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CYS student to research meditation as a way to conflict resolution

Cascade Yoga Studio Student, Nathan Michon (photo) Nathan Michon, son of Cascade Yoga Studio students Mark and Karen, is planning to research meditation and how is can apply to conflict resolution. Nathan, 27 and a graduate of Forest Hills Northern, attended Kalamazoo College and went on to earn his master's degree in comparative religions from Western Michigan University.

After earning his degrees, Nathan traveled to Austria where he received a certificate in peace studies. The school where he studied had 50 students representing 30 countries. Currently, Nathan is working on his PhD.

Conflicts, according to Nathan, can be as big as dealing with countries or as small as working with internal, personal conflicts. Because of Nathan's background studying religions and cultures, he would like to bridge the gap between groups by helping them acknowledge that they all have commonalities of silence and solitude that enable each of them to witness their minds. It’s in this space of looking at the mind that patience, kindness, and joyfulness can be cultivated.

Nathan points out that meditation is not as much about emptying the mind as it is about learning to become present and aware. The more aware we are of our minds, the better equipped we become to develop ourselves into the ideals we would like to be. As one of Nathan’s favorite meditation teachers says, "The whole aim of our practice is purity of heart. Everything else is just games."

Nathan believes that developing inner qualities of patience, kindness, and joy has many applications for stressful situations so we can remain calm and clear. Once our own minds are in a peaceful state, it’s then that we can truly help others around us.

Meditation Web Site

DhammaTalks.org
Free books and hundreds of free MP3s of guided meditation

Meditation Books

Introductions to Meditation Forms

The Experience of Meditation: Experts Introduce the Major Traditions, by Jonathan Shear, ed.
The Best Guide to Meditation, by Victor Davich

Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form, by Basil Pennington
Intimacy With God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer, by Thomas Keating
The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind - A New Perspective on Christ and His Message, by Cynthia Bourgeault

Buddhist Meditation

Keeping the Breath in Mind, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo
Change of Heart: The Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku
The Wings to Awakening, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Scientific Books on the Benefits of Working with Your Mind

The Molecules of Emotion, by Candace Pert
The Biology of Belief, by Bruce Lipton
Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain, by Sharon Begly
The Quantum Doctor, by Amit Goswami