We would like to invite you to the fourth of five conversations on mindfulness this fall. In these sessions you will join members of the LSAMP community across the University System of Maryland as we learn the benefits of mindfulness and engage in exercises to help us appreciate the present moment.

Each session will be led by Dr. Karolyn Babalola. Dr. Babalola is an innovator, teacher, yogini, and learner. She is currently a Senior Lead Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton leading AI-based Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology development. She completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her B.S. in Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she was a Meyerhoff Scholar. 

Session 4 is titled: Focus - Visual Meditations, Trataka and Chakras.

This session will introduce the concept of object-focus meditation.  We will discuss using inanimate, non-triggering objects to aid in reducing distractions.  We will engage in a focus exercises, including Trataka, and discuss our observations.  We will conclude with a focus-based group meditation.

Materials: A mat on with to sit Candles, crystals and/or any inanimate object on which to focus attention | Optional: Blankets or bolsters for support

For information on mindfulness and its benefits, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTsUEOUaWpY

Register below to join us.