A Waynesboro teen has created a meditation garden at her church for her Eagle Scout project.

It will give people a place to sit quietly to pray and meditate, offered Olivia McDonald, daughter of Sean and Becky McDonald. Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43 S. Church St., Waynesboro, also will use the gated, grassy space off the church parking lot for outdoor church services, youth ministry and Sunday School lessons, she added. In addition, it will be welcoming to neighbors who wish to use it, she added.

Olivia said she conceived the idea for the project after talking to the church pastors about the possibility of having an outdoor worship space. She was assisted in the construction of the garden by members of her troop, Boy Scouts of America Troop 199 of Greencastle, and also received donations to pay for materials during Scout Sunday recently at the church.

The garden features a 30-foot evergreen tree behind the three 6- by 8-foot fences that were installed. One of the fences is parallel to the tree and the other two are diagonal to the center. There is a cross that is parallel to the center fence, Olivia noted. And the fence and tree will provide privacy from people walking by.

A senior at Waynesboro Area Senior High School, Olivia will attend Shippensburg University this fall to study criminal justice.

What I like about Scouts is that every person who comes into Scouting is different. Olivia said. It has been fun to watch their leadership skills grow and help them become brand new leaders. The Scoutmaster is a big part of teaching us how to lead. After she teaches us something, we can turn around and teach another person.

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Waynesboro Teen Builds Meditation Garden for Eagle Scout Project - Local.News

Join us at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of every month for Walking Meditation in the woods of Hickory Hill Park (Conklin Lane entrance off of North Dodge Street), followed by coffee/tea and conversation at Press Coffee.

What is Walking Meditation? In our daily lives, we usually walk to get somewhere (sometimes in a hurry), to exercise, or for some other purpose. When we practice Walking Meditation, we have no purpose or direction in space or time. We dont fill the silence with talk, or our heads with worries about the past or the future. The purpose of Walking Meditation is Walking Meditation: being fully present in our bodies and in the moment. Because we walk in freedom from the demands the world and we ourselves put on our shoulders, we smile while we walk. As Thch Nht Hnh says, When you walk, arrive with every step. That is walking meditation. Theres nothing else to it.

About Winding Path Sangha The Winding Path Sangha is a community of lay practitioners following the Plum Village tradition of Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and peacemaker Thch Nht Hnh, who says there is no path to peace; peace is the path.

Because we know that path can be winding and sometimes challenging, and to support peace within ourselves and in the world, our Sangha gathers weekly to meditate, hear from teachings by Thch Nht Hnh, share about our mindfulness practice, and discern together how to live fully in the present moment at home, at work, and in our community. We also meet regularly for mens and womens groups, and occasionally for book discussions and special events.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of beliefs or experience with meditation, Buddhism, or mindfulness practices.

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Walking Meditation followed by Coffee and Conversation - Little Village - Little Village Magazine

In recent years, the scientific community has been increasingly interested in the potential benefits of meditation and psychedelics. A fascinating study has uncovered the synergistic effects of psilocybin and meditation, revealing how this combination can enhance insightfulness and alter brain activity patterns.

Berit Singer and a team of researchers from the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich have published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports.

The study involved 36 experienced meditators who participated in a 5-day psilocybin-assisted meditation retreat, following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study design.

The participants completed two fMRI brain imaging sessions, one day before and one day after the retreat. Each scan session consisted of resting-state, focused attention, and open monitoring sequences, with each meditation lasting 7 minutes.

The researchers used a novel approach based on the Mapper algorithm from topological data analysis to generate subject-specific maps for two groups (psilocybin vs. placebo, 18 subjects/group) of experienced meditators.

The study revealed several intriguing findings:

Singer, one of the studys lead authors, expressed her fascination with the application of pure mathematics, especially topology, to extract important information from latent structures in data.

Speaking to PsyPost, she expressed her surprise by the common structure revealed among the subject-specific Mapper graphs, despite their initial apparent differences.

