Contemplative Science: The Power of the Pause for Resilience, Relationships, and Resolve

Advances in contemplative science reveal ways of caring for ourselves and others that promote health and well-being for individuals and communities. Study of diverse, evidence-based contemplative practices identifies why, how, and when specific practices are beneficial for health, well-being, focus, learning, self-compassion, positive emotions, empathy, communication, compassionate action, and burnout prevention. This course progresses through: 1) awareness-based self-care; 2) compassion-based interpersonal connections; and 3) purpose-based meaningful work and service. A unifying course framework facilitates insights regarding healthy processes for fulfilling fundamental human needs for safety/calm/peace, connection/compassion/love, and satisfaction/competence/joy. While the course focuses on factors that cultivate and sustain health, obstructions and impediments such as oppression and trauma are discussed. The course combines investigation of research with direct experience in an immersive, transformative learning retreat format rooted in the rhythm of contemplative ways of being, discovery, and expression. Multimodal activities include embodiment practices, meditation, breathwork, journaling, dyad listening, reflections on poetry and non-fiction, research critiques, iterative behavioral action plans, and creation of multimedia narratives. These activities provide a foundation for a lifetime of whole-person integrated ways of living, exploring, thinking, and serving. The course equips students with a body of knowledge and skills to flourish personally and professionally, develop innovative solutions to complex problems, and sustain research and service dedicated to improving health and well-being for everyone. Offered for 1-3 units via 3 weekend retreats (1-unit each) taught on the 2nd, 5th and 8th weekends of the quarter. The curriculum builds upon previous retreat topics: #1 Resilience, #2 Relationships, #3 Resolve. Register for your preferred number of units. (Retreat #1 = 1-unit; Retreats #1 + #2 = 2-units; or Retreats #1 + #2 + #3 = 3 units).