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Office of the Provost Mindful University Project
Resources

Engage in Mindfulness at the University of Rochester

Mindfulness at UR

Academic Courses

Mindfulness Classes 

  • School of Arts & Sciences 
    • WRTG 105A-01: Contemplating Mindfulness in Writing and Beyond
    • WRTG 105-22: Let’s Talk Emotions
    • RELC 106-1: From Confucius to Zen
    • PSYC 263-01: Relationship Processes & Emotions
  • Eastman School of Music
    • MHS 122-1 Music, Mind, and Body: 1750-1900
    • WLN 105-1 Alexander Technique

Mind-Body Wellness Cluster in the Program of Dance and Movement 

This cluster explores multiple perspectives of somatic approaches to movement repatterning, teaching how to change maladaptive movement patterns in order to develop new, more integrated movement. Valuable for the dancer and non-dancer. Classes include: Into the Present Moment, Embodied Resourcing Through Somatic Practices, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and more.  

Mind/Body Healing and Wellness Certificate at the Warner School of Education 

This 13-credit Advanced Certificate program offers students and professionals the opportunity to gain skills in mind/body healing and wellness. This program is designed for master’s and doctoral students in counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and nursing, as well as health professionals seeking to deepen their clinical practice, including social workers, behavioral health specialists, mental health counselors, psychologists, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and massage therapists. 

Contemplative Spaces

The Welles-Brown Room 

In 2021, we partnered with Rush Rhees Library to transform the Welles-Brown Room into a wellness-focused space, adding meditation cushions, yoga mats, plants, a labyrinth, and wellness-related books. 

Meditation and Prayer Rooms 

  • Douglass Meditation and Prayer Room: The Meditation & Prayer room is located on the 3rd floor of Douglass Commons, in a quiet hallway off the third floor lounge. There are meditation cushions and mats available for use inside the room.
  • Interfaith Chapel Meditation and Prayer Room: The Meditation & Prayer room is located on the 2nd floor of the Interfaith Chapel. There are meditation cushions and mats available for use inside the room.

Genesee River Trail 

Take a stroll on the Genesee Riverway Trail, which is a scenic multi-use trail which runs through Rochester from the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. You can take a nice walk on this trail and get a moment of peace and mindful movement in nature on campus! You can access the trail on Wilson Blvd. Across from Wallis Hall as well as next to the bridge from Fraternity Road.  

Programs and Events

Yoga Classes at the Goergen Athletic Center 

We partner with the Goergen Athletic Center to offer daily yoga classes each day of the week. In addition, the Department of Athletics and Recreation sponsors group fitness classes every semester through the Intramural Sports Program. You can find their list of offerings on their shared schedule. Classes are held in the Liebner-Cooper Room and yoga mats, blocks, and other props are provided for use. 

Religious & Spiritual Life

Mindfulness is embraced by a diverse range of religions, spiritualities, and cultures. Religious & Spiritual Life at URochester provides various opportunities, including religious services, faith communities, events, and a labyrinth, to support individuals in engaging with mindfulness practices. Below are some offerings focused on mindfulness and meditation:

  • Buddhist Meditation Group: Join the Buddhist Meditation Group via Zoom for weekly sessions. Each session includes a brief introduction to a mindfulness practice (e.g., loving kindness, body scanning, thought labeling, walking meditation, etc.), the practice itself, and some time to discuss together afterward. Contact Kyle Trenshaw for more information or to be added to the email list. No prior meditation experience is necessary. We look forward to sitting in community with you!

Hatha Yoga Club  

The Hatha Yoga Club, open to undergraduate students, serves to promote health and well being throughout the university community through the practice of Hatha yoga. Join our group, increase your practice, and make an impact in our campus community. Classes are held at the Goergen Athletic Center. 

Therapy Groups at The University Counseling Center 

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The DBT group is open to co-ed graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in changing patterns of behavior that are no longer helpful. This group will teach and promote skills to effectively manage stress, anxiety, and other distressing emotions through an approach based in mindfulness. This mindfulness approach aims to balance self-acceptance with change. DBT is a compassionate type of behavioral therapy that is intended to help people move toward having a life that feels even more meaningful and worth living. 
  • Mindfulness Group: Are you looking to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being? The Mindfulness Group at the University Counseling Center is designed to support students in developing practical mindfulness skills and finding balance amidst the demands of university life. In this group, you’ll learn and practice various mindfulness techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or have some experience, this group offers a supportive space to explore these practices, share experiences, and connect with others. 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through Well-U 

Well-U offers a variety of group and individual programs, from personalized wellness coaching to educational events throughout the year. Specifically, they offer the evidence-based 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Explore the studied practice of living mindfully and find out how meditation can help provide more balance, stability and satisfaction in this group-based program. Program may include a day-long silent retreat.  

Flourishing in Medicine  

Mindful Practice in Medicine offers in-person and online Flourishing in Medicine programs for health professionals designed to energize your clinical work, help you understand and combat burnout, and find joy and resilience through honing your self-awareness and deep listening skills, which are keys to flourishing at work and navigating stressful and demanding daily situations.

Their evidence-based programs, developed by physicians for health professionals,  help you use your unique strengths and resources to enhance your self-awareness, wellness, and resilience, improve your relationships with patients and colleagues, and advance the quality of the medical care you provide.

Programs vary from 1 hour to 3-day retreat-like workshops. Many of the programs are eligible for CME, tuition reimbursement, and malpractice reduction for URMC faculty, and we offer some discounts for URochester Medicine trainees and non-physician participants.

Please check their website for upcoming workshops, and be in touch with them  via email if you would like to set up program for your clinical team, trainees, department or organization.