Earlier this week I signed up for a free online course. It uses an at-your-own-pace learning philosophy, which is perfect for my rare disease (CRPS) and chronic pain reality; primarily cognitive impairment, fatigue, and pain.
I’m writing about it because it might be helpful for others who live with chronic illness and/or chronic pain, and our caregivers. This specific course began almost three weeks ago, which means that I already have some catching up to do. This should be easy, for several reasons.
First off, many of the learning modules are short video clips. Then there’s the fact that each portion of the course is “accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.”(1) So I can often watch a clip while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Finally, there’s the social distancing aspect of our lives these days, as we pull together – while apart – to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With fewer social activities and events taking place, I’ve found myself with more time on my hands than I’d like.
Are you in the same situation? Or are you at home with young children, or caregiving for older family members? Although if you are, maybe you need this course even more than I do!
Its title is “Demystifying Mindfulness: Discover the science of mindfulness, learn how it works and why, from a political, psychological, and philosophical perspective.”(2)
It was developed by Leiden University, and is being provided through the FutureLearn eLearning platform. There’s a Canadian connection, as the course presenter is now a member of the faculty at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
This online course is set to last six weeks, with about six hours of learning activities planned for each week. That said, most FutureLearn courses include a grace period for those who aren’t able to complete the program within the allotted number of weeks.
That means there’s still time for you to join in. If you don’t like the idea of having to rush to finish, you can sign up for any of the upcoming repeat sessions; in May or October of this year, or in January 2021 if you’re someone who really likes to plan ahead.
The personal interaction element of this learning platform is particularly welcome during this social distancing period. There’s a ‘comment’ feature, allowing participants to electronically chat with one another. It’s not an app, and there are no downloads; all you need is an internet connection.
This would be great for anyone who’s feeling isolated or lonely, as a result of social distancing measures. I’ll use my area as an example of this; everything here – with the exception of grocery stores, pharmacies, stores providing other essential items, and purveyors of take-out food – is closed.
Here in Quebec we’re being encouraged not to have guests over, not to be in close quarters with anyone but our immediate families. People like me, with autoimmune conditions, are being asked to stay home as much as possible; to engage in self-isolation.
A perfect time for some online activities! Why did I choose this course? That’s a great question, and I’m so glad you asked! Not long before being struck with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), I took a lunchtime guided meditation class.
It was led by a yoga instructor, in one of the meeting rooms of our office building, twice a week. I found these mindful meditation session really helped me deal with a (previous) highly stressful job.
When I was diagnosed with this rare disease the following year, I began researching ways that I could help myself; eating a more anti-inflammatory diet, continuing with my usual physical activities, and yoga for chronic pain are just a few examples.
Then in 2017 a new research study was published: “Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”.(3) The researchers found that:
Mindfulness meditation was associated with statistically significant improvement in depression, physical health-related quality of life, and mental health-related quality of life.”(3)
Although I don’t suffer from depression or mental health issues, I do experience some health-related quality of life issues as a result of my illness. It was time, I thought, to carve out some time for mindful meditation in my daily routine.
To help me do this, I took another online course; “Maintaining a Mindful Life: Learn how to apply mindfulness techniques, so you can improve your communication, relationships and emotional health.”(4)
That course was just the kick in the butt that I needed, to add mindful meditation to my daily routine. And you know what? I think this practice has helped me keep a calm and positive outlook during the current pandemic situation.
I can’t take any credit for being born an optimistic and generally happy person, and – just like everyone else – I can definitely use some help coping from time to time.
I consider this type of meditation as a coping mechanism, a place inside myself to which I can turn when the going gets rough. Beyond that, I’ve always believed that personal growth and continued learning are important for each of us; that these enable us to be the best versions of ourselves, for our own benefit and for that of our loved ones.
This is why this new online class intrigued me:
The particular way that this course combines academic investigation in lesson one of each module with practical exercises in our meditation labs in lesson two, makes this course unique…
And just as importantly, you’ll have experienced the equivalent of a complete eight week Mindfulness training course based on the famous MBSR on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program.”(2)
An added bonus for me, as a philosophy major who went into biomedical ethics, is that this course is taught by a philosopher. The language used in the videos, for example, speaks the language of my mind… well, before my mild cognitive impairment (MCI) set it at any rate.
It’s lovely to hear this type of phrasing again. The presenter’s voice is very nice, as well, by the way. Very calming and reassuring ‘-)
Mindfulness seems to be whatever we need it to be.
It emerges into the public discourse like a mystical panacea from the ancient East, the cure for all the ills of contemporary societies.
But what actually is it?
Fundamental research into Mindfulness in various disciplines in the sciences, and the social sciences, and the humanities has grown exponentially in the last decade or so.”(2)
Thanks so much for stopping by! You have my best wishes for safety and wellness, not only during this pandemic but always. And now it’s time for me to get back to this mindfulness course.
PS: I’ve loved reading your comments, but have had to disable the comment feature here due to some obscene spam from overseas sources; please feel free to reach out via Instagram or Twitter ‘-)
References
(1) FutureLearn (eLearning platform). About FutureLearn: Our Story. Website. Accessed 19 Mar 2020. Online:
https://www.futurelearn.com/about-futurelearn
(2) Leiden University; presented by Chris Goto-Jones. Demystifying Mindfulness: Discover the science of mindfulness, learn how it works and why, from a political, psychological, and philosophical perspective. Provided on FutureLearn. eLearning platform. Accessed 19 Mar 2020. Online course:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/de-mystifying-mindfulness
(3) Hilton, Lara et al. Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine: A publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Volume 51, issue 2, pages 199-213. 2017. EPublished 22 Sep 2016 (doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9844-2). Accessed 19 Mar 2020. Online:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5368208/
(4) Monash University; presented by Craig Hassed and Richard Chambers. Maintaining a Mindful Life: Learn how to apply mindfulness techniques, so you can improve your communication, relationships and emotional health. Provided on FutureLearn. eLearning platform. Accessed 19 Mar 2020. Online course:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness-life