A conversation with Dr. Leila Molahan on her research into the effects of meditation on children, how this transformative practice is integral to developing intuition and cultivating Self-Knowledge. She also shares some of the ways that meditation has been repackaged by the West, deviated from it's original intent and reduced to a performance enhancing tool. Getting back to the roots of meditation, a practice to connect the practicioner deeper to themselves within the context of the greater whole and not just a tool to be used for increased productivity. Dr. Leila Molahan was born in Manhattan, NY and received her early education in the borough of Queens. She was shaped by the ethnic diversity of the city she lived in and its urban landscape. She later attended Tulane University in New Orleans where she majored in Ancient Religions as well as photography. As a freelance photojournalist, she received special acknowledgement for her insight into race, gender and cultural studies which allowed her to carve a special niche in the city as one of the first female journalists of color who specialized in urban music and dance culture. After receiving her Masters degree at Louisiana Tech in Education she began her research into the area of children’s spirituality. Most recently, she studied meditation and contemplative practice as a pathway to Self-Knowledge in a sample of historically marginalized students for her doctoral research at the University of Louisiana. Through her study, she helped develop a curriculum for students that emphasizes ancestral healing and cultural identity, self-love and awareness. Her research ultimately reinforces the radical act of seeing oneself as a transformative source of limitless knowledge and power. Leila Molahan’s passion is helping at-risk youth and marginalized communities. Her focus in this field parallels her own decade long journey of sobriety and working toward accessibility and equity for all on the road to recovery while discovering one’s own spiritual path along the way.
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