• Mindfulness practices throughout each segment of the course
• Information about mindfulness and an overview of the L2B program
• Research background and description of each theme
• Self-checks and reflections

This course offers a broad overview of the theory and research behind Learning to BREATHE (L2B), a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents, but one which is now also being used with adults. Since those who teach mindfulness must experience mindfulness themselves, this online introduction includes periods of mindfulness practice for participants throughout all its segments.

L2B is composed of six themes that fit together to introduce participants to mindfulness, its relevance and its application to their lives. To ensure program fidelity, teachers should have a deep understanding of the rationale for each theme in the curriculum so that they present the sequence as intended. L2B builds upon research in human development, neuroscience, education, contemplative and clinical science and scaffolds students’ emerging understanding of mind, emotions and behavior as the themes progress. Students are not expected to know the research underlying the program which is presented in this foundation course, but teachers may find it useful to understand some of this background in order to better understand the purpose of the lessons. A deep knowledge of the program rationale will help teachers make transitions between activities and practices more effective.

Therefore, we’ll start with a brief introduction to mindfulness and some general nuts and bolts of the curriculum. Then, we’ll move on to consider some of the conceptual and research foundations underlying the themes of this program.

So now, settle back and let’s begin.