We have just had week 7 of our current MBSR course and there is one week to go. Something magical happens by Week 7 where a disparate group of people who were strangers just a short time ago develop a shared intimacy in the class. It is not as if we know each other well...we don't, but we have gone through a process of self-exploration together and thus appreciate the effort it takes to participate wholeheartedly in a course like MBSR.
At this point, the class begins to teach itself. The discussion bounces back and forward, and people raise what is close to their hearts. The conversation is varied. We talk about struggles with a boss we are reacting to, our despair about climate change and our frustration as we help to grow our teenage children and how this course is influencing how we respond to these difficulties. There are some good laughs along the way.
This conversation is apt, as by Week 7 we are starting to reflect on growing this "mindfulness project” out from a meditation practice and into daily life. In last weeks class, we spoke about "mindful listening and speaking" and this seems to be a thread crossing all of tonight’s conversations.
This conversation is apt, as by Week 7 we are starting to reflect on growing this "mindfulness project” out from a meditation practice and into daily life. In last weeks class, we spoke about "mindful listening and speaking" and this seems to be a thread crossing all of tonight’s conversations.
- How do we best listen in difficult conversations and difficult moments?
- What does it mean to be a mindful listener to both ourselves and to others?
- Can we listen with patience, wholeheartedly without letting our judgments or self-criticism be a barrier to hearing?
- Can we truly listen without worrying about how we might respond....lest we miss what is being said? What does it mean to just listen and just speak without trying to fix in any way?
- Could this meditation practice of listening to ourselves be a good balance to the despair and rage that we are aware of when responding to the unfairnesses in our lives, and help motivate us to respond in a sane way?
If you’d like to dip your toes into exploring some of these questions you might try out the listening practice from the book, Heal Thy Self, Lessons on Mindfulness in Medicine by Saki Santorelli. Saki is a director from the Centre for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts.
A short listening practice for daily life.
If you're interested in attending one of our MBSR courses do book in. It is a well structured 8 week course that integrates a mindfulness meditation practice, mindfulness in daily life and western psychology with a view to stress reduction. The next course begins in Marrickville, Tuesday, Feb 16 6.30pm-9.00pm. For more info www.headrest.com.au or try booking to book.
A short listening practice for daily life.
- For the rest of today try paying close attention to the beginning of your conversations with people.
- Noticing the intention, the first impulse to speak, attempting, when that impulse arises, to consciously stop and take one breath. Maybe two.
- Checking, without the need for self-criticism, the first impulse to express or make your point
- Notice what happens in the mind, the sensations in the body, allowing yourself the room, the openness, to receive these internally arising messages while you maintain a listening silence.
If you're interested in attending one of our MBSR courses do book in. It is a well structured 8 week course that integrates a mindfulness meditation practice, mindfulness in daily life and western psychology with a view to stress reduction. The next course begins in Marrickville, Tuesday, Feb 16 6.30pm-9.00pm. For more info www.headrest.com.au or try booking to book.
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