Sermon: “The Science of Deep Rest to Prepare for Effective Activism”

Stress levels are continuing to increase for the majority of adults in the US. Uncertainty about the future and perceived lack of control contribute significantly to stress. Contemplative practices such as meditation, prayer, breathing techniques, and meeting in safe spaces with others with similar values are beneficial for mental and physical well-being. The connections between contemplative practices and physiological states are increasingly strong, suggesting that periods of “deep rest,” that are achieved through regular contemplative practice, improve psychological and physical health. Dr. Riess will describe why and how “deep rest” is needed to meet today’s challenges and threats to society in order to be effective in meeting these challenges safely and meaningfully.

Bio: Dr. Helen Riess (She/Her) is a research and clinical psychiatrist at Mass. General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is the author of The Empathy Effect, 7 Neuroscience-based keys for transforming the way we live, love, work, and connect across differences. Dr. Riess is the founder of Empathetics, an empathy training company for healthcare and law enforcement.