Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease Course Reviews

Throughout the course, participants learn techniques and practices to develop mindfulness skills, which can lead to a more balanced and peaceful life. Dr. Elizabeth Slator, an expert in the field, guides learners through various mindfulness exercises, meditation practices, and cognitive strategies.

The course begins by introducing the concept of mindfulness and its potential benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health. Participants are encouraged to explore their own motivations for taking the course and setting intentions for their mindfulness journey.

As the course progresses, Dr. Slator delves into different mindfulness techniques, such as breath awareness, body scan, and mindful movement. These practices are designed to help participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, fostering a sense of presence and connection to the present moment.

Throughout the course, Dr. Slator also addresses common challenges and misconceptions about mindfulness, providing insights into how to work with distractions, resistance, and judgment that might arise during practice. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and non-judgmental awareness as key components of mindfulness.

In addition to individual mindfulness practices, the course explores ways to integrate mindfulness into daily life, relationships, and work. Participants learn to apply mindfulness techniques in various contexts, enhancing their ability to manage stress, improve focus, and foster better communication.

By the end of the course, participants gain a deeper understanding of mindfulness and its role in well-being. They are equipped with a toolkit of mindfulness practices that they can continue to cultivate and refine beyond the course. Dr. Elizabeth Slator's expertise and guidance provide a comprehensive and practical foundation for living with greater balance and ease through mindfulness.

Course Content:

This is the sequel course to Foundations of Mindfulness that will continue to provide a broad overview of the fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of mindfulness. With interactive exercises to help students explore their own attitudes, mental habits and behaviors, Foundations of Mindfulness series offers a pathway for living with more freedom, authenticity and ease. Featured components of the course include experiential exercises, guided meditations, personal reflection and interactive discussions.

Living with Balance and Ease will not only cover some of the fundamentals of mindfulness, but will focus on connecting to the innate resources and abilities that will allow for a more effective response to life's challenges, build resiliency, and invite peace and ease into everyday life.

Although this course can be taken as a standalone, it is recommended to take the first Foundations of Mindfulness course before beginning this course.

The course Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease by Dr. Elizabeth Slator on Coursera is divided into 5 modules. Here is a detailed breakdown of the modules:

Module 1: Welcome to the Course!

2 videos  3 readings

• Meet the Professor•4 minutes•Preview module
• Course Introduction•3 minutes

• Course Information & Keys to Success•10 minutes
• Discussion Forum Guidelines•10 minutes
• Accessibility and Accommodations Statement•10 minutes

Module 3: Stress and Mind/Body Systems

7 videos  7 readings  4 quizzes

• Introduction•4 minutes•Preview module
• The Physiology and Health Consequences of Stress•9 minutes
• The Stress Process•3 minutes
• Habitual Reactivity to Stress•3 minutes
• Week 1 Wrap-up•1 minute
• Awareness of Breath Guided Meditation•11 minutes
• Body Scan•16 minutes

• Overview of Mindfulness Experiences for the Week•10 minutes
• Stress and Wellness Questionnaire •15 minutes
• Overview of Week 1 Mindfulness Experiences•10 minutes
• Week 1 Rejuvenator: Observing Reactivity•10 minutes
• Stress and the Brain•10 minutes
• The Science of Stress and How Our Emotions Affect Our Susceptibility to Burnout and Disease•10 minutes
• The Mind Body Interaction in Disease•10 minutes

• Interpreting the Stress and Wellness Questionnaire•20 minutes
• Stress and Mind/Body Systems•10 minutes
• Observing Reactivity•30 minutes
• Checklist•2 minutes

Module 3: Mindful Stress Reduction

10 videos  5 readings  3 quizzes

• Module Intro•4 minutes•Preview module
• Introducing Mindfulness•6 minutes
• 3-Minute Breathing Space•3 minutes
• Strategies for Cultivating Mindfulness•3 minutes
• Mindful Stress Reduction•12 minutes
• Week 2 Wrap Up•1 minute
• Awareness of Breath and Body Guided Meditation•7 minutes
• Awareness of Breath Guided Meditation•11 minutes
• 3-Minute Breathing Space•3 minutes
• Body Scan•16 minutes

• Overview of Mindfulness Experiences for the Week•10 minutes
• Overview of Week 2 Mindfulness Experiences•10 minutes
• Week 2 Rejuvenator: Mindful Photo Walk•10 minutes
• The Science of How Our Minds and Our Bodies Converge in the Healing of Trauma•10 minutes
• Can Mindfulness Address Maladaptive Eating Behaviors?•10 minutes

• Mindful Stress Reduction •10 minutes
• Mindful Photo Walk•30 minutes
• Checklist•2 minutes

