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Meditation as Medication: Staying Present in Fast-Paced Times

In my previous presentation for NEFESH (Spring, 2021), I presented basic information regarding meditation vis a vis halachic permissibility. In this slightly longer workshop, I would like to review basic concepts and go further into experiential tools such as meditations, breathing techniques, etc. so clinicians can learn and share with greater ease.

Although it is clearly known that there are many benefits to meditation, there can be halachic issues with what is available. These days, online formats of meditation are ubiquitous. In fact, mindfulness meditation has become one of the most widely used techniques used in current evidence-based therapeutic modalities (consider DBT, MBCT, MBSR, etc.).  Additionally, there is significant research demonstrating the beneficial neuroplastic effect meditation has on the brain.   Even though there are obvious clinical and health benefits, many available methods contain some avizrayhu d’avodah zara (subtle Eastern religious carryover elements).  The Lubavitcher Rebbe was very strong about getting the neutral format out as soon as possible (over 40 years ago) since Jews were led astray.  The Rebbe predated many current, cutting-edge, evidence-based research with his approach to meditation. In the ’60s and 70’s he approached individuals, groups, and then publicly gave an address about Transcendental Meditation and its idolatrous elements. 

At the time of this appeal, minimal research was done, but meditation had promise toward these ends.  As a teenager, I used TM.  I have a first-hand appreciation for the long-term benefits of using the basic elements of the method. However, I had to stop cold turkey once I found out about the overtly idolatrous elements.  Finding out that my “unique mantra” (sound to focus on) was the name of a Hindu deity, was a horrible betrayal and loss.  At that time, I ran far from meditation. However, later after becoming a therapist, learning how such techniques can help in self-regulation, I have been working on responding to The Rebbe’s request. For the past 20 years or so my work has involved providing and disseminating clinical meditation and relaxation recordings, as well as sleep audio and other modes to assist people with their self-regulation. 

 https://nefesh.org/workshops/Meditation/view

Meditation as Medication: Staying Present in Fast-Paced Times

Previously Recorded
$39.99 Cost For Member: 15.99 Darcy F Wallen (a.k.a. Rus Devorah)

In my previous presentation for NEFESH (Spring, 2021), I presented basic information regarding meditation vis a vis halachic permissibility. In this slightly longer workshop, I would like to review basic concepts and go further into experiential tools such as meditations, breathing techniques, etc. so clinicians can learn and share with greater ease.

Although it is clearly known that there are many benefits to meditation, there can be halachic issues with what is available. These days, online formats of meditation are ubiquitous. In fact, mindfulness meditation has become one of the most widely used techniques used in current evidence-based therapeutic modalities (consider DBT, MBCT, MBSR, etc.).  Additionally, there is significant research demonstrating the beneficial neuroplastic effect meditation has on the brain.   Even though there are obvious clinical and health benefits, many available methods contain some avizrayhu d’avodah zara (subtle Eastern religious carryover elements).  The Lubavitcher Rebbe was very strong about getting the neutral format out as soon as possible (over 40 years ago) since Jews were led astray.  The Rebbe predated many current, cutting-edge, evidence-based research with his approach to meditation. In the ’60s and 70’s he approached individuals, groups, and then publicly gave an address about Transcendental Meditation and its idolatrous elements. 

At the time of this appeal, minimal research was done, but meditation had promise toward these ends.  As a teenager, I used TM.  I have a first-hand appreciation for the long-term benefits of using the basic elements of the method. However, I had to stop cold turkey once I found out about the overtly idolatrous elements.  Finding out that my “unique mantra” (sound to focus on) was the name of a Hindu deity, was a horrible betrayal and loss.  At that time, I ran far from meditation. However, later after becoming a therapist, learning how such techniques can help in self-regulation, I have been working on responding to The Rebbe’s request. For the past 20 years or so my work has involved providing and disseminating clinical meditation and relaxation recordings, as well as sleep audio and other modes to assist people with their self-regulation. 

About the Presenter

Darcy (Rus Devorah) is a social worker, psychotherapist, entertainer, and educator. She utilizes her rich educational background to augment her natural abilities to inspire and heal. Her presentations are woven with practical ideas for improving emotional wellbeing by incorporating holistic techniques such as therapeutic meditation and relaxation, sound healing, neuro-coaching principles, and more.

This workshop Offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Be able to understand and explain to another person, the rudiments of meditation and simple self-regulation techniques.
  2. Participants will become familiar and conversant in halachic considerations in order to embark on training others in meditation practice. (I will go over 11 specific points.)
  3. After in vivo experiences of the various techniques, participants will have the ability to practice them independently and demonstrate them to others.

Agenda:

Meditation as Medication: Staying Present in Fast-Paced Times

Rus Devorah Wallen, LCSW, ACSW

In this informative, interactive, and experiential workshop, we will share information regarding halachically permissible formats of meditation and relaxation. Become familiar with the halachic problems that various currently-used formats have.  Know how to guide a client as to how to modify their practice so that it is consonant with Torah principles. (20 minutes)

Understand basic science and neuroscience principles of meditation, relaxation, breathwork, and self-regulation. (20 minutes)

Become familiar with various formats and techniques to alleviate various symptoms or deal with issues. Successful interventions will be demonstrated through case examples with various diagnoses and conditions including ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, addictions, Tourette's, pain management, stress reduction, etc. (30 minutes)

Experience practical techniques in vivo that can be easily done on one’s own and gain skills for integrating these techniques into your therapy sessions. (30 minutes)

Q&A (20 minutes)

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by the NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
Refund Policy: Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.