Chill
Relaxation practices can reverse heart disease, reduce pain, cut cortisol (a hormone released in response to stress), and enhance the body’s immune system. This event explored the science behind slowing down: From meditation to hibernation, we looked at the various psychological and physiological ways that living things (including us!) chill.
The evening featured a presentation by Dr. Clifford Saron of the Center for the Mind and Brain at UC Davis who discussed his cutting-edge research concerning meditation. Visitors learned that meditation can lead to improved attention and emotion regulation, as well as psychological well-being, which can have a host of benefits including greater activity of telomerase—an enzyme important for long-term cellular health.
Mark Lottor, the artist who created the visually stunning Cubatron (shown at last January’s After Dark event), returned with a new piece, DiamondTree. This 20-foot-tall sculpture features vertical strings of lights assembled from small translucent balls, each individually programmed. And artist Joe Mangrum created a sand mandala on the floor of the museum.
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