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Engage in Mindfulness at the University of Rochester

Mindfulness at UR

Academic Courses

Mindfulness Classes 

  • Arts, Sciences and Engineering 
    • 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. As mind/body approaches gain popularity for addressing psychological and physical health issues not easily treated by mainstream medicine (NIH, 2010), there is a shortage of training programs in this field. 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. 

The 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. You can practice in the space in silence or use a variety of phone apps with headphones (you can find a list of apps here). 

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. It is a designated National Recreational Trail, and connects to both the statewide Erie Canalway Trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park. 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. 

The Interfaith Chapel 

Mindfulness is embraced by a diverse range of religions, spiritualities, and cultures. The Interfaith Chapel 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: 

  • UR Buddhist Meditation Group: The Buddhist Meditation Group provides an opportunity for the U of R community to explore meditation and mindfulness practices informed by Buddhist principles. Kyle leads self-compassion, queer-centered, and trauma-informed practices as well as dialogs based on the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh. Whether you are completely new to mindfulness or an experienced Buddhist practitioner, you are welcome to sit in community with us. 

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  

We offer 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.

Our evidence-based programs, developed by physicians for health professionals, include brief contemplative practices you can use during the workday, narrative medicine exercises in which you explore common challenges in clinical care, and appreciative dialogues. Together these approaches 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 our programs are eligible for CME, tuition reimbursement, and malpractice reduction for URMC faculty, and we offer some discounts for URMC trainees and non-physician participants.

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