Watch Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation
- 2011
- 1 Season
Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation is a comprehensive, 24-episode course from The Great Courses that provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and techniques of mindfulness meditation. The course is designed to be accessible to beginners and experienced meditators alike, and is taught by Dr. Mark Muesse, professor of religious studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Muesse begins by laying a foundation for the practice of mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of developing a non-judgmental awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences. He stresses the significance of cultivating a sense of presence and attentiveness in the present moment, both in meditation and in one's everyday life.
Throughout the course, Dr. Muesse introduces a variety of meditation exercises and techniques, ranging from breathing and body-awareness practices to visualization and lovingkindness meditation. He also explores the benefits of mindfulness meditation for health and well-being, including reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing cognitive functioning, and promoting empathy and compassion.
Through the course, Dr. Muesse draws on insights from both Eastern and Western traditions of contemplative practice, emphasizing both the scientific and spiritual dimensions of mindfulness meditation. He also explores the ways in which mindfulness intersects with other fields, such as neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.
One of the strengths of Practicing Mindfulness is Dr. Muesse's skillful and compassionate teaching style. He is engaging and approachable, and his clear and thoughtful explanation of the principles and practices of mindfulness meditation make the course highly accessible to beginners.
The course is presented in a series of lectures, each of which is roughly half an hour long. The production values are high, with multiple camera angles, clear audio, and useful visuals and graphics. Particular exercises are accompanied by helpful visuals and animations to guide the viewer through the practice.
One notable feature of Practicing Mindfulness is that Dr. Muesse includes a number of "chapter summaries" throughout the course, which provide helpful recaps of key concepts and practices covered in earlier lectures.
Overall, Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the practices and benefits of mindfulness meditation. Dr. Muesse is a skilled and compassionate teacher, and his course is highly engaging and informative. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, this course is well worth checking out.
Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between November 18, 2011 and on The Great Courses