Introduction
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE IS ONLINE ONLY)
Joy and love are intrinsically our authentic nature. However our life experiences, chronic stress and unresolved cumulative trauma can be a precursor to disconnection from our authentic nature and inherent strengths. In our pursuit of success and ‘happiness’, or the “good life” we have become bombarded from an early age with what seems like a societal mapping for success. This is often inclusive of responsibilities, tasks, and the pressure of doing and achieving more. Alongside this, environmental stressors such as digital overload, political instability, climate change and health pandemics can often feel overwhelming. Over time, our nervous systems become overloaded, taking a toll on our body, mind and spirit. Our physical and mental health may decline or our relationships and life satisfaction may deteriorate. At the end of the day (and life), will what we do and achieve matter if we are unhappy and suffering? What does the evidence tell us about creating a joyful, happy and meaningful life? This practice based, self-development course brings forth empirical findings and evidence based approaches for holistic wellbeing and a meaningful life. We explore diverse and integrated wellbeing constructs from the lenses of social work, positive psychology, and yoga and mindfulness. The evidence demonstrates how a balanced body, mind and spirit connects to overall life satisfaction. Students will explore and log about weekly practices and approaches designed to foster tools for holistic wellbeing. Students can learn new techniques and approaches to navigate the ebbs and flows of life’s daily stressors and challenges. This can prevent chronic stress and dis-ease and enhance resilience and wellbeing. This is more than an academic course, it is a journey of self discovery, self care and self empowerment.

This course is fully online and offers a unique transformative learning experience. Resources offered are from the lenses of integrative social work, positive psychology and yoga and mindfulness. Each week the students will watch recorded videos and audio. These will include instructor lectures of the topic, wellness practice videos of yoga, breath and other mindfulness practices. Also a variety of weekly resources and learning tools will be available for students to refer to. Weekly articles offer deeper insights into wellbeing topics and often summarize and give access to scientific evidence and research around the topic. While resources will include access to scientific papers, they will offer a more dynamic and interactive learning experiences for the students that may be more accessible and interesting. For example, engaging videos, particularly TED Talks, offering valuable highlights and tools of the wellbeing constructs or life experiences of speakers. Audio recordings will include podcasts, guided mindfulness practices and breathwork from experts. Websites will offer deeper examples and insights into topics as well as a depository of scientific evidence. Students have the option to dive deeper into these topics per their interest but will they not be required to access all resources under each topic. Some will be required and some will be optional. All resources are free and web based. Students will be required to have a yoga mat and yoga blocks to safely practice yoga.

As you know, this is a self-development course. If you are currently experiencing physical and mental health disharmony and life challenges, you are encouraged to also access student counseling. This Course can be a support for you but does not replace counseling. The Professor is happy to support you in your efforts for wellbeing and is open to discuss and work with you. Students are encouraged to utilize Professor office hours for further clarification into Course materials, lectures, assignments or for any important matters. They can contact TA also.