The Effects of Mindfulness Training on Pain Regulation, Negative Affect, Attention, and Social Stress

Inclusion Criteria: 1.1 Risk Factors * Able to lie still in the scanner for 90 minutes * Weighs under 300 pounds 1.2 Factors impacting on the outcome measures * 18-65 years old * Right-handed * No previous experience with meditation. * No daily practice with other mind-body techniques (e.g., yoga, tai-chi, but previous exposure to yoga is okay) * In good general health as determined by the investigator 1.3 Logistic Issues * Able to walk * Able to understand and speak English * Able to provide written consent prior to admission * Able to see without glasses (as if looking through binoculars) Exclusion Criteria: 2.1 Risk Factors * Any metallic implants, such as prostheses that cannot be removed, aneurysm clip-S, dental or orthodontic (filings are okay), or orthopedic (e.g., pins, rods, screws, nails) \[okay with doctors note\] * Any electronic implants, such as cardiac pacemakers, cardiac defibrillator, artificial heart valve, cardiac pace wires, * Lens implants prior to 1983 * Breast/penile, electrodes, neurostimulators/biostimulators, pumps (e.g. drug infusion device), bone or socket implants (Check with PI or MR technician) * Any type of prosthesis * Any permanent cosmetics (e.g., eyeliner) prior to 1975 * Any tattoos on upper body prior to 1975 * Any irremovable non plastic body piercing(s) * Has ever worked as an occupational metal grinder without protective glasses * Has ever worked with metal as a hobby without protective glasses * Has ever had or sought medical attention for metal in the eyes \[requires orbit x-ray\] * Has ever has metal fragments removed from eyes \[requires orbit x-ray\] * Has ever been struck by a gun shot, B.B. or shrapnel, and the bullet stuck \[judgement\] * Has a history of any metal in body * Diabetes * Peripheral vascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, Raynaud's disease, or any other diagnosed circulatory disorders * Body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 * Any involuntary motor disorders * Has a cochlear implant * Wears a hearing aid that cannot be taken out (Check with PI or MR technician) * Wears a hearing aid * Wears dentures that cannot be removed or contain metal * A subject who is claustrophobic * A female subject who is pregnant or has an intrauterine device (IUD) * Allergic to adhesive tape * A history of problems of any kind during blood draws * Women who may be pregnant * Women who have an intrauterine device (IUD) \[okay with a doctors note\] * 2 or more of the following \[judgment\] * Diagnosed hypertension? * Hyperlipidemia * High cholesterol * Obesity can be calculated from weight \& height info. * Smoke cigarettes * Family history of coronary or atherosclerotic disease (parents/siblings prior to age 55) 2.2 Factors impacting on the outcome measures * Current medical disorders that might make interpretation of scan data difficult * Has a problem with alcohol or non prescription drugs * Use of medications that affects CNS function, including psychotropics, opiate medication or corticosteroids, during the last 3 months * Any prescribed psychotropic medications, currently or during the last 3 months (These include medications for anxiety, depression, or other psychological problems) * Plans to start taking any prescribed psychotropic medications * Takes inhaled steroids for asthma? (e.g., Fluticasone) * Takes any corticosteroids? * Night shift workers (11 pm to 7 am) d/t potential disruption of cortisol level variability * Diabetes requiring insulin treatment * Has TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint) disorder or other problems with biting/chewing * Previous training in meditation * Currently meditates on a regular basis * Daily yoga, tai-chi, or Qigong practice * Engagement in moderate sport and recreational activities more than 5 times a week * Engagement in vigorous sport and recreational activities more than 4 times a week 2.3 Logistic Issues * Phobia of needles * Not able to attend an informational session, all class meetings, and all clinic visits