MMTCP Practicum Syllabus

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation — 4‑Week Course + Optional Week 5

Teacher: Bob Harrison
Location: Bodhi Tree Dharma Center
Format: In‑person
Session Length: 90 minutes

Each session includes:

• Two 20‑minute guided meditation periods
• A 15‑minute didactic teaching
• A 15‑minute Q&A / discussion period
• Brief opening and closing periods for settling and transition

This structure meets all MMTCP practicum requirements for guided practice, didactic teaching, and participant engagement.

WEEK 1 — What Is Mindfulness?

Focus: Foundational orientation to mindfulness practice.

Teaching Points

• Definitions of mindfulness and common misconceptions
• Attitudinal foundations: non‑striving, curiosity, kindness
• The role of generosity toward the beginner self
• Breath and body as accessible anchors

Practices

• Sit 1 (20 min): Mindfulness of breath and body
• Sit 2 (20 min): Open awareness with simple sensory anchors

Q&A Themes

Beginning a practice, working with thinking, establishing comfort and ease.

WEEK 2 — Mindfulness of the Body and Breath

Focus: Embodiment and grounding as the basis for stability.

Teaching Points

• The body as the primary doorway to presence
• Breath as a stabilizing and regulating anchor
• Sīla understood as conditions for ease and steadiness
• Meeting discomfort with gentleness and clarity

Practices

• Sit 1 (20 min): Body scan with breath awareness
• Sit 2 (20 min): Breath‑centered mindfulness expanding to whole‑body awareness

Q&A Themes

Restlessness, physical discomfort, wandering attention, returning to the body.

WEEK 3 — Mettā and the Brahmavihāras

Focus: Heart practices as natural companions to mindfulness.

Teaching Points

• Introduction to mettā: intention, attitude, and accessibility
• Overview of the Brahmavihāras
• How heart practices support mindfulness and vice versa
• Lineage inspiration (e.g., Dipa Ma)

Practices

• Sit 1 (20 min): Phrase‑based mettā (self → benefactor → neutral person)
• Sit 2 (20 min): Expanding mettā outward to wider circles of beings

Q&A Themes

Working with numbness or resistance, choosing phrases, relating to difficult people.

WEEK 4 — Tying It All Together

Focus: Integration of mindfulness, embodiment, and heart practices.

Teaching Points

• The three trainings: sīla, samādhi, paññā
• How the previous weeks’ themes interweave in practice
• Mindfulness as a lived, daily experience
• Supporting continuity after the course ends

Practices

• Sit 1 (20 min): Integrated mindfulness (breath, body, heart)
• Sit 2 (20 min): Open awareness with a mettā undercurrent

Q&A Themes

Sustaining practice, building consistency, integrating mindfulness into daily life.

WEEK 5 (Optional) — Continuing the Journey

Focus: Sangha‑driven session supporting