This study provides a novel perspective on the potential synergistic effects between mindfulness practices and psilocybin. It suggests that the combination of enhanced meta-awareness through meditation and psilocybin-induced positive alterations in perception can foster insightfulness.

The findings also highlight the importance of understanding the neurophysiology of meditation and psychedelics beyond the conventional measures of functional connectivity, resting-state networks, and signal variability.

By applying topological data analysis, the researchers were able to uncover organizational principles and characteristics of whole-brain activity patterns during different styles of meditation and psilocybin-induced alterations.

As researchers continue to investigate the effects of psilocybin on the brain, they have uncovered several positive outcomes that may revolutionize the way we approach mental health treatment.

One of the most promising effects of psilocybin on the brain is its ability to promote neuroplasticity and enhance neural connectivity.

Studies have shown that psilocybin can facilitate the growth of new neural connections and increase the flexibility of existing ones.

This heightened neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and reorganize itself more efficiently, which may contribute to the long-lasting positive changes observed in individuals who have undergone psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Psilocybin has demonstrated remarkable potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, even in cases where conventional treatments have failed.

Research suggests that psilocybin can modulate the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to a reduction in negative thought patterns and an increase in positive emotions.

Moreover, the profound mystical experiences often associated with psilocybin use may help individuals gain new perspectives on their lives and develop a greater sense of meaning and purpose.

Studies have found that psilocybin can enhance openness, a personality trait characterized by curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to embrace new experiences.

Increased openness has been linked to improved creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall psychological well-being.

By fostering a more open and flexible mindset, psilocybin may help individuals break free from rigid thought patterns and explore novel ideas and solutions, particularly during meditation practice.

In summary, the study by Singer and her colleagues has opened up new avenues for exploring the potential benefits of combining meditation and psychedelics.

As Singer noted, These findings provide a novel perspective on meditation and psychedelics that may reveal potential novel brain markers for positive synergistic effects between mindfulness practices and psilocybin.

By applying novel techniques like topological data analysis, the researchers have uncovered intriguing synergistic effects between psilocybin and meditation, revealing how this combination can enhance insightfulness, alter brain activity patterns, and potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for mental health and well-being.

As the scientific community continues to investigate the neurophysiology of meditation and psychedelics, this study serves as a catalyst for further research, promising to deepen our understanding of consciousness and the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of these practices.

The full study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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Sean Ono Lennon and The John Lennon Estate have partnered with the consciousness-expanding phone app, Lumenate, to exclusively release nine reimagined Meditation Mixes of John Lennons classic 1973 peace-and-love anthem, Mind Games.

Shop the best of John Lennons discography on vinyl and more.

The newly transformed mixes have been designed (in combination with the frequencies of light from the Lumenate app) to put the listener in a relaxed, meditative state, to help guide your mind into deeper states of consciousness.

Various sound design techniques and processes have been applied to the original 1973 two-inch multitrack recordings, and in some cases have been enhanced with additional instrumentation from producer Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono Lennon.

The Lumenate app uses the flashlight on the back of ones smartphone strobed at research-driven frequencies onto a persons closed eyes to neurologically guide them into a state of consciousness between that of deep meditation and psychedelics.

Each of the nine Meditation Mixes has been paired with a unique, deeply immersive light sequence, using carefully selected flicker frequencies to accompany the mind-and-mood-altering sound. These singular, mind-altering sequences elevate the musical journey, deepen the sense of relaxation, and allow users to see, hear and feel the music like never before.

The Mind Games Meditation Mixes launched as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The experience is available for free, exclusively via the Lumenate app.

Im very happy to be working with Lumenate on this release for Mental Health Awareness Month, said Sean Ono Lennon. I think our Mind Games project is fun, meaningful, and potentially mind-expanding. I have been using the Lumenate app for my own personal meditations since it launched, and have had many profound experiences.

