What are the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying meditation and yoga? How do yoga and meditation allow us to explore the depths of consciousness and improve our mental and physical health? Although these practices have increased in popularity in recent decades, our scientific understanding of how meditation and yoga impact the brain and body is still limited.
We will dive into the origins of meditation and yoga, explore the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying meditation, and consider the potential for long-term changes in the brain through regular practice. We will also explore the immediate effects of yoga and evaluate the potential of yoga and meditation as evidence-based holistic therapies. Finally, we will touch upon questions regarding the neural basis of expanded or altered states of consciousness, both through meditation and the use of psychedelic substances that temporarily alter our state of mind, with enduring effects in terms of neural and cognitive functioning and potential implications for clinical interventions.
Syllabus
Summer 2026 (Draft)
This is a draft syllabus. The final syllabus will be available here a few days prior to the new course’s first start date.
One course in neuroscience, physiological psychology, biological psychology, or neuroanatomy at university level.
Faculty
Annelies vant Westeinde
PhD (Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 2023), MSc (Neurobiology, University of Amsterdam, 2015). Post-doctoral researcher, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute & University of Gothenburg, 2023-present. Yoga and meditation trainer, self-employed, 2017-present. With DIS since 2024
Long Study Tour
About this tour
This study tour offers the opportunity to dive deeply into mindfulness, yoga, and meditation practices, while exploring the beautiful city and surroundings of Lyon, France.
During the tour you will practice meditation and experience how mindful awareness changes our perception of life in different settings. We will also do a deep dive into ourselves to discover the stillness within peaceful environments. The experience-based focus will be combined with critical scientific thinking about methods of studying the effects of meditation on the brain and wellbeing.
Learning outcomes
Deepen your understanding of the scientific approaches to studying meditation and wellbeing by meeting with lead scientists in the field of neuroscience and meditation
Experience mindful awareness in different settings through art, food and nature: does it alter your lived experience?
Develop a deeper understanding of the effects of yoga and meditation through personal experience in a retreat-setting
Possible activities
Participate in a day-long mini retreat with yoga and meditation in a castle on the countryside outside of Lyon
Explore food & culture in Lyon through mindfulness
Hike through nature
Experience Heartfulness meditation
Looking for some advice? We’ll support you every step of the way.
