Interdisciplinary Yoga

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A multisensory, interdisciplinary, transformative study into the cross-cultural understanding of mindful non-judgmental attention (Mindfulness) through a fun, creative variety of personal and group practices. Students will be introduced to a life-long personal awareness skill set with which to live to ones highest potential with resilience to navigate the challenging ups and downs of personal and professional endeavors. Addressing current Mindfulness research geared to student interests in subjects such as, Neuroscience, Genetics, Technology, Ecology, Psychology, Education, Business, and Sports, we will create a scientific platform from which to expand student self-awareness through time-tested practices. Students will discuss and present how Mindfulness affects personal perceptions that in turn can be applied across societal disciplines and a paradigm shift in society at large. 

FORMATS:  This course can be created for a variety of formats. There are endless possibilities for expanding or lessening the content, assignments, research and experiences. A few ideas are below.,

•Mindfulness Basics:  2-3credit elective that covers all the material in one term. Assignments would be created to match the time frame. Classes should be at least 80 -100 long.

•Introductory plus more advanced practices, student projects, and presentations in 2-3 terms, 2 credits/term. Level 1,2,3 

•Retreat Format: 3-7 Days with assignments before an dafter the “Retreat”

•A Workshop Format: Longer time frames such as 3-hour classes once or twice a week.

•A combination of formats… a few day-long workshops and shorter classes in between.

Possible COURSE OUTCOMES

Definition: Thoughtful non-judgmental attention including Mindful reflection, meditation, self-awareness, contemplation, and holistic health embracing Positive Psychology (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, Emotional)

1. Expand self-awareness by learning about principles and practices of mindfulness.
2. Experience cross-cultural, ancient to present day mindfulness techniques to increase and accelerate personal awareness.  
3. Identify and implement a personal mindfulness practice addressing the five parts of the self as described by Positive Psychology.
4. Identify and implement mindfulness methods for reducing personal stress.
5. Create/Practice contemplative learning techniques to create a holistic understanding of the self and improve overall communication with others.
6. Create a On-going Contemplative Journal to improve understanding of self-reflection, expand creativity, with which to refer to continue a life long practice, have a visual form of the a progression from the beginning to the end of the course.
7. Reflect on personal spirituality as part of holistic health, including intuition, imagination, inspiration, integration and interpretation. 
8. Explore current cross-disciplinary research in Mindfulness.
9. Practice leadership and communication skills in a democratic classroom model.
10. Integrate, evaluate, and discuss how this process expands awareness affecting personal perceptions and in turn can lead to changes in larger groups and a paradigm shift in society at large.