anahata. All are well trained and knowledgeable in their field, and they will lead you through this retreat in a respectful and gentle manner, inspiring you to go deeper and explore what you find.