My father was famously into meditation. I remember trying the flicker machine he kept in the bedroom, which is what first introduced me to the idea of stroboscopic brain wave induction. I thought it made sense to combine the music of Mind Games with the science of Lumenate. I really hope people enjoy the results as much as I have.

Buy or stream Mind Games.

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The John Lennon Estate Teams With Lumenate For 'Meditation Mixes' Of 'Mind Games' - uDiscover Music

Recent scientific advancements have shed light on the potential synergistic effects of meditation and psychedelic substances. A study published in Scientific Reports reveals how psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, when combined with open monitoring meditation may enhance the depth of insightfulness in experienced meditators. This enhancement appears to be mediated by changes in the brains organizational patterns.

Open monitoring meditation is a type of meditation that emphasizes the broad, non-reactive awareness of the content of experience from moment to moment. Unlike focused attention meditation, which narrows the attention on a single object such as breath or a mantra, open monitoring encourages practitioners to remain aware of all experiences without attachment or judgment. This practice is thought to enhance meta-awareness the awareness of awareness itself.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Known for its ability to induce profound alterations in perception, emotion, and cognitive processes, psilocybin has been a subject of both traditional use in ritual contexts and modern scientific research. In clinical settings, psilocybin has shown promise for treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Its effects include the disruption of normal thought patterns, potentially leading to increased psychological flexibility and openness.

The rationale for combining psilocybin with open monitoring meditation in this study stems from a hypothesis about the complementary nature of their effects on the brain and consciousness. Both meditation and psychedelics are believed to alter the functional connectivity patterns within the brain meditation through trained introspection and increased meta-awareness, and psilocybin through its pharmacological impact on serotonin receptors, which significantly alters perception and thought.

Researchers at the University of Zurich aimed to investigate how the combination of psilocybin and meditation could influence brain connectivity during meditative practice. They used a mathematical method known as topological data analysis to visualize and analyze the brains activity.

I was interested in the technical part of the topic, because I am fascinated by how pure mathematics, especially topology, can be applied to extract important information from latent structures in data that is not apparent to other methods, explained study author Berit Singer, a PhD in pure mathematics. Psychedelic neuroscience and mediation is particularly interesting to me, because I can see that there is a lot of research needed to better understand the mechanisms of these substances and techniques, and because I wish that this will help to use them in a beneficial way for individuals and society.

The study included 36 healthy, experienced meditators, matched for age, sex, previous meditation experience, and dispositional mindfulness. The core of the study was a five-day silent meditation retreat. On the fourth day of this retreat, participants were administered either psilocybin or a placebo during their routine meditation practice.

To capture the effects of the interventions on brain activity, participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans both one day before and one day after the retreat. Each fMRI session included sequences of resting state, focused attention meditation, and open monitoring meditation.

To analyze the data, the researchers employed the Mapper algorithm, a method used in topological data analysis to dissect and visualize high-dimensional data sets. This algorithm constructs a graphical representation, known as a Mapper shape graph, which captures the global and local structure of the data. By applying this algorithm, the researchers could map and quantify the relationships and dependencies between different meditative and resting brain states, revealing insights into how these states interact and overlap.

It surprised me that the subject-specific Mapper graphs were at first sight very different and did not seem to share many similarities, but when described and simplified using suitable graph measures (the optimal transport distance and centrality) their common structure was revealed and turned out to be quite stable across both groups, Singer said. In other words, their common features were not obvious to spot by eye from looking at the subject-specific Mapper graphs, but only after calculating their topological features.

After the meditation retreat, there was a notable increase in the degree centrality of the nodes associated with open monitoring meditation. This suggests that these brain regions became more connected with other regions following the retreat and psilocybin intake. The closeness centrality of the nodes related to open monitoring meditation also increased after the retreat, which implies that these brain regions could disseminate information more efficiently across the brain network.

A key finding from the study was that psilocybin significantly affected the brains connectivity patterns. The optimal transport distance, a measure used to assess the similarity between different brain states, indicated that psilocybin induced notable changes in how different meditation states are connected.

