Contemplative Studies Centre
@contemplateuom.bsky.social
The Contemplative Studies Centre welcomes you to the world of mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practice at The University of Melbourne. Learn more: psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/CSC
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Hi #Bluesky ๐
Weโre the Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne. We envision a future where empirically underpinned knowledge gained from contemplative wisdom, research, education, dialogue and practice empowers individuals and societies to thrive.
Thrilled to connect! ๐
Weโre the Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne. We envision a future where empirically underpinned knowledge gained from contemplative wisdom, research, education, dialogue and practice empowers individuals and societies to thrive.
Thrilled to connect! ๐
New paper from the education team explores an interdisciplinary approach to contemplative pedagogy in universities. Using breadth subject The Art and Science of Meditation we show how meditation is shaped by culture, context and lived experience, not just technique. Read more: go.unimelb.edu.au/d6r2
Introducing interdisciplinary contemplative pedagogy: a case study of โThe Art and Science of Meditationโ
This article presents a model for the application of contemplative pedagogy in higher education, with a focus on rich contextualisation and interdisciplinarity. We articulate a vision for a multipl...
go.unimelb.edu.au
February 3, 2026 at 12:58 AM
New paper from the education team explores an interdisciplinary approach to contemplative pedagogy in universities. Using breadth subject The Art and Science of Meditation we show how meditation is shaped by culture, context and lived experience, not just technique. Read more: go.unimelb.edu.au/d6r2
๐ฃ Seeking research participants! Weโre launching the Tracking Meditation Study to explore the real-world effects of long-term meditation. Weโre recruiting beginner meditators in Australia, NZ, UK and USA. Sign up for the study at go.unimelb.edu.au/4wx2 or discover more at go.unimelb.edu.au/pen2.
January 29, 2026 at 1:10 AM
๐ฃ Seeking research participants! Weโre launching the Tracking Meditation Study to explore the real-world effects of long-term meditation. Weโre recruiting beginner meditators in Australia, NZ, UK and USA. Sign up for the study at go.unimelb.edu.au/4wx2 or discover more at go.unimelb.edu.au/pen2.
๐ฑ What helps people flourish, and why? A meta-analysis of 109 RCTs (20,000+ participants) by @julietagalante.bsky.social and colleagues shows that cultivating perspective, kindness and gratitude strengthens these qualities and helps explain improvements in wellbeing. Read on: go.unimelb.edu.au/r762
Efficacy of cultivating human strengths and virtues on well-being: A one-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach
Mental health research emphasizes the importance of fostering character strengths to promote well-being. However, whether the strengths supposedly devโฆ
go.unimelb.edu.au
January 12, 2026 at 4:35 AM
๐ฑ What helps people flourish, and why? A meta-analysis of 109 RCTs (20,000+ participants) by @julietagalante.bsky.social and colleagues shows that cultivating perspective, kindness and gratitude strengthens these qualities and helps explain improvements in wellbeing. Read on: go.unimelb.edu.au/r762
๐ฃ Australasians lead the world in meditation use: โ
of Australians and ยผ of NZers meditated in the past year. Many turn to meditation when mental healthcare is hard to access, yet some report adverse effects. We need more research to make meditation safe & effective for all. ๐ go.unimelb.edu.au/ba62
December 9, 2025 at 11:13 PM
๐ฃ Australasians lead the world in meditation use: โ
of Australians and ยผ of NZers meditated in the past year. Many turn to meditation when mental healthcare is hard to access, yet some report adverse effects. We need more research to make meditation safe & effective for all. ๐ go.unimelb.edu.au/ba62
๐ง How do the mind and brain connect, and why does it matter for mental health? A new paper by Nandini Karunamuni, Tim Wood and @julietagalante.bsky.social explores how subjective experience and scientific insight can come together to better support wellbeing. Read more: rdcu.be/eLG21
Exploring the mind-brain relationship to advance mental health research and practice
rdcu.be
October 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM
๐ง How do the mind and brain connect, and why does it matter for mental health? A new paper by Nandini Karunamuni, Tim Wood and @julietagalante.bsky.social explores how subjective experience and scientific insight can come together to better support wellbeing. Read more: rdcu.be/eLG21
Meditation has many benefits, but itโs not risk-free. A new review finds 25โ87% of practitioners experience some adverse effects. Thoughtful screening and support can make mindfulness practice safer and more effective. ๐ Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Beyond Serenity: Adverse Effects of Meditation and Mindfulness in Clinical Practice
Despite the growing popularity of mindfulness, mindfulness-based programs (MBPs), and meditation, potential harms have largely been overlooked. Recentโฆ
www.sciencedirect.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Meditation has many benefits, but itโs not risk-free. A new review finds 25โ87% of practitioners experience some adverse effects. Thoughtful screening and support can make mindfulness practice safer and more effective. ๐ Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
How can mindfulness and nature connection help ease eco-distress? ๐ฟ New research co-authored by CSC academic Dr Cullan Joyce explores contemplative nature engagement, supporting people to face climate anxiety and act with care.
