MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS


The meditating scientist!


Scientifically trained, and understanding the proven health benefits of meditation, Judith is also empowered through wearing two hats at the one time.


by Judith Lissing W


hen I was 10 years old my Year 5 teacher told us a story about a scientist who


happened to be a microbiologist. I don’t remember who she was or the context of the story but I clearly remember deciding at that very moment that this would be my future profession. And it was. Eleven years later I


graduated from the University of NSW with a Science degree majoring in Microbiology. I was so clear in my vision that I assumed that everyone had epiphanies like mine and knew what they wanted to do when they finished school. It took me some time


34 MARCH | APRIL 2018


to realise that this was a relatively unique experience. Some might say it was a calling, but I prefer to think of it as a passion that I was able to turn into a profession.


OUT OF THE CLOSET Whilst studying at university I found another passion – meditation. For decades I kept these two interests quite separate, as meditation was something that was considered unscientific, with claimed benefits that were anecdotal and could not be proven. Then, several years ago, I attended a conference in San Diego on mindfulness


and found myself in a room full of scientists, doctors and psychologists. I cannot tell you how empowering it was to ‘come out of the closet’ and wear both hats at once: the meditating scientist! There is no longer any question about


the scientifically proven health benefits of meditation. Many studies have shown how practising mindfulness can reduce blood pressure, enhance the immune system, increase clarity of mind and even slow down the ageing process. Some studies have shown that an 8-week meditation course can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis (a skin


IMAGE: EMMA STEPHENS


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