Some really valuable insights here, I particularly resonated with the application of the characteristics of ‘being’ (as contrasted with ‘doing’) to the theme ‘how to create a mindful environment’. In particular the invitation to keep it simple. Integrity and authenticity need to shine through and Im thankful for this being demonstrated right here in this teaching!
Thank-you again for the wonderful material on guiding mindfulness. I appreciated the section on balancing attention, attitude with leaving space for silence so that participants can have their “own experience”. Thank-you also for the dedication at the end, it is a sweet way to end each section.
Curiosity and non-judgemental attention is so important. Remaining aware of the world we all bring to a session and how this can be a challenge or our best teaching/learning tool. The end result of fostering and nurturing students to heal their wounds with loving kindness and to change their worlds in constructive ways is so motivating and inspiring.
The key elements of the script, the student and our own presence and the inter-connectedness and how we develop these interactions separately and synthesised is always a skill too be developed and grow from and with.
Our own practice is paramount. Makes me think that in my log to include opportunities to re-visit other teachers presenting the foundational practices in different ways. 'Practice what you preach' – really achieves balance.
The environment in which we teach that nurtures safety and being and to recognise the doing mode as well, and make use of all modes in a balanced way allows for better flow and more growth.
Attention 'when and what' and Attitude – the 'how to' and the teachers capacity for sensing when to move back and forth between and how much or little to add in guidance, especially for new students.
Love the fostering of the 'curiosity hunger' and allowing spaciousness to befriend the self – allowing for all of it with an attitude of kindness and love whilst exploring any resistance, push-back or un-pleasant moments.
Beginners mind – a really useful concept, attitude and tool. Silence and leaving space enables more all-oneness rather than aloneness where the student develops their own inate capacity. The connectedness through our common humanity is so easily developed through languageing and paying careful attention to the way we deliver the content.
This was a very reflexive class. I keep in mind the components of mindfulness: attention, (what to do) attitude (how to do it) and silence. And feel completely abundant in the silence component. It is an invaluable gift to give to myself and the students. The space of the infinite possibilities.
About the attitudes, I thing the inner critic, keeps all the time talking, judging, suggesting, demanding, etc…. and the curiosity, openness and kindness break the resistance of the inner critic. I see them like a soft blue air that embraces the inner critic, nurturing him and relaxing the rigidity of his judgements.
The last reflexion I do is about the language, not only the words but also the tone and rhythm I was a lawyer so since I teach meditation, I am very aware of how I say the words during the guidance of the meditations, aware of being soft, and gentle but also trying to say them slow and calm.
I’m new to teaching and found the most important section in this lesson is talking about teacher bias. In order to be a successful mindfulness teacher it is pivotal to be aware that each and every one of us will have different experiences as we practice. Our students will not necessarily experience what we as teachers experience and that’s completely fine. Every experience is equally beautiful and meaningful. That’s how we learn. We learn from each other and as teachers we learn from our students, a symbiotic relationship. I have been fearful about beginning to teach and this lesson has definitely eased my worry. The main point to grasp as a new teacher is to remain in the present moment with curiosity and without judgement, to be
as open and grounded as possible.
Thank you for such an informative lesson 🙏.
Feedback – I do wish these were more than reviewing what’s in the workbook. I have all of this printed out in a binder and could read through on my own. Seeing the pages on a video doesn’t add that much.
It gave food for thought that the teacher also needs to be mindful of approaching sessions with a being, and not doing mode, which can affect the whole experience.
So informative!
Some really valuable insights here, I particularly resonated with the application of the characteristics of ‘being’ (as contrasted with ‘doing’) to the theme ‘how to create a mindful environment’. In particular the invitation to keep it simple. Integrity and authenticity need to shine through and Im thankful for this being demonstrated right here in this teaching!
Great session, most important for me, to leave your own worries behind, if you have any, when teaching and focus on the sudents.
Thank-you again for the wonderful material on guiding mindfulness. I appreciated the section on balancing attention, attitude with leaving space for silence so that participants can have their “own experience”. Thank-you also for the dedication at the end, it is a sweet way to end each section.
Thank you, Sharen!
Curiosity and non-judgemental attention is so important. Remaining aware of the world we all bring to a session and how this can be a challenge or our best teaching/learning tool. The end result of fostering and nurturing students to heal their wounds with loving kindness and to change their worlds in constructive ways is so motivating and inspiring.
The key elements of the script, the student and our own presence and the inter-connectedness and how we develop these interactions separately and synthesised is always a skill too be developed and grow from and with.
Our own practice is paramount. Makes me think that in my log to include opportunities to re-visit other teachers presenting the foundational practices in different ways. 'Practice what you preach' – really achieves balance.
The environment in which we teach that nurtures safety and being and to recognise the doing mode as well, and make use of all modes in a balanced way allows for better flow and more growth.
Attention 'when and what' and Attitude – the 'how to' and the teachers capacity for sensing when to move back and forth between and how much or little to add in guidance, especially for new students.
Love the fostering of the 'curiosity hunger' and allowing spaciousness to befriend the self – allowing for all of it with an attitude of kindness and love whilst exploring any resistance, push-back or un-pleasant moments.
Beginners mind – a really useful concept, attitude and tool. Silence and leaving space enables more all-oneness rather than aloneness where the student develops their own inate capacity. The connectedness through our common humanity is so easily developed through languageing and paying careful attention to the way we deliver the content.
This was a very reflexive class. I keep in mind the components of mindfulness: attention, (what to do) attitude (how to do it) and silence. And feel completely abundant in the silence component. It is an invaluable gift to give to myself and the students. The space of the infinite possibilities.
About the attitudes, I thing the inner critic, keeps all the time talking, judging, suggesting, demanding, etc…. and the curiosity, openness and kindness break the resistance of the inner critic. I see them like a soft blue air that embraces the inner critic, nurturing him and relaxing the rigidity of his judgements.
The last reflexion I do is about the language, not only the words but also the tone and rhythm I was a lawyer so since I teach meditation, I am very aware of how I say the words during the guidance of the meditations, aware of being soft, and gentle but also trying to say them slow and calm.
Informative – thank you!
outstanding resource. reminds me that all teachers are students, and all students are teachers.
So good! Thank you!
I’m new to teaching and found the most important section in this lesson is talking about teacher bias. In order to be a successful mindfulness teacher it is pivotal to be aware that each and every one of us will have different experiences as we practice. Our students will not necessarily experience what we as teachers experience and that’s completely fine. Every experience is equally beautiful and meaningful. That’s how we learn. We learn from each other and as teachers we learn from our students, a symbiotic relationship. I have been fearful about beginning to teach and this lesson has definitely eased my worry. The main point to grasp as a new teacher is to remain in the present moment with curiosity and without judgement, to be
as open and grounded as possible.
Thank you for such an informative lesson 🙏.
Awesome!
Super material!
Feedback – I do wish these were more than reviewing what’s in the workbook. I have all of this printed out in a binder and could read through on my own. Seeing the pages on a video doesn’t add that much.
Thank you! This introductory chapter was very instructive! I especially appreciated that it ended with a heartfelt dedication.
It gave food for thought that the teacher also needs to be mindful of approaching sessions with a being, and not doing mode, which can affect the whole experience.