Maintaining a Mindful Life

Monash University via FutureLearn

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Details

This course may be unavailable.

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Provider

FutureLearn
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Certificate

$69.00 Certificate Available
Duration & workload

4 weeks, 3 hours a week
Sessions

Finished

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Discover techniques to help you maintain a mindful life

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.

Building upon the introductory Mindfulness for Wellbeing Peak and Performance, this course will show you how can embed mindfulness into all aspects of your life.

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.

Watch lead educator Craig Hassed introduce the course and provide further advice on the mindfulness practices that will be available to you.

This is an additional video, hosted on YouTube.

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.

Sections of this course make extensive use of video and audio. Before you begin, make sure the computer or device you’re using has the ability to play video and audio and you have access to speakers or headphones.

Note: You might find headphones more suitable for the sections of the course that guide you through mindful meditation exercises.

Taught by

Assoc. Prof. Craig Hassed

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 211 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Maintaining a Mindful Life

Anonymous

This is the second of the Monash Mindfulness MOOCs I have completed and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. I have found the leaders, Craig and Richard, really engaging and great role models for their subject, being calm, measured and reassuring,…

This is the second of the Monash Mindfulness MOOCs I have completed and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. I have found the leaders, Craig and Richard, really engaging and great role models for their subject, being calm, measured and reassuring, but also inspirational and encouraging. The strength of the course is their rapport in the short videos and audios which acknowledge human frailty and make the continuing practice of mindfulness seem vital and attainable in daily life. The final feedback video each week is the jewel in their crown. It sums up the week's thoughts and mentions some of the issues and talking points brought up in the online comments, which uniquely in MOOCs, I think, draws the learners into the ongoing exploration and discussion 'in real time' and makes them feel part of the learning process. All of which creates a personal and inclusive relationship with the leaders (and excellent online course mentors, Sherelle and Liv). I now feel inspired and energised to continue my imperfect but aspirational practice of mindfulness for many years to come.
Anonymous

The two courses that I have been blessed with the opportunity to do on a number of ocassions have really enhanced the quality of not just my life but those who share their lives with me in any way. I am simply a better person for the learnings tha…

The two courses that I have been blessed with the opportunity to do on a number of ocassions have really enhanced the quality of not just my life but those who share their lives with me in any way. I am simply a better person for the learnings that I have had through undertaking the courses. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

I have done a lot of courses through Future Learn but these courses never fail to deliver something new to many of us serial repeaters. A lot of the reason for this is the ongoing massive investment of time, energy and diligence that the entire team devote to their students. They give in a way that really is meaningful and touch people's hearts and souls.

I will continue to repeat these courses as I have come to think of them as yoga for my mind and when one commences yoga studies you make a commitment to continue attending classes and ongoing practice.

A huge thank you to everyone for the way I am now calmly enjoying both the mountains and valleys that life presents all of us in our human experience.
Angie Davila

The calibre of this mindfulness course is second to none. The pace of the course was manageable, and the structure of the course was accessible at every point. The design of the course was such that it ensured a definite group environment. Studen…

The calibre of this mindfulness course is second to none. The pace of the course was manageable, and the structure of the course was accessible at every point. The design of the course was such that it ensured a definite group environment. Students were able to engage with one another in smooth and coherent manner at all times which enhanced the learning experience. The Mentoring felt almost in-person because it was delivered with such kindness and sincerity and the messages that were conveyed were educational, informative and life enhancing. Although the advice or acknowledgements that were given were in response to the individual student, the content was easily relevant to the other students. Thus there was a distinct and definite sense of community throughout the course. The teachers instilled confidence in the students whose reflections display this in the final comments. The course was free and that is what was so special about this outstandingly high quality experience. I would recommend this course without hesitation.
Anonymous

This is a new version of the old 6 week course that has been split into 2 sessions of 4 weeks. Richard and Craig are fantastic facilitators and the mentoring team is really supportive and proactive. This course would be great for anyone wanting to get more in touch with themselves and their ability to cope with an ever increasingly stressful world. It is not the answer of course but a great introduction to Mindfulness. I return to it regularly as it gives me a framework for individual practice and reminders of the techniques and processes.. The discussions on the course between learners and both supportive and informative. Highly recommend
Anonymous

