Greetings and welcome to the 2019 Mind-Body Sciences and Health Promotion in the Japanese Zen Tradition student blog. In its inaugural year, this is the first study abroad program at Georgia State University to focus on learning about the Zen Buddhism Tradition in Japan. Seven graduate students, interested in public health, integrative health, research, and the practice of traditional forms of mind-body healing, had the opportunity to explore these themes, as well as experience Japanese culture in Kamakura, just outside of Tokyo. Students experienced first-hand the cultural context from which Mindfulness originated. Through mentoring and hands-on experiential activities, students gained invaluable knowledge and skills about the history of mindfulness and the Zen Tradition as part of the culture of health that will augment their academic preparations at Georgia State. The eleven-day trip features an interactive program designed to explore Zen Buddhism practices and well-being through a focus on the five key areas:
 
1) Exploration of human creativity as a form of promoting health and well-being;
2) Use of Japanese natural landscape near Kamakura and in the mountains;
3) Methods and techniques of self-cultivation through the Zen tradition developed in Japan, and how this integrates with promoting health;
4) Understand the principles of this tradition that integrate with promoting health; 
5) The study of Okinawa, a BlueZone, known for a population with longevity and low prevalence of disease.

Since 1995, the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study has documented the contribution of  childhood abuse, neglect, and related traumatic stressors  to adverse health outcomes decades later in life. As one of the early CDC investigators on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, I have devoted the last 20 years of my career to conducting ACEs research and communicating the findings to build better awareness, acceptance, and adoption of the ACEs science.

The program, led by Dr. Shanta Dube, builds on her research, which focuses on the impact of stress on health, and practices that originate in Asia/East Asia that can counteract the stress response, build resilience, and promote well-being.

Since 1995, the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study has documented the contribution of  childhood abuse, neglect, and related traumatic stressors  to adverse health outcomes decades later in life. As one of the early CDC investigators on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, Dr. Dube has devoted the last 20 years of her career to conducting ACEs research and communicating the findings to build better awareness, acceptance, and adoption of the ACEs science.  One of the most important lessons from the ACE Study is that there are no vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent and treat early life adversities.  Trauma cannot be prevented once it occurs.  Thus, the field requires a more thoughtful and heartfelt approach.

The U.S. has seen an increase in the use of mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and other mind-body approaches for stress, trauma, health and wellbeing.  Researchers have questioned:

• Do we truly understand the origins of these practices?
• Is it enough to cherry pick Yoga, but not understand the full scope of the 3,000 year old system of Ayurveda through which it is closely linked?
• Is it enough to promote mindfulness, without an understanding of how these traditions are interwoven within the delicate fabric of the cultures from which they originate?

Students learn and gather knowledge in many ways and experience is one of these ways.  Providing students an opportunity to explore cultures and societies that are medically pluralistic led to this study abroad program.  It was Dr. Dube’s goal to have students understand where the practice of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness originate.  This blog is a compilation of photos and student writing that showcase experience, knowledge, and the relevance to health, healing, and recovery.  Questions and comments are encouraged!

Click here for more information on Study Abroad Programs at Georgia State University.
Click here for more information on study abroad programs hosted by the School of Public Health.
Questions?  Please contact Dr. Shanta Dube at sdube2@gsu.edu.