SEF-EDG8015 - Certificate in Mindfulness

Course Description

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present moment and is a key component in a wide variety of current, widely-recognized healing interventions. Neuroscientists are mapping how mindfulness training can change and improve brain health, and scholars are taking a fresh look at the nature of "self," emotion regulation, compassion, wisdom, and the far reaches of human potential.

Mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety and improves health, improves personal and professional relationships, contributes to improved productivity in the workplace, leads to long-term health changes that result in fewer chronic illnesses, reduces demand on the health care system, and improves the quality of life. This certificate addresses how to support mindfulness in all areas of life. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge and information to support individuals who wish to enhance their own well-being as well as health care professionals who wish to evolve in their profession, create new job opportunities for themselves in the exploding field of mindfulness, health promotion, lifestyle coaching, etc.

Course Outline

Lesson 01 - Mindful Meditation

• Widely accepted, used, and studied within mainstream medicine, mindfulness meditation involves paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. The health benefits of mindfulness meditation include improvements in dealing with stress, pain, and illness. Anyone can engage in this form of meditation, which places no emphasis on religious or faith practices.

Lesson 02 - Mindfulness and Happiness

• New research is demonstrating that mindfulness might be the key to happiness and health. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy. Mindful happiness is not found in external things but within ourselves. By focusing on becoming happier, we will not only feel better but also have increased energy, improved immune function, increased creativity, improved relationships, and increased productivity. Mindful happiness also leads to a healthier, longer life.

Lesson 03 - Mindful Eating

• Mindful eating is eating with intention and attention. It is much more than simply eating slowly, without distraction. Mindful eating encompasses the entire process of eating and is a healthy and pleasurable activity for satisfying hunger. When we eat and our mind is paying attention to every bite, savoring the taste, and the nourishment the food provides, we are eating mindfully.

Lesson 04 - Mindful Movement: Walking, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong

• Mindful movement, such as walking, yoga, tai chi, and qigong can be accomplished almost anywhere, nearly everyone can do it, and minimal equipment is needed to participate. Mindful movement is an effective way to reduce stress but there are many other health benefits, including increased mental and physical well-being.

Lesson 05 - Mindful Relationships

• Mindful relationships involve being present and paying attention to our relationships with ourselves and within ourselves. Mindfulness, a growing and expanding field, is the ability to focus without judgment and the ability to be present in the moment. It is a skill we can acquire and a compassionate practice individuals can integrate into their lives. As we cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion for ourselves, our relationship with our selves, our significant others, partners, families, and communities are improved.

Notes

This is an asynchronous online course offered through the third party vendor ed2go. This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online. There are no set meeting times and you may work on the material whenever it is convenient for you. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.