Read: doi.org/10.1002/pan3...
Read: doi.org/10.1002/pan3...
Using contemplative nature engagement practices to address ecological distress
Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
doi.org
October 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
How can mindfulness and nature connection help ease eco-distress? ๐ฟ New research co-authored by CSC academic Dr Cullan Joyce explores contemplative nature engagement, supporting people to face climate anxiety and act with care.
Read: doi.org/10.1002/pan3...
Read: doi.org/10.1002/pan3...
๐๏ธ How do traits like empathy, honesty, and compassion shape our behaviour? Learn more in this PsychTalks podcast from @psychunimelb.bsky.social.
Why do some people seem naturally kind? Prof Luke Smillie breaks down personality traits like empathy, honesty and compassion โ and how they shape behaviour. ๐งFind it here go.unimelb.edu.au/7axe
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 AM
๐๏ธ How do traits like empathy, honesty, and compassion shape our behaviour? Learn more in this PsychTalks podcast from @psychunimelb.bsky.social.
Kindness, humour, hope, perspective & gratitude: strengths shown to boost wellbeing in a new systematic review from @julietagalante.bsky.social and colleagues. A reminder of the power of cultivating positive qualities. Read more ๐ doi.org/10.1111/aphw...
A synthesis of RCTs on psychological interventions fostering strengths and virtues: Evidence from 21 systematic reviews
Research on mental health advocates the cultivation of character strengths to enhance well-being. Existing meta-analyses support positive correlations between strengths and well-being, and an increas...
doi.org
September 3, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Kindness, humour, hope, perspective & gratitude: strengths shown to boost wellbeing in a new systematic review from @julietagalante.bsky.social and colleagues. A reminder of the power of cultivating positive qualities. Read more ๐ doi.org/10.1111/aphw...
These effects were strongest among those with less lifetime meditation experience. Personality and motivation also mattered, and gains persisted over a follow-up period of several years.
๐ Read the full study: iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
๐ Read the full study: iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Doseโresponse effects of reported meditation practice on mentalโhealth and wellbeing: A prospective longitudinal study
The popularity of meditation has surged in recent years, driven by the accessibility of digital platforms. In this context, shorter sessions have become common, often accompanied by claims of substan...
iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 15, 2025 at 1:53 AM
These effects were strongest among those with less lifetime meditation experience. Personality and motivation also mattered, and gains persisted over a follow-up period of several years.
๐ Read the full study: iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
๐ Read the full study: iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
๐ข New paper alert
A new longitudinal study by @nicbowles.bsky.social and @ntvandam.bsky.social of over 1,000 meditators found that meditating 35โ65 minutes a day delivered meaningful improvements in well-being, while 50โ80 minutes daily was needed for significant gains in mental health.
A new longitudinal study by @nicbowles.bsky.social and @ntvandam.bsky.social of over 1,000 meditators found that meditating 35โ65 minutes a day delivered meaningful improvements in well-being, while 50โ80 minutes daily was needed for significant gains in mental health.
August 15, 2025 at 1:53 AM
๐ข New paper alert
A new longitudinal study by @nicbowles.bsky.social and @ntvandam.bsky.social of over 1,000 meditators found that meditating 35โ65 minutes a day delivered meaningful improvements in well-being, while 50โ80 minutes daily was needed for significant gains in mental health.
A new longitudinal study by @nicbowles.bsky.social and @ntvandam.bsky.social of over 1,000 meditators found that meditating 35โ65 minutes a day delivered meaningful improvements in well-being, while 50โ80 minutes daily was needed for significant gains in mental health.
Join us for our next guided meditation series to explore the practice of mindfulness with breathing (ฤnฤpฤnasati).
The way of letting go: Mindfulness with breathing
๐ Starts 2 September 2025 | Online via Zoom
โก๏ธ Register now: go.unimelb.edu.au/i98p
#Mindfulness #MeditationPractice #Wellbeing
The way of letting go: Mindfulness with breathing
๐ Starts 2 September 2025 | Online via Zoom
โก๏ธ Register now: go.unimelb.edu.au/i98p
#Mindfulness #MeditationPractice #Wellbeing
Guided meditation series: Mindfulness with breathing
go.unimelb.edu.au
August 14, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Join us for our next guided meditation series to explore the practice of mindfulness with breathing (ฤnฤpฤnasati).
The way of letting go: Mindfulness with breathing
๐ Starts 2 September 2025 | Online via Zoom
โก๏ธ Register now: go.unimelb.edu.au/i98p
#Mindfulness #MeditationPractice #Wellbeing
The way of letting go: Mindfulness with breathing
๐ Starts 2 September 2025 | Online via Zoom
โก๏ธ Register now: go.unimelb.edu.au/i98p
#Mindfulness #MeditationPractice #Wellbeing
At the Contemplative Studies Centre, weโre grateful to be part of a vibrant and growing field and return inspired to continue our work in the responsible integration of contemplative practice into the heart of societal change.
#ICMAP2025 #Mindfulness #ContemplativePractice #ContemplativeStudies
#ICMAP2025 #Mindfulness #ContemplativePractice #ContemplativeStudies
July 11, 2025 at 5:13 AM
At the Contemplative Studies Centre, weโre grateful to be part of a vibrant and growing field and return inspired to continue our work in the responsible integration of contemplative practice into the heart of societal change.
#ICMAP2025 #Mindfulness #ContemplativePractice #ContemplativeStudies
#ICMAP2025 #Mindfulness #ContemplativePractice #ContemplativeStudies
Last week, members of our team attended the International Conference on Mindfulness - Asia Pacific 2025, joining leaders, researchers, and practitioners in Hong Kong to explore the role of mindfulness and contemplative practices in health, wellbeing, education, justice, sustainability, and peace.
July 11, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Last week, members of our team attended the International Conference on Mindfulness - Asia Pacific 2025, joining leaders, researchers, and practitioners in Hong Kong to explore the role of mindfulness and contemplative practices in health, wellbeing, education, justice, sustainability, and peace.
This online series will be led by Associate Professor Matt Sharpe - author, lecturer and researcher from Australian Catholic University.
๐ Weekly on Wednesdays from 2 to 30 July
โก๏ธ Register and info: go.unimelb.edu.au/ei8p
#Stoicism #Meditation #ContemplativePractice
๐ Weekly on Wednesdays from 2 to 30 July
โก๏ธ Register and info: go.unimelb.edu.au/ei8p
#Stoicism #Meditation #ContemplativePractice
Guided meditation series: Stoicism
Overview Stoicism is an ancient Western philosophy focused on cultivating a smooth flow of life. To navigate life and achieve inner tranquillit...
go.unimelb.edu.au
June 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
This online series will be led by Associate Professor Matt Sharpe - author, lecturer and researcher from Australian Catholic University.
