"If every child in the world was
taught meditation we would
eliminate violence from the world
within one generation" ~ Dalai Lama "If every child in the world was
taught meditation we would
eliminate violence from the world
within one generation" ~ Dalai Lama

What is Focused Awareness Meditation?

Focused Awareness Meditation is a simple, five-step technique based on scientific evidence. The 5 steps — establishing a seat, diaphragmatic breathing, systematic relaxation, breath awareness, focus to support the neurological mechanisms that support a calm and focused brain. Focused Awareness Meditation combines both mindfulness and the essential component of concentration to make it a complete meditation practice.

Why Use Focused Awareness Meditation?

  • It is evidenced based and considered part of complementary and integrative healthcare practices1
  • Provides a secular practice that avoids religious, superstitious or cultural trappings
  • Keeps practitioners up to date on current scientific knowledge
1 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Meditation Practices for Health: State of the Research. No. 155 June 2007.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Rick Heller, Humanist Contemplatives Group – Harvard University.

Why are Evidence-Based Practices Important to Consider?

  • More people are looking for Complementary and Integrative Practices
  • Provides up-to-date information to keep knowledge on the cutting edge
  • Helps prevent the proliferation of sub-standard sources
    • Incorrect opinions
    • Misinformation on web
    • Frequently incorrect “expert” opinions

What is driving Focused Awareness Meditation to the forefront?

  • Simplicity and Systematic
  • Public is more informed
  • Internet does not always supply correct information
  • Insurance companies are looking for validation
  • More research available
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine

The 5 Criteria we (Center for Meditation Science) consider in our training curriculum when analyzing the evidence with the use of Focused Awareness Meditation include:

  • The practice of a complete form of meditation
  • The state of research on the therapeutic use of meditation practices
    in healthcare
  • The evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of meditation practices
  • The evidence on the role of effect modifiers for the practice of meditation
  • The evidence on the physiological and neuropsychological
    effects of meditation practices
Evidence-based Meditation Research
What is Focused Awareness Meditation? January 15, 2016