About
Gemma Perry
Dedicated to the field of mantra meditation research, and how it’s positive outcomes can impact society, Gemma scientifically investigates the effects of chanting mantras on emotional and cognitive processes. She completed her Honours and Masters of Research in mantra meditation and is now continuing her research with a PhD at Macquarie University.
Gemma is a qualified yoga teacher, who has been practicing and studying yoga psychology and philosophy for over 10 years. She has explored various meditation techniques throughout the world and believes chanting mantras is particularly suited to the modern lifestyle and can be used as a tool to heal and discover our full human potential. Gemma has dedicated much of her study, both formally and informally, to exploring this ancient method of heightening states of awareness and promoting health and wellbeing. She regularly visits her teacher in India, deepening her own practice and exploring ways to share meditation to make it appropriate and accessible to the modern day lifestyle.
Gemma is a passionate and engaging communicator and is currently focused on sharing meditation practices and research through international science conferences, yoga festivals, charity events and workshops.
Research
Perry, G., Polito, V., & Thompson, W. F. (2021). Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions. Brain Sciences, 11(1), 101.
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Perry, G., & Polito, V. (2020). Music and healing. In From Mozart in the office to Metallica at the gym: the psychology and science of music. Greenwood.
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016). Chanting Meditation Improves Mood
and Social Cohesion, “Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition” [324], July 5-9, 2016, San Francisco
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Mantra Meditation Decreases Stress
We found that just 12 minutes of vocal or silent chanting decreased a stress hormone called cortisol
Projects in Development
PhD (Psychology) at Macquarie University, Sydney
Researching the effects of mantra meditation on stress, altruism and altered states of consciousness.
Mindful MQ
Developing digital meditation resources for the
Macquarie University Health and Well-Being App
Gemma on Researchgate
Gemma on Academia
Gemma on Quora
Past Presentations
See Blog for media interviews
Mind and Life Conference, online
November2020
Chanting and Mystical States (online chanting survey results)
International Yoga Day, Indian Cultural Centre - Sydney, June 2018
The Science of Mantra
Yoga Australia Conference - Melbourne,
16-18 March 2018
Science of Consciousness Conference-Tucson, Arizona
April 2016
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016). Chanting Meditation Improves Mood and Social Cohesion
Mind Body Spirit Festival – Sydney, Australia
October 2016
The Science of Mantra Meditation
A Sound Life Music Facilitator Training Day- Sydney
8 April 2017
Music as Medicine
Experimental Psychology Conference – Shoal Bay
19-22 April 2017
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016)
Chanting Meditation Improves Mood and Social Cohesion
Nada Yoga Retreat (Mangrove Yoga)- Mangrove Creek
23 April 2017
The Science of Mantra Meditation
Past Workshops
Corporate Workshops 2019-2020
Meditation
Yoga
Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Workshops 2019-2020
Research Skills for Yoga Therapists
Yoga for Mental Health
Yoga for Depression
Shri Yoga Studio - Brisbane, QLD, June 2018
Mantra Medicine
NRG Yoga and Mindfulness Training - Sunshine Coast, QLD, June 2018
Music Mind and Movement
Yoga Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Newcastle, NSW May 2018
Mantra and Chanting Workshop
Yoga Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Glenbrook, NSW November 2017
Mantra Meditation: The Science of Sound
Kihei Yoga Studio - Maui, Hawaii, December 2016
Mantra Meditation Workshop
