MLY Personal Development Year

Begins September 2023

Participate Online from Any Location

The multi-faceted and in-depth learning and guidance in the personal development pathway are directed at supporting participants to consolidate their personal practice and gain a broader understanding of the possibilities of practical, engaged mindfulness in their life and in the world through a personally applicable and meaningful project.

Over the years of offering this in-depth training, we have found many participants are interested in receiving the more extensive guidance of a mindfulness training year for their own personal development. This is a unique and rare opportunity to receive multi-faceted and in-depth learning and guidance and extend learning in an area of personal interest.

The year-long program begins with the MLY Immersion Semester and the learning community includes those in the Teacher Certification Year. Our second semester incorporates learning in the chosen area of focus, guided by the instructors while continuing to strengthen their personal mindfulness practice, two online guided retreats, and continued monthly classes and individual mentoring.

“This program is a journey into self that reveals the interconnectedness and value of each of us and all of us as a whole. It can help you define and fine-tune personal values. It teaches a path to wisdom and openheartedness found in a simple, daily commitment to living a mindful life.” – Recent participant

A Year Balanced with Practice, Theory and Connection

The MLY Personal Development 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. Personal learning and first-person observational practice form a core practice for all participants. Through our monthly assignments, participants are introduced to readings and video teachings by a wide range of experts along with experiential 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. Like any practice, developing competence requires a sound conceptual and practical understanding, as well as personal experience of the underlying theoretical body of knowledge.

Much more than taking a class or attending a retreat, the MLY Personal Development Year offers the personalized guidance and mentoring of experienced instructors and the opportunity to learn along with dedicated peers throughout the semester. The first two months with weekly classes provide a focused time to deepen your practice and anchor your experience of the learning community of peers. 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.

We engage participants with many learning methods that, in combination, create a truly transformational personal experience. Through daily meditation and mindfulness practice and personal reflection, weekly and monthly live online classes and practice sessions, mentoring, peer sharing, and journaling, and monthly readings and assignments, the journey creates a wonderful rhythm supporting insights, knowledge, and growth over the course of the year.

The first semester forms the foundation as participants develop a deeper theoretical, practical, and personal familiarity with the application of the four keys of the Mindful Life Program. During the second semester, participants continue to engage in all the learning modalities and use the foundation developed to explore an area of personal focus. The second semester Personal Development online classes and assignments support learning in the chosen area of focus, guided by the instructors while continuing to strengthen their personal mindfulness practice. Participants now define, explore, plan and engage in a learning project that is personally relevant and meaningful. The area of focus is encouraged to highlight themes and/or practices to create a kinder and more sustainable world at any scale. Students are invited to take elements of what they have been taught and learned in the first semester and apply them in their own life or an area of interest, capturing the process of application and the associated impact on them and others. The project is designed to encourage innovation, creativity, and meaning while being personally relevant. The project progresses through distinct learning phases and personal engagement and is shared in a presentation during the final retreat.

In addition to two personal retreats during the year, in the second semester, the instructors lead two online retreats with all year-long participants. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, personal development candidates will earn a certificate in the Mindful Learning Personal Development Year.

Download the Program Brochure

Apply for the MLY Personal Development Year

Highlights of the MLY Personal Development Year

Included in MLY Personal Development Year

Weekly live online classes of 3 hours for 8 weeks followed by monthly online classes
Monthly live group practice sessions
Individual monthly mentoring
Bi-weekly peer meetings
Two online mindfulness retreats
Transforming to a Mindful Life Companion Journal
Daily Practice Journal
Individual project mentoring
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
Perspectives and Philosophies 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
Two group and two individual retreats
Personal project

Group and Individual Retreats

The training includes two 3 day online retreats. These retreats are planned in March and September of 2023. *Dates and format for retreats are subject to change.

Participants also schedule two individual 48-hour retreats of their own during the year with guidance from and approval of the instructors. These retreats can be solo retreats or participants can choose to attend a Mindful Life Program or another suitable guided retreat. Dates for the retreats are chosen by each participant.

Learn more about the first semester of the year, the MLY Immersion Semester.

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 and the MLP Mindfulness Learning Year programs through the website and resources. Through the program information and application process, we strive to ensure the best match for applicants with the program.

Upon Graduation

Our aim is to support participants’ learning to successfully complete the Training Year and feel confident and capable in their personal practice, and competent in both theoretical and practical foundations of living mindfully. As graduates maintain a practice that supports them in bringing more clarity, attention, and openheartedness into their life, improve themselves and engage in living a meaningful life, ripples inevitably spread from that foundation to those in their lives and communities. Those ripples become an exponential benefit to the world.

Our deepest wish is that Personal Development graduates improve their lives in deeply meaningful ways and cultivate genuine happiness through their attitudes and actions.

