Maintaining a Mindful Life - PDA1035

Learn how to apply mindfulness techniques, so you can improve your communication, relationships and emotional health.

Interest in mindfulness has grown enormously over the last few years. It’s no surprise: mindfulness techniques can improve your communication skills, relationships and emotional health. But not everyone knows how to apply mindfulness in daily life.

At a glance

Fees

$99* (incl GST)

Discounts and group concessions
  • *20% discount for Monash Staff, Monash Alumni and Students
  • *25% discount for groups of 50-200
  • *30% discount for groups 200+

Contact m3cs@monash.edu for discount codes and group concessions

Who should attend?

This course is intended for people with previous experience of practising mindfulness and we strongly recommend completing the introductory course Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance before doing this more advanced course.

Some practices in this course may not be suitable for people who have not previously learned and applied foundational mindfulness principles and techniques.

This course is not designed to be therapeutic for significant health problems so if you have any concerns in this regard then it is recommended that you speak to a suitably qualified health practitioner.

Learning objectives

  1. Understand the benefits of mindfulness in improving relationships at home and when caring for others
  2. Apply mindfulness techniques to improve communication and empathy in relationships
  3. Understand the importance of assertiveness in setting boundaries and expressing needs in relationships
  4. Model a more mindful approach to communication, relationships and emotional health
  5. Practice assertive communication skills to improve relationships at home and when caring for others
  6. Engage in both structure and unstructured mindfulness practices

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
  • Course summary

Frequently asked questions

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.

Key faculty and presenters

Professor Craig Hassed
Professor Craig Hassed OAM is a doctor and the education director of the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies and coordinator of mindfulness programs across Monash University. Craig also works in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Dr 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.