Students with learning or mental health challenges will soon have access to a new weekly program designed to help them better manage stress and become more mindful in balancing daily challenges.

The Mindful Living Program, which will be offered by Carlin Millier, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, will include such mindfulness practices as concentration on the breath, gentle stretching exercises, and walking meditation.  Dr. Miller stresses that the sessions are not based in religious practice.

She says the six-week program will help participants’ understanding of self-perceptions; responding vs. reacting; pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral affect; forgiveness; working with conflict, anger, and fear; as well as self-compassion. Sessions will include group discussion, instruction, and practice of mindfulness techniques.

The sessions, which begin October 19, will be 90 minutes in length and participants will be asked to commit to and keep logs of at least 20 to 25 minutes of meditation practice daily.

Students with identified disabilities may be able to access their Bursary for Students with Disabilities funds to cover the $150 cost of the program, which will take place in the Multi-Faith Space at the CAW Centre. An optional research program associated with the program can also compensate participants for their time.

For more information, or to register, contact Dr. Miller at cjmiller@uwindsor.ca, or ext. 2226.