Mindfulness & Learning Symposium | Johns Hopkins Research

Over the past decade, mindfulness practices have gained significant scientific attention for their benefits in education, healthcare, and personal development. Research continues to demonstrate how techniques like:

• Guided meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Yoga postures

can enhance cognitive functions while reducing psychological distress.

Johns Hopkins Mindfulness Symposium 2014

On September 29, 2014, Johns Hopkins University hosted an interdisciplinary research symposium titled Mindfulness and Learning. This event brought together leading experts to present groundbreaking findings about:

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
• Cognitive performance enhancement
• Therapeutic applications in clinical settings

Register for the symposium

Featured Mindfulness Research Speakers

1. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. - Pioneer of MBSR

Key contributions:
- Developed the 8-week MBSR program in 1979
- Demonstrated mindfulness' effectiveness for chronic illness
- Authored numerous research papers on mindfulness benefits

Learn more about Kabat-Zinn's work

2. Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) - Mindfulness Advocate

Notable achievements:
- Authored A Mindful Nation
- Champions mindfulness programs for veterans
- Promotes stress reduction in public policy

Watch Ryan discuss mindfulness initiatives

3. Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D - Neuroscience Researcher

Research focus areas:
- Brain imaging of meditation effects
- Neural mechanisms of well-being
- Founder of Center for Investigating Healthy Minds

Explore Davidson's brain research

Why Mindfulness Matters for Education

Current research shows mindfulness can:

1. Improve attention spans in classroom settings
2. Enhance memory retention and recall
3. Reduce test anxiety and academic stress
4. Promote emotional regulation in students

As neuroscience continues to reveal how mindfulness physically changes brain structure, educational institutions are increasingly adopting these evidence-based practices.