With lecture and discussion, along with some images and my model of the brain, I demonstrate concepts to investigate what stress and emotions are and why we feel them. Once core concepts are learned, we will begin to explore ways of navigating our emotions so that if we feel anger, or fear, or stress/worry, we can learn to use mindfulness, or being aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations in any given moment, to decide the most beneficial way, for ourselves and others, to respond rather than react. 

Class 1:  Stress and the Amygdala: Learning why we feel stress from a brain and evolutionary perspective as a protective mechanism. Paying attention to sensations when emotions arise and drawing what is noticed on an outline of a body for home practice. 
Class 2:  Thoughts and perspective; how our minds work. We'll discuss perceived danger vs. true danger and how to tell the difference."Naming it tame it" and changing I am... to I feel..
Class 3:  Mindfulness and breathing exercises- Mindfulness - What can we be aware of at any given moment? How to move attention when and where we want it. Beginning to learn ways to let the amygdala know we are safe when we do not need it when we mindfully detect stress or anger. 
Class 4: Neuroplasticity: Reviewing the class of how we sense our emotions and step-wise techniques to re-set the nervous system with breathing, mindfulness, safety sensing, gratitude and self-compassion. Responding rather than reacting, and turning these mind habits into lasting brain changes.