Here in San Francisco, it seems you can't throw a bong out of a window without hitting a yoga studio. The ancient practice is so popular, there's even a dedicated yoga room at SFO. Most of us are already on board with the benefits that yoga can provide for our bodies and minds, but those of you who think yoga is still a bit woo-woo witchy might benefit from this talk by scientist, author, and Ph.D. holder from MIT, Jon Kabat-Zinn.
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In The Science of Yoga: A Mind-Body Practice, Kabat-Zinn (Wherever You Go, There You Are) discusses the clinical applications of mindfulness in medicine and healthcare, as well as how it can help reduce stress, injury, and illness. You may have seen Kabat-Zinn on Bill Moyers' PBS special, Healing and the Mind, on NPR, or on The Oprah Winfrey Show, but his teachings aren't just found onscreen: His Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is employed in over 200 medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world. As those new year's resolutions unfold, it may be time to stretch your mind as well as your body.
The Science of Yoga starts Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness (at Grove), S.F. Admission is $22-$27 (online tickets are sold out, but a handful are available at the door).
Here's a video of Kabat-Zinn talking about the healing power of meditation at Dartmouth. He doesn't get going till around the 4:30 mark.
