Nidhi Kumar, MD 12:04 p.m. ET March 15, 2017

Snow falls on the corner of Harry Road and Fairmount Avenue in Bridgewater. Pam Mackenzie/Staff Video

University of Arizona student Nick Sergeant, formerly of Montville, demonstrates Flow" also known as getting in the zone. Flow is thought to be another form of meditation. This topic was explored earlier this month at Saint Peter's University Hospital.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Saint Peters University Hospital)

Saint Peter's University Hospital will host a Mindfulness Meditation Workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 20, in its Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center.

Buddhist monk Bhante Sujatha, an expert in the technique of mindfulness meditation, will lead the seminar. The purpose of the event is to equip participants with tools that can be used to create a healthier state of mind and body for themselves.

Teaching a mind to meditate the practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movementor attention itself in order to increase awareness of the moment can help the healing process for a lifetime. For this reason the medical community is embracing the ancient technique of mindfulness.

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The benefits of mindfulness extend far beyond what was believed to be purely a relaxation technique. Studies have shown that the mind can alter the course of disease in several important ways. Practicing mindfulness has cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure, regulating heart rate and reducing heart attacks. Mindfulness can also cause profound changes to the hormonal system of the body. By reducing cortisol levels, mindfulness can help to boost the immune system, decrease pain and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Studies of people who learn to practice mindfulness have demonstrated neuroplasticity the ability to physically change their brains. Meditators can decrease the size of their amygdala, the area of the brain that relates to stress, anxiety and pain. They can also increase the areas of their brain that relate to personal perspective and compassion. The end result is the creation of a healthier state of mind. These findings were present across all age groups in those studies.

Saint Peter's Healthcare System recognizes that starting this dialogue and instruction in the community is essential. Given the rapidly changing healthcare landscape it is paramount we empower patients with valuable techniques to optimize their health. Traditional algorithms and practices will also need to be modified. Perhaps the solution to this problem is simply in our heads in the end.

Seminar participants may dress however they choose. This is a hands-on workshop in which those who attend will be taught breathing techniques while seated on a chair. Pre-registration is not required, although donations will be accepted in support of the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center in Woodstock, Illinois, where Sujatha is head monk. Email jen@ataboystudios.com for more information.

Nidhi Kumar, MD, is director of womens health at Saint Peters Healthcare System.

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Buddhist monk to lead mindfulness meditation seminar - MyCentralJersey.com