Mindfulness and Well-being: Peace in, Peace Out from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course!

Hello, and welcome to Peace In, Peace Out! In this introductory section, you'll be hearing more about what you can expect to learn in this course, as well as a little bit about me--your instructor! There's also an opportunity for YOU to introduce yourself, which I hope you take the time to do! All in all, you should finish this pre-module with just enough info to know what you've gotten yourself into, and who you've gotten into it with. 😊

Week One: Universal Truths

The primary aim of this module is introduce mindfulness as a robust tool for spiritual development. Highlighting its rich traditional roots, lectures focus on core philosophical underpinnings of the practice, with emphasis on the four noble truths, three marks of existence, and dependent origination/interconnection.

Week Two: Nature, Spirituality and Mindfulness

Building on the idea that all of life is connected, this module focuses on ways in which mindfulness can enhance our relationship to the natural world and promote transcendent emotional experience. Sessions will highlight the intersections of nature, spirituality and mindfulness and introduce the experiences of awe and play as personally significant and spiritually transformative.

Week 3: Let Peace Flow

Continuing with the theme of interconnection, this third module explores ways in which mindfulness can enhance personal relationships, support radical compassion and seed positive social change. Sessions will highlight the art of mindful communication, introduce students to four "sublime" attitudes and discuss the intersections between mindfulness and various social change movements.

Week 4: Walking the Mindful Path

The course concludes with interviews from three mindfulness practitioners at various stages of practice. Interviewees will discuss how their own practice has unfolded over time, share their most transformative experiences and offer students tips for their own mindfulness journey. I'll ask interviewees questions like, "What's a difference you've seen in yourself because of your meditation practice?" and "What tips or advice would you give to beginning meditators." It's an interesting way to see the potential arc of this path. I hope you see some of yourself in these interviewees. I know I did.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines nature and spirituality, which is highly relevant today

Develops skills for personal relationships, which is useful for personal growth

Taught by Dr. Elizabeth Slator, who is recognized for their work in mindfulness

Introduces concepts that may be useful for learners doing social change and activism

Builds a foundation for beginners

Requires students to come in with some background knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mindfulness and Well-being: Peace in, Peace Out with these activities:

Read and summarize the Dalai Lama's "The Art of Happiness"

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Reading the Dalai Lama's teachings on happiness will provide a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness practices explored in this course.

View The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on Amazon

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Connect with experienced practitioners in the field of mindfulness

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Seeking guidance from experienced practitioners will provide valuable insights and support throughout the learning journey.

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Attend workshops or retreats led by mindfulness experts
Reach out to organizations or individuals offering mindfulness coaching
Network at events and connect with professionals on social media

Follow guided meditations and exercises from reputable sources

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Guided meditations and exercises will provide practical application of mindfulness techniques, enhancing hands-on learning.

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Explore online platforms or apps offering guided mindfulness sessions
Find reputable meditation teachers or practitioners
Set aside regular time for guided practice

Five other activities

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Join the course's online discussion forum

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Engaging with other students through the discussion forum will foster peer learning and provide different perspectives on the course material.

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Create an account and join the forum
Post questions and share insights
Respond to other students' posts

Offer support or volunteer at a local meditation center or community group

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Engaging in service through volunteering provides a practical and meaningful way to apply mindfulness principles and foster compassion.

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Identify local organizations or groups that align with your interests
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training or orientation programs

Write a reflective journal entry each week

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Regularly reflecting on course content will enhance self-awareness, facilitate deeper understanding, and improve retention.

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Set aside time each week for reflection
Record thoughts, insights, and questions
Connect concepts to personal experiences

Attend mindfulness workshops or retreats

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Immersing in mindfulness workshops or retreats provides an intensive and focused learning experience, enhancing understanding and integration.

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Research and identify relevant workshops or retreats
Plan to attend and make arrangements
Fully engage in the activities and teachings

Design and deliver a 10-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the course

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Creating and presenting a deliverable will provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that solidifies understanding of the course material.

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Select a topic and develop a presentation outline
Gather and organize research materials
Create visual aids and practice delivering the presentation
Present to classmates or share online

Career center

Learners who complete Mindfulness and Well-being: Peace in, Peace Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Meditation Instructor

Meditation Instructors play an essential role in promoting well-being and spiritual development in various settings, such as healthcare, wellness centers, and yoga studios. This course provides a strong foundation in mindfulness practices, enabling individuals to lead effective meditation sessions and guide individuals on their own mindfulness journeys.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meditation Instructor

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teachers specialize in delivering MBSR programs, which are evidence-based interventions for reducing stress, improving well-being, and enhancing emotional resilience. The course's emphasis on the practical application of mindfulness aligns well with the core principles of MBSR, allowing graduates to confidently facilitate these programs.

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Yoga Teacher

Yoga Teachers guide individuals through physical and mental practices to promote overall well-being. This course complements yoga training by deepening understanding of mindfulness and its role in enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga practice.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and communities facing various challenges. The course's focus on radical compassion and positive social change aligns with the values of social work, equipping graduates to approach their work with empathy and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

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Counselor

Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and groups seeking to improve their mental health and well-being. The course's emphasis on cultivating mindfulness and emotional intelligence provides a valuable foundation for counselors, enabling them to effectively support clients in developing coping mechanisms and promoting emotional resilience.

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Educator

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering their holistic development. This course provides educators with tools and techniques to integrate mindfulness into their teaching practices, creating a more positive and supportive learning environment for students.

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Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support in diverse settings, such as hospitals, hospice centers, and military bases. The course's exploration of spirituality and mindfulness enhances chaplains' ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and offer meaningful spiritual guidance.

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Artist

Artists express themselves creatively through various mediums, such as painting, music, and dance. This course fosters a deeper connection to one's inner self and emotions, which can serve as a catalyst for artistic expression and the creation of meaningful works.

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Writer

Writers have the unique ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through the written word. The course's emphasis on contemplative practices and transcendent experiences provides writers with a rich source of inspiration and insights, enhancing their ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

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Researcher

Researchers seek to advance knowledge and understanding through systematic inquiry. The course's exploration of the nature of consciousness and transcendent experiences provides researchers with a valuable lens to approach their work, fostering a deeper understanding of human behavior and the world around us.

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Healthcare Professional

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, play a vital role in promoting patient well-being. The course's focus on mindfulness and compassion enhances their ability to provide holistic care, reducing burnout and fostering a more positive and supportive healthcare environment.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs venture into uncharted territories to create new businesses and products. The course's emphasis on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive social change provides valuable tools for entrepreneurs to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and make a meaningful impact in the world.

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Nonprofit Leader

Nonprofit leaders guide organizations dedicated to social and environmental causes. The course's focus on mindful communication, radical compassion, and positive social change aligns with the values of nonprofit work, equipping leaders to effectively advocate for their missions and create lasting change.

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Spiritual Leader

Spiritual leaders guide individuals on their spiritual journeys and provide support and guidance. The course's focus on mindfulness, spiritual development, and transcendent experiences enhances their ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and offer meaningful spiritual insights.

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Environmentalist

Environmentalists work to protect and preserve the natural world. The course's exploration of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of mindfulness in fostering a deep connection to nature provides valuable insights for environmentalists to approach their work with passion and effectiveness.

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