BUS 170A — Mindful Environment of Business

Introduction to Mindfulness practice and the benefits of Mindfulness for individuals and organizations in business contexts.

COR 370 — Interdisciplinary Zen Capstone Seminar

How is Zen related to art and science, such seemingly disparate areas of the liberal arts? You will be able to answer that question by the time you complete this core interdisciplinary seminar. We will study the ritual and philosophy of Zen and explore the connections scholars have noted between Zen and physics and Zen and Japanese arts (i.e. painting, haiku, calligraphy, and martial arts). To ground our academic study we will practice sitting meditation for five to ten minutes each class time. Faculty: Barbara Gordon.

DAN 210 — Yoga

This course introduces the student to the ancient practice of yoga toward mind, body and spirit integration. Specific practices include visualization, sound (mantra), gestures (mudra), breath and meditation, which will aid with such problems as stress, anxiety, weakness and stiffness.

DAN 315 — Advanced Yoga Philosophy, Theory, and Practice

This course interweaves the intellectual, spiritual and experiential aspects of yoga. Students will study the philosophies of Ancient India that led to the development of the practice of yoga; the physiological and esoteric yogic theories; the physical embodiment of the postures, breathing techniques and meditative tools.

GBL 208-US — Mindful America, Mindful Elon

This course is designed to help students explore the history and development of mindfulness in America and consider the influence of mindfulness practices on trends in higher education. Travel is centered in Boston, Massachusetts—an important location for mindfulness research and training. Students will also participate in a mindfulness retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Western Massachusetts. Guided by their own experiences and research, students will return to Elon to consider how persuasion and advocacy efforts could be used to create a more “mindful” campus. Final projects will include creative communications campaigns designed to inform and influence the Elon community. Faculty: Julie Lellis.

HNR 240 — The Reincarnation of Yoga in America

Now a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S., the spiritual and physical practice of yoga was recognized and celebrated in India more than 5,000 years ago. Americans can find yoga everywhere—from pristine yoga studios to public schools, corporate offices, fitness centers, hospitals and even rehabilitation centers. Celebrities, medical doctors, and psychologists praise the practice. Businesses that offer an array of commercial products to enhance the yoga experience are booming. When, how, and why did the U.S. commercialize an ancient tradition so much so that the word “yoga” has meaning to the more than 20 million people who practice it? And what is the role of media in shaping the perception of yoga? Faculty: Julie Lellis.

PHL 110 — What Can We Know?

This course introduces students to the amazing diversity of knowledge, and ways to think philosophically about different forms of knowledge. Martin Fowler’s section includes Contemplative Pedagogy. Faculty: Martin Fowler.

PHL 352 — Zen in Theory and Practice

This course explores the nature of the self and the soul, and the process of liberation, through study and practice in the Zen tradition. Classes will be a combination of reading, discussion, and meditation practice. Class sessions begin and end with periods of quiet sitting and walking. There is also four days in an intensive silent off-campus retreat. Instructors: Sandy Gentei Stewart from the North Carolina Zen Center and Anthony Weston.

WHE 115 — Stress and Well-Being

This course examines different stressors, the stress response, and a holistic approach to managing stress as a more effective approach to optimal lifelong health and well-being.  Course includes introduction to Mindfulness. This course meets half semester. Faculty: Erica Thomas.