Engaged Buddhism and its Impact on the Nervous System Course

Engaged Buddhism and its Impact on the Nervous System Course

Table of Contents

Module 1: Introduction to Engaged Buddhism and its Impact on 

the Nervous System

Lesson 1: Understanding Engaged Buddhism

Exploring the Origins and Development of Engaged Buddhism as a Practice that Emphasizes Mindfulness, Compassion, and Ethical Living

Learning about Key Teachings and Practices of Engaged Buddhism, such as Meditation, Mindfulness, Loving-kindness, and Non-attachment

Reflecting on How Engaged Buddhism Differs from Traditional Buddhism in its Focus on Applying Buddhist Principles in Everyday Life and Social Interactions

Lesson 2: The Nervous System and Stress Response

 Gaining an Understanding of the Structure and Function of the Nervous System, including the Autonomic Nervous System and Its Role in Regulating Stress Responses

Exploring the Physiological Effects of Chronic Stress on the Body and Brain, including Increased Cortisol Levels, Inflammation, and Dysregulation of the Limbic System

Discussing the Impact of Stress on Mental Health, Emotional Well-being, and Overall Quality of Life

Lesson 3: Engaged Buddhism and Nervous System Regulation

Examining Research Findings on the Effects of Engaged Buddhism Practices, such as Mindfulness Meditation and Loving-kindness, on the Nervous System

Exploring How Mindfulness Practices Influence the Brain's Neuroplasticity, Promoting Structural Changes in Areas Associated with Emotional Regulation and Stress Resilience

Discussing the Potential Benefits of Engaged Buddhism for Enhancing Vagal Tone, Reducing Sympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Promoting Parasympathetic Activation for Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Assignment

Module 2: Mindfulness Practices and Neural Plasticity

Lesson 1: The Science of Mindfulness

Learning About the Research on Mindfulness Meditation and Its Effects on Brain Structure, Function, and Connectivity

Exploring the Concept of Neuroplasticity and How Mindfulness Practices can Promote Adaptive Changes in the Brain Over Time

Discussing the Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Attention, Emotional Regulation, and Self-awareness through Neural Mechanisms

Lesson 2: Neural Pathways of Stress Regulation

Examining the Neural Pathways Involved in Stress Response, including the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, Amygdala, and Prefrontal Cortex

Discussing How Mindfulness Practices can Modulate these Neural Pathways, Leading to Reduced Reactivity to Stressors and Improved Emotion Regulation

Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness on Neural Correlates of Empathy, Compassion, and Self-compassion in Promoting Social Connection and Well-being

Lesson 3: Mindfulness in Action

Engaging in Guided Mindfulness Practices, such as Body Scan, Breath Awareness, and Loving-kindness Meditation, to Experience the Effects of Present-moment Awareness on the Nervous System

Exploring Strategies for Integrating Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life to Enhance Self-care, Resilience, and Emotional Balance

Assignment

Module 3: Compassion Practices and Social Connection

Lesson 1: The Neuroscience of Compassion

Examining the Neurobiological Basis of Compassion and Altruism, including the Role of Oxytocin, Mirror Neurons, and Reward Circuits in Promoting Prosocial Behavior

Exploring the Impact of Compassion Practices, such as Loving-kindness Meditation and Compassionate Presence, on Neural Correlates of Empathy and Social Connection

Discussing how Cultivating Self-compassion can Support Emotional Regulation, Resilience, and Well-being through Neural Mechanisms

Lesson 2: Compassionate Presence and Emotional Resonance

Practicing Compassion-focused Meditations, such as Metta (loving-kindness) and Tonglen (taking and sending), to Cultivate Feelings of Warmth, Care, and Connection Towards Oneself and Others

Reflecting on the Power of Compassionate Presence in Fostering Emotional Resonance, Attunement, and Empathy in Interpersonal Relationships

Lesson 3: Integrating Enacted Buddhism Practices

Developing a personalized plan for integrating enacted Buddhism practices, such as mindfulness and compassion, into your daily routine for enhanced nervous system regulation and emotional Well-being

Reflecting on the Transformations You Have Experienced in your Neural Responses, Emotional Regulation, and Social Connections through the Practice of Engaged Buddhism

Exploring ways to Share Your knowledge and Experiences with Others to Promote Collective Well-being, Empathy, and Empowerment Through the Principles of Ubuntu and Engaged Buddhism

Assignment

61 pages.