Ongoing Support After Graduation

By the time one graduates from the MLY Personal Development Year, they have become a meaningful part of the Mindful Life Program community and created even closer connections in their learning community. Through ongoing opportunities offered by the Mindful Life Program, we support graduates to continue to engage and deepen their practice and connections with other dedicated practitioners. We are continually growing our resources and offerings and encourage graduates to engage in many ways:

Mindful Life Community™ or Mindfulness in ® Community membership
Mindful Life Program™ retreats
Online and in-person courses
Weekly mindfulness groups
Books and other resources

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.

About the Instructors

Mark Molony

Mark Molony is a co-founder of the Mindful Life Program and a licensed social worker, therapist, and coach. Mark’s intention is to support others in generating new sustainable ways of being in themselves and with others that will encourage genuine happiness in their lives.

Mark lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife Toni and his four children Erin, Claire, Matthew and Pat.

Mark first became involved in mindfulness practices and meditation in 2001 when he experienced a major health challenge and looked to support his recovery through mindful awareness practices. Since then, Mark’s learning in mindfulness has grown, as has his practice and experience in teaching mindfulness to others in a range of settings.

Over the last 15 years, Mark has been fortunate to work with a broad range of inspirational friends and clients who have shared their life challenges and their learning with him.

Mark is an engaging and experienced facilitator who loves what he does and derives great joy and gratitude in exploring the mindful life with others.

Mark’s qualifications include a Masters of Social Work, specialist qualifications in counseling psychotherapy, Registered Mental Health Professional, Ontological Coaching Practitioner and a Cultivating Emotional Balance Accredited Teacher.

Laura Bartels

Laura Bartels is the Executive Director of the Mindful Life Program bringing personal and professional training in mindfulness and skills in living a meaningful life to a wide range of audiences. Laura’s experience in teaching spans engagement in public schools, universities, non-profits and professional groups. Laura’s previous professional path brought her to be a leader in the field of sustainable building and community development. In her past efforts throughout the US and with tribal nations, her work of helping people and communities put values into action offered a valuable foundation and perspective on the importance of inner sustainability. Personally and professionally, the skills of living mindfully became an essential part of Laura’s life.

In 2001, after a serious car accident and other significant life challenges, Laura began finding the value of meditation and mindfulness as a way to grow through these challenges. Having the precious gift of studying mindfulness and meditation with a range of highly experienced teachers over the last 18 years, Laura facilitates mindfulness courses and trainings and leads retreats, as well as giving presentations on related topics. She has brought programs to diverse audiences from educators and parents to law enforcement and emergency dispatchers. Laura brings sensitivity to both individuals and groups, and she has been looked to for her calm presence, leadership, and her kindness, and thoughtfulness.

Laura is lives in Carbondale, Colorado with her husband, John Bruna.

What participants have said…

“To spend a year dedicated to practice and deepening understanding of the Mindful Life Program philosophy, practice, and foundations course was truly beneficial. This year allowed me to cultivate healthy habits and tendencies that will be a part of my life from now on. I was most surprised at the support and inspiration that I experienced from the group of peers that I was in the program with. The Mindful Life Foundations Course continues to be the foundation on which my personal practice rests.”

“The connection and support of peers were amazing. I felt like even though we were all in different places, we were a cohesive group supporting one another. I see them all as friends today.”

“Best decision made by myself in a very long time! The experience was more than I could imagine. For years I was quasi living a mindful life via emails, quotes, thoughts, and readings, however, for the teacher training program, I dedicated myself to the practice with all of my heart and soul. And that is when it all came together, with consistent practice and dedication. This life and the life of those I love and those around me has never been more meaningful thanks to the Mindful Life Program!”

“It was great how you structured it so intensely at first, then slowly gave us more time, space, latitude of our own as classes decreased to biweekly, and in reflections, comments, and homework. It was a brilliant strategy on your part to lead us gently into a deeper daily practice.”

Additional Program Details

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 as a teacher and their dedication to personal growth. Access the application here.

Program Fee

The program fee for the 23-24 year-long program is $5300. Program cost includes two online retreats, all classes, coursework, program materials, and individual mentoring. The fee also includes a one-year membership in the Mindful Life Community™ or Mindfulness in Recovery® Community and a copy of Transforming to a Mindful Life and a Daily Practice Journal. An initial deposit of $1400 is required to confirm your place in the program. Full payment is due by March 1, 2024. A monthly payment plan is required if full payment is not made prior to September 15, 2023. An adjusted payment plan may be available on an individual basis. See application for cancellation or course withdrawal policy.

Pre-Training Year Coursework

Applicants are asked to register for and complete one of the following courses by September 15, 2023: MLP Foundations Course, Four Keys of Living Mindfully, Mindful Healing or the Mindfulness in Recovery® Course. Find upcoming scheduled courses here, and a self-paced Four Keys Course here. Additional coursework includes reading The Wisdom of a Meaningful Life: The Essence of Mindfulness by John Bruna prior to the start of the program.