Calm University
Next class begins January 15, 2024
Calm University: Easing the Pain of Anxiety
How much do you worry?
Most everyone has concerns about some things, but if you suffer from anxiety your fears and worries are constantly on your mind, making it difficult for you to function. The moment you wake up your mind starts racing. Hundreds of thoughts. What are they about?
Losing your job - “What will happen if I get fired"?”
Financial Challenges - “I’m buried in debt and don’t know how to pay it all back.”
Relationship challenges - “Why am I always fighting with the people I love the most”
Death - “I don’t want to die.”
Chronic Illness - “Waking up in pain every day is just too hard”
Loss of a loved one or beloved pet - “They’re gone, and now I’m alone”
Caring for a relative or significant other - “I’m so tired. They need so much care”
Security of belongings - “I worked so hard for the things I have; I don’t want anything to happen to them”
Physical Health - “ I have no energy, and I just can’t seem to do what I want to do anymore”
“In the United States alone roughly 39% of the population suffers from some form of anxiety.”
All the worrisome thoughts don’t just take up space in your mind, they take a toll on your body as well. The stress response which is triggered by fears and worries is only meant to be on in short bursts. It’s meant for actual dangers. When I stays on indefinitely, it wreaks havoc with all systems within the body, triggering illness and disease.
With a mind constantly activating a stress response it's a wonder you can focus on work at all. You can't concentrate, so work takes longer to finish. Simple tasks seem to take forever. The longer it goes on, the more you fall behind, which creates more stress. It's a perpetual cycle.
At work and in your personal life, your health suffers. Common colds take longer to recover from. Stomach issues like acid reflux have you existing on antacids. On a bigger scale, perpetual stress can worsen chronic illness, and even trigger other illnesses that can be brought on by heavy anxiety.
You would think that sleep would offer relief, but many people who suffer from anxiety find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Without adequate rest, you never feel revitalized. You become irritable, and accordingly, all your relationships at home and work begin to suffer. Many break down completely.
In the body, it:
Causes panic attacks - Muscle tension/Rapid or pounding heartbeat/sweating
Worsens chronic illness or pain
Causes gastrointestinal issues: acid reflux, ulcers and negatively impacts your gut health
In your mind, it:
Creates restlessness
Causes Irritability
Makes concentrating difficult leading to poor performance
Disturbs your sleep, causes insomnia
When are things going to get better? You know things have to change.
When your mind can't stop worrying or creating panic you seek to do anything to stop the noise. You distract yourself any way can: Netflix, doom scrolling on social media and even drinking, drugs or sex just to take away the pain
But what can you do?
Imagine how nice it would be to wake up from a restful night of sleep and not even reach for your phone. Wouldn't it be great to lay in bed for a few moments noticing the sun coming in through the window. You actually notice the feel of the sheets against your body. How refreshing would it be to wake up to a quiet mind, unfettered by worrisome thoughts?
Quite simply, you notice the world around you. You feel the warmth of the water on your body in the shower. You appreciate the stillness and calm of a nice breakfast.
Regardless of the weather, even your drive to work is more peaceful, whether there is traffic or not.
Once at work or school, you're focused. You have a clear head to take on any project or classes, with attention and confidence. You become known for coming up with fresh ideas. Studying becomes effortless.
Whether you are at home, school or at work, people begin to notice how much calmer you are. Conversations are light and enjoyable. People are eager to spend time with you.
When the day is done, as you lay your head on your pillow, your mind is at peace. You drift off with a smile on your face; within minutes you are sound asleep.
If you suffer from anxiety, these scenarios seem impossible. They're not only possible, but within reach
Calm University: Easing the Pain of Anxiety is a meditation course designed to offer relief to those who suffer from anxiety and anxious thoughts; to help you live a calmer, more intentional life; a life of your own creation.
Meditation is a practice that has been around for over 2500 years. It has flourished for so long because it is so effective in helping people cope with stress, as well as become more at ease with their minds. Practitioners are able to create a new relationship with their thoughts. They see thoughts for what they are, and are no longer held hostage by intrusive worries.
This in depth course focuses directly on helping students become aware of their minds, understanding when unsettling thoughts arise. More importantly, helping them detach from those thoughts in a mindful, present way. It's accomplished by:
Teaching an effective method of meditation taught by an instructor with over 40 years of meditation experience. No more trying to find accurate information using internet searches.
Allowing access to the instructor at any time throughout the course. No more guessing
Providing multiple audio meditations and suggestions designed to help students:
Understand body signals that identify stress
Become more self-compassionate
Utilize mindfulness to minimize/eliminate intrusive thoughts
Providing only accurate meditation information.
Creating a space for community so participants can share their experiences and listen to the experiences of others in an effort to learn.
Guaranteeing results
Providing additional support once the course has been completed.
Acting as a resource, answering all questions that arise during the course, and once it has been completed.
Providing accurate information that debunks many myths about meditation
Once students have completed the course they will:
Have the tools necessary to create a sense of calm when anxious thoughts arise
Benefit from healthier relationships (including the one with themselves)
Have a fuller understanding of their emotions and emotional resilience.
Learn methods for sustaining a calmer, more mindful life.
Most noticeably will be the absence of persistent thoughts and worries that impair productivity, create chronic health issues and impair/end relationships.
What's included:
A complete 7 week meditation course designed to provide relief for people suffering from anxiety.
24/7 hour access to the instructor
Weekly lessons focusing on meditation topics that address anxiety
Audio meditations and suggestions
Office hours for additional questions that students may have
A community for students to share ideas and thoughts
Weekly group meditation practice for all participants
A money back guarantee
About the Instructor:
Thom Walters is the host of the Zen Commuter Meditation podcast, as well as Calmer in Five. He has been meditating for over 40 years, and has taught thousands of people how to meditate. He is well versed in a variety of meditation styles, including Vipassana, Zazen, Mindfulness Meditation, Metta, and Mantra meditation, and continues to learn various other styles.
His gift is the ability to teach meditation in a way that is approachable for everyone, regardless of background or anxiety level. At the heart of his teaching is getting to know his students individually to see the struggles they currently face, and finding ways to overcome those boundaries.
He specializes in teaching beginning meditators how to quiet their minds and focus their attention on the wisdom that is inherent in each of them. Once students become aware of the process of meditation, he then teaches them how to cultivate a daily habit, regardless of how busy their lives currently are.
Frequently asked questions
How does this course differ from other meditation courses?
Most meditation courses provide an overall introduction to meditation geared towards everyone. This course has been designed to address the challenges specific to those suffering from Anxiety and/or Depression. The goal is to utilize meditation to lessen anxiety by helping students cultivate a non-reactive relationship with their thoughts. It also offers students instruction in listening to the signals their body sends them as it relates to stress.
Will this course teach me how to meditate if I have never been successful at it before?
Yes. With over 40 years of meditation experience Thom is able to teach all students, regardless of experience. Common roadblocks include:
Inability to sit still
Trouble focusing
Dealing with persistent thoughts
developing a consistent practice
Will this replace traditional therapy that I am in now?
No. Therapy is an excellent tool for examining the roots of your anxiety, helping you understand the type of anxiety that you suffer from. Meditation specifically designed for those suffering from anxiety can work in conjunction with therapy. And it is effective on its own. This course helps you where traditional therapy may not. It helps you create a better dialogue with your body by allowing you to feel when anxiety is present. Equally important, is the ability of this course to help you learn methods for disengaging from anxious thoughts.
How will I find time to complete the course when I'm already so busy?
Each week's recorded lesson is available to you to finish on your schedule. Since it is able to be listened to on your phone, you can study whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you. Office hours are conducted in person with the instructor to review questions from the week's lesson or address any other topic as it relates to meditation and anxiety
What is the format of the class?
The class is broken down into 7 week-long topics, each of which focuses on an aspect of anxiety relief that can be enhanced by meditation. Each recorded lesson is offered sequentially, allowing students to complete the course one lesson at a time. Participants will not be allowed to "binge" lessons or take them out of order, so as to maximize the effectiveness of the class.
Each week students are asked to watch the lesson when it is most convenient for them. They are then given an assignment that will take no longer than an hour each week. Students are then encouraged to listen and practice a meditation geared toward the lesson of that week. Lastly, they will attend live office hours to discuss the lesson of the week and/or any questions they have.
At any time, students will have the ability to email the instructor and receive an answer within one business day.
Throughout the entire 7 week course students are encouraged to attend office hours, where they can discuss questions they have live with the instructor and other participants. The 7 week syllabus is as follows.
Week 1: Introduction to Mindfulness and Anxiety Reduction
Week 2: Mindfulness Foundations
Week 3: Managing Stress Through Mindfulness
Week 4: Self-Compassion and Anxiety
Week 5: Mindfulness in Daily Life
Week 6: Mindfulness for Emotional Regulation
Week 7: Sustaining a Mindful Life
Once the course is completed will I be able to get support?
Yes. For 30 days following the end of the course, students will have the ability to continue office hours so that they can continue with their success, and to address any additional challenges that they may be experiencing
If you have additional questions after the course is over you will still be able to contact the instructor with any questions you may have. Office hours for students will be available for students for one month after they have completed the course.
Will this course work for everyone?
Yes.
However, meditation, like this course, is not a cure-all. You will not benefit from the course if you do not do the work. This course is not for you if you are unable or unwilling to do the following:
Requirements of the course:
Meditate daily and record your sessions ( the instructor will instruct you how to record your sessions.)
Watch each weeks' assignment and complete the accompanying assignment.
Attend office hours each week.
Listen to the meditation that accompanies the lesson of the week.
Complete the lessons and quizzes each week
Ask questions if anything is unclear.