Specifically, participants in the psilocybin group showed greater shifts in the brains functional architecture between the resting state and open monitoring meditation compared to those in the placebo group. This suggests that psilocybin enhances the brains ability to transition between different functional states during meditation.

This increased differentiation was particularly marked in individuals experiencing positive derealization, a state where reality is perceived in a novel and often more meaningful way. Additionally, perceived insightfulness was strongly linked to positive derealization, and models incorporating changes in brain connectivity offered better predictions of insightfulness than those considering positive derealization alone.

The findings suggest that psilocybin may enhance the depth and quality of meditation by facilitating a more profound disengagement from ordinary consciousness and promoting a heightened state of openness and awareness. This could potentially make meditation practices more effective, particularly in inducing states of deep introspection and expanded awareness, which are often the goals of such practices.

The key finding is that meditation and psilocybin are likely to form a useful synergy that brings about insightfulness and that they do so by balancing each others effects, Singer told PsyPost. The research also highlights the advantages of topology to analyze data and uncover latent structures Singer said. This particular method brings an alternative and useful way to look at brain imaging data.

While the study provides evidence that psilocybin can significantly modify the cognitive and perceptual effects of meditation, there are limitations to consider. The participant pool consisted entirely of experienced meditators, which limits the generalizability of the results to broader populations, including novice meditators or individuals without any meditation experience. Additionally, the studys sample size was relatively small, which could affect the statistical power and robustness of the findings.

Long-term goals are to link the topological structures of the Mapper shape graphs and related phenomenology with the usual functional connectivity, similar to the work of Saggar et al. and Geniesse et al., Singer explained. Another long-term goal is to do similar research with other psychedelics and understand their common and distinct features particularly combined with mediation. Finally, it would be nice to create an understanding of the landscape of different psychedelics and meditative states and how they are related and how they interact.

The study, Psilocybin enhances insightfulness in meditation: a perspective on the global topology of brain imaging during meditation, was authored by Berit Singer, Daniel Meling, Matthias Hirsch-Hoffmann, Lars Michels, Michael Kometer, Lukasz Smigielski, Dario Dornbierer, Erich Seifritz, Franz X. Vollenweider, and Milan Scheidegger.

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Brain connectivity maps shed light on the synergistic effects of meditation and psilocybin - PsyPost

Welcome to The School of Greatness! Today, were stepping into the ring with none other than Canelo lvarez, a true titan of the boxing world. Canelo joins us to share the wisdom gained from nearly two decades in the ring, discussing everything from the evolution of his training routines to the deep personal growth spurred by lifes challenges. Whether youre a boxing aficionado or seeking to learn about perseverance and resilience, this conversation promises powerful insights into what it means to truly pursue greatness. Stay tuned as Canelo lvarez reveals the lessons of his illustrious career, his ongoing journey of personal development, and his vision for life beyond the ropes.

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Boxing Legend Canelo lvarez: How Meditation CHANGED My Life & Helps Me WIN! - Boxing Legend Canelo lvarez ... - Lewis Howes

Visit http://www.rsfseniorcenter.org/in-person-classes or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041 to register for in-person classes

Self-Compassion for Stress Reduction - Each Thursday, January through May, from 9:30 9:55 a.m. - Lower stress through guided and silent meditation using the works of Jack Kornfield and Pema Chodron. Enjoy a 5-minute guided meditation with Ann Nye, Ph.D. followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation.

Line Dancing with Heather Leon Friday, May 10, from 2 3 p.m. - In this fun, 60-minute class, you will learn basic line dance steps and choreography. Beginner line dances include Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, and Power Jam. Heather has over four decades of dance experience across many disciplines including jazz, ballet, modern, ballroom, country partner, and line dancing with a B.A. in modern dance choreography from UCLA. She is also a pilates master with 30 years experience. There is a $20 fee paid to the instructor.

