We would like to invite you to the second of five conversations on mindfulness this fall. In these sessions you will join members of the LSAMP community across the University System of Maryland as we learn the benefits of mindfulness and engage in exercises to help us appreciate the present moment.

Each session will be led by Dr. Karolyn Babalola. Dr. Babalola is an innovator, teacher, yogini, and learner. She is currently a Senior Lead Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton leading AI-based Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology development. She completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her B.S. in Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she was a Meyerhoff Scholar. 

Session 2 is titled: 6-Sense Meditation 101: Pranayama - Breathing Exercises for Energy, Focus, and Relaxation.

This session will introduce the concept of Pranayama, yogic breathing techniques. We will discuss different breathing methods that can be used to energize, gain focus and relax.  We will start with morning exercises, transition to exercises for work breaks and meeting preparation and conclude with post-work/wind-down exercises. We will conclude with apranayama-basedgroup meditation.

Materials: A mat on which to sit | Optional: Blankets or bolsters for support | Supplemental: Essential Oils (lavender and/or citrus fragrances suggested)

For information on mindfulness and its benefits, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTsUEOUaWpY

Register below to join us.