Excellent course with a good mixture of useful and practical material and meditation exercises and exploration of the theory, including the neuroscience, behind the ideas. One of the best delivered on-line courses with active engagement from mentors on the discussion forums and weekly feedback videos from the main educators. Especially for newcomers to meditation, it is useful to take the introductory course, Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, before this one.
Anonymous

This course has been a very rewarding experience, presented online at the right time when stability, stillness, presence of mind, compassion, patience, tolerance was much needed with family members. Most importantly to myself, the observer in a…

This course has been a very rewarding experience, presented online at the right time when stability, stillness, presence of mind, compassion, patience, tolerance was much needed with family members. Most importantly to myself, the observer in all this activity to reinforce discipline, strength to keep maintaining Mindfulness in daily life.
Having meditated for many years, pausing, had become some what common place, a fresh approach was certainly needed.
To practice eating mindfully, mindful movement is all part of the play of this creation and I'm part of this creation to move through life peaceful, fully connected to be mindful is life's bounty.
If this course comes your way embrace it fully, for a life changing event.
Jennifer Tosolini

I found this course to be extremely useful. Two excellent teachers, everything explained clearly., thoughtful mentor feedback. Additional material available. I was able to download the meditations to my computer so they will be available to me every day. I am grateful for the various meditations that can be used for specific purposes. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in getting the best out of themselves.
Anonymous

Weighted toward building value for presumed superior activity. Evidence of effectiveness seemed meager. Mindfulness not adequately set in the context of ethics, goals or values here. Reliance on the premise, or maybe "wish" that things "naturally"…

Weighted toward building value for presumed superior activity. Evidence of effectiveness seemed meager. Mindfulness not adequately set in the context of ethics, goals or values here. Reliance on the premise, or maybe "wish" that things "naturally" occur over a period of being "mindful" moves one toward better ethics, goals, and values felt a little "pie in the sky". Primary course benefits revolve around suspending dysfunctional default mind states. I did not take the prior course as yet. Though it was not a prerequisite, this course refers often to "what you already learned." Certainly understandable, but a better short description could assist both those continuing as review, and clarity without the prior course for others. Apparently shortened from 6 week format to 4 weeks recently.
Anonymous

I have taken this course as part of the previous 6-week course and found this as a separate course just as good. I like the way it is delivered. The facilitators are great, especially as they practise mindfulness themselves, which gives credibility both to them as presenters and the course itself. Content is pitched well for anyone from beginners to those who have more experience with mindfulness and simply want a refresher. I would strongly recommend the course and also the one that precedes it.
MORPHO NYMPHAEA

I decided to take this course after taking Mindfulness for wellbeing and peak performance. I enjoyed taking the previous course and the subjects tackled here caught my interest. This was an eye-opener for me, It has helped me to find ways to improve my relationships with the people around me and with myself. I've always been sloppy, daydreamer and a slow thinker, and now I've finally realized that with just being present I could make a huge improvement in my life. So, I would persist in this and try to practice being mindful as much as I can. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve the quality of their lives. It's truly worth it.
Anonymous

A wonderful course, designed for you to go at your own pace, gently guiding you on your road to mindfulness, by two personable educators that you becone to think of as friends. In addition to this there are two outstanding mentors who support the learning and help clarify the more scientific aspects of the course and make lots of useful links and resourses available to enable the independant exploration of a complex subject.
A truely special, life changing learning experience!
Kristýna Matějková

Great ideas to think about - makes you get out of your autopilot mode. Nice tips how to maintain certain level of mindfulness and make it a habit.
Bid Bidstrup

This course is simply outstanding; inspiring, challenging, empowering.
The facilitators are engaging and the topics covered are compelling.
Of particular value is the Forum where students can share insights and experiences with each other and be guided by two outstanding Mentors.
Absolutely first class throughout.
Highly recommended.
Barbara Hatzimichail

This is best MOOC I attended so far. Excellent teachers and tutors, outstanding in how they present and live what they teach - mindfulness, compassion and long kindness live. The exercises, videos and readings were very helpful and well-guided to follow. I am planning to take the course again asap.
Anonymous

Excellent course with useful and practical material. I like so much this course had a lot of scientific theory, I download many of the articles, all very interesting. Many meditations audios can guide you practice. The mentors are motivanting through the course with discussion forums and feedback videos. It met my expectations.

Thank you!!

