Mindfulness

Learning to meditate is one way to become more mindful, In these classes you will have the opportunity to practice several different types of meditation, each with a different purpose. 

For example, many of us eat while watching television. Not typically a big deal, until we realize our attention is on the television and not what, or how much, we're eating! Being more mindful can help you slow down and enjoy more of your food. An eating meditation is just one type of meditation you'll have the opportunity to practice in the Intro to Mindfulness course.

Another example: You know that feeling when you're standing in line at the store and the line seems to be moving too slow? We have a stealth meditation to help with that too. It might not make the line move faster, but it will help lower the stress you feel about it.

Everybody can meditate. You just need to find the meditation types that work for you. This course can help.

Each course is one class a week for 4 weeks; each class is 75 minutes. 

No. There is no additional cost.

Registration is required as space is limited. 

When registering, keep in mind that you need to attend all four classes as the skills build on each other. 

This workshop a non-credit course, but you will receive a certificate of completion after completing all four classes. 

All you need to do is register and show up! 

In the first class, you'll be given digital access to the book for the suggested readings, as well as an app that has every meditation we use, meditation tiers, and a log to keep track of your progress. Again, no additional cost to you. 

The NOW CATS team

The NOW CATS team guides the Intro to Mindfulness courses and contributes to the other mindfulness resources listed on the Mindfulness page. 

The team consists of Staff from the Counseling Center and University Health Services, as well as several Faculty members. 

Each team member is certified, or actively working toward certification, by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA). 

Each NOW CAT team member is committed to offering skills that can enhance your academic success and overall wellness.

Click the button above and you'll be taken to the the registration form.

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

Research shows that students who engage in mindfulness have higher GPAs and are better equipped to handle academic stress. Previous participants report lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep. Practicing mindfulness may also enhance career readiness and improve overall personal well-being. If you still need a reason to sign up…There is no additional cost to take these courses!

During the 4 mindfulness classes, certified instructors will invite you to explore your own unique present moment experiences through a series of guided meditations involving breathwork, body scans, walking, and eating. You will also receive lifetime access to a practice app and supportive feedback from your instructors between classes. 

The meditations have undergone rigorous study and were carefully selected to maximize their evidence-based benefits.

On occasion, certain exercises might move a person out of their comfort zone. Students may not know in advance that a certain exercise might be overwhelming until they are practicing it.

What can I do to support myself?

Participation is voluntary.  It is okay to opt out of an exercise or skill practice. You may also choose to stop participating in the midst of a technique. Opening your eyes and grounding yourself with another physical sensation or motion may help. You are encouraged to engage with self-compassion and offer yourself patience and flexibility as you learn something new.