The Mindfulness Immersion Semester is our most in-depth learning experience and offers a carefully crafted mindfulness curriculum. Through a variety of learning approaches, it creates conditions through guidance, a learning community of peers, and experiential exploration for an integrated and immersive opportunity for growth. It allows participants from anywhere to engage with the online format, but offers the option to attend the final retreat in-person in Carbondale, Colorado.
The Immersion Semester’s practice and curriculum develop the foundation of learning to live mindfully and integrate attention, values, wisdom, and an open heart into our way of being. It’s an opportunity to gradually develop a deeper theoretical, practical, and personal familiarity with engagement in and application of these four keys of living mindfully. Participants develop the skills to cultivate inner peace, genuine happiness, and a meaningful life while developing a calm and stable mind to effectively respond in beneficial ways to the challenges that arise in their lives.
Practice, Insight and Transformation
The curriculum focuses on key areas of learning and practice, progressing from those directly supporting personal practice and expanding to study the historical and current perspectives of mindfulness and examine discerningly the latest research and documented benefits. Participants are introduced to readings and teachings by a wide range of experts along with experiential and very personal learning assignments. The methodology and practice used in the training are based on a robust and coherent body of knowledge drawn from contemplative traditions, modern psychology, and neuroscience.
Much more than taking a class or attending a retreat, the Immersion Semester creates the conditions for an integrated learning experience over a longer period infused with mentoring, a dedicated learning community, and the opportunity for deep reflection and feedback. One-on-one mentoring sessions offer personalized guidance and mentoring of experienced instructors in both practical and theoretical aspects.
The learning community itself is an important foundation of the immersion experience. The richness of connection and sharing imbue the experience with a depth of learning unmatched in self-paced and other programs. Through interactive sessions, peer visits, collaborative assignments, retreat time, and feedback, you learn from and with each other. Our learning communities are intentionally limited in size. In this way, we provide an opportunity for the group and instructors to develop a close bond and create a supportive and safe environment for learning and growth. In addition, the first two months of longer weekly classes provide a focused time to deepen your practice and anchor your experience within the learning community of peers while developing supportive relationships with each other.
Highlights of the Mindfulness Immersion Semester
Included in MLY Immersion Semester
- Weekly live online classes of 3 hours for 8 weeks followed by monthly online classes
- Monthly live group discussion and practice sessions
- Individual monthly mentoring
- Bi-weekly peer meetings
- Transforming to a Mindful Life Companion Journal
- Easy online learning platform
- Readings, videos and guided meditations
- Membership in the Mindful Life Community™ or Mindfulness in Recovery® Community
Monthly Curriculum Topics
- Values
- Genuine Happiness
- Meditation
- Wisdom
- Mindfulness in Emotions and Relationships
- Myths and Benefits of Mindfulness
Engaged Learning Through
- Daily mindfulness and meditation practices
- Live guided meditations
- Group dialogue in classes
- Self-reflection and journaling
- Reading, written, and group assignments
- Peer learning and support
- Retreat – One group and one personal retreat
Choosing to Engage
The decision to participate in in-depth mindfulness training can have a profound effect on your life and the lives of those around you. Choosing the right mindfulness program for you and at the right time in your life is very important. We encourage you to thoroughly learn about the Mindful Life Program through the website and resources. Through the program information and application process, we strive to ensure the best match for applicants with the program.
Participation from Anywhere
The program incorporates live online classes so that participants can attend from a variety of locations and while traveling. Our learning platform is an easy way to access assignments and resources while our app and web based platform gives you the chance to be connected to peers and a community of support. Our final retreat is accessible online but we invite participants to attend in person at our center in Carbondale, Colorado.
Application
The application process includes a written application, interview, and references. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The spaces are allocated on a first-come basis. Space is limited. Participants are selected for admission in the program on the basis of their perceived potential to succeed in their own practice and their dedication to personal growth.
Pre-Training Year Coursework
Prior to the start of the training, participation is requested in one course (MLP Foundations Course, Four Keys of Living Mindfully, Mindful Healing or the Mindfulness in Recovery® Course) and the reading assignment of The Wisdom of a Meaningful Life: The Essence of Mindfulness. We ask you to complete the course by January 1, 2025.
Semester Calendar
The semester begins with two months of intensive classes while the following four months have a rhythm of a class, discussion and practice session each month. The peer and mentor visits are ongoing throughout while the semester concludes with a three day retreat. 
Tuition
-What is the tuition?
The total tuition for each semester is $3400. Program cost includes online retreats, all classes, coursework, program materials and individual mentoring. The fee also includes membership in the Mindful Life Community™ or Mindfulness in Recovery® Community, a copy of Transforming to a Mindful Life, and access to the private MLY community space in the Mindful Life Network™.
-What is the payment schedule?
An initial deposit of $800 is required to secure your place in the program once you are accepted. A deposit within 14 days of acceptance will confirm and secure your place in the program. After 14 days, the space will become available to others. Payment in full is requested prior to the start of the program unless you have requested a payment plan. Payment plans are available on an individual basis.
-What payment methods are accepted?
Payment can be made by check, credit card, or bank transfer. Credit card payments will include 3.4% payment fee.
-What is the cancellation and refund policy?
We understand that circumstances can change and do our best to accommodate changes. We have the following cancellation and refund policy. Please contact us with any questions. Cancellations notified in writing prior to February 20, 2025: Refund minus deposit. Cancellations notified in writing on or after February 20, 2025, and before April 1, 2025: Refund of program fee less $400 will be prorated. Once refunds are no longer available, there may be an option, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, to receive a credit for attending a future course within a limited period. Notifications should be emailed to [email protected].
Continuing Your Training
Those who successfully complete the Mindfulness Immersion Semester are qualified to apply for the Teacher Certification Semester or Personal Development Semester. If you would like to be notified of the next scheduled dates for these courses, please add your contact info below.
Join the MLP Community of Support
The Mindful Learning Year programs are led by instructors Mark Molony and Laura Bartels, with additional instruction by co-founder John Bruna. Mark Molony and Laura Bartels serve as retreat leaders, teachers, and mentors directly throughout the year. Sharing and support by MLP Certified Teachers who have graduated from the program, and by graduates of the Mindfulness in Recovery® (MIR) Facilitator’s Certification for those adding the MIR Certification to a teacher training pathway complements the community of support. MLY participants also become members of the Mindful Life Community™ or Mindfulness in Recovery® Communities, our online membership communities that have engaged members from around the world and offers daily teachings, meditations and guidance.
Questions?
Please reach out if you have questions about the program. We’re happy to talk with you!
970-633-0163