From Colombia, Carolina
Anonymous

I have learned so much in four short weeks through this course. The two instructors, Richard and Craig, as well as the course mentors, Jen and Sherelle, are top-notch. I had no idea what to expect when first taking a mindful course from them, but k…

I have learned so much in four short weeks through this course. The two instructors, Richard and Craig, as well as the course mentors, Jen and Sherelle, are top-notch. I had no idea what to expect when first taking a mindful course from them, but knew I wanted to learn about it. I feel so much better about myself, meditation, communicating with others, how to handle the stressful news, savoring my food, compassion, values and goals, self-kindness, as well as knowing there are other people struggling with these things around the world. The course moves quickly and you are given many extra resources in addition to the regular course material. The lessons are practical and not just theoretical, things you can immediately apply to your daily life. I always thought meditation was some complicated thing that I'd need to learn somewhere else, but with this course, you can learn it from the comfort of your own home. Craig and Richard will guide you through the meditations with their soothing voices and before you know it, you are meditating! I feel so relaxed afterwards and able to handle stressors much better. This course is fun, informative, and you will feel connected to other students who make comments and support your comments as well. Although people from around the world take the course, you will feel like a small community.
Akiko Shigenobu

Such an amazing course! I was only looking for a free online course which something to do with psychology and then I found the introductory course called [ Mindfulness for wellbeing and peak performance]. As this made me completely opened my eyes…

Such an amazing course! I was only looking for a free online course which something to do with psychology and then I found the introductory course called [ Mindfulness for wellbeing and peak performance]. As this made me completely opened my eyes and started learn about how to live this moment, the only moment, I carried on to the current course.

I recommend this course and the introductory course to literally everyone. I actually have recommended to my friends and colleagues.

I feel more present in a sense that I can focus on a task at hand, I feel I am a better listener and I am able to diffuse a difficult situation. I have learnt ways to do meditation now I practice everyday.

It has great contents, many meditation exercises and articles with research. Easy to follow and great thing in this course is that you have lovely mentors who guide us as well as sharing experiences and thought with learners in the open column.

There are many reference of videos as well. Each weak has small sections with themes that easy to learn. I particularly excited to learn about self-compassion and difference between empathy and compassion. It is only 4 week course but you gain a lot from it and I already have had benefit from it.

I loved it so much that I upgraded to unlimited from the introductory course!
Anonymous

I greatly enjoyed this course! This is my first time around, but after some time has passed, I will come back to the course and see if I can experience any major changes. The gem for me was the idea that the course encouraged learners to focus on a…

I greatly enjoyed this course! This is my first time around, but after some time has passed, I will come back to the course and see if I can experience any major changes.
The gem for me was the idea that the course encouraged learners to focus on a specific sense before expanding the awareness to the surroundings (i.e., the Choiceless Awareness meditation). I also enjoy the imagery of the awareness being the rock while thoughts and feelings are like sand. It’d be great practicing more of those meditations.
I really appreciate the fact that the course professors and mentors filmed the feedback videos each week for each course runs. Their help had consolidated a lot of the ideas in the courses and certainly, maintained the fascination and engagement of the learners as well.
Thank you Craig and Richard for the wonderful talks and the mentors, Sherelle and Elizabeth, for always commenting on the discussions.
Lawrence Ho

It is very interesting finding myself not too often focused on the present moment whenever there is some situation taking place of which I really need to respond in quite a short time frame, I was slow responding. In this course, as I was following…

It is very interesting finding myself not too often focused on the present moment whenever there is some situation taking place of which I really need to respond in quite a short time frame, I was slow responding. In this course, as I was following the meditation audio guiding me through that really could let my body to re-address the spot checking all the analytical issues that are available to pick up for actions. The wandering around thoughts has been overcome with the deep breathing mode of the body, that drives me to the present self, but not the imaginary feeling of the past experience and/or the future expectation. To sum up, I personally am convinced that the senses of sight and hearing play the prime roles of mindfulness life in my day to day life.
Lawrence Ho, 20 July 2018
Anonymous

This is a very good course. The communication with the participants is particularly good, thanks to the mentors (and the learners). The course is well structured and paced and the videos and reading materials are well scripted and chosen. It was never dull. The meditations are outstanding, and I have experienced quite a few.
Just one thing: the course lacks a female voice and perspective. All the main presenters are male. I started to notice the gender imbalance after a while, I became more mindful of it. Why not mix it up and have a variety of voices, male and female, doing the feedback videos, or even the content videos?
Well done Monash and everyone working on this course. I have just recommended it to my daughter.