Mindfulness Course
Mindfulness is the ability to notice and pay attention to what is happening in the present moment. It is a state of nonjudgmental awareness, which allows us to step out of autopilot and connect with our life more fully. It is a combination of skills and principles that can be practiced through a number of different exercises and techniques, most commonly in meditation. However, it can also be practised through everyday activities such as walking, eating or listening to music. There are many online mindfulness courses and apps, but an instructor-led course can help to ensure that all aspects of mindfulness are explored thoroughly and deepened in understanding.
During this six-week Online Mindfulness Course, participants explore key informal practices and learn to apply mindfulness to their daily lives through in-class instruction. Emphasis is placed on developing self-compassion, enabling individuals to recognize and respond to their own unhelpful thoughts and emotions with tenderness and compassion, thereby building their storehouse of inner resilience.
The first session begins with a warm-up exercise, such as the Noticing Five Things activity. The group is then asked to discuss their expectations for the workshop in a short brainstorming session. This helps to build a sense of community and allows participants to share what they expect to gain from the course. Then the instructor leads a Breath Awareness exercise, bringing the group mindfully back to the present moment.
What Will I Learn on a Mindfulness Course?
For the remainder of the workshop, the instructor explains the importance of setting intentions and the role they play in mindfulness. Then they introduce mindfulness concepts and practices to support the way in which we use our attention and explore the relationship between the mind, body and heart. This includes the basics of mindfulness meditation, as well as mindful communication and exploring how we can rewire our stress response.
In addition to the formal mindfulness meditation practice, instructors provide guidance on other aspects of the practice, such as trauma-sensitive preambles for introducing the formal practices and the use of dyads and small groups for discussion of relevant key topics. Participants also explore how to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives through resources and practice assignments.
If you’re interested in leading a mindfulness course, Quenza is a tool that coaches, therapists and trainers can use to create engaging micro lessons that keep their clients active between sessions. It’s easy to add assessments, feedback forms, and homework exercises, as well as create pathways that comprise sequenced activities.
Mindfulness is a great tool for managing the stresses of working and studying, but it can also be used to help you find a more meaningful connection with yourself, and with the people around you. Whether you’re looking to improve your personal or professional life, mindfulness is something that everyone can benefit from.