Cultivating Connection: The Neurobiology of Compassion

Course Description: This specialized course is dedicated to the Open Heart Style of NeuroMeditation (NM), a practice designed to promote emotional well-being by actively cultivating compassion, self-acceptance, and unconditional love for both self and others. The course provides a deep dive into the neurological benefits of this practice, explaining how Open Heart NM calms the system, decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation, and reduces states of anger and resentment. Students will learn how this style fosters feelings of connection and enhances brain plasticity while gently activating motivating, "good stress." The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, integrating both sitting and movement meditations to connect students with the optimal sensory routes and imagery for their unique neurobiology.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the neurological foundation of Open Heart NM, including its positive effects on brain activity and its ability to promote unconditional love and acceptance.

• Apply specific Open Heart NM techniques to effectively decrease anger and resentment and foster feelings of connection to life and others.

• Determine the appropriate emotional target and practice route (sensory or imagery) for Open Heart NM to maximize its efficacy in generating a state of well-being and peace.

• Integrate formal and informal Open Heart practices to respond to states of psychological dysregulation, such as grief, PTSD, or feeling disconnected.