Present Moment Awareness: The Neuro-Mechanics of Mindfulness

Course Description: This specialized course focuses on the Mindfulness Style of NeuroMeditation (NM), a highly adaptable practice beneficial for addressing a wide range of psychological struggles, including stress, anger, PTSD, and grief. It explores the neuroscientific basis of mindfulness, detailing how the practice creates calm by bringing ease to the nervous system and the Vagus Nerve. Students will learn how Mindfulness NM actively works to slow the racing mind, increase self-awareness, and develop interoception (awareness of internal body states). The curriculum emphasizes formal and informal integration of Mindfulness NM into daily life, fostering non-judgment and self-acceptance while building crucial brain plasticity. 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 effects of Mindfulness NM, particularly its role in quieting the system and promoting brain plasticity.

• Develop proficiency in interoception and heightened self-awareness through targeted Mindfulness NM exercises.

• Determine the optimal sensory or imagery route for personalizing Mindfulness NM, ensuring effective practice for calming the system and generating a sense of ease.

• Apply formal and informal Mindfulness practices to effectively respond to states of psychological dysregulation like stress, anger, and post-traumatic activation.