CTC General Course Resources
1. Books
Mindfulness
Mindfulness For Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn - JKZ is widely considered to be the founder of secular mindfulness. His Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme (MBSR), first created in 1979, is very well known and has been a 'prototype' for other programmes such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness Based Strenghts Practice (MBSP) etc.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE60Hk786Lw
The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams, John Teasdale and John Kabat Zinn - Don't be misled by the title as the 8 week programme can benefit anyone, not just those who are depressed.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkodDRfNXlo
Sane New World by Ruby Wax - A celebration - often with engaging humour - of the power of neuroplasticity and mindfulness.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_DgOoKrkDA
Mindfulness in Education
Real Happiness At Work by Sharon Salzberg - Sharon Salzberg is a well known Buddhist meditation teacher but this book applies secular mindfulness to the workplace. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LFSH13A9uw
Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan - Meng is based at Google and has devised a workplace-based mindfulness programme that is designed to enhance emotional intelligence - could be used in many organisational settings. https://siyli.org/
The Mindful Workplace: Developing Resilient Individuals And Resonant Organisations With MBSR by Michael Chaskalson - Practical ideas on how to use MBSR in the workplace. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwye4rftwt4
Mindfulness and Travel
The Art Of Stillness: Adventures In Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer - Very well travelled Pico Iyer describes the benefits of being still. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m6dV7Xo3Vc
Mindfulness and Nationhood
A Mindful Nation: How A Simple Practice Can Help To Reduce Stress, Improve Performance And Recapture The American Spirit by Tim Ryan - Tim Ryan is a very well known US senator who has been championing the benefits of mindfulness towards creating not just mindful individuals but also mindful organisations and nations. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sZDM93HFGs
Neuroscience
Brainstorm: the power and purpose of the teenage brain by Dan Siegel - Full of down to earth insights towards helping adults understand adolescents and vice versa. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2GIYxEbDg4
Mindsight by Dan Siegel - Siegel argues the benefits for being able to 'see' our brains and minds and understand how they work.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jwGU7h2HdY
Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology - An Integrative Handbook Of the Mind by Dan Siegel - The key terms of interpersonal neurobiology are outlined.
Your Brain At Work by David Rock - David Rock engagingly employs two fictional characters - Emily and Paul - to illustrate how the human brain works in the workplace and, importantly, how we can use this knowledge to remember how to be the 'director' of our lives.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeJSXfXep4M
The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Brown - The authors outline the desirability of interacting with children explicitly towards guiding them to develop 'integrated' brains.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h51lgvjI_Zk
The Emotional Life Of Your Brain by Richard J. Davidson with Sharon Begley - The authors offer a new model for understanding our emotions - a model that emphasises the central role of the brain. Based on over 30 years of Dr Davidson's research - a neuroscientist who has had a daily meditation practice for the same length of time. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h51lgvjI_Zk
The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford - George Mumford's mindfulness techniques supported NBA athletes to achieve their goals. The easy-to-read techniques can be applied by anyone who has a goal.
Positive Psychology
Flourish: A New Understanding Of Happiness And Well Being And How To Achieve Them by Martin Seligman - A foundational and accessible account of thriving and flourishing by the 'father' of positive psychology.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=martin+seligman+flourish
Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson - Barbara Fredrickson is regarded as the world's leading researcher on positive emotions and this foundational text is very accessible.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHoEWUTYnSo
Positive Psychology In A Nutshell by Ilona Boniwell - Ilona Boniwell is a well known positive psychologist and leading member of the European Positive Psychology Assocation (EPPA) and this introduction is very accessible. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbC18wFkHNI
Introducing Positive Psychology by Bridget Grenville-Cleave - Another very accessible introduction from Bridget Grenville-Cleave - a colleague of Ilona Boniwell - and co-editor of PPND (Positive Psychology News Daily). http://www.workmad.co.uk/
Positive Psychology For Overcoming Depression by Miriam Akhtar - Another accessible text- but specifically directed towards alleviating depression.
A Primer In Positive Psychology by Christopher Peterson - Christopher Peterson was one of the founding leaders of the original VIA character research project in 2003. The full details and results were published in 'Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification' (2004) - the VIA survey grew out of this seminal work. The Primer is detailed and engagingly written.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRiIAqGXLKA
Optimal Functioning: A Positive Psychology Handbook by Jessica D. Colman - A brief, concise - but outstanding - introduction to the main topics of positive psychology. Can be read in one sitting of 45 mins.
One Day University - Positive Psychology, The Science of Happiness by Shawn Achor - Great introduction: can be read in one sitting of 45 mins. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp9u2H_b71Y
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity And The Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough - An outstanding, accessible and engaging account of the importance of social and emotional learning. Proof positive that character is as important as the 'cognitive hypothesis' in academic and life success.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFLktep03ms
Helping Children Succeed; What Works and Why by Paul Tough - Paul Tough focuses on the need to create an environment where personal qualities like perseverance, self-control and conscientiousness can grow, and provides practical strategies to make this happen.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - Angela Duckworth uses research and stories to demonstrate the importance of passion and perseverance in human success. A must-read for educators.
