What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a human skill that we can cultivate through training our intentional attention and attitude. Backed by more than 35 years of research, mindfulness aids us in reducing stress and anxiety, regulating difficult emotions and physical pain, increasing our capacity for inner peace and happiness, as well as for empathy and connection with self and others. The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University offers a variety of synchronous mindfulness classes, both in person at the Logan USU campus and online over Zoom.
Meet the Instructor
Joana Franco has a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from Utah State University (USU). She works currently as an instructional designer and mindfulness coach at the IDRPP. Her doctoral research was in the design of online training to support graduate students and help them engage in mindfulness practices. Joana's purpose is to promote awareness and compassion at the core of human relationships, helping both individuals and institutions to transform themselves. She hopes to contribute to a shift in perspective and action within higher education, creating well-being and a more conscious and kind environment for all.
Joana holds a bachelor's degree in Social Communication and a master's degree in Communication and Technology. Before her doctoral studies at USU, she worked as a professor and course coordinator at a private university in Brazil. In addition to the academic background, Joana has over 30 years of deep personal practice in a variety of contemplative and meditation exercises. She is certified by UC Berkeley as a mindfulness teacher through the MMTCP training, led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. She is also a certified yoga and somatic breathwork instructor. She has training in mindful communication and mindful leadership to help bring applied mindfulness to the workplace.
NEW Mindfulness Training Offered!
Learn Mindful Listening to Improve Relationships
Join our new 6-week synchronous online course to learn practices that will help you listen more deeply and apply mindfulness skills to improve your personal and professional relationships. Starting on Oct 7th, we will meet on Zoom for one hour weekly each Wednesday at 4 pm (Mountain Time) to go on a regenerative learning journey together to develop mindful listening.
FREE Practices Every Semester!
Join Our Mindful Community of Practice
Drops of Mindfulness is an online community that meets twice a week to practice mindfulness together. We meet for about 10-15 minutes for a guided meditation to cultivate presence and improve well-being. You are invited to join us on Tuesday and Thursday, at 8:45 AM (Mountain Time), via Zoom, or simply "drop in" as often as you can and want.
Testimonials from Past Students
Dominic (Part 1)
Dominic (Part 2)
JoLynne
Andrea