Courses and Workshops

Meditation, Volunteering and Positive Neuroplasticity

Amelia Barili
Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Wednesday until Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
Price: $235.00
3 slots available
Enrollment Closed

Meditation and volunteering support good health for the heart, brain, and whole being. Combined, they foster positive neuroplasticity. In this course, we will study recent findings of the “Neuroscience of Human Connection” and meet the authors of this groundbreaking research. We will experience how contemplative practices can open our hearts as we volunteer outside of class (1-hour/week) at English in Action or UCB’s Casa Mora. As we transform our own understanding of other cultures and backgrounds, we will assist first generation students at Cal and foreign scholars with their transition into academic life at Berkeley.


Faculty Bio

Amelia Barili, an award-winning UC Berkeley and Polyvagal Institute faculty, teaches a systematic embodied approach for personal transformation. Her innovative pedagogy integrates neuroscience, meditation and service learning. She is the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Public Service.


This is a Livestreamed-Only Workshop

  • Classes will stream live at the scheduled day and time
  • Limited to 24 members
  • Please note: Early enrollment will facilitate volunteer placement
  • Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Wednesday, Sept. 20 and ends on Wednesday, Nov. 8
  • Classes meet for eight weeks, 1.5 hours per session (2:30–4 PM)
  • All course materials will be available to access and enjoy through Dec. 31

Member Praise for "Meditation, Volunteering and Positive Neuroplasticity"

Great materials. Fantastic presenters. Good breadth of coverage for the topic. Incredible volunteering experience with Casa Mora.

Professor Barili was excellent. She established a positive connection with each student and created a comfortable community to discuss topics. She was very organized and thoughtful and brought in speakers that are world renown. The syllabus was excellent and she covered all the material listed and provided reminders of assignments.


Faculty Interview