Meditation Hour

Join us for FSAP's May Mental Health Month event, a Meditation Hour facilitated by Dr. Ana Dolatabadi. Participants will be invited to engage in three different types of meditation techniques suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. All you need is a private, quiet space – you can choose to sit in your chair or on your zafu. Take this opportunity to de-stress, enhance mindfulness, and promote overall well-being during your Monday afternoon.

Benefits of meditation: 

1. Stress Reduction: Regular meditation practice has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
2. Improved Focus and Concentration: Meditation can enhance cognitive function, including attention span and concentration, which can improve productivity and task performance.
3. Emotional Regulation: Practicing meditation cultivates emotional awareness and regulation, leading to better management of difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Ana Dolatabadi is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director with the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at UCSF. She experienced her first meditation at the age of 10 and rediscovered the practice 16 years ago, which has since become an integral part of her professional and personal life.

Motivated by her passion for individual and collective growth, she earned double master's degrees in sociology and transpersonal psychology, followed by a doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Dolatabadi has experience as a meditation practitioner and has spearheaded initiatives to bring mindfulness practices to the community, including FSAP’s Mindfulness Self-Compassion Course.

Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, especially during times of stress, Dr. Dolatabadi is dedicated to empowering individuals and groups to overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and thrive in both their personal and professional endeavors. Through her expertise in psychology and mindfulness, she facilitates experiences that promote self-awareness, resilience, and compassion.