

taught meditation we would
eliminate violence from the world
within one generation"


taught meditation we would
eliminate violence from the world
within one generation"
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.
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
What is Focused Awareness Meditation?
January 15, 2016