Spiritual Programs

Autumn is a perfect time to go inside and experience the fruits of meditation. Prime among them are health benefits ranging from lowered blood pressure and heart rate to higher energy and better circulation. Meditation also enhances concentration and reduces tendencies to get caught up on the roller coaster of life.

Dr. Jones teaches "natural meditation" Her purpose is to help people touch the place inside that is naturally peaceful and quiet. Persons of every religious persuasion may practice meditation since virtually all the world's religious traditions emphasize the need for silence and self-reflection. By touching those quiet places inside, people who meditate normally experience increased energy
and greater focus. She is shown here at UK's Spindletop Hall during a birthday (February 11, 1948) celebration.

For a modest fee and travel expenses, Dr. Jones is available to offer meditation instructional programs on college and university campuses. Interested parties may inquire about her schedule and availability by emailing: drjones@jonesfoundation.net

While in residence at Allegheny College, her tenuring institution (1982-2000), Dr. Jones founded The Meditation and Mindfulness House. Four students lived in the "M & M House" and provided weekly programs for the Allegheny community. In Somerset, Dr. Jones has taught meditation at the Blakley YMCA, at RiverStone Art Gallery sponsored by Watershed Arts Alliance, at Rocky Hollow Park, and privately at Slate Branch Retreat House (scheduled to re-open to the public in Spring 2007).

In September 2006, Dr. Jones launched the Honors Program Lecture Series at the University of Louisville with a presentation entitled, "Aligning with the Cosmic Dance: The Purpose and Practice of Meditation." David Meigooni and Clare Kalb, leaders of the Honors Program Student Council, said that Dr. Jones' presentation was "wonderfully interactive," adding that she "sets the bar high" for other lecturers to follow. Dr Jones was invited to launch the U of L Honors Lecture Series again in 2007. Her presentation, scheduled for September 20, at 6 p.m. in the Honors Program building is entitled, "World Food Issues: So Much Depends Upon a Jar of Corn Rellish."

Dr. Jones also conducted a master class in meditation for the Singletary Scholars at the University of Kentucky. There was "much positive feedback" from Singletary Scholars, according to the Honors Program Academic Coordinator. Singletary Scholarships are the highest given at UK.

Dr. Jones and The Rev. Dana Hardwick, Rector of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, conducted an inter-faith reading group in St. Patrick's Parish House, Somerset, through May 2007. The text was Karen Armstrong's The Great Transformations: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions. Dr. Jones' participation in the discussion group was made possible by a gift-in-kind grant from The Jones Foundation. At the last session of the reading group, four participants decided to continue the work of the Inter-Faith Alliance by hosting a Healthy Foods Cafe at Slate Branch Retreat House. The next Healthy Foods Cafe is scheduled for October 17, from 11 to 1 p.m.

Dr Jones is slated to give a seminar entitled, "The 5 Steps to Healthy Living," at Nutrition One in Tradewinds Center, Somerset, Sepember 29, 11 a.m. Her title is taken from her mini-series currently running in Southern Kentucky Health & Fitness magazine.