Maintaining a Mindful Life - PDA1035

Mindfulness as a Way of Life is intended for participants who have already completed Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance or have a solid foundation in mindfulness practice. The course explores how to embed mindfulness into daily life with greater depth and consistency. Through practical exercises and reflective learning, you’ll strengthen your ability to respond with clarity, compassion and awareness. This course is not a substitute for therapeutic support and may not be suitable for those new to mindfulness.

At a glance

Fees

A$99 (inc GST)

Alumni discounted fees

20% discount for Monash Alumni - visit the Monash Alumni Portal to access the discount code.

Who should attend

This course is designed for those with prior mindfulness experience and is best suited to participants who have completed Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance or a similar introductory program.

As a more advanced course, it builds on core mindfulness principles. Some practices may not be appropriate for those without a solid foundation in mindfulness.

Please note: this course is not intended as a therapeutic intervention for significant mental health concerns.

What you will learn

This course builds on the foundational skills taught in Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance and explores how mindfulness can enhance communication, relationships, and self-awareness. You will learn how to:

  • Apply mindfulness techniques in everyday situations
  • Communicate with greater clarity and empathy
  • Approach yourself and others with more compassion
  • Build supportive and mindful environments
  • Reflect on values and intentions to guide your actions

Program structure

Course structure

Week 1 Communication

  • Mindfulness principles
  • Mindfulness meditation - the Comma
  • Expanding and maintaining your practice
  • Mindful communication

Week 2 Mindful relationships

  • Benefits of mindfulness in improving relationships
  • Assertiveness in setting boundaries and expressing needs
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Mindfulness when caring for self and caring for others

Week 3 Cultivating self-compassion and emotional health

  • Self compassion and performance
  • Mindfulness and pain
  • Forgiveness, gratitude and social connections
  • Creating compassionate environments

Week 4 The big picture

  • Choice less awareness meditation
  • Everyday mindfulness
  • Ethics, values and goals

Testimonials

"Mindfulness is an increasingly popular field, yet often difficult to navigate due to the vast, and sometimes overwhelming, range of information available. That’s why having a program like this  is so valuable. It offers not only expert guidance, but also a strong evidence-based foundation, which is essential. I’m grateful to have learned from such knowledgeable facilitators, and I feel more confident in both my personal practice and professional integration of mindfulness. I’m already looking forward to enrolling in my next course!" - Myotherapist

Professor Craig Hassed OAM

Professor Craig Hassed OAM is a leading figure in mindfulness and contemplative education, with over three decades at Monash University where he pioneered the integration of mindfulness into medical training. He is Director of Education at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, author of 14 books, and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to medicine and health.

Dr Sherelle Connaughton

Dr Sherelle Connaughton is the Education Coordinator at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, where she leads the development and delivery of contemplative education across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. A skilled educator and experienced mindfulness practitioner, Sherelle has contributed to leading journals and co-facilitated globally recognised online programs supporting thousands of learners worldwide.

Adjunct Associate Professor Richard Chambers

Dr Richard Chambers is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognised expert in mindfulness. Richard is a key contributor to the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies.

What does the course involve?

The course includes videos, articles, guided practices, self-assessment questionnaires, resources, online discussion forums, and feedback videos.

Is there any compulsory assessment in this course?

No. There is no compulsory assessment in this course.

How much time does the course take each week?

The course covers approximately 2-3 hours of content per week. This can be more or less depending on the time you choose to spend exploring additional resources, exercises and engaging in discussion with other participants.

I don't have 2-3 hours per week available, can I still do the course and benefit?

Yes. You are in control of how far you take your learning. Do you just want to cover the basics? Do you want to go deeper? It's up to you. Many of the resources are downloadable so that you can keep the learnings and practice applying them in your own time.

Is the entire course viewable when the course commences?

Yes.

Do I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, after completion of an end of course survey.

How long do I get access to the course content?

You will have access to the course content for an extra 4 weeks after the course closes (course material is viewable for a total of 8 weeks).

Our organisation would like to have a dedicated run of the course for a large number of our staff only, is this possible?

Yes, please email m3cs@monash.edu to discuss.