Mindfulness and Embodiment for Doctoral Candidates

Keywords: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, embodiment, relaxation, self-development

Introduction to the course topics:

This 6 session training covers the basics of mindfulness for doctoral candidates to improve one’s quality of life and reduce negative stress responses. The course sessions will consist of guided meditation practices, body postures, discussions and self-reflection. Dr. Luisa Demant will give short talks on certain topics, however, the training focuses on experiencing the content through guided mediations and movement. We will discuss insights in the group and use zoom breakout rooms for partner work.

Course aims:

• The basics of mindfulness and how it can impact your work and life
• The body as a focus point for mindfulness
• Breath as a focus point for mindfulness
• Working with thoughts, calming the worrying mind
• The benefits of cultivating kindness towards oneself and others
• Implementing the learnings into everyday life

Teaching methods: Short presentations, group discussion, self-reflection, guided meditation, body postures and movement.

This course fits doctoral candidates in the following phase: at the beginning of the doctorate│during the doctorate│at the end of the doctorate

Participation requirements: Participants must be willing to be seen on the screen and interact with the group. Open to movement and meditation.

Technical requirements: Laptop/tablet with stable internet connection, microphone, webcam, Zoom (in most cases)

Additonal information, notes: Please wear comfortable clothes. It´s ideal to attend from your home or a quiet environment (not a café).

What participants say about this course:

• Many methods can be learned in such a short time. The trainer created a group spirit even via zoom - this has been a great experience.
• Luisa tried to create some group spirit via zoom and it really worked - was a great experience as for the most online courses this did not happen.
• Every participant got to actively contribute to the course. The techniques learned are valuable and can be applied to the daily life.
• I loved the exercises and the summary emails after each session. Super helpful.
• The trusting and open atmosphere was amazing!
• Luisa introduced the topic and different parts of it in a nice and understandable way.