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Paul Temple, co-founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and chairman of the IONS Board of Directors for 17 years, passed away on November 29, 2016, surrounded by his beloved wife, Diane, and seven children. He died as he had lived – peaceful, conscious and ready for his next great adventure. Mr. Temple was a remarkable human being, and a long-time and passionate supporter of IONS. He leaves a legacy of invaluable service and support, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Spoiler alert: ‘The Force’ is strong with IONS.

Reflect for a moment on the galactic numbers of people who will go and see the next Star Wars blockbuster, Rogue One, released on December 16th. It will be, arguably, millions more than the number of people who attend religious services or, for that matter, consciousness research conferences.

Have you ever had the experience of your mind ceasing to spin during meditation?

IONS President Cassandra Vieten spoke with Martin Wasserman on Future Talk, a cable TV show based in Silicon Valley that focuses on technology’s impact in the world. Cassi talked about the meaning of noetic science and the research IONS does to investigate the nature of consciousness, and its influence on human transformation and purpose. Cassi also offers a verbal glimpse of a developing experiment which explores the question: Can Virtual Reality enhance the healing capacity of the mind? Enjoy the conversation!

The recently released movie, Doctor Strange, is billed as science fiction, yet for the last four decades IONS has been at the forefront of scientific research on extraordinary human capacities. It may be surprising to learn that findings indicate that there is less fiction in the effects of some of these phenomenon than many might have assumed.

Interest in the study of consciousness is growing rapidly among the general population, but only recently has it made its way into mainstream higher education. In 2014, the University of Washington, Bothell campus, formally launched a transdisciplinary and integral Minor in Consciousness—he first of its kind at a public research institution in North America.

For our Spanish-speaking friends, here is a great article by Isabela Herranz about IONS and the pioneering research our scientists are doing in parapsychology, epigenetics, and the nexus of science and spirituality.

IONS scientists are working in collaboration with the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) as featured lecturers in the online PhD program in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology, headed by Glenn Hartelius of CIIS. Arnaud Delorme, Cassandra Vieten, Dean Radin, Helané Wahbeh, and Julia Mossbridge — now associated faculty at CIIS — have each contributed lectures to the foundational course on research methods and critical thinking.

The knowledge and practice of meditation continues to rise in the mainstream, and has been infusing its way into hospitals, schools, and businesses. This may be, in part, due to the growing body of research that shows mindfulness meditation interventions improve a variety of health conditions, positively impact quality of life, are inexpensive and easy to implement, and have minimal – if any – side effects.  However, because most of the structured mindfulness meditation classes take place in a group setting, this can be an obstacle for people to engage in learning and maintaining a meditation practice.

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our long-time supporter, Gayatri Margaret Schilberg. An accomplished economist, international traveler, musician, well-loved spiritual devotee, and mentor, Ms. Schilberg led a rich and varied life. She was a true noetic explorer who nurtured personal transformation in herself and others.