Chapel has meditation room and classes Published Jan. 22, 2014 By Senior Airman Tristin English 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- There are many ways to reduce stress, such as exercising and making lifestyle changes. And now for people at Scott Air Force Base, there's a meditation room available for use located in Chapel 1. Lt. Col. Christine Blice-Baum, 375th Air Mobility Wing Chaplain, leads a meditation group Mondays at noon in the Chapel 1 conference room, and a small room next door has been transformed into a dedicated meditation space. Blice-Baum's meditation sessions center around 10-15 minutes of quiet stillness. Participants follow the basic tenant of mindfulness meditation, which is focusing on each breath as it enters and leaves the body as a way to exist more in the present moment. Blice-Baum often guides the meditation with a few brief words, or occasionally the meditation time is silent. Other times a meditation expert on audio recording leads the session. A common theme throughout is focusing on the breath to remain centered and present. "Sometimes it's a matter of coming back to the breath, because if you concentrate on your breath you're not thinking about your thoughts," Blice-Baum said. "If a thought comes, just acknowledge it and let it go. It's basically a way of trying to quiet the mind down." Blice-Baum said studies show that 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation, including acknowledging the thoughts that come to your mind, has a calming effect and also increases productivity. The chaplain said mindfulness meditation is the art and science of paying attention to this moment, where one doesn't focus on regrets from the past or anxiety of the future. She said meditation may be used to treat people who are suffering from pain-related illnesses. "Mindfulness meditation is becoming something used in medicine," said Blice-Baum. "For people with chronic illnesses who may be in a lot of pain, it helps them manage it. Veterans coming back from deployment are used to being on hyper alert and ready to go at a moment's notice. It teaches them how to understand what their thoughts are and to be present with them; it can really make a difference." Lt. Col. Brian Lindsey, Air Force Smart Operations chief, attends the meditation sessions. "Having dedicated space, away from cubicle land, is tremendous," he said. "The meditation room is readily accessible and provides a quiet, reserved space where Airmen can clear their heads and regain focus." The chapel's meditation sessions are a chance to study and experience the practice of mindfulness meditation. The meditation gatherings are called, "Just Sit There: An introduction to mindfulness meditation." The group is open to all who are interested, no experience necessary. For more information, contact the chapel at 256-3303 or email 375.amw.hc@us.af.mil.