Free The Mind
Jul 26 - Aug 01, 2013
(Phie Ambo, Denmark, 2012, Blu-ray, 80 min)
Seattle premiere!
Presentation from Project Welcome Home Troops at Wednesday 7pm screening!
In 1992 Professor Richard J. Davidson (one of the world’s leading neuroscientists) met the Dalai Lama, who encouraged him to apply the same rigorous methods he used to study depression and anxiety to the study of compassion and kindness. Dr. Davidson, who was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2006, did just that: the results of his studies at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds are portrayed in this fascinating new documentary about the science behind meditation. The film poses two questions: What is consciousness, and how does it manifest in the brain and body? Is it actually possible to change the brain physically through mental practices alone?
"a pioneering inquiry at the outermost boundaries of neuroscience. . .the film presents thoughtful, compassionate teachers as heroes" —The Seattle Times
"handsomely shot film. . .raises awareness about the influence our thoughts can have on our bodies. . .viewers may learn a few breathing tricks to help during traffic jams or college quizzes." —Seattle Weekly
- On Wednesday, July 31, we welcome Project Welcome Home Troops for a special presentation in advance of Free the Mind. Meet local veterans that participated in the first Power Breath workshop in Seattle and hear their experiences.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Project Welcome Home Troops was launched in 2006 to improve the quality of life for returning veterans and their families. The Power Breath Workshop, offered by Project Welcome Home troops, is a mind-body resilience-building program for returning veterans. It offers practical breath-based tools that decrease the stress, anxiety and sleep problems that many returning veterans experience.
A cornerstone of the Power Breath Workshop is the SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) Practice, a set of empirically validated breathing techniques. Through rhythmic breathing patterns, the SKY Practice brings deep mental and physical relaxation which research suggests can reduce symptoms of anxiety, anger, insomnia and depression.
Through interactive discussions, the Power Breath workshop also teaches resilience and empowerment strategies, and develops self-awareness, connectedness and community. The Power Breath Workshop has been conducted at no cost to veterans and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and veteran’s hospitals, veteran’s centers and community outreach programs across the country. The program was launched in Seattle in June 2013.