foundations of teaching mindfulness

2025 Training Cohort

We are excited to announce that the launch of our second cohort of the Foundation of Teaching Mindfulness is now open and accepting applications!

The purpose of this training is to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively teach the practice of mindfulness to support personal well-being and deepen community connections. Participants will learn to develop their own materials based on foundational principles of mindful awareness practice. This training is now accredited through the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance (IMMA).

Training Description

Have you experienced the benefits of a mindfulness practice in your life and considered sharing these gifts with others? If so, the Foundations of Teaching Mindfulness Training could be the beginning of this journey. This training is open to anyone interested in deepening interpersonal connections through mindfulness: teachers, therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, social workers, faith-based practitioners, first responders, or anyone working with children. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will have the tools necessary to lead a group in whatever capacity they desire. Additionally, participants can apply for IMMA membership which will allow more recognition as a mindfulness teacher internationally.

Training Objectives

• Understand and Embody the foundational components of mindful awareness practice, and how they are developed.

• Learn the Basics of teaching mindfulness and facilitating community spaces rooted in core practices of welcoming and belonging.

• Develop Content to create and deliver a 4-session practicum in the community related to the foundational components of mindful awareness.

Who Should Take This Training?

Whether you're looking to strengthen your general skillset around mindfulness, or whether you're looking to take the first step on becoming a fully accredited mindfulness educator, this course will offer you a solid foundation. Anyone interested in bringing mindfulness to the community: teachers, therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, social workers, first responders, or anyone working with children.

Program Dates

The training consists of approximately 70 contact hours with additional reading, practice and planning. There will be three in-person training/retreat weekends and virtual large and small group meetings.

Weekend Training/Retreats (In person at the Compass Rose Center in Barnstable, MA)

• January 24-26- Opening weekend
• March 28-30- Mid-training weekend
• June 20-22- Closing weekend

Monthly Meetings Feb-May (Virtual)

• 1st Thursday 6-9pm (full group)
• TBD- 2-hour Mentor Group meetings (small group with mentor)
• TBD- 2-hour Peer group meetings (small group without mentor)

Thank you to The Compass Rose Center for generously offering their space for our in-person sessions.

Training Pre-requisites

• 8-week course from Calmer Choice, or MBSR, or equivalent (contact Calmer Choice for equivalent approval)
• Developed personal mindfulness practice, minimum of two years
• Mindfulness retreat (minimum 3 days) by Calmer Choice or another affiliation

If you do not meet these specific requirements and have circumstances that may require an exception, please inquire at info@calmerchoice.org

Training Cost

We seek to make this training as accessible as possible to a diverse array of participants. To do this, we are offering a tiered pricing model. During registration, you will select the price that best reflects your personal experience and circumstance.

If scholarships do not appear at registration, it is because those slots have already been filled.

• Educator Scholarship: $1,300 plus materials: One scholarship is available to a Cape-based public-school educator. No application is necessary. Please select this first-come-first-serve option at checkout.

• BIPOC Scholarship: $1,300 plus materials: One scholarship is available to an individual who self-identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC). No application is necessary. Please select this first-come-first-serve option at checkout.

• Supported: $1,850 plus materials: Intended to provide access to those on a fixed or limited income who would not otherwise be able to attend this training.

• Sustainer: $2,250 plus materials: Register at this rate if you are an employed individual. This rate reflects the true cost of delivering this retreat for Calmer Choice.

• Supporter: $2,650 plus materials: This rate is for the more established professional who has access to a surplus of resources. By selecting this rate, you are allowing Calmer Choice to offer more financial accessibility across our programming.

Materials will include 3-5 texts to be used during the course, with an estimated total cost of around $100.