This private Facebook group is specifically for people taking the Palouse Mindfulness MBSR course. Through this group, students can share experiences and/or ask questions about the practices that are part of the course, or simply stay on the sidelines and learn from others who are taking the course the same time as they are. If you'd like to join the Facebook group, see Joining the Palouse Mindfulness Community.

What is the purpose of the Palouse Mindfulness Facebook group?
Taking an online course can be a lonely activity, and there may be times during the course when a new student might have questions or just want to compare notes with others about their experience with the course. There are experienced graduates in the group who can answer specific questions and, on occasion, I (Dave Potter) may respond as well. It is a very lively group and most questions get answered within an hour or two.

What may be posted?
Members are encouraged to share from their own experience. This means not posting announcements or re-posting things seen elsewhere, no matter how worthy or meaningful they seem. There is already more reading and video information on the site than most students are able to digest while taking the course, especially considering the supplementary readings and graduate readings, so we suggest keeping the postings on the site to questions, insights, and comments about your actual experience of doing the course. Simply re-posting quotes, articles, or videos, as inspirational as they might be, could "drown out" sincere questions, responses, and reflections. It's fine to share something from somewhere else, but if you do, be sure that you include why it is meaningful to you and how it relates to your personal mindfulness practice.

This group is NOT the place to advertise or promote activities or products, no matter how worthwhile they seem. Anyone using the online group to blog or advertise, or who monopolizes or is disrespectful of the experience of others will be removed from the group.

Limitations
You should still think of the course as being self-guided - we will not be monitoring your progress. The "Health Considerations" at the bottom of the Getting Started page apply, and any adverse reactions to the course should be explored with a therapist or doctor.

How do I join?
Go to Joining the Palouse Mindfulness Community. In response to the email you send indicating that you are beginning the course, you will receive instructions for joining this Online Facebook group, as well as the zoom link for the Zoom Meditation & Discussion Meetings.

Is joining a required part of the course?
No. Joining this online community is totally optional. Membership in the Online Student Community is not considered when we evaluate a request for a certificate of completion.

Who can see group postings?
Only members can see what is posted. This is a "private" Facebook group, meaning the membership in the group is invitation-only, and only members can make or view postings.

Will I be inundated with Facebook messages?
How notification occurs is highly configurable. For instance, you can choose not to ever get an email message about a posting and instead see postings in your Facebook Newsfeed, or you can choose not to ever get notifications in any form and instead just visit the site at your own convenience.