Mindfulness for Young Adults Tools to Thrive in School and Life

Mindfulness for Young Adults: Tools to Thrive in School and Life is an interactive experience designed to enhance mindful awareness and to aid in teaching and learning the principles and practice of mindfulness. Blending theory, research, and practice to offer a comprehensive program for young adults to build well-being tools, each of the book’s five modules includes engaging information, strategies, meditations, and activities designed to deepen understanding and application of mindfulness. It includes practical techniques to cope with emotions, work with thoughts, navigate stress, build resilience, make aligned choices, and be more present in life and relationships. In addition to the reflection and meditation activities found at the end of each module, the text also features a "resources" section complete with a mock exam, tips for course design, and resources for further study. Designed for both students and instructors, this workbook can be used independently or in the classroom as either a textbook to an introductory mindfulness course or as a supplement for teaching well-being practices in any discipline.

About the Author Acknowledgments Introduction Module 1: Principles of Mindfulness 1.0 Introduction to Mindfulness 1.1 What is and isn’t Mindfulness? 1.2 Why Mindfulness? The Science and Benefits 1.3 How To: Foundations and Obstacles in Practice 1.4 School and Community Lens: Mindful Learning Meditation: Anchoring through the Breath Module 2: Body 2.0 Connection and Relationship to the Body 2.1 Body Scan and Conscious Breathing Techniques 2.2 Standing, Walking, and Mindful Movement Practices 2.3 Principles of Mindful Eating 2.4 School and Community Lens: Healthy Living Meditation: Body Scan Module 3: Heart 3.0 Noticing and Processing Emotions 3.1 Causes and Conditions of Peace, Kindness, and Joy 3.2 Working with Difficult Emotions 3.3 Mental Health and Mindfulness 3.4 School and Community Lens: Trauma-Sensitive Instruction Meditation: RAIN Technique for Working with Emotions Module 4: Mind 4.0 Working with Thoughts 4.1 Uncertainty and Anxiety 4.2 Resilience 4.3 Identity and Social Consciousness 4.4 School and Community Lens: Stress Resilience Meditation: Mountain Visualization Module 5: Mindfulness in Daily Life 5.0 Informal Practice in Daily Life 5.1 Relational Mindfulness and Connection 5.2 Decision Making 5.3 Change, Impermanence, and Grief 5.4 School and Community Lens: Success and Careers Meditation: Decision Making Conclusion Resources A. Mindfulness Exam B. Guiding Questions for Complementary Reading C. Student Panel: Mindfulness in the Classroom D. Course Design and Pedagogy E. Resources for Further Study Index

Linda Yaron Weston teaches at the University of Southern California. Blending her expertise in mindfulness and education, she developed their introductory mindfulness course. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with a dual M.Ed.