Inner Strengths for Mindful Presence: Leading with Courage, Clarity, & Compassion

EDU H606 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

In an era marked by complexity, polarization, and burnout, this course offers a rigorous and deeply reflective learning experience designed to cultivate a warm-hearted, wise presence—one capable of meeting today's challenges with courage, clarity, and compassion. Through a wide-ranging set of readings, presentations, student-led discussions, guest speakers, and experiential practices, we develop lifelong tools for emotional regulation, conscious communication, and skillful action. We work intentionally with unhelpful habits, cultivating the capacity to intentionally and purposefully respond—not react—in the face of stress, conflict, and uncertainty. Assignments guide you in crafting real-life experiments to improve and repair personal and professional relationships, explore the impacts of systemic power dynamics, and practice taking mindful action aligned with your values and priorities. Grounded in adult developmental theory, Buddhist psychology, and the cognitive and affective sciences, we explore mindfulness, meditation, and embodiment exercises; practice deep listening and skillful communicating; engage in trust building activities; and co-create a brave and supportive learning community in which we can build our inner strengths, take meaningful risks, and grow into the leaders, educators, and transformational change agents we aspire to be. 
Note: This course fulfills the HDE master’s program requirement for a 4-credit course in Human Development, and the Equity & Opportunity (E&O) Foundation requirement for HGSE students selecting E&O.