๐ Weekly on Wednesdays from 2 to 30 July
โก๏ธ Register and info: go.unimelb.edu.au/ei8p
#Stoicism #Meditation #ContemplativePractice
๐ Weekly on Wednesdays from 2 to 30 July
โก๏ธ Register and info: go.unimelb.edu.au/ei8p
#Stoicism #Meditation #ContemplativePractice
๐ How might ancient Stoic philosophy help us face lifeโs challenges with calm and clarity?
Join us for our next guided meditation series exploring the reflective practices of Stoicismโmeletรช (meditation) and theoria (contemplation)โto manage stress, and foster calmness.
Join us for our next guided meditation series exploring the reflective practices of Stoicismโmeletรช (meditation) and theoria (contemplation)โto manage stress, and foster calmness.
June 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
๐ How might ancient Stoic philosophy help us face lifeโs challenges with calm and clarity?
Join us for our next guided meditation series exploring the reflective practices of Stoicismโmeletรช (meditation) and theoria (contemplation)โto manage stress, and foster calmness.
Join us for our next guided meditation series exploring the reflective practices of Stoicismโmeletรช (meditation) and theoria (contemplation)โto manage stress, and foster calmness.
The survey is available in 9 languages and meditators of any tradition and level of experience are welcome to join.
Watch our video: go.unimelb.edu.au/r88p
Take part ๐ www.soscisurvey.de/world-medita...
More info: world-meditation-survey.org
#Meditation #ContemplativeStudies #GlobalSurvey
Watch our video: go.unimelb.edu.au/r88p
Take part ๐ www.soscisurvey.de/world-medita...
More info: world-meditation-survey.org
#Meditation #ContemplativeStudies #GlobalSurvey
May 13, 2025 at 1:56 AM
The survey is available in 9 languages and meditators of any tradition and level of experience are welcome to join.
Watch our video: go.unimelb.edu.au/r88p
Take part ๐ www.soscisurvey.de/world-medita...
More info: world-meditation-survey.org
#Meditation #ContemplativeStudies #GlobalSurvey
Watch our video: go.unimelb.edu.au/r88p
Take part ๐ www.soscisurvey.de/world-medita...
More info: world-meditation-survey.org
#Meditation #ContemplativeStudies #GlobalSurvey
๐งโโ๏ธ First Worldwide Survey on Meditation โ Call for Participants! ๐
The World Meditation Survey, led by our Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Karin Matko, explores how personal characteristics and motivations shape meditation practices across traditions and over time.
The World Meditation Survey, led by our Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Karin Matko, explores how personal characteristics and motivations shape meditation practices across traditions and over time.
May 13, 2025 at 1:56 AM
๐งโโ๏ธ First Worldwide Survey on Meditation โ Call for Participants! ๐
The World Meditation Survey, led by our Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Karin Matko, explores how personal characteristics and motivations shape meditation practices across traditions and over time.
The World Meditation Survey, led by our Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Karin Matko, explores how personal characteristics and motivations shape meditation practices across traditions and over time.
If you are a mindfulness teacher who has, or is interested in incorporating social justice elements into your teaching, weโd love to hear from you.
โก๏ธ Express your interest here: go.unimelb.edu.au/7exp
Please quote "CSC" as the invitation code in the screening question.
โก๏ธ Express your interest here: go.unimelb.edu.au/7exp
Please quote "CSC" as the invitation code in the screening question.
April 30, 2025 at 5:06 AM
If you are a mindfulness teacher who has, or is interested in incorporating social justice elements into your teaching, weโd love to hear from you.
โก๏ธ Express your interest here: go.unimelb.edu.au/7exp
Please quote "CSC" as the invitation code in the screening question.
โก๏ธ Express your interest here: go.unimelb.edu.au/7exp
Please quote "CSC" as the invitation code in the screening question.
