Meditation, mindfulness to be discussed at employee wellness talks

Curious about meditation and its effects on the mind and body? Ronna Biggs, the assistant director of New Student Services at Western Washington University, will present "Meditation and Mindfulness: A Beginner's Guide" as this week's Faculty & Staff Wellness Program Lunch 'n’ Learn offering.

Biggs will give the presentation twice: from 1:05 to 1:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in Bond Hall Room 415, and from 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in Bond Hall Room 419.

After beginning a meditation practice just a few years ago, Biggs has committed to exploring ways to incorporate meditation and mindfulness practices into her life. Research in the medical and wellness communities is growing in breadth and depth about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices in a variety of settings -- personal life, work life, the military, healthcare, and, yes, higher education. In this session, Biggs offers an introductory explanation about meditation and mindfulness practices, focusing on the basics -- the benefits, breathing, body awareness and simply how to start practicing.

Biggs also will lead a 15- to 20-minute meditation as part of the session. Whether you are a longtime meditator, just getting started or just getting curious, you are invited to explore how meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance your health and wellness routines.

Biggs has a bachelor’s degree from WWU in sociology-criminology and a master’s degree from Emporia State University in counselor education and rehabilitation. She has been working at Western since 1997.

Over the years, she has observed trends of students and colleagues experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and emotional challenges while navigating academic and work responsibilities. In exploring methods for maintaining her own personal health and wellness, she has found meditation and mindfulness practices to bring a sense of clarity and calm to her personal and work life. She has been a steady meditator for a few years, incorporating mindfulness practices in her life and leading meditations in the Bellingham community. She completed her first week-long silent meditation retreat in January.

After she led a session on meditation at the fall 2012 Nakama Conference, participants expressed curiosity in learning more about meditation and mindfulness. During this Lunch 'n' Learn session, Biggs will discuss the basics of the practices, offer suggestions on how to start a meditation practice and lead a short meditation for participants.