Kris Slugg, RSF Senior Center executive director

(Marcy Browe)

Movement with Nick Monday, May 13, from 2 - 3 p.m. - Learn about anatomy, functional mobility, and how to exercise to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls. In this interactive class, Nick Yearby, physical therapy assistant and corrective exercise specialist with Unlimited Potential Rehab & Wellness will help you improve your cardiovascular fitness as well as your posture and confidence. There is a $10 fee per class paid to the instructor. Join Nick the second Monday of each month.

The Five Pillars to Successful Aging Tuesday, May 14, from 10 11 a.m. - Brenda-Lee Smith, certified senior advisor, at Oasis Senior Advisors Coastal San Diego, will discuss how to determine your own successful aging by identifying your individual needs and anticipated changes in the core areas of health and wellness, socialization, finances, transportation, and housing.

Paint Party with Vanja Houghtaling Wednesday, May 15, from 2 4 p.m. - Vanja guarantees you will have fun and finish a beautiful acrylic painting within two hours, even if you have never painted before. Vanja is a self-taught artist who has painted for almost 20 years. She will bring the canvas, paints, and brushes. Come wearing your painting clothes and leave with your painting. There is a $35 fee paid to the instructor for supplies.

Planting Natives at Home with Nan Sterman Thursday, May 16, from 2 3:30 p.m. Join Nan Sterman, an award-winning garden writer, gardening expert, and horticulturist for this presentation on how to create and care for your own native plant garden whether youre a beginner or a seasoned green thumb. Native plants are what give our gardens a sense of place. They are also whats best suited for our climate and soils, support butterflies, birds, bees, and animals of all sorts, use the least water, and are absolutely beautiful. Seating is limited. Thank you to our sponsor La Jolla Nurses Homecare.

Intermediate Bridge Review with Scott Farr Thursdays, May 30, June 13, 20, 27, from 2 4 p.m. - There is a $100 fee for the 4-week series. Payment will be collected by cash or check (payable to: Scott Farr) the first day of class. Please note there is no class on June 6.

Advanced Bridge Review with Scott Farr Fridays, May 31, June 14, 21, 28, from 10 a.m. - noon - There is a $100 fee for the 4-week series. Payment will be collected by cash or check (payable to: Scott Farr) the first day of class. Please note there is no class on June 7.

Open Play Mah Jongg Monday (weekly) from 10 a.m. - noon Enjoy a friendly game of beginner American Mahjongg, a tile-based game that is enjoyed by individuals throughout the world! A Basic understanding of the tiles and rules is required.

Calling All Chess Players! Tuesday (weekly) 2-4 p.m. - Come and enjoy a friendly game of chess at the Senior Center and get a workout for your brain! Research has found evidence that playing chess may result in improved brain function, memory, cognitive abilities, and strategic thinking. Each Tuesday, enjoy a friendly game of chess at the RSF Senior Center. All levels of players are welcome. Free instruction is provided for beginners. Tables and playing pieces are furnished.

Balance & Movement to Reduce the Risk of Falling Wednesday (weekly) 10:30-11:20 a.m. Learn and practice easy movements to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling from instructor Mordy Levine. Emphasis is on posture, balance, muscle relaxation, and breathing geared specifically for beginners and seniors. Develop stability and coordination and gain confidence. There is a $10 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Chair Yoga Thursday (weekly) 10-11 a.m. - Peggie Moore, a certified yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and BEWELL Yoga for Cancer teacher, offers a weekly outdoor, in-person chair yoga class. This class will teach you techniques to improve core strength and balance, increase flexibility, and reduce stress. There is a $10 per person fee paid to the instructor. The first class is free.

Conversational Spanish Friday (weekly) - Beginner Class 1 - 2 p.m. & Intermediate Class 2 3 p.m. - Jeannette Caruth learned Spanish solely through conversation and invites you to become more familiar with the language. Each class is a one- hour adventure of hearing and speaking another language. All levels are welcome. There is a $10 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Stay Active and Engaged with our Virtual Classes Visit our website http://www.rsfseniorscenter.org and click the Online Programs tab.

