When she talked with Urban Meditation co-owner Kristy Paul about bringing the concept to UIndy, Paul was immediately on board and even donated the lava beds and much of the lighting and meditation equipment. Paul has struggled with mental health issues since she was a teen. Nothing seemed to help until she discovered a meditation coach who she credits with saving her life. But developing the skills of meditation and becoming more attuned to the mind- body connection isn’t always easy. That’s where the combination of meditation strategies and the science of biofeedback helps. Underneath the lava beds, quartz crystals vibrate at a stable rate—the same principle used in watches and computers. Because the human body is about 60% water, the combination is believed to work together to reduce stress and promote deep relaxation or a meditative state. The warmth from the bed (about 104 degrees) also helps, along with the room’s immersive lighting. So while meditation seems out of reach for some, the Center’s equipment and ambiance make it possible for everyone. “The combination of meditation and our methods helps you to react differently to stress that can feel overwhelming,” Paul said. “I really do believe that it will help UIndy students overcome adversity and be an additional safe space in the Student Counseling Center for people in distress.” Funding for other parts of the BMC
came from Miller’s continuing work with OneAmerica Financial. For the last six summers, Miller has used her training and expertise to serve groups of high school interns in the Pathways Jr. Fellows summer program. Miller teaches a mental health curriculum as well as offers one- on-one assessments to promote healthy mindsets that prepare the interns to successfully manage a 40-hour-per- week internship. Miller also addresses additional personal stressors they may have experienced at home or in school. Gifts in honor of Miller’s work helped pay for various BMC equipment. “OneAmerica Financial is committed to transforming the socio-economic health and well-being of our community,” said De’Niece Harrison-Hudson, OneAmerica Financial’s Community Affairs Director. “We are grateful for Dr. Miller’s tireless efforts to help our Fellows thrive and excited to think how the Biofeedback & Meditation Center will help the UIndy community thrive too.” The BMC was unveiled in a special VIP event in April. It is open on a limited basis over the summer with a grand opening scheduled for the fall. Miller is grateful for bringing her dream to reality thanks to generous partnerships and a collaborative spirit around campus. Miller, the clinical staff, and Paul are all excited about the scientific research that is to come. Miller believes they will be able to demonstrate that students who
participate in meditation and biofeedback services will have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and a higher overall quality of life. Researchers also plan to examine whether the Center’s services will correlate to higher retention and graduation rates. And Miller isn’t done—she’s already envisioning what will come in Phase II.
De’Niece Harrison-Hudson, Dr. Kelly Miller, and Kristy Paul celebrate at the opening event for the Biofeedback & Meditation Center. “UIndy is on the cutting edge of utilizing innovative wellness strategies to improve mental health,” said Miller. “Dreaming big has gotten us where we are today, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds thanks to the continued support of our campus community and partners.” Big dreams for an oasis of calm on campus—an oasis that has the potential for not just revitalizing a moment or a day, but an entire lifetime.
The patented heated lava rock beds.
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
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