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Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women on our planet? Many researchers have been working to figure out why that is and what contributes to the onset of breast cancer. While these studies certainly help us understand breast cancer better, the precise cause of breast cancer is still unclear and is likely multifactorial, meaning that the cause is not just one thing. Much of the research has focused on the biological factors that may contribute to breast cancer, such as genetics, age, race, hormonal balance, diet, obesity, and the environment (Gray, Rasanayagam, Engel, & Rizzo, 2017). While these are clearly important, at IONS we are interested in looking deeper into the psychosocial, emotional, and even energetic nature of breast cancer and are doing just that in our active research study, Exploring Lifetime Experiences of Women with Breast Cancer.

Each year, IONS has the opportunity to take an overarching look back on the accomplishments of the past year and proudly share those with our community. It is our hope that the 2018 Annual Report supports you in seeing the difference you are making in the world through your relationship with IONS.

There is a lot of hype in the media about artificial intelligence with new so-called deep learning AI able to beat people at the Go and Chess Master games, and play video games, including some complex social games such as Warcraft and Dota 2. Some would think that the era of true sentient artificial intelligence is upon us – an intelligence that rivals the intelligence of humans – and this could be a threat or a blessing.

Recently, I moved into a wonderful historic building which has been converted into affordable apartments for older people. It has been a pleasure meeting other residents – our ages spanning five decades.

The IONS Discovery Lab (IDL) is looking for transformative practices for our large, multidisciplinary study. Through a series of highly-curated questions and tests, we will gain rich insights into profound human experiences including interconnectedness, extended human capacities, and well-being, before and after people engage in transformational practices (such as in workshops and retreats). Our goal is to learn how these experiences work and ways to maximize their values. IONS also provides workshop leaders who participate in the IONS Discover Lab with a no-cost, third-party evaluation of their work.

Overview

The IONS Research Team is working on two new exciting internet-based meditation studies – Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI-Phase 3) and Integrative Restoration (iRest-Phase 3) and recruitment for participation has just started! Older adults have fewer physiological reserves and are therefore more likely to be affected by stress and depression. More accessible and effective treatments for depression are needed for this population. Meditation is a promising intervention due to the low-cost, low physical and emotional risk, simplicity, and self-empowerment from engaging in the practice. In-person group meditation programs have been shown to improve stress and depression. However, the in-person group format can be a barrier for many older adults, who may be reluctant to participate in groups or have limited mobility or access to local group classes. Internet-based programs make these potentially beneficial programs available to those who need it – from anywhere and at their convenience.

Please join us in welcoming:

IONS Wellington Community Group: Wellington, New Zealand

Overview: To form a learning community focused on living consciously and connecting our inner and outer lives. A commitment to building a bridge between science and spirituality, creating a safe place to learn and share with others, and developing our personal paths and spiritual growth.
Meets: Virtually/Online 2nd Thursday of every month
Connect: Please reach out to Nicole Wijngaarden via email

For the first time ever, you can experience the Conscious Aging workshop online

Conscious Aging is a live, online, experiential workshop for older people seeking guidance, meaning, and connection. You will meet once-a-week for six weeks with our IONS-certified facilitators and other like-minded adults to discover what gives heart and meaning to your life, how you can enrich the years ahead, and so much more.

At our recent convening of IONS Circle members, I hosted a workshop on “Noetic Leadership” that quickly strayed from my neat and tidy agenda into an organic, personal, and even emotionally-charged conversation. While we explored the potential role of noetic sciences in leadership, several people raised pointed questions: What are our true motives as leaders? Are we ready to go beyond servant leadership? Can we part with our egos? Is being “mindful” just the door opener? It was a profound conversation demonstrating that we are unveiling something very significant with Noetic Leadership—requiring no less than an open, collective, and candid dialogue.

The other night, after surfing movie choices on my laptop, I watched The Matrix, which I hadn’t seen since it first came out in 1999. I liked it then, and I still do.