Weโre launching a survey to explore how mindfulness meditation teachers are implementing social justice literacy in their classes โ๏ธ๐
April 30, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Weโre launching a survey to explore how mindfulness meditation teachers are implementing social justice literacy in their classes โ๏ธ๐
Inspired by Vipassana and incorporating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) skills, participants will learn how to bring the quality of awareness to the mind and body to live with more ease โจ
๐ Starts 7 May, 1pm (online)
โก๏ธ Book go.unimelb.edu.au/7nxp
๐ Starts 7 May, 1pm (online)
โก๏ธ Book go.unimelb.edu.au/7nxp
Guided meditation series: Mindfulness for chronic pain and illness
Overview Vipassana meditation is described as โseeing things in a different wayโ, or as they โreally areโ through looking at the buildi...
go.unimelb.edu.au
April 28, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Inspired by Vipassana and incorporating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) skills, participants will learn how to bring the quality of awareness to the mind and body to live with more ease โจ
๐ Starts 7 May, 1pm (online)
โก๏ธ Book go.unimelb.edu.au/7nxp
๐ Starts 7 May, 1pm (online)
โก๏ธ Book go.unimelb.edu.au/7nxp
Are you living with chronic pain or know someone who is? Join nurse and Buddhist chaplain, Georgia Cummings, for our next 4-week Guided Meditation Series: Meditation for chronic pain and illness ๐งโโ๏ธ
April 28, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Are you living with chronic pain or know someone who is? Join nurse and Buddhist chaplain, Georgia Cummings, for our next 4-week Guided Meditation Series: Meditation for chronic pain and illness ๐งโโ๏ธ
Congratulations to Dr. Saampras Ganesan for completing his PhD! ๐
Dr Ganesanโs research saw him establish a neurofeedback system for the 7T MRI scanner and develop an innovative model to train beginner meditators.
Well done, Saampras! ๐
#PhDGraduation #ContemplativeScience #MeditationResearch
Dr Ganesanโs research saw him establish a neurofeedback system for the 7T MRI scanner and develop an innovative model to train beginner meditators.
Well done, Saampras! ๐
#PhDGraduation #ContemplativeScience #MeditationResearch
April 2, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Congratulations to Dr. Saampras Ganesan for completing his PhD! ๐
Dr Ganesanโs research saw him establish a neurofeedback system for the 7T MRI scanner and develop an innovative model to train beginner meditators.
Well done, Saampras! ๐
#PhDGraduation #ContemplativeScience #MeditationResearch
Dr Ganesanโs research saw him establish a neurofeedback system for the 7T MRI scanner and develop an innovative model to train beginner meditators.
Well done, Saampras! ๐
#PhDGraduation #ContemplativeScience #MeditationResearch
'Free your attention' was hosted at the Brunswick Ballroom by the Sophia Club in partnership with the Contemplative Studies Centre.
๐๐ง Now you can listen to this conversation on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas: go.unimelb.edu.au/gq6p
#ContemplativeStudies #Mindfulness #DigitalWellbeing
๐๐ง Now you can listen to this conversation on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas: go.unimelb.edu.au/gq6p
#ContemplativeStudies #Mindfulness #DigitalWellbeing
Free your attention โ meditation and mindfulness in the digital age - ABC listen
How many times have you checked your phone today? How many tabs are open in your web browser? Do you feel in control of your attention?ย
In the digital age, attention is now a commodity. Can practice...
go.unimelb.edu.au
March 20, 2025 at 10:29 PM
'Free your attention' was hosted at the Brunswick Ballroom by the Sophia Club in partnership with the Contemplative Studies Centre.
๐๐ง Now you can listen to this conversation on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas: go.unimelb.edu.au/gq6p
#ContemplativeStudies #Mindfulness #DigitalWellbeing
๐๐ง Now you can listen to this conversation on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas: go.unimelb.edu.au/gq6p
#ContemplativeStudies #Mindfulness #DigitalWellbeing