Meditation for Brain Health

It is now widely accepted, from an abundance of research, that meditation/mindfulness has a profound impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Moreover, there is a growing body of research suggesting the benefits of meditation/mindfulness for brain injury healing and wellbeing post mild TBIs (traumatic brain injury), such as concussion.

This workshop is geared towards people who have a lived-experience of a concussion, but all who may benefit from slowing down and learning to trust the body in the present moment are welcome to attend.

Please reach out if you are unsure whether this group may be a good fit for you.

To facilitate the healing process, we aim to provide participants with the following:

(1) build community and support;

(2) learn yoga and mindfulness-based techniques to quiet the mind, calm the nervous system, and deepen inner trust;

(3) build their resource toolkit and share resources with one another.

Please note that this group is not intended for individuals in the acute stages of concussion recovery (generally within the first 4-6 weeks after injury, or until medical providers confirm readiness for gentle group participation).

If you are experiencing significant cognitive, sensory, or emotional distress, we encourage you to prioritize medical care and individualized support at this time. We wish you the best in your recovery, and hope you consider joining us when you are ready for gentle contemplative practices, shared reflection, and body-led healing practices in a slow-paced, welcoming environment.

The common thread throughout all of Rebecca’s life’s work, both personal and professional, has been her deep-seeded passion and commitment to connection and wellbeing. Rebecca has spent the past few decades growing her own meditation practice, as well as guiding others, especially college-aged students– as an adjunct faculty member at Springfield College, a meditation instructor for UMass’ new student orientation, and a guest lecturer for UMass’ meditation practicum class, to name a few.

Having been trained by leaders at the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults and at Kripalu, Rebecca’s most impactful mindfulness/meditation “training” emerged after a life-changing accident this past year, which resulted in a concussion. It was from this experience that her commitment to the power of meditation/mindfulness deepened further and became a very helpful part of her healing. It is with that in mind that Rebecca began her journey to share this experience with others and to help develop meditation/mindfulness-based programs for others who have had concussions.

Kim is a certified Yoga Therapist and a pioneering student in the world’s first graduate program in Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy. Rooted in a deep personal practice of Theravada Buddhist meditation, her work bridges ancient wisdom traditions and cutting-edge mind-body health care to support multidimensional healing. Kim takes a trauma-informed approach to yoga and mindfulness that supports students to connect with their bodies and make decisions that are right for them in each moment. In the context of this workshop, she aims to hold a slow, clear, grounded rhythm and offer tools for those who are in the midst of change, reintegration, and learning to trust the self.