Koru Mindfulness Basics, Mindfulness 2.0, and 1/2 Day Retreats

We are currently planning classes and 1/2 day retreats for 2024. New mindfulness classes (Basic, 2.0, & 1/2 day retreats) will be listed here. You will find exact dates and times at the bottom of this page, under class descriptions.

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Koru Mindfulness Meditation (class descriptions)

Are you interested in learning to meditate? Do you have a desire to connect with others while you learn? Do you want to better manage stress, anxiety, depression, guilt and lead a healthier, more balanced and fulfilling life?

Yet maybe you find yourself thinking: I can’t relax; It is too hard to focus; I can’t sit still for that long; I keep falling asleep; Meditation is too hard!

The Koru Mindfulness Basics course teaches the basics of a mindfulness meditation. Each course helps participants establish a practice that can have remarkable physical and emotional benefits in a way that is different than the majority of meditation classes. It is a great entry point for adults, emerging adults, and high school students, who want to learn how to meditate or expand upon their current meditation practice. The course teaches the skills of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, along with stress management skills. It is especially useful for anyone that is looking for ways to address stress and anxiety and wants to be more present, and less reactive, in their daily life.

The Koru Mindfulness for Emerging Adults curriculum is scientifically proven to be effective in helping to: •manage stress; •reduce anxiety; •increase focus and attention; •improve sleep; and •increase compassion and gratitude (for yourself and others).

It is taught in small groups, allowing space to participate, ask questions, and discuss what is learned, and uses active teaching methods to build understanding, confidence, and motivation. The 4, weekly, 75 minute classes are set-up to accommodate busy schedules. It is highly structured to assist with motivation and developing a regular meditation habit. Participants will have a short daily homework assignment of a 10 minute mindfulness practice and gratitude log and the option to read a book that corresponds to the curriculum during our 4-week session.

By the end of this class you will have:  

  1. Learned a variety of simple and easy mindfulness and meditation, as well as stress-management, skills and techniques;

  2. Explored different ways to meditate, having the opportunity to find which method(s) works best for you; 

  3. Skills to help you have a deeper sense of stability and to feel more grounded and settled; and the

  4. Ability to practice mindfulness meditation on your own, at home, as well as to apply mindfulness to your everyday activities.

The Koru Mindfulness 2.0 course and 1/2-Day Retreats build upon what is learned in our Mindfulness Basics course. Participants will learn additional mindfulness meditation and stress-reduction techniques to deepen their practice and enhancing their well-being.


Nuts & Bolts (and other additional info):

  • No props or special equipment are needed for this class. We often use a book during our sessions, to deepen understanding of the techniques learned in class. There is also the option of also using the Koru Mindfulness for Emerging Adults Institute app or a paper handout for logging meditations and gratitudes. Throughout our class, I invite all students to bring a sense of curiosity and willingness to be an active participant.

  • I continue to offer occasional classes online via Zoom. If you sign up for this option, I will send you a Zoom invitation and instructions on how to join our sessions via e-mail the week before class begins.

  • Koru Mindfulness Basics and Koru Mindfulness 2.0 are each $120 for a four-week session. If this is currently outside of your price range, please contact me for a sliding scale option. 1/2-Day Retreats vary in price depending upon where they are held. Pricing will be listed individually by retreat.

  • To read about another Koru Mindfulness study, looking at the positive effects of an immersive 3-day Koru curriculum at the University of Kentucky, please click here.


Spring 2024 Classes:

4-Session Mindfulness Class for Students at Duke

Class Dates: April 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd, 2024

time: 2:00-3:15 on Mondays

register: please contact duwell@studentaffairs.duke.edu to learn how to register and class location

email questions to: MindfulAnytime@gmail.com

4-Session Mindfulness Class for Staff at Duke

Class Dates: Feb. 20th, 27th, and Mar. 5th, & 19th, 2024

time: 2:00-3:30 on Tuesdays

register: please contact duwell@studentaffairs.duke.edu to learn how to register and class location

email questions to: MindfulAnytime@gmail.com


Some comments from Participants:

 “Excellent teacher. • Thank You! I appreciate the non-judgement & being able to learn from you! • Betsi is very knowledgeable and supportive. • I like very much the pace of our classes and also the pace and tone of your voice when you give us explanations and guidance. • Betsi has a wonderful way of offering options and supportive descriptions during the class. • thank you for being a great teacher! • this course helped me create a toolbox of strategies to us in my everyday and academic life. I found the time spent to be really helpful. • this class was really fun & i would do this again! • I thoroughly enjoyed this four-week class, and while i’d been interested in the idea of meditation for a while, it wasn’t until this class that i started to include it in my daily routine.”