3132 - Philosophies of Mindfulness
Course Description
Contemporary mindfulness and mindfulness meditation practices attempt to integrate Eastern and Western values and their resulting views of personhood and the world. This course brings these often erroneously contrasted views together, exploring the secular practice through the combining of psychology with philosophies which help explain the practice of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. A range of philosophies will be explored contributing to an explanation and understanding of the buddhist roots of practice. Phenomenology - the study of perspective, epistemology - the study of knowing, and ontology – the study of ways of being. In this course you will deepen your understanding of mindfulness practice by experiencing an array of philosophical perspectives that focus on how we interact with the world. Learners are invited to explore a new way of relating to their own difficulty and to the suffering of others.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the basics of a world view determined by 500 years of scientific materialism.
- Identify key shifts taking place in our perspectives that arise out of and are informed by the new sciences (quantum and neurosciences).
- Consider how these shifts in perspective will change our view of self, personhood, humanity and the moral compass we choose to live by.
- Learn to integrate the world views of the eastern and western mind as one mind.
Notes
Course previously named: Psychology East meets West
This course is for educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for consultation and treatment from a qualified and registered healthcare professional or service provider.
Recommendations
This course may be applied towards the SCS Certificate(s) in
- Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation : Required Courses
Melissa specializes in adult learning and community development; designing, implementing and evaluating adult education programs and initiatives. She has been meditating for 15 years, and has facilitated mindfulness meditation for youth and adults in a variety of contexts and cultures. She is a Mindfulness-based curriculum developer and facilitator of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and SmartEducation. She is on faculty at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies and leads weekly mindfulness meditation drop-in groups in Toronto. Melissa holds an M.Ed. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education from the University of Toronto.