Teaching Happiness and Well Being In Schools: Learning To Ride Elephants by Ian Morris - Ian Morris is Head of Well - Being at Wellington College, UK. He has pioneered the programme there and this text both introduces the basic positive psychology principles and also outlines how they can be incorporated in the classroom.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llyfTjyI4xM
Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck - The seminal text on mindset - we can all develop growth mindsets even if our default mindset is 'fixed.'
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ
Compassion
The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert - Professor Paul Gilbert explains how new research shows how we can all learn to develop compassion for ourselves and others and derive the benefits of the age-old wisdom that self-compassion and compassion for others enhance well being and peace of mind.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kF7FRy0_xs
Happiness
Hardwiring Happiness: How To Reshape Your Brain And Your Life by Rick Hanson - Rick Hanson explains how the brain's negativity bias can be overcome and how focusing on everyday experiences and 'uploading' them to the brain can enhance well being and happiness.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpuDyGgIeh0
The Happiness Advantage by Shaun Achor - Achor outlines seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__kBVq1M
Sane New World: Taming The Mind by Ruby Wax - Wax's very engaging and amusing look at how mindfulness can maintain mental health.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_DgOoKrkDA
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman - Now 20 years old, Daniel Goleman's seminal text is as readable and as relevant as ever. Foundational to emotional intelligence are: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills and motivation. To what extent can mindfulness strengthen these intelligences?
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9yRmpcXKjY
Gratitude
Gratitude Works! A 21 Day Program For Creating Emotional Prpsperity by Robert A Emmons - Robert Emmons provides practical tips for fostering gratitude as a way of life.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRrnfGf5aWE
Focus
Focus: The Hidden Driver Of Excellence by Daniel Goleman - This follow-up from Emotional Intelligence highlights the need for focus or attention for high performance and fulfilment. Referencing the research on inner, other and outer focus, Goleman provides practical strategies and case studies to improve habits and skills.
2. Organisations or Websites
The Centre For Investigating Healthy Minds - Pioneered by world renowned Dr Richard Davidson - a neuroscientist who shocked his Harvard colleagues in the 1970's by admitting that he had a regular meditation practice. His work of over 30 years is summarised in his book The Emotional Life Of Your Brain
The Centre For Contemplative Mind In Society - How contemplative practices can support health and well being in the higher education sector.
The Association For Mindfulness In Education - AME is a collaborative association of organizations and individuals working together to provide support for mindfulness training as a component of K-12 education. It is committed to furthering training and research in this field.
The Centre For Mindfulness - John Kabat-Zinn - A centre for research into how mindfulness can promote and support health and well being. Pioneered by John Kabat Zinn, the 'founder' of secular mindfulness
Mindful Schools - A California-based organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting school mindfulness practice and teaching. On line courses for educators include: Mindfulness Fundamentals and Mindful Educator. There is also a one year mindfulness teaching certification based on face to face and on line components.
Youth Mindfulness - A UK based organisation that offers training courses and a curriculum for those who wish to offer mindfulness to children - dedicated to providing young people with the opportunity to nourish the positive qualities of their own hearts and minds.
Mindfulness In Schools - A UK based organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting school mindfulness practice and teaching. Known for its .b curriculum. (stop and breathe)
The Hawn Foundation - Pioneered by actress Goldie Hawn and founded on the belief that well being for all, not least for teachers and students, is connected to the extent to which we know how our brains work, and how we can use the mind to influence the brain.
Inner Explorer - This helpful site offers daily classroom mindfulness practices reduce student stress, help strengthen self-regulation skills and improve academic performance.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) - This informational site offers facts and resources about this approach to helping people with repeated bouts of depression or chronic unhappiness.
Mindfulness In Education Network (MiEN) - An organisation established in 2001 to cultivate mindfulness in educational settings - free subscription includes very useful e-mail alerts.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - John Kabat Zinn's foundational secular mindfulness program - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - was established at the university of Massachussets in 1979.
Palouse - Free MBSR programme including videos and other resources
Mindfulness Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) - Ryan Niemic of VIA has created a unique 8 week programme that combines the VIA character strengths with mindfulness
Wake Up Schools: Cultivating Mindfulness In Education - A global vision to walk the path of compassion, peace and joy in education through the practice of mindfulness. Film: Happy Teachers Will Change The World: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=happy+teachers+will+change+the+world
Mind With Heart - Mind with Heart is an international education charity based in London. It supports schools in developing an integrated approach to mindfulness and social & emotional learning.
Niroga - Niroga Institute, was founded in 2005 as a non-profit organization, which strives to foster health and well being for individuals, families, and communities through the practice of Mindful Yoga. The Sanskrit word, Niroga, means 'freedom from disease' or integral health - health of body, mind, and spirit.