Please Note: Visit http://www.rsfseniorcenter.org/in-person-classes or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041 to register for in-person classes. To receive our newsletter by email, visit our website: http://www.rsfseniorcenter.org and provide your email address or send an email to info@rsfseniorcenter.org.

Resource and Referral Service - Available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Seniors and their family members can speak with a staff member in person or by telephone and receive valuable information to address a wide variety of needs. Please call 858-756-3041 or email info@rsfseniorcenter.org for assistance.

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May 9 issue: RSF Senior Center offers a variety of classes, activities, resources and more - Rancho Santa Fe Review

Despite its outward simplicity, meditation can be challenging. But recent studies suggest that theres something that can help usher us into a meditative state: sound.

Whether youre vibing to your favorite tune or immersing yourself in a soothing sound bath surrounded by singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, sound not only helps us achieve meditation but can also amplify its benefits.

Hilary Curtis, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director of Recovery Unplugged, a national addiction treatment program that uses music as medicine, says that pleasing sounds can positively impact our physiology.

We react to music in physiological and emotional terms, as the auditory system is a portal, or doorway, to the vagus complex, the part of the brain and nervous system that controls our overall physiological and emotional regulation, says Curtis. This nerve plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate, digestion, and stress responses. Activation of the vagus nerve triggers the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter known for its calming effects on the body.

Think of elevator music that calms us in a small space with strangers, lullabies for our children, and how playing songs at gatherings heightens our emotional safety and connection to others, says Curtis.

(Relax with 4+ hours of ASMR on Nat Geos Vibe Check.)

This response holds significant health implications. Recent studies propose that sound could be a potent tool for reducing chronic stress, a trigger that negatively affects all areas of the body. A 2022 clinical study found that participants exposed to singing bowl sounds during a sound bath reported substantial reductions in depression and tension, as well as an enhanced feeling of well-being.

You might have noticed that AI-powered watches now offer algorithmic music and soundscapes for stress reduction or that the practitioners who help you manage your health are now incorporating sound therapy into your wellness routine.

Elena Bradford, a yoga teacher certified in sound healing, says that most people live in a state of overactive thinking, overdoing, and stress, making meditation difficult. Studies have shown, however, that you can go from beta (our everyday, analytical chatter of the mind) to theta (a deep meditative state) within as little as 30 seconds when you incorporate sound into your practice, Bradford says.

(What is serotoninand can you really boost it?)

When that happens, Bradford says the effects are overwhelmingly positive. Clients report relief from pain, decreased stress, feelings of relaxation and calm, a release of repressed emotions, and greater positivity.

Her observations align with the research. Studies have shown that certain sound frequencies can entrain brainwave patterns, guiding the mind into deep relaxation and meditation. For example, binaural beats, which involve playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear, have been found to synchronize brainwaves and induce states of calmness and focus.

Moreover, sound therapy has been linked to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. This neurochemical response may contribute to the profound sense of relaxation and positivity reported by individuals after engaging in sound-based practices.

In a 2020 clinical study, an emWave Pro device was used to measure mood, stress index, and heart rate variability before and after a sound therapy session. Results showed a noticeable improvement in all areas, including reduced tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and confusion.

(Youve heard of forest bathing. Now try forest therapy.)

A 2022 study revealed that sound-based interventions, including music therapy and sound baths, effectively reduced pain intensity and improved pain-related quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions.

Another clinical study compared the effects of a 30-minute silent meditation to those of a 30-minute sound meditation. Sound meditators reported significantly less stress, tiredness, and negativity than those who meditated in silence.

As with any wellness program, benefits vary per individual, but practitioners report a direct correlation between consistent practice and the resulting benefits. Bethann Schacht, director of Aurora Counseling Associates, says, If sound therapy becomes part of your lifestylesimilar to healthy eating and exercise you should see consistent results.

