Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, faculty and staff from around Duke have been learning about mindfulness and meditation through a Koru Mindfulness course co-hosted by the Duke University School of Nursing.

The course is hosted by Jacqui McMillian-Bohler, assistant professor, in collaboration with the Student Success Center and DuWell. It began on February 9 and will continue until March 2.

Due to an unprecedented time in the struggle to end racial violence and address inequality in the United States, it was felt it is critical to attend to the wellness and coping of communities of color. Attendants are from DUSON, the School of Medicine and the Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Physician Assistant Programs. The course is full.

Developed right here at Duke, Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based program specifically designed for teaching mindfulness and meditation as way to manage stress and reduce anxiety. Attendants are learning specific skills that help calm and focus their minds, including breathing exercises, guided imagery, body scan, and more.

Over 700 Duke undergraduate and graduate students have been trained through Koru.