Phyllis Law - June 2019

The Truth About Meditation An Ancient Solution toModern Problems

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Georgia schools and colleges are cracking down on hazing incidents. Students who participate in hazing may be suspended or expelled in addition to facing potential criminal charges. Providing education on the definitions and potential consequences of hazing can help students protect themselves and avoid succumbing to the peer pressure to haze others. In Georgia, hazing is a “high and aggravated misdemeanor.” The criminal code defines hazing as any activity that “endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student.” The law does not allow consent as a defense, stating that a student’s willingness to be hazed does not protect those doing the hazing from criminal action. Georgia schools have developed hazing rules that are similar to the criminal code, but these rules can also differ in some ways. Some schools have an amnesty policy, which gives immunity to students who seek medical attention for victims in serious danger. The idea is to encourage safety at all costs. and hover above the earth? Probably not. But there are so many benefits that will leave you feeling lighter in another way. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindful meditation lowers stress levels, and patients who habitually meditate report less chronic pain. Another study published in the same journal found that regular meditation also fights depression. How Do I Meditate? Meditating is as simple as sitting in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes. Whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. You don’t need to climb a mountain or pay for a week-long retreat to start meditating. That said, there are plenty of resources that help beginners build a strong foundation for meditation. Popular apps like Calm or

Avoiding Hazing What Your Student Needs to Understand About School Rules and Georgia Law What is Meditation? Meditation has strong roots in various religious and cultural traditions, but anyone can find value in practicing it. The purpose of meditation is to strengthen your mind by promoting mindfulness, focus, and awareness. Does Meditation Work? It depends on what you mean by “work.” Will meditation allow you to defy gravity This is the first step in every meditation session. Though often associated with the New Age metaphysical movement, meditation isn’t all about incense and healing crystals. Meditation is an ancient practice that strengthens your mental focus, and recent research suggests that it offers real solutions to modern problems.

represented a student at a Georgia college who sought medical attention for a fellow student who was close to death after consuming too much alcohol. The school ultimately ignored the amnesty policy during the disciplinary process and suspended the student for a semester, despite the student saving their peers’ life. It is vital that students remember they have rights and are entitled to due process when they are accused of hazing. Unfortunately, schools will often do what is best to protect the image of the institution rather than the rights and safety of their students. For example, many hazing cases will ultimately include a civil personal injury lawsuit. Once a school is sued, it tends to abandon the accused students in an attempt to protect its reputation. This makes retaining an attorney all the more important. At PhyllisLaw.com, we have experience fighting for students, and we pride ourselves on protecting students from the trauma of unfair punishments. Learn more about howwe can help your student by visiting PhyllisLaw.com. Meditation isn’t a magical ritual that will cure all that ails you, but plenty of research suggests meditation does provide tangible benefits to our mental and physical well- being. Maybe one day, meditation will be as commonplace as daily exercise. Headspace are available on any smartphone and offer guided courses you can start anywhere, anytime. You could also check online or at your local community center for group classes if you would like some in- person guidance.

However, students should not rely on this policy. At PhyllisLaw.com, we once

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