Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection

This summer we are thrilled to announce the release of Dr. Ram Mahalingam’s Michigan Online course available to the University of Michigan community! 

In the Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection course, enrollees learn to lead a mindful life by cultivating a sense of dignity and creative engagement. Engage in art, meditation, and writing activities to foster a more profound understanding of dignity within oneself and others while refining emotional regulation skills. 

Who this course is for:

Anyone interested in exploring mindfulness techniques can benefit from the course. Those in highly interpersonal roles, like social work, human resources, or education, can benefit from finding new ways to integrate mindfulness into their relationship-building. 

Learn:

» Cultivate a holistic perspective on mindfulness

» Learn ways to sustain mindfulness practices and overcome our biases

» Learn how creativity can contribute to a more fulfilling life

» Create a vision to lead a life with dignity

Course Description:

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.