Contemplative Learning Communities

This chapter focuses on integrating mindfulness into higher education policy and practices through learning communities. It describes the Contemplative Practices Learning Community at Drake University, providing guidance and ideas for embedding contemplative practices that can shift higher education institutions toward mindful and sustainable practices. This chapter aims to fill the gap in contemplative scholarship and provide a perspective on the need for systemic change through increased self-awareness, challenging conditioned expectations. It calls for more humane higher education, available through pausing, self-reflection, deep work, and practice, building a sense of community and belonging.