Detailed Curriculum
Week 1
Motivation, Mind, The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Class 1, Jan 7 — Welcome! Course Container, Overview and Agreements. Principle Teaching Topic: Two-Fold Motivation
Weekend 1, Jan 10 / 11 — Environment and Posture, Key Components of a Meditation, Introduction to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Deep Dive into The First Foundation of Mindfulness (Body and Breath).
Week 2
Foundational Buddhist Tenants, Buddhist Schools, First and Second Foundations of Mindfulness
Class 2, Jan 14 — Major Buddhist Lineages and How Mindfulness + Loving-kindness Fit In
Weekend 2, Jan 17 / 18, Option to Attend In-Person — Introduction to Foundational Buddhist Teachings such as The Four Noble Truths and The Three Poisons. First and Second Foundations of Mindfulness (Body and Feeling). Introduction to Leading Meditations. Students Start Practice Teaching.
Week 3
Working with the Nervous System, Third Foundation of Mindfulness, Introduction to Loving-Kindness
Class 3, Jan 21 — The Vagus Nerve and Gentle Breathing / Somatic Techniques to Prepare for Meditation
Weekend 3, Jan 24 / 25, Option to Attend In-Person — Introduction to The Third Foundation of Mindfulness (Mind / Wholesome Mind-States). Using the Body to Self-Regulate. Introduction to Loving-Kindness. How to Set-Up and Introduce A Meditation. Continued Teaching Practice.
Week 4
Questions of Appropriation and Suitability, Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, Loving-Kindness Continued
Class 4, Jan 28 — Trauma-Informed Teaching + Common Questions / Scenarios
Weekend 4, Jan 31 / Feb 1 — The Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness. Appropriation, Suitability and Dangers of Mindfulness. Loving-Kindness Continued. Continued Teaching Practice, Including Loving-Kindness Meditation.
Week 5
Final Teaching Assessment, Ethical Responsibilities of Guiding Meditations, Integration
Class 5, Feb 4 — Further Refining Our Teaching Language + Continued Teaching Practice
Weekend 5, Feb 7 / 8 — Final Teaching Assessments, Ethical Responsibilities of Guiding Meditations, Community and Oversight, Money, Integration . . . and Celebration!
