OVERVIEW

Meditation Course is organized by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP), Inc..

Course Information:
This online Continuing education course continues where SM 550: Relaxation Strategies left off. Participants study theories and practices of many different meditation techniques. Learning which occurred in the first course (MED 300) become more applicable as participants explore the world of meditation. Participants will study meditation from various traditions, including practices used in religious settings. Such practices include "Zen" theory and meditation, Buddhist meditation practices, and Christian meditations. Continued explorations occur in relation to common meditation practices of today's western world. New breath work techniques are studied, as well as new ideas related to concentration and mindfulness meditation. Taoist meditation is also studied. Hatha Yoga is also presented, as are mantras, included sacred Hebrew mantras used in meditation practices. Other topics that are presented include, Chi, progressive relaxation techniques, dreaming, deep meditation, mantras and vibrations, centering prayer and more. Participants come away with this course with the knowledge and skills to work with clients using meditation modalities and techniques. Course Code: MED 325. Education contact hours = 30.

This course is particularly designed for those who would like to apply for Certification as a Certified Stress Management Consultant by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc,

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Understand and discuss the theory and practice of Zen and meditation modalities.
• Define distractions which hinder heightened awareness.
• Discuss common mistakes made when learning meditation.
• Define the effects of meditation on emotions.
• Discuss factors which impact the learning of mediation practices.
• Define and discuss "attention" as it applies to meditation practices.
• Understand and teach ways to focus attention in meditation practices.
• List and describe the mind benefits of meditation.
• Review and discuss Buddhist teachings related to dealing with negative emotions.
• Define and discuss potential side effects of meditation.
• Understand effective strategies for dealing with distractions during meditation.
• Define recommended time-frames for practicing meditation.
• Discuss how rituals may be effectively used in meditation practices.
• Review and discuss correct posturing in meditation practice.
• Define and discuss strategies that will sharpen the awareness of breath.
• Contrast types of breathing patterns as they related to meditation.
• Define the effects of ego on relaxation of the conscious mind.
• Discuss various religious affiliations and types of associated meditation practices.
• Define, discuss and practice Taoist meditation.
• Define and discuss Hatha Yoga.
• Review the concept of "tree of life" and how it relates to mediation.
• Discuss various types of sacred mantras used in meditation practices.
• Define outcomes of altered states of consciousness from meditation.
• Define and understand "meditative dreaming" and "mindfulness dreaming."
• Define and discuss effects of abdominal vs. chest breathing.
• Review and understand study outcomes related to progressive relaxation.
• Discuss "chi" and its major sources.
• Describe 3-Dontian breathing and meditation including its techniques.
• Define and discuss "deep meditation" and how it is achieved.
• Discuss mystical experiences related to meditation practices.
• Discuss and understand the relationship of meditation practices to spirituality.
• Compare and contrast meditation with "prayer."
• Discuss and understand what is meant by the "relaxation response."
• Define and discuss "concentration" meditation and how it is achieved.
• Review concepts related to "mindfulness" meditation practice.
• Define and discuss "centering prayer."
• Understand time-frames of meditation practice related to good outcomes.

Course Content:
• History and theory of Zen philosophies
• Zen and meditation
• Common mistakes made in meditation practice
• Meditation and effects on emotions
• Outcomes, benefits of meditation practice
• Foundations for effective learning of meditation
• Techniques of meditation practices
• Focusing attention
• Mind benefits of mediation
• Buddhist teachings and meditation
• Potential side-effcts of mediation
• Dealing with distractions in meditation
• Time-lines for learning meditation
• Use of rituals in meditation
• Appropriate postures used in meditation
• Explorations of the mind
• Breathing techniques
• Uses of deep breathing
• Effects of various uses of the breath
• World religions and meditation
• Taoist meditation practices
• Meditations used in western traditions
• The tree of life concept/theory
• Hatha yoga and meditation
• Sacred Mantras
• Altered consciousness outcomes
• Altered states of consciousness
• Dreams and meditation
• Outcomes of breathing patterns
• Focused attention and physiological outcomes
• Sources of Chi
• Three-Dontian meditation
• Deep meditation states
• Mysticism, spirituality and meditation
• The relaxation response
• Centering prayer
• Concentration meditation
• Mindfulness meditation
• Physiological responses and benefits of meditation