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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

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.

IONS President and Senior Scientist Cassandra Vieten was recently a guest on The Consciousness Podcast with Stuart Preston. They had a great conversation and covered consciousness, interconnectedness, spirituality, and much more. Please enjoy this episode with Dr. Cassandra Vieten.

Take a peek into a chapter from the new book, Connected: The Emergence of Global Consciousness, written by IONS Fellow, Dr. Roger Nelson. In this book, Roger tells the story of the Global Consciousness Project (GCP), a unique 20-year scientific collaboration of researchers recording the effects of mass consciousness in response to major global events.

On Friday, July 19th at the 2019 IONS International Conference, attendees will have the unique opportunity to display an informational poster that highlights their noetically inspired projects, ideas, research, and work in the world.

Maybe It’s Time to Find Your Calling

A lot of people are worried that their jobs will be taken over by artificial intelligence (AI). According to a 2018 Harvard Business Review article, while the concern is widespread, this outcome is not so likely – instead, AI will probably be integrated into organizations to assist humans in their work.

IONS is committed to supporting the next generation of noetic scholars, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners in their professional lives. We understand the importance of expanding the legacy of the noetic field and recognize that those of the millennial generation are uniquely positioned to take this work to amazing new heights.

Background

The IONS Science Team recently published the results of the study, A Physiological Examination of Perceived Incorporation During Trance, which evaluated neurophysiological measures in trance channels before, during and after channeling sessions. We hypothesized that differences in EEG frequency measures and autonomic nervous system measures (such as heart rate variability, respiration, and electrodermal activity) would be observed between the channeling and non-channeling states.

Most of us could use more mindfulness in our lives. Whether it’s fully present listening when someone is speaking, remembering to chew our food slowly and deliberately, accepting a triggered emotion when we get cut off while driving, or staying grounded in difficult parenting moments — there are ample opportunities to become a more conscious human being. One of the joys of working at a retreat center is the gift of supporting folks on their personal development intentions to become more mindful.