Google has a mindfulness class for it’s employees. Here’s how it works.

I recently discussed some different ways to take mindfulness classes.  Coincidentally, I just discovered another mindfulness class that Google offers to employees.  Mental note: if you’re looking for a job consider applying to Google.  Honestly, I could go on and on about how great that place seems.  However that would be for a different blog.

As I was saying, while it’s great that this class is offered to employees, what if you’re like the rest of us who don’t work at Google?  What is this class like and how can we give it a try?

I’m going to tell you more about how this class came to be, and where you can find more information on it.  I’m also going to give you some suggestions on how to replicate the class using the same basic techniques.

The class is called, “Search inside yourself,” and it’s the most popular mindfulness class at Google according to Business Insider.  The class was created by Chade Meng-Tan.  He works at Google, and he says he want to help his colleagues, “find the key to happiness” through mindfulness.

The course is divided into sections: attention training, self-knowledge, and creating mental habits.  Attention training involves being aware of what’s going on around you and being able to choose and have control over what you focus on.  Self-knowledge is about understanding how you’re feeling, without judgement and letting things be as they are.  Creating mental habits can be anything from self compassion to emotional awareness, or even something like being slow to anger in stressful situations.  Mindfulness, and specifically this course, can help with all of these things.

Another great thing to note is that as an employee at Google you can take this class in two days or you can spread it out over the course of a few weeks.  Again, all the more reason to work at Google.

What I really like about this course is that Meng stated that he made the course specifically for the people who would think that it’s, “hippie bullsh*t.”  Again, his words not mine folks, but it really hit home for me because eventually I hope that through this blog I will reach the same type of people.  I hope to reach the people who are skeptical of mindfulness or don’t think it’s for them.  So I’d say if you like what I’ve been writing about these past few weeks it would probably be in your best interest to find a course like this.

Now for those of us who are not lucky enough to work at Google, how do we learn more about this course?  Well fortunately for us, Meng published a book based on this course.  The book is titled “Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace).”  This is about as close as we can get to actually taking the course.

I decided, to provide you with another option, that I would outline a couple different techniques that fall under the structure of Meng’s course.  The easiest way to replicate attention training would be through a breathing meditation.  This would allow you to train your focus by getting yourself to focus more on your breath rather than the other distractions going on around you.  A great way to mimic the self-knowledge portion of the course would be to do a body scan meditation.  With these meditations, you are to focus on each part of your body for a few minutes at a time.  During this time you can notice how your body is feeling while trying not to judge whatever is going on.  In other words, just let things be as they are.  This is a concept very similar to attention training.  Finally, there are a variety of meditations that can be used for mental habits.  A great compassion meditation is very common.  Personally right now I’m working on a meditation series titled dealing with the inner critic, which would also be an example of this.  These types of meditations reinforce positive behaviors that you hope to have in your life.  This means that eventually as you go about your day you might start to notice yourself having a changed mindset.  This is exactly what Meng’s course is designed to do.

Well I hope I’ve inspired you to apply to Google (Just kidding, kind of).  Really I hope I’ve inspired you to look into Meng’s work and try out some of these mindfulness techniques.

Are you one of the lucky souls that work at Google? Have you tried this class or any of these types of meditations?  Let me know in the comments!

Remember: Everyone starts out as a beginner, if they can do it then so can you.

 

Mindful Musings

A mental health journey through mindfulness

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How and where to take mindfulness classes

Learning mindfulness on your own is great.  It can be a very rewarding skill to learn.  However, for some people learning independently can be difficult.  You might ask yourself, “What’s another option?”

Well classes are certainly a great options for those who aren’t such independent learners.  But you still might have some questions.  How do I find a class near me?  What if I can’t find a class? What should I expect from these classes?

I’m going to do my best to lay out what options you have when it comes to taking classes and explain the benefits of each option.

Well, first off I have good news!  I’ve found the most convenient way to take a mindfulness class:  Online mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) classes!

The course is officially called: the Palouse Mindfulness Online MBSR Course.  These classes are structured by a certified instructor, and the classes are modeled off the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn, aka: the father of MBSR.  The best part?  They’re COMPLETELY FREE!  Yes, I promise that’s not a typo.  If you’re a student like me, or maybe you’re just tight on cash, you know that can be a huge deal when it comes to a class like this.

The entire class is laid out for you on the website.  First it gives a thorough introduction to mindfulness, with some videos to watch just to help you get your feet wet.  There is also a manual that you can print out which will have all the reference materials as well as the practice logs.  These practice logs are required for certification, so I’d suggest you fill them out.  These practice logs can really be a motivator for people who have a hard time sticking to practicing mindfulness daily.

Once you get through the introduction, the course is divided into eight weeks.  Each week features a new meditation to practice.  This structure reminds me a lot of the Koru mindfulness class I took in college, so the structure seems pretty standard.  The class features a variety of meditations.  Some of the weeks even feature yoga exercises.  It seems like they something in it for everyone.

At the end of the class you can request a certificate of completion.  All you have to do is send in your contact information, a description of what you learned in the class, and copies of all your practice logs from the course.  See I told you they’re important.

Now this is all fine and good, but what if you’re the type of person like me who only takes online classes when they feel that it’s absolutely necessary?  In other words you really don’t like online classes that much and want to know if there’s another option.

Fortunately for you there is.  There are plenty of in-person classes to take all across the country!  If you’re a college student like me I would highly suggest looking into any classes offered at our university.  I know that Koru is a common one and that’s the first class I ever took.  These classes usually work around most schedules and are only once a week, so it’s not a huge class time commitment.  I would recommend going to your college’s website and looking under their health center or counseling center’s page and see if there are any class offerings.  If there aren’t any then try to write to your university requesting one.  You never know they might just consider you request.

Another option if you’re not a college student or your school doesn’t offer any classes, is to go look for local classes offered in the community.  The best way to do this is to put in a google search of “MBSR courses near me.”  I’ve also found it’s helpful to go to the University of Massachusetts Center for mindfulness, so that you can see if there is a certified instructor near you.  If there is it will usually direct you to their homepage where you can get more details on the class.  For example, I found a course in Pittsburgh offered at UPMC.

There are plenty of different options available if you are considering taking a mindfulness class.  Each one has it’s unique qualities to fit your lifestyle.  Be sure to consider all your options and pick the best one for you.

Have you ever taken a mindfulness class? Would you ever consider trying one of the options listed above? Let me know in the comments!

Remember: Everyone starts out as a beginner, if they can do it then so can you!

 

Mindful Musings

A mental health journey through mindfulness

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT