James Fitzgerald Therapy PLLC

Below is the recommended homework for Module 1 of the Mindfulness Masterclass. This module serves as an introduction to mindfulness, including the learning objectives, a brief look at current research on mindfulness, and guidance for getting started in the program. This page’s content should help readers understand the scope of the exercises, locate resources, and begin building the foundation of a sustained mindfulness practice.

Module 1 Homework: An Introduction to Mindfulness

The homework for Module 1 is designed to help the participant explore various resources on mindfulness and begin integrating the practice into everyday life. By engaging with high-quality, freely accessible online videos and open access articles, the participant will deepen their understanding of how mindfulness techniques can help cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Completing the assigned resources also lays the groundwork for comprehending the broader context and benefits of mindfulness from a scientific, social, and experiential standpoint.

Masterclass Videos: (available to therapy clients and/or course participants with paid subscription or membership)

• Introduction to Mindfulness: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Mindfulness Masterclass Learning Objectives: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Mindfulness Research & Evidence: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Mindfulness Myths and Misunderstanding: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Guided Body Scan Meditation: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Guided Meditation, Embody the Mountain: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Extended Guided Body Scan: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)
• Guided Metta Meditation, Loving Kindness: Strengthening Your Conscious Self (James Fitzgerald, Presenter)

Video Assignments

For this first module, the participant is asked to view some of the publicly available YouTube videos from well-known mindfulness teachers and content creators. These videos present the basic principles of mindfulness in clear, accessible ways and offer practical guidance on initiating a personal practice. While there are many valuable mindfulness teachers online, it is crucial to start with reliable, research-based sources to reinforce a foundational approach.

Suggested Videos to Watch:

• All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe | TED
• How mindfulness changes the emotional life of our brains | Richard J. Davidson | TEDxSanFrancisco
• How mindfulness meditation redefines pain, happiness & satisfaction | Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat | TEDxSFU
• Debunking the 5 Most Common Meditation Myths | Light Watkins | TEDxVeniceBeach
• Jon Kabat-Zinn – “The Healing Power of Mindfulness” Dartmouth Speaker
• Some Reflections and Guidance on the Cultivation of Mindfulness Jon Kabat Zinn, PhD, People in Pain Network
• Mindfulness 9 Attitudes Jon Kabat Zinn, Recovered Mindfully
• Mindfulness as Medicine | Liberating Jack Kornfield Mindfulness Talk, Jack Kornfield
• Mindfulness and Neural Integration: Daniel Siegel, MD at TEDxStudioCityED
• The Science of Mindfulness | Daniel Goleman, Wisdom 2.0 with Soren Gordhamer
• Don’t try to be mindful | Daron Larson | TEDxColumbus
• Cultivating Mindfulness In Difficult Times – Jon Kabat-Zinn, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
  
  

Reading Assignments

In addition to videos, the participant should review two or more open access articles on mindfulness from top-tier, peer-reviewed journals or trustworthy academic sites. These articles give a sense of the scientific research supporting the efficacy of mindfulness practices across different populations and contexts.

Suggested Reading:

• The Body Scan Meditation, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Coming to Our Senses
• 7 Myths of Meditation, Deepak Chopra, The Huffington Post
• Why we find it hard to meditate, Mindful
• Mindfulness Exercises, The Mayo Clinic
• What are the benefits of mindfulness? American Psychological Association
• Mindfulness: Getting Started, Mindful
• Mindfulness Matters, National Institutes of Health

Reflection Task

After viewing the videos and reading the articles, the participant is asked to maintain a short reflective journal, either in a physical notebook or a simple digital document. They should write down any new insights or observations about mindfulness, along with any questions they might have. Encouraging daily journaling cultivates a consistent habit of turning attention inward and fosters deeper self-awareness. This written reflection creates a space where the participant can remain curious and open to discovery as they continue through the course.

Practical Integration

Participants are also encouraged to begin integrating mindful moments into their everyday routine. This might involve taking a few mindful breaths first thing in the morning, pausing to observe surroundings during a walk, or quietly appreciating a simple daily task such as washing dishes. The goal is not to add more tasks to an already busy schedule, but to bring mindful awareness into the tasks one is already performing. Introducing small, intentional pauses provides an authentic feel for how mindfulness can elevate day-to-day experiences.

Approach to Homework

The point of Module 1’s homework is exploration, not perfection. The participant should feel comfortable adapting the schedule to their own lifestyle. Whether they watch all the suggested videos immediately or choose to spread them out, and whether they read the articles in a single sitting or break them up across days, the overarching aim is consistent exposure to mindful practices and concepts. By the end of the first module, the participant should have a solid sense of what mindfulness is, why it might be beneficial, and how they can begin applying it to their own life.

Conclusion

This first module sets the tone for the rest of the Mindfulness Masterclass. By engaging with the recommended public YouTube videos, reading high-quality open access articles, and practicing daily mindful awareness, the participant starts to cultivate a skill set that enhances personal well-being and nurtures compassion toward self and others. Emphasizing community and equality, as well as an awareness of the broader societal significance of mindfulness, also aligns with an inclusive, people-centered perspective that supports participants in caring for themselves and those around them.