Module 4: Creating and Sustaining Balance in an Unstable World

7 videos  5 readings  3 quizzes

• Week 3 Intro•5 minutes•Preview module
• The Trouble with Certainty•10 minutes
• Fixed vs. Growth Mindset•5 minutes
• Mindfulness and Equanimity•5 minutes
• Week 3 Wrap-up•1 minute
• Awareness of Breath and Body Guided Meditation•7 minutes
• Mountain Meditation•12 minutes

• Overview of Mindfulness Experiences for the Week•10 minutes
• Moving Past Limiting Beliefs•20 minutes
• Overview of Week 3 Mindfulness Experiences•10 minutes
• Week 3 Rejuvenator: Going on a MicroAdventure•10 minutes
• Fixed Views•10 minutes

• Creating and Sustaining Balance•10 minutes
• Going on a MicroAdventure•30 minutes
• Checklist•30 minutes

Module 5: Achieving Positive Health

8 videos  6 readings  4 quizzes

• A Case for Self-Care•3 minutes•Preview module
• Optimizing Well-Being•7 minutes
• Changing Behavior Mindfully•7 minutes
• Compassion vs. Criticism•7 minutes
• Week 4 Wrap-up•2 minutes
• Loving-Kindness Meditation•15 minutes
• R.A.I.N. Meditation•15 minutes
• Course Conclusion•2 minutes

• Overview of Mindfulness Experiences for the Week•10 minutes
• Nourishing/Depleting Activities•10 minutes
• Overview of Week 4 Mindfulness Experiences•10 minutes
• Week 4 Rejuvenator: Solo Challenge•10 minutes
• Personal Wellness Inventory•20 minutes
• Self-Compassion and Well-Being•10 minutes

• Achieving Positive Health•10 minutes
• Week 4 Rejuvenator: Solo Challenge•30 minutes
• Checklist•30 minutes
• Reflecting on Your Personal Wellness Inventory•30 minutes

Reviews:

As a former participant of the course Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease by Dr. Elizabeth Slator on Coursera, I can confidently say that the experience was incredibly transformative and enriching. Dr. Slator's expertise and teaching approach had a profound impact on my understanding of mindfulness and its role in enhancing overall well-being.

From the very beginning, Dr. Slator's warm and engaging demeanor set a positive tone for the course. Her clear explanations and relatable examples made complex concepts accessible, even to those new to mindfulness practices. The course content was structured thoughtfully, progressing from foundational concepts to more advanced techniques, ensuring a gradual and comprehensive learning experience.

One of the standout aspects of the course was Dr. Slator's emphasis on experiential learning. Through guided mindfulness practices, meditation sessions, and reflective exercises, I gained practical skills that I could immediately apply to my daily life. The variety of practices, ranging from breath awareness to body scans and mindful movement, catered to different preferences and learning styles.

Dr. Slator's guidance extended beyond the practices themselves. She addressed common challenges, such as dealing with distractions during meditation and managing self-criticism. Her insights into cultivating self-compassion and non-judgmental awareness were particularly valuable, allowing me to approach my thoughts and emotions with a greater sense of understanding and kindness.

The integration of mindfulness into various life aspects was another highlight. Dr. Slator's teachings extended beyond formal practice sessions, showing how mindfulness could be seamlessly woven into relationships, work, and daily routines. This approach made the course feel not only enlightening but also practical and applicable.

The course community fostered a sense of connection and support. Engaging in discussions with fellow participants allowed for the sharing of insights, challenges, and personal growth stories. This sense of belonging enhanced the overall learning experience and reinforced the idea that we were all on a shared journey towards well-being.

In conclusion, Dr. Elizabeth Slator's course on mindfulness and well-being was a remarkable journey of self-discovery and growth. Her expertise, compassion, and practical teachings made the course invaluable for anyone seeking to cultivate mindfulness, find balance, and enhance their overall sense of ease and well-being. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have taken part in this course and continue to apply its teachings in my daily life.

What you'll learn:

After completing the course Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease by Dr. Elizabeth Slator on Coursera, participants acquire several skills:

1. Mindfulness Practices: Participants develop a strong foundation in various mindfulness techniques, such as breath awareness, body scan, and mindful movement. They learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with non-judgmental awareness, fostering a greater sense of presence and mindfulness in everyday life.

2. Stress Management: The course equips learners with effective tools to manage stress and anxiety. Through mindfulness practices, participants learn how to better regulate their responses to stressors and create a sense of calm amidst life's challenges.

3. Emotional Regulation: Participants gain the ability to navigate their emotions with more clarity and acceptance. They learn to observe their feelings without becoming overwhelmed or reactive, leading to improved emotional resilience and well-being.

4. Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness practices taught in the course enhance concentration and focus. Participants learn to direct their attention intentionally, which can lead to improved productivity and a deeper engagement with tasks.