Cultivating Awareness And Resilience In Education (CARE) - CARE for Teachers promotes professional development focused on core skills and dispositions teachers need to create and maintain supportive learning environments while retaining their well-being and love of teaching.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlLVZkv-z8
Still, Quiet Place - Amy Saltzman - Amy Saltzman teaches mindfulness from pre-K to college. She offers resources and videos to get teachers started.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9igPP_QlHWw
Mindfulness Across Borders - This organisation aims to engage people from different cultures with the aim of creating peace and sustainable change. It is part of The Greater Good In Action project based at The University Of Berkley
Heart-Mind Education - Kate (Janke) Munding, a former Mindful Schools Director of Training started the Heart-Mind Education organisation in 2012 - a number of online mindfulness teaching courses are available.
Search Inside Yourself Videos (Google) - Part of the Search Inside Yourself curriculum developed at Google by Chade Meng Tan, the introductory videos are on: mindfulness, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and leading with compassion. (click the Resources/Video tabs)
Mindfulness For Teens - This site, by Dr. Dzung Vo, provides guided meditations and practical strategies to support teens.
Positive Psychology
VIA - The VIA Institute On Character - the positive psychology flagship organisation which includes the free VIA character survey as well as a very broad range of character based positive psychology resources
The International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) - The pre-eminent global organisation dedicated to promoting the science of positive psychology - many useful resources of all kinds can be accessed via the website.
The International Positive Education Network (IPEN) - A relatively new organisaton with the mission of promoting positive education - an education that draws extensively on the findings of positive psychology.
The European Network of Positive Psychology (ENPP) - The European equivalent of IPPA.
Positive Psychology News Daily (PNND) - A free subscription service that enables you to receive 6-8 one page pp article summaries a month. With an archive stretching back to 2007 this is a great way to read up and keep up with pp topics.
The Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania - The pre-eminent center for pp research and promotion - lots of resources for education and other sectors.
The Jubilee Center, University of Birmingham, UK - A recently established research center in the UK dedicated to researching character and virtue
Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) - Australia - Recently established in Australia with the mission of incorporating the findings of positive psychology in the school system
Well-Being at Wellington College, UK - Led by Ian Morris, author of the very readable 'How To Ride An Elephant', a well being program was established at Wellington College in 2016. Lots of pp/character strength and other materials are available on the website.
Just One Thing (JOT) - Rick Hanson - “Just One Thing” is the free e-newsletter that suggests a simple practice each week that will bring you more joy, more fulfilling relationships, and more peace of mind and heart.
Social and Emotional Learning
CASEL - The Collaborative For Academic, Social And Emotional Learning: a US based organisation established to promote social and emotional learning in schools as much as academic learning.
A Mighty Girl - This helpful site includes books and other resources to support the development of strong, independent, empathetic girls. Join for the free, weekly newsletter.
DrugRehab.com
Teen Substance Abuse & Addiction: Warning Signs & Effects of Using
https://www.drugrehab.com/teens/
Parents' Guide to Helping Teens Recover from Addiction
https://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/resources/parents-guide/
3. Films/Videos
A Room To Breathe - A film featuring Megan Cowan, one of the founders of Mindful Schools, as she introduces the Mindful Schools curriculum into a Bay Area middle school. A great way of seeing formal, classroom mindfulness teaching in action.
The Science Of Mind - A must see outstanding film focuses on the power of mindfulness to change minds and lives. Dr Richard Davidson, the leading neuroscientist who leads The Centre For Investigating Healthy Minds, guides 3 US army veterans and an 8 year old boy with ADHD and elevator phobia through a specially designed mindfulness programme to outstanding effect - very moving as well as informative.
Healthy Habits Of Mind - The film follows a Mindful Schools qualified elementary teacher as she incorporates mindfulness teaching into the curriculum - interspersed with illuminating neuroscientific comments by Dr Richard Davidson and others.
Just Breathe - A beautiful short (5 mins) in which - amongst other things - very young children model breath mindfulness and talk about its benefits.
The Science Of Character Mind - a highly engaging 8 minute 'cloud' film in which creative and charismatic Tiffany Shlain foregrounds the role of character strengths, resilience and mind set towards achieving a 'life well lived.'
The Adaptable Mind - Tiffany Shlain released Sep 2015 - This eleven minute video explores the skills that we need to flourish in the 21st century.
From Neurons To Networks - Tiffany Shlain - highly engaging 10 minute cloud film draws comparisons between the human brain and the internet including the importance of the adult - child relationship, and the importance of disconnecting in order to 'pay attention to what we are paying attention to. 'The best invention in the world is the mind of a child.' - Thomas Edison
Meditation In Two Minutes - Dan Harris and his mice introduce meditation in two minutes
Inside Out - Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
Anderson Cooper - 60 minutes (13m) - Anderson Cooper investigates mindfulness
4. Songs
Living in the moment - Jason Mraz's song highlights the joy of being here and now.
5. Articles
The Sacramento Bee - the positive impact of minduflness in some Sacramento schools
6. Student Book Lists
Fiction for children - a list of books which cover a variety of issues that children face and strategies to address them. - Dee Di Gioia is a transformational coach currently undertaking the Mindful Schools Year Long Certification. Her website is called: Caring And Curageous Kids - http://www.caringandcourageouskids.com/guidebook/
