MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University students and employees are invited to participate in a free meditation time offered twice a week by the University’s Wellness Services.

The weekly sessions are noon to 12:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the academic year when classes are in session.

Most sessions are in the Alumni Meeting Room on the third floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union. Changes in the schedule or location will be posted at the door of the meeting room and emailed to participants.

The meditation sessions introduce individuals to the ancient practices of mindfulness and meditation and allow participants to engage in the practice of meditation on a regular basis. Participants are encouraged to bring a pillow or thick towel to sit on.

Individuals who are new to meditation are asked to arrive at noon for a brief overview of the practice of meditation. Returning participants, or those already familiar with the practice of meditation, should arrive by 12:15 p.m., when the period of meditation begins. Meditations typically last for about 20 minutes.

Dr. Michael Mattock, a counselor at Wellness Services, leads the sessions. Mattock notes the art of meditation has been practiced for thousands of years by individuals throughout the world and is not exclusively associated with any specific belief system or religious denomination.

“It’s not about mastering meditation,” Mattock said. “It’s about being present in the moment, even if that requires refocusing back to your breath 20 times. It is the effort itself that is important.”

Meditation has been proven to enhance the overall health and well-being of people who practice it on a routine basis. Additional benefits include improved focus and attention and a sense of inner calmness.

For more information, contact Mattock at (660) 562-1348 or [email protected].