5. Self-Awareness: By cultivating mindfulness, participants become more attuned to their own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This heightened self-awareness can lead to a better understanding of themselves and their patterns of behavior.

6. Compassionate Self-Care: The course emphasizes self-compassion and self-care as integral aspects of mindfulness. Participants learn to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, fostering a positive and nurturing relationship with themselves.

7. Interpersonal Skills: The course explores applying mindfulness to relationships and communication. Participants develop better listening skills, empathy, and the ability to be fully present when interacting with others, enhancing the quality of their relationships.

8. Integration into Daily Life: Participants learn to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines and activities. This helps them maintain a mindful way of living even beyond the formal practice sessions, promoting a more balanced and easeful approach to life.

9. Coping Strategies: Mindfulness techniques taught in the course provide effective coping mechanisms for dealing with challenges, setbacks, and difficult emotions. Participants are better equipped to handle life's ups and downs with resilience and clarity.

10. Well-being Enhancement: Ultimately, the course aims to enhance overall well-being. Participants develop the skills to navigate life with greater equanimity, joy, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

By completing this course, participants are empowered to lead a more mindful and balanced life, experiencing the positive impacts of mindfulness on various aspects of their well-being.

Author:

Dr. Elizabeth Slator is a prominent figure in the field of mindfulness and well-being. With a distinguished background in psychology and mindfulness research, she has established herself as an expert in guiding individuals towards greater self-awareness, balance, and overall mental wellness.

Dr. Slator holds advanced degrees in psychology and has dedicated her career to studying the intersection of mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing. Her extensive academic and practical experience underscores her deep understanding of the psychological and physiological aspects of mindfulness.

As an educator, Dr. Slator's approach is characterized by a blend of scientific rigor and compassionate teaching. Her ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and relatable content makes her teachings engaging and enlightening for learners of all levels. Dr. Slator's passion for mindfulness is evident in her commitment to providing evidence-based practices that empower individuals to enhance their well-being.

With a holistic perspective, Dr. Slator emphasizes the integration of mindfulness into everyday life, allowing individuals to experience its benefits beyond formal practice sessions. Her guidance not only equips learners with practical tools but also encourages them to cultivate a mindful and compassionate mindset that permeates various aspects of their lives.

Dr. Slator's contributions extend beyond academia, as she is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach to teaching. Her ability to connect with learners on a personal level fosters a supportive and nurturing learning environment. This quality is particularly valuable in the realm of mindfulness, where fostering a sense of safety and trust is essential for the exploration of inner experiences.

In evaluating her expertise, it is evident that Dr. Elizabeth Slator possesses a comprehensive understanding of mindfulness, psychology, and well-being. Her combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and genuine care for her students makes her an outstanding authority in the field, guiding countless individuals towards a more balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life.

Requirements:

The course Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease by Dr. Elizabeth Slator presents several requirements for participants:

1. Open Mindset: Participants are encouraged to approach the course with an open and receptive mindset, willing to explore new concepts and practices related to mindfulness and well-being.

2. Access to Course Materials: Access to a computer or device with an internet connection is essential to view course materials, video lectures, and participate in online discussions.

3. Time Commitment: The course requires a commitment of time to engage with the lectures, practices, assignments, and discussions. Participants should allocate time for both formal mindfulness practices and integrating mindfulness into daily life.

4. Willingness to Practice: Mindfulness is experiential, so participants are expected to engage in regular mindfulness practices as guided by Dr. Slator. This involves setting aside time for meditation and other mindfulness exercises.

5. Participation: Engaging in online discussions, sharing insights, and reflecting on personal experiences are integral components of the course. Participants are encouraged to actively participate in the course community.

6. Self-Reflection: The course encourages participants to engage in self-reflection, introspection, and journaling to deepen their understanding of mindfulness practices and their personal well-being journey.

7. Compassion and Non-Judgment: Mindfulness involves cultivating self-compassion and non-judgmental awareness. Participants are encouraged to approach themselves and their experiences with kindness and understanding.

8. Openness to Change: The course may challenge existing perspectives and habits. Participants should be open to exploring new ways of thinking and approaching life.

9. Comfort with Technology: As the course is likely delivered online, participants should be comfortable using technology platforms, accessing course materials, and participating in virtual discussions.

10. Respectful Interaction: Engaging in respectful and supportive interactions with fellow participants fosters a positive learning environment and encourages meaningful discussions.

11. Commitment to Personal Growth: The course is designed to facilitate personal growth and well-being. Participants are expected to engage with the materials and practices with a genuine commitment to their own self-improvement.

By meeting these requirements, participants can fully immerse themselves in the course and its content, deriving maximum benefit from Dr. Elizabeth Slator's teachings on mindfulness and well-being.