Mindful awareness practice, or mindfulness meditation, has its origins in the 2,500 year-old Buddhist Tradition. In recent years it has been extensively studied, and current science supports the benefit of mindfulness for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Research shows mindfulness can reduce stress; reduce chronic physical pain; boost the immune system; reduce emotional reactivity; increase self-awareness; improve attention and concentration; enhance positive emotions; cultivate well-being; and positively impact the brain.

This course will explore the principles of mindfulness for the purpose of establishing, or deepening, a personal meditation practice, and applying these principles to daily life. Our approach to mindfulness practice will follow the Vispasanna (or Insight Meditation) tradition, and the Buddha’s original teaching on the topic, The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Individuals will gain an understanding of mindfulness of the body, of emotions, and of the mind; obstacles to mindfulness; working with difficult emotions, thoughts and circumstances; and cultivating positive emotions and gratitude.

Each class will be a combination of lecture, practice, audio presentation, and group discussion. Individuals will be given home practice assignments for the purpose of developing a sitting practice, as well as strategies to enhance the continuity of mindful awareness in daily life.