Mindfulness @ Carleton

If you’d like tools to improve your sleep, quiet the inner critic, calm a racing or ruminating mind; or if you simply yearn for more focus and calm in your life, you might really benefit from learning Mindfulness! The Office of Health Promotion’s Mindfulness program offers an evidence-based introduction to mindfulness and meditation skills which can be helpful when you’re feeling stressed and pressured, or just want to get more satisfaction from your experiences. Participants will learn a variety of mindfulness skills to practice, both in and outside of this 4-week class, ideally leading to better management of emotional stress and enjoying your life. There will also be opportunities to practice mediation skills in future sessions/classes and at 1/2 day silent retreats. Questions? Email healthpromotion@carleton.edu.

History of Program

Our Mindfulness Program, formerly called “Koru Mindfulness”, was initially developed and then further refined over 10 years by Holly Rogers, MD; Margaret Maytan, MD; and Libby Webb, LCSW, all of whom work (or have worked) at the counseling center at Duke University, so they understand college students and their experiences. Please visit the Koru Mindfulness website for more information. 

Research about Mindfulness

There have been thousands of studies on the effects of mindfulness and meditation. Some of these studies seem particularly salient for the Carleton community. One randomized, controlled study, looked at the effects of the Mindfulness program we utilize. Findings include medium to large effect sizes on 4 metrics:  mindfulness, self-compassion, perceived stress, and sleep. 

Additional findings (citations available on request) of other recent studies of the impact of brief mindfulness training include:

  • A two-week mindfulness training was correlated with a 16% increase in GRE reading scores and reduced mind wandering (2013).
  • Brief mindfulness training reduced the negative outcomes associated with stereotype threat (2012).  
  • A brief mindfulness meditation practice reduced implicit race and age bias (2015).
  • Mindfulness practice reduced aggression in college students (2016).

All these outcomes contribute to the equitable, inclusive, and supportive community we aspire to at Carleton, in addition to increasing every individual’s capacity to better manage stress

Mindfulness Classes / Retreat Schedule and Registration

Mindfulness 101

  • Mindfulness 101 has been canceled for Fall Term 2024 due to low enrollment. Check back Winter Term to register for this course.

More Meditation Opportunities

Yes! There are many additional Meditation & Mindfulness Opportunities at Carleton. Check them out at the Meditation @ Carleton Page through the Office of the Chaplain.