Articles
Green mindfulness: a novel approach to student wellness
Article number
1246_8
Pages
51 – 56
Language
English
Abstract
A healthy campus environment is essential for student success.
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is committed to providing this healthy environment by offering a wide array of services designed to promote wellness.
In particular, the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre (SWCC) is proactive, implementing creative and novel approaches to student health and wellness on campus.
Recently the SWCC and the MUN Botanical Garden (MUNBG) joined together on a project called ‘Green Mindfulness’. This project was developed as a weekly drop-in group integrating mindfulness practice and horticultural therapy as a lower intensity service offered through the SWCC’s Stepped Care Model.
The group was designed to provide a safe and inviting space for students to engage in a wellness related activity.
In particular, the group introduced students to the concept of mindfulness, and practice of mindfulness, through a plant-based activity.
This paper presents the rationale for this group, as well as outlines its curriculum and implementation.
Preliminary data collected through voluntary feedback forms revealed that the vast majority of students believed that the group was a meaningful experience, which enhanced their understanding of plants, gardening and mindfulness.
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is committed to providing this healthy environment by offering a wide array of services designed to promote wellness.
In particular, the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre (SWCC) is proactive, implementing creative and novel approaches to student health and wellness on campus.
Recently the SWCC and the MUN Botanical Garden (MUNBG) joined together on a project called ‘Green Mindfulness’. This project was developed as a weekly drop-in group integrating mindfulness practice and horticultural therapy as a lower intensity service offered through the SWCC’s Stepped Care Model.
The group was designed to provide a safe and inviting space for students to engage in a wellness related activity.
In particular, the group introduced students to the concept of mindfulness, and practice of mindfulness, through a plant-based activity.
This paper presents the rationale for this group, as well as outlines its curriculum and implementation.
Preliminary data collected through voluntary feedback forms revealed that the vast majority of students believed that the group was a meaningful experience, which enhanced their understanding of plants, gardening and mindfulness.
Authors
H. Quinlan, P. Cornish, N. Jenkins, S.N. Goodyear
Keywords
stepped care, mindfulness, horticultural therapy
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