SEASON TWO - EPISODE 14: MEDITATIONS WITH DR. STEVE DAWSON
The first time I tried meditation was during a season of extreme stress in my life and I used the Headspace app. Andy, who guides most of the meditations has a wonderful British accent.
And, let’s be real, everything is better with an accent. If anything was going to help me have less stress and succeed in meditation, it was a British accent.
With noise-canceling headphones on, sitting alone on a couch in the basement of the church, I pressed play on my first ten-minute meditation with Andy the Brit.
With a simple greeting of ‘Hi’ and a slow vocal phrasing, I was led to focus on my breathing, to become aware of the noises I heard around me, to sense my body and anything I was feeling, to notice my emotions and racing thoughts. Within a matter of minutes, tears started streaming down my face. And for an entire week, I think every time I tried meditating tears streamed down my face.
It was one of those experiences where I wasn’t exactly sure what was happening but I also knew something profound was happening.
In this episode, I interview Dr. Steve Dawson, the Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Lynchburg. Steve shares his interest and long journey with meditation and shares how his practice of yoga often leads him into meditation. One of my favorite parts is his insistence on practicing ancient spirituality more than simply reading, writing, or thinking about it.
We actually have to do these practices if we want the benefits of these practices.
Dr. Dawson received his undergraduate degree in creative writing from George Mason University, and both his Masters of Theological Studies and Doctorate Degree in Religious Studies from Boston University.
Steve has led a handful of study abroad trips to India, Vietnam, Greece, and Cambodia, he leads Sangha on campus, and recently started a Hindu student group. More recently, he now teaches a yoga and meditation class.
Steve was on my search committee while I was being hired and he completely intimidated me, which is so ironic, because once you get to know Steve you learn that he is one of the most free-spirited and loving people. More than almost anyone I know, Steve exudes a sense of calm, peace, and ease that I think most of us would long to have.
As you continue to experience meditation and practice the contemplative,ay you have peace, may you have calm, and may you have happiness.