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A recent wave of brain research has advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms of conscious states, contents and functions. A host of questions remain to be explored, as shown by lively debates between models of higher vs. lower-order aspects of consciousness, as well as global vs. local models. (Baars 2007; Block, 2009; Dennett and Cohen, 2011; Lau and Rosenthal, 2011). Over some twenty-five centuries the contemplative traditions have also developed explicit descriptions and taxonomies of the mind, to interpret experiences that are often reported in contemplative practices (Radhakrishnan & Moore, 1967; Rinbochay & Naper, 1981). These traditional descriptions sometimes converge on current scientific debates, such as the question of conceptual vs. non-conceptual consciousness; reflexivity or “self-knowing” associated with consciousness; the sense of self and consciousness; and aspects of consciousness that are said to continue during sleep. These real or claimed aspects of consciousness have not been fully integrated into scientific models so far. This Research Topic in Consciousness Research aims to provide a forum for theoretical proposals, new empirical findings, integrative literature reviews, and methodological improvements inspired by meditation-based models. We include a broad array of topics, including but not limited to: replicable findings from a variety of systematic mental practices; changes in brain functioning and organization that can be attributed to such practices; their effects on adaptation and neural plasticity; measurable effects on perception, cognition, affect and self-referential processes. We include contributions that address the question of causal attribution. Many published studies are correlational in nature, because of the inherent difficulty of conducting longitudinal experiments based on a major lifestyle decision, such as the decision to commit to a mental practice over a period of years. We also feature clinical and case studies, integrative syntheses and significant opinion articles.

contemplative practice --- structural plasticity --- functional plasticity --- Meditation --- mindfulness --- neural correlates of consciousness --- Cultural issues

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The field of design and health, formerly known as the domain of healthcare design professionals, has now reached a turning point with the proliferation of a plethora of non-invasive wearable technologies, to provide the objective and near-real-time measurement of the impact of many features of the built environment on aspects of health, wellbeing and performance. In turn, new materials and the Internet of Things are allowing the development of smart buildings, which can interact with occupants to optimize their health, wellbeing, performance and overall experience. Companies that have previously focused on positioning themselves as “green” are now turning to positioning themselves in the marketplace as both green and healthy. This Special Issue will include articles that address new cutting edge technologies and materials at the interface between design and health, and review some of the latest findings related to studies which use these technologies. This SI will also suggest exciting future directions for the field. It will include articles which focus on the objective data gathered to document the effects of the built environment on health. Importantly, it will focus on the use of innovative methods of measurement, such as state-of-the-art wearable and environmental sensors, quantifying some aspects of health, such as stress and relaxation responses, activity, posture, sleep quality, cognitive performance and wellbeing outcomes. It will also examine the impacts of different elements of the built environment on these health and wellbeing outcomes. The published articles will focus on the design interventions informed by these measurements, along with innovative integrated building materials that can shape the design of built environments for better health, productivity, and performance. It will also address the return on investment (ROI) of such design interventions. This Special Issue will provide both the foundational knowledge and fundamentals for characterizing human health and wellbeing in the built environment, as well as the emerging trends and design methods for innovations in this field.

lifestyle --- mood states --- perceived restorativeness scale --- positive and negative affect schedule --- quality of life --- resilience --- restorative outcome scale --- Shinrin-yoku --- stress coping --- subjective vitality scale --- open spaces 2 --- CKD 3 --- renal function --- exercise --- obesity --- urban environment --- walkability --- active transportation --- college students --- supportive soundscape --- sonic environment --- nursing homes --- ageing --- dementia --- green spaces --- cardiovascular risk factors --- gender --- hypercholesterolemia --- hypertension --- diabetes --- bamboo forest therapy --- psychological responses --- physiological responses --- immune system --- violent crime --- urban parks --- greenspace --- green space --- scoping review --- systematic review --- literature review --- urban --- landscape --- brain --- visual --- green --- contemplative --- mental health --- well-being --- FAA --- EEG --- UGS --- depression --- human health --- built environment --- urban open space --- forest healing --- wellbeing --- psychology --- physiology

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The institution of monasticism in the Christian Church is in general decline, at least in so-called “first world” nations. Though there are many reasons for this, monastic leaders are confronted by the reality of fewer communities, monks, and nuns nonetheless. At the same time, many younger Christians are rediscovering the rich heritage of the monastic tradition. Though they themselves might not be called to join a traditional monastery, they are eager to appropriate monastic practices in their own lives. This had led to a movement known as the “new monasticism” or “secular monasticism.” Despite lacking a unified vision and any central organization, these new/secular monastics are attempting, in their own ways, to carry on the tradition and practices of Christian monasticism. As well, there is a movement within historical Christian monasteries to pour new wine into old wineskins. Traditional forms of monasticism are also generally flourishing in developing nations, breathing new life into monasticism. This volume looks at the current monastic landscape to assess where monasticism stands and to imagine ways in which it will grow in the future, leading not only to a renewed Christian monasticism but to new monasticisms.

n/a --- artist --- religion and ecology --- Catholic monasticism --- religious pluralism --- Centering Prayer --- New Monastic Communities --- lay contemplatives --- Anselm --- environmental humanities --- new monasticism --- Proslogion --- creativity --- double monasteries --- monogamy --- religious ambiguity --- Vatican Council II --- monastic rules --- history of monasticism --- religious life --- art --- vows --- development --- spiritual ecology --- gender cohabitation --- Africa --- monk --- community --- spirituality --- contemplative Christianity --- spiritual formation --- intentional community --- greening of religion --- monotheism --- monasticism --- proof of God’s existence --- Beguine --- cultural transfer --- Orthodox monasticism --- landscape --- Monasticism and religious orders. --- Spiritual life --- Christianity. --- Monachism --- Monastic orders --- Monasticism and religious orders for men --- Monasticism and religious orders of men --- Orders, Monastic --- Orders, Religious --- Religious orders --- Brotherhoods --- Christian communities --- Brothers (Religious) --- Friars --- Monks --- Superiors, Religious --- proof of God's existence