A Wilkes professor who has studied with Buddhist monks is leading meditation every Monday to help students reduce stress.

Meditation sessions began Sept. 4 and will continue from 4:40 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. every Monday throughout the semester in the Kirby Salon (lobby).

Linda Paul, an associate humanities professor who leads the sessions, said she learned techniques from Buddhist monks to quiet the mind and see more clearly. She had been studying on her own and decided she wanted to study with professionals.

“On my sabbatical I lived and practiced with the monastics in Thich Nhat Hanh’s community for four months,” Paul said. “For me, it was like ‘Buddhist Boot Camp.’ It was really hard, but an amazing experience.”

With commitment, this mindful meditation will help students suffer less in terms of anxiety and distress by paying more attention to their bodies, Paul said. Students will be able to focus on individual tasks better and simply enjoy their lives more.

Students can attend sessions at any time through the semester with no commitment. Interested students should email Paul ([email protected]) for a description of the meditation practices before attending.