Several experts state that even 10 minutes a day of mindful meditation can profoundly impact stress levels and feelings of overall well-being. So using sound to help you reach that point may be your biggest return on investment regarding your emotional and physical health, says Lisette Cifaldi, a master clinical social worker.

(Urgency culture might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it?)

While sound baths and therapy are increasingly easy to find, Schacht says you can practice using an app like Insight Timer in your home. The free app serves as a meditation timer with ambient sound options, and an upgraded paid subscription includes courses on sound healing.

Incorporating sound into your meditation practice helps focus your attention inward, says Schacht. Thoughts can be tyrants, but sound meditation teaches you to be fascinated by them, to tame your thoughts so they dont control you.

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Meditation can be hard. Here's how sound can help. - National Geographic

2 May 2024, 12:31

"We're playing those mind games together."

John Lennon's 1973 song 'Mind Games', the title track from his album of the same name, is often misconstrued as a battle of wits with his lover, who was of course Yoko Ono.

The inspiration behind the song's lyrics was in fact a book Lennon was reading at the time, titled Mind Games: The Guide to Inner Space which came out the year prior.

Written by Robert Masters and Jean Houston, the book offered up brain training exercises to help encourage people to focus on a more positive outlook on life.

So in many ways, the song was a precursor to the promotion of inner peace and mindfulness that we society has embraced in recent years.

It's fitting then, that John Lennon's estate has partnered with the Lumenate app for a series of meditation mixes based on 'Mind Games' for Mental Health Awareness Month this May.

MIND GAMES. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) - John Lennon and The Plastic U.F.Ono Band

The new mindful mixes have incorporated a number of sound design techniques into the 1973 original.

Some of the recordings have been enhanced with additional instrumentation from Sean Ono Lennon, John and Yoko's son.

Unveiled on 1st May 2024, the project has been developed to ease listeners into a relaxed, meditative state, and "help guide your mind into deeper states of consciousness".

The Lumenate app works by gently strobing the back of the user's smartphone upon their closed eyes, guiding them into a state of consciousness between deep meditation and psychedelics.

Four of the nine new 'Mind Games' mixes are presented as Binaural versions, which each have a special focus on a different type of brain wave: Beta, Delta, Gamma, and Theta.

"Beta waves occur when thinking, Delta waves are produced when completely relaxed in deep sleep, Gamma waves are associated with high levels of thought and focus, and Theta waves are produced while sleeping or daydreaming", the accompanying statement reads.

Yoko Ono once described the message behind 'Mind Games' and what he was trying to achieve, and this new partnership feels close to his idea.

"John was trying to convey the message that we all play mind games. But if we can play mind games, why not make a positive future with it - to be a positive mind game?"

"'Mind Games' is such an incredibly strong song. At the time, people didnt quite get the message because this was before its time."

"Now, people would understand it. I dont think in those days people knew they were playing mind games anyway."

"I'm very happy to be working with Lumenate on this release for Mental Health Awareness Month," said Sean Ono Lennon.

"I think our 'Mind Games' project is fun, meaningful, and potentially mind-expanding. I have been using the Lumenate app for my own personal meditations since it launched, and have had many profound experiences."

"My father was famously into meditation. I remember trying the 'flicker machine' he kept in the bedroom, which is what first introduced me to the idea of stroboscopic brain wave induction."

"I thought it made sense to combine the music of 'Mind Games' with the science of Lumenate. I really hope people enjoy the results as much as I have.

Tom Galea, Lumenate's co-founder added in the statement: "It's been such a privilege working with Sean and The Lennon Estate on this exciting collaboration."

"The journeys it takes you on are so deeply relaxing and emotive, providing a uniquely powerful canvas for exploring your mind."

"I cant wait for the world to experience it, it's already had such a meaningful impact on me personally."

Launching for the start of Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2024, the 'Mind Games' meditation mixes are now available for free via the Lumenate app.

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John Lennon's estate teams up with new app for 'Mind Games' meditation mixes - Smooth Radio

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Mindfulness for Beginners: 3 Simple Meditation Classes - Woman's World