AST 812 - Beginning Mindfulness Training and Practice

Course Description

What does it mean to live fully present in our moment-by-moment experience? This course introduces the basics of mindfulness, with an emphasis on starting or deepening your own meditation practice in a busy world. You will cover the latest research on the benefits of mindfulness on our well-being, and includes:

• sitting, walking, and eating meditations
• interactive discussions
• writing reflections.

Practical exercises are designed to gently nourish kindness, self-compassion, and forgiveness as antidotes to self-critical thoughts and life patterns. The class welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds, and is especially valuable to those in the helping and teaching professions. Weekly “homework” assignments will encourage you to cultivate awareness, and sustain a personal meditation practice once the class ends.