COURSE

Embracing The Moment

With Paul Deger (licensed in CA, CO & MA)

What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness. Day 1: Welcome, explore our first understanding of mindfulness, and set an intention Day 2: An exercise in mindlessness Day 3: Mindfulness Defined Day 4: Mindfulness and Stress Day 5: Awareness of Breath meditation Day 6: Your mindfulness journey has begun

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Meet your Teacher

Paul Deger (licensed in CA, CO & MA)

Menlo Park, CA, USA

Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, has 38 years of experience in healthcare, initially as a physical therapist specializing in neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, head injury, and facial paralysis). Paul then shifted his focus from physical to mental health and completed his graduate studies at Naropa University in Boulder, earning a Master's in Mindfulness-Based Counseling Psychology. On retreat, he has also trained in mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and studied Buddhism and meditation in a sangha with Lloyd Burton, a founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Recognizing the impact of spirituality on health, Paul studied pastoral care at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He has found his mindfulness practice of over 30 years foundational in finding the "calm beneath the storm," and experiencing joy in the "rainbows that follow." He has worked with clients in hospital-based, private practice, and home-based family-centered care. Paul has taught mindfulness meditation, stress management, and health behavior change nationally to doctors, allied healthcare professionals, businesses, and government agencies, and is an invited speaker at professional conferences. Paul also has a long history as a corporate trainer, specializing in coaching nurses and health educators to deliver disease management and health behavior change services. Paul has designed mental well-being apps and multimedia psychoeducational products. When not working, Paul enjoys vintage car shows with his son, who is on the autism spectrum, and rock climbing in the awe-inspiring Colorado Rockies. *Licensed Professional Counselor (CO), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MA), Physical Therapist (CO)

7 Days

1 students

No ratings

9 min / day

Presence

English

Lesson 1

Welcome and Intention Setting

In part one, we meet the facilitator, Paul Deger, and discover how we already experience mindfulness in our lives, learn a new metaphor for adding mindfulness into our day. and reflect on our intention for participating in this mindfulness course.

Lesson 2

An Exercise in Mindlessness

Before we define mindfulness, we explore the opposite - mindlessness - a state we commonly find ourselves experiencing throughout the day. We learn the impact of this state and compare to the opportunity of practicing mindfulness more often.

Lesson 3

Mindfulness Defined

Now that we understand mindlessness, we dive into defining mindfulness. First, what it is not, and then what it is. We explore a definition from Jon Kabat-Zinn, as well as taking a closer look at the qualities of mindfulness for a fuller understanding, including differentiating from relaxation exercises, exploring the underlying intention and paradox of practicing mindfulness in our lives. We also gain clarity on what meditation is in the context of mindfulness.

Lesson 4

Stress and Mindfulness

A common driver for taking up mindfulness practice is to manage stress better in our lives. In this section, we explore the underlying mechanisms of stress and how mindfulness offers us a new way to manage.

Lesson 5

Awareness of Breath meditation

Time to practice! Please listen to the guidelines for practicing a guided awareness of breath meditation. Navigate over to Paul's Track page on Insight Timer and use either the 5-minute or 10-minute meditation, and then return to lesson 6. Enjoy!

Lesson 6

Post-Exercise Reflection

Welcome back! After practicing the Awareness of Breath meditation, reflect on your experience, including all three layers of sensations, thoughts, and emotions. You can also identify your starting place with the mindfulness qualities.

Lesson 7

Next Steps Walking the Path of Living Mindfully!

Now with an understanding and direct experience of mindfulness, you are invited to begin a personal mindfulness practice. This part lays out a beginning plan, including formal meditation and informal mindfulness practices you can do anytime, anywhere.