H606: Mindfulness for Inner Strengths and Social Challenges

In an era marked by complexity, polarization, and burnout, this course offers a rigorous and deeply reflective learning experience designed to cultivate a warm-hearted, wise presence—one capable of meeting today’s challenges with courage, clarity, and compassion. Grounded in adult developmental theory, Buddhist psychology, and cognitive and affective science, students engage in a rich mix of mindfulness, meditation, and embodiment exercises, self-reflection, and community-building activities. Through a wide-ranging set of readings, presentations, student-led discussions, guest speakers, and experiential practices, students develop lifelong tools for emotional regulation, conscious communication, and skillful action. The course challenges students to work consciously with unhelpful habits, cultivating the capacity to respond—not react—in the face of stress, conflict, and uncertainty. Students craft real-life experiments in personal and professional relationships, explore the impacts of systemic power dynamics, and practice taking mindful action aligned with their values and priorities. Together, we co-create a brave and supportive learning community in which we can build our inner strengths, take meaningful risks, and grow into the leaders, educators, and transformational change agents we aspire to be.