The study group on Bowen theory and Meditation is intended for individuals who already have knowledge of Bowen theory, meditation or mindfulness, and seek to further their independent studies of these topics. While each member of the study group is on a self-directed learning path; the common theme in this study group is to understand how Bowen theory, science, and meditation and/or mindfulness practices (eastern and/or western) intersect, i.e., how they are similar, different and/or synergistic. The study group is for people interested in working on such ideas, and who would benefit from presenting their ideas and listening to the ideas of others.

History of the Study Group

At the 2016 Center for Family Consultation (CFC) Summer Conference, Bowen theory and Mindfulness, six practitioners of Bowen theory presented on commonalities and differences in these two bodies of knowledge, including the Bowen theory concepts of differentiation of self, and its core principle of chronic anxiety. The 2016 Summer Conference grew out of a CFC study group that began in 2014 and stimulated a thoughtful discussion among presenters, CFC faculty and the audience members. Continuing in 2017, and accepting new members, the study group expanded its general purpose “to examine mindfulness and meditation theory and practices through the lenses of Bowen theory and science, including the applicable neuroscience”. Meeting via Zoom, the study group provides a forum for development, presentation, and discussion of individual study projects for professional use. In the coming year members will continue working on their projects, or select new topics. New members will select their own areas of interest regarding connections between the practices of Bowen theory, meditation and the sciences to study and share with the study group.

Study Group Mission

To develop scholarly work that explores meditation and mindfulness through the lenses of Bowen theory and evidence-based science. The following are examples of the kind of questions that members are exploring: What is self? What is the relationship between meditation theory and practice and Bowen theory and practice? What does knowledge of meditation add to the exploration of the balance between individuality and togetherness forces? Can meditation contribute to our understanding of higher stages of differentiation of self? Can meditation traditions contribute to the development of Bowen theory? Can Bowen theory contribute to the development of meditation traditions and practices.

2025 Program Coordinators

CFC Faculty: Lisa Moss, Leslie Fox and Guest Coordinator: Marla Zipin

Operating Assumptions & Criteria for Participation in the Study Group

The study group is a forum for those with a keen interest in the relationship between the theory and practice of Bowen theory and meditation, including their relationship to neuroscience and other life sciences. Each member will work toward defining a scholarly project for their own professional use or presentation. “Scholarly” work is defined as literature review, presentation and refining of ideas, writing, research, and the like. The study group meetings will be 90 minutes.

Format and responsibilities of members are below:

• Meetings begin with a 15-minute guided meditation led by a member using a meditation practice of their choosing.
• Meetings include a one-hour keynote presentation and discussion period.
• Study Group Members are expected to volunteer to present at one meeting each year.Keynote presenters are responsible for the following:
• Select a topic for their presentation
• Identify resources on the topic and email to the CFC coordinators the title of a reading assignment, or links to an online article or video (articles up to 10 pages). Include a few prep questions for discussion following the presentation.
• The prep materials and discussion questions should be sent to the coordinators at least one week prior to the meeting date.
• Timing of the meetings: The one-hour keynote presentation will include to 25 minutes presentation on the topic, followed by a 25-30-minute facilitated discussion led by the keynote presenter.
• 20 minutes will be allotted at the end of each meeting for an open discussion facilitated by one of the program coordinators. It will be an opportunity for members to share new ideas, ask questions of their peers, or provide for a brief check-in period for any member who wants to report on the status of their own study projects, or respond to a “question of the month” that may be sent out in advance of the meetings.

Other Operating Assumptions:

• Members will develop definitions of key terms from Bowen theory or meditation for themselves.
• The meetings will not emphasize working towards consensus between members.

Auditing Option: For individuals interested in thinking more about how Bowen theory, science, and meditation and/or mindfulness practices (eastern and/or western) intersect, but are not interested at this time in creating a more formal study project, an auditing option is offered to individuals who agree to attend and participate in the discussions of the readings, videos and presentations. Registration fee still applies.

2025 Meeting Dates and Times

The study group meets on Mondays from 10:30 to Noon Central Time:

• February 10th
• March 31st
  no meeting in April**
• May 19th
  no meeting in June**
• July 21st
  no meeting in August**
• September 8th
• October 13th
• November 3rd
  **Please note: we will not meet in April, June and August

Time:

10:30am – 12:00pm Central Time

Program Fee

$300

Registration: (Eventbrite is the online registration system for Center for Family Consultation (CFC). Click on the “Register Now” button and it will take you to Eventbrite.com, a secure online system for registering for events. Upon registration, your credit card will be processed by Eventbrite on CFC’s behalf, and you will receive a confirmation with their logo as well as CFC’s.If you have ever purchased a ticket for another event from Eventbrite, your email address and credit card information may already be in their system. You need to make sure you use the same card that is associated with your email address, and it must not be expired.Finally, make sure you add Eventbrite to your email contacts, so that email messages from CFC regarding the program you registered for will not go to your spam or junk mail folders.)

For More Info

About joining the study group or auditing to participate in discussions, please contact the CFC administrative program coordinators: Lisa Moss or Leslie Fox.