Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection
What You'll Learn
- Cultivate a holistic perspective on mindfulness
- Learn ways to sustain mindfulness practices
- Learn how creativity can contribute to a more fulfilling life
- Create a vision to lead a life with dignity
4 Modules
12 Hours
3 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection
While our world is becoming increasingly interconnected, people report increasing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. With “Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection,” you’ll explore innovative mindfulness techniques that foster a more profound understanding of dignity within yourself and others. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the holistic mindfulness perspective, which focuses on strengthening your relationships with the self, others, and nature. It covers mindfulness from three perspectives: Buddhist psychology, critical theory, and contemplative studies. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to not only learn major aspects of the Banyan Tree mindset framework but also provides an inclusive perspective that builds a greater sense of understanding for others with diverse experiences.
The course explores current research on mindfulness and offers various contemplative activities such as meditation, art, poetry, photovoice, and journaling to practice mindfulness. By developing a vision for leading a dignified life, you’ll strengthen your grasp on how to integrate mindfulness practices into your daily life and better understand the world around you.
Skills You'll Gain
- Ingenuity
- Leadership Development
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection, a course that introduces an interdisciplinary approach to mindfulness grounded in dignity. Learners explore Buddhist psychology, critical theory, and contemplative studies while cultivating a mindful mindset through reflective and creative practices that support compassion, identity awareness, and meaningful human connection.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: The Foundations of Mindful Mindset: Compassion & Sympathetic Joy
- Video: Welcome to the Course
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Discussion Prompt: Meet Your Fellow Learners
- Reading: Help Us Learn About You
- Video: What is a Mindful Mindset?
- Video: How to Cultivate Compassion and Sympathetic Joy?
- Graded Assignment: Knowledge Check: Foundations of a Mindful Mindset
- Video: How to Sustain Practices for Compassion and Sympathetic Joy
- Discussion Prompt: Easier Said than Done? Sustain Practices for Compassion and Sympathetic Joy
- Video: Overcoming Challenges for Sustaining Practices
- Video: Time to Practice: Presencing Meditation
- Discussion Prompt: Module One Personal Growth Reflection
- Reading: Introduction to Module 1 Assignment
- Reading: Part 2.A: Develop Your Personal Vision for Compassion and Sympathetic Joy
- Reading: Introduction to the Gamut Gallery
- Video: What a personal vision for compassion and sympathetic joy should look like?
- Reading: Module 1 Optional Readings & Resources
- Graded: Part 1: Foundations of Mindful Mindset Quiz
- Graded: Part 2.B: Submit Your Personal Vision for Compassion and Sympathetic Joy
- Graded: Part 3: Assignment Submission Check
Module 2: Understanding & Working on Self: A Complex Process
- Video: The Complex Nature of Human Identity
- Video: Power, Privileged, and Marginalized Identities
- Graded Assignment: Knowledge Check: Situated Intersectional Awareness
- Video: Cultivating an Awareness of Our Imperfections & Prejudices
- Video: Skills to Deal with Difficult Emotions
- Reading: Deepening Connection with Other People
- Video: A Creative Approach to Our Identities
- Video: Time to Practice: Contemplative Identity Wisdom
- Discussion Prompt: Module Two Personal Growth Reflection
- Reading: Introduction to Module 2 Assignment
- Reading: Part 2.A: Develop Your Representation of Identity Wisdom
- Video: Reflecting on Identity Wisdom
- Reading: Module 2 Optional Readings & Resources
- Graded: Part 1: Negative Capability & Situated Intersectional Awareness Quiz
- Graded: Part 2.B: Submit Your Representation of Identity Wisdom
- Graded: Part 3: Assignment Check: Representation of Identity Wisdom
Module 3: Connecting to Others at the Interpersonal Level
- Video: What is Cultural Humility and Why it Matters?
- Video: Cultural Humility & Deep Listening
- Graded Assignment: Knowledge Check: Cultural Humility
- Video: Appreciating Miracles & Surprises Around Us
- Video: The Different Kinds of Generosities
- Discussion Prompt: Generosities Received and Witnessed
- Video: Contemplative Practice on Wonder
- Discussion Prompt: Module Three Personal Growth Reflection
- Reading: Introduction to Module 3 Assignment
- Reading: Part 2.A: Write Poem(s)
- Video: Poetry Writing and Artist’s Mind
- Reading: Module 3 Optional Readings & Resources
- Graded: Part 1: Cultural Humility, Wonder, and Generosity Quiz
- Graded: Part 2.B: Submit Your Poems
- Graded: Part 3: Assignment Check: Cultivating Wonder Through Poetry
Module 4: Using Mindfulness to Live with Dignity
- Video: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Dignity
- Video: Three Kinds of Dignity (Part 1)
- Video: Three Kinds of Dignity (Part 2)
- Graded Assignment: Knowledge Check: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Dignity
- Video: Developing a Vision for Three Kinds of Dignity
- Video: Implementing a Dignity Vision in Communities
- Discussion Prompt: Cultivating a Dignity Culture in Our Communities
- Video: Time to Practice: Embracing the Banyan Tree Mindset
- Discussion Prompt: Module Four Personal Growth Reflection
- Reading: Introduction to Module 4 Assignment
- Reading: Part 2.A: Develop Your Vision for Leading a Connected Life With Dignity
- Video: Course Conclusion: Leading a Connected Life With Dignity
- Reading: Module 4 Optional Readings & Resources
- Reading: Course Post Survey
- Graded: Part 1: Mindfulness to Live with Dignity Quiz
- Graded: Part 2.B: Submit Your Vision for Leading a Connected Life With Dignity
- Graded: Part 3: Assignment Check: Your Vision for Leading a Connected Life With Dignity
Grading Policy
Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass. Assessments within each of the four modules account for 25% of your final grade.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
High School diploma or higher with a curious mind open to caring for self and others.
Course Video
What Learners Are Saying
It is about approaching mindfulness not as a solitary practice but as a way of being that permeates all aspects of our day-to-day existence.
Ram Mahalingam, Ph.D. Barger Leadership Institute Professor, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
