Mindfulness-Dialogue is nothing more (and nothing less) than honest (intentional, open, equal), empathic (non-judgmental, vulnerable), and skillful (attentive, listening, tension-holding) interaction. When practiced in a group setting, it leads to shared understanding and a sense of belonging that can be creative, healing and collaborative. The fundamental elements of Mindfulness-Dialogue are in our evolutionary DNA. They are readily accessed with intention and practice and are extremely powerful in their effect. The method can transform everyday conversation as well as focused gatherings of all sizes to enable us to become a WE again.
Sample Agendas for Mindfulness-Dialogue Practice
INDIVIDUAL / PERSONAL – MEDITATION-PRACTICE (Sample Agenda)
Preparation
- Create/develop a ‘special (sacred) space’
- Identify a theme or focus and a ‘[popup_anything id=”848″]’ for the Exploring stage[1]
STAGES
CONNECTING 5 minutes[2]
- Mindfulness Exercise to foster presence (see Appendix)
- Notice and silently give voice to what is moving in you
- Segue: Notice how you are connected
EXPLORING 10 minutes
- Read/listen to the ‘catalyst’
- Notice and muse on a word or phrase that touches you[3]
- Short silent pause (to reinforce the presence and connection of Stage 1)
- Use catalyst again
- Notice an internal reaction (trigger): ask yourself where this comes from
- Segue: Hold the tension – however small – that his exploration has caused
DISCOVERING 5 minutes
- Mindfulness Exercise as before
- Listen FOR what you feel/hear/sense is emerging (through the tension)
- Give voice (internally, aloud, in writing) to this
- Short silent pause (to deepen the listening)
- Build on what has begun to emerge
CLOSE
- Silence == Prayer
- Commitment to act (however small)
- Comment: It may help to jot down a few thoughts – an insight, a decision – as a way of transitioning to my everyday life
[1] These times are suggestions to begin with but you will decide as you proceed what works best for you
[2] Musing like this reflects the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina when a passage is explored in a contemplative way
INTERPERSONAL / SHARED – MINDFULNESS-DIALOGUE (Sample Agenda)
Preparation
As with Individual Meditation (Prep space, identify theme and catalyst)
STAGES
CONNECTING 5 minutes[1]
- Mindfulness Exercise to foster presence
- Notice and then share what is moving in you
- Segue: Notice how this has helped you connect (to yourself, each other, the present moment)
EXPLORING 15 minutes
- Read/listen to the ‘catalyst’
- Notice and muse on a word or phrase that touches you
- Share without discussion
- Short silent pause (to reinforce the presence and connection of Stage 1)
- Use catalyst again
- Explore by sharing further thoughts, listening actively, reflecting back. Deepen the exploration by sharing an internal reaction (trigger) and asking questions to foster mutual understanding
- Segue: Hold the tension – however small – that his exploration has caused
DISCOVERING 5 minutes
- Mindfulness Exercise as before
- Listen FOR what you feel/hear/sense is emerging (through the tension)
- Share this
- Short silent pause (to deepen the listening FOR)
- Share by building on what has begun to emerge
CLOSE
- Silence == Closing word, prayer, gesture…
- Commitment to act (however small)
- Comment: This shared practice can be enriched by brief journaling and regular sharing outside of the exercise
[1] As with Individual Practice, these times are merely suggestions
SOCIAL / GROUP – MINDFULNESS-DIALOGUE (Sample Agenda)
PREPARATION
- As with other practices (space, identify theme and catalyst)
- Arrive and remain in silence (applies also to Zoom format)
STAGES
CONNECTING 15 minutes[1]
- Host welcomes, introduces theme, gives outline (for new participants)
- Mindfulness Exercise to foster presence
- Notice and then share what is moving in you (in a large group, this may be only a few)
- Segue: Notice how this has helped you connect (to yourself, each other, the present moment)
EXPLORING
- Read/listen to the ‘catalyst’
[popup_anything id=”855″] – representative – group (explain briefly for new participants)
- Notice and muse on a word or phrase that touches you
- Share without discussion
- Short silent pause (to reinforce the presence and connection of Stage 1)
- Use catalyst again Explore by sharing further thoughts, listening actively, reflecting back. Deepen the exploration by sharing an internal reaction (trigger) and asking questions to foster mutual understanding
Small – breakout – groups to repeat these steps
- Large group to share experiences in the small groups; continue exploration according to time
- Segue: Hold the tensions that his exploration has caused. Note the importance of tension
DISCOVERING 10 minutes
- Mindfulness Exercise as before
- Listen FOR what you feel/hear/sense is emerging (through the tension). Share this
- Silent pause (to deepen the listening FOR). Share by building on what has begun to emerge
Close 5 minutes
- Silence == Closing word, prayer, gesture…
- Commitment to act (however small).
- Encourage journaling and remind ‘partners’ to meet 1 x week.
[1] As with other practices, these times can be shorter or longer to suit the group. 1 hour works for most
[2] A representative group that serves as a model and fishbowl. See reflection on ‘[popup_anything id=”855″]’