Conveying course themes through inquiry and dialogue is integral to skilful MBSR teaching. A large amount of class time is reserved for exploring participants’ experiences of the different mindfulness practices of the curriculum. A collective conversation of deep listening, compassionate curiosity and celebration of the beauty of being human together unfolds within and across each class.
Yet this key competency is also one that many MBSR teachers experience as a source of unease and challenge. Perhaps this is unsurprising as we immerse ourselves in the emergent style of teaching and move into a space of ‘not-knowing’. In this fresh, open space we let go of urges to rescue or give advice as we accompany participants on this journey of mindfulness practice. We may imagine that speaking in inquiry is like dropping a pebble into a pool of water – we do not know how far the ripples will reach.
This masterclass is created and delivered by Sheena Burke (Discovering Mindfulness) & Claire Griffin (Mindfulness Web). Both are Certified Mindfulness Teachers and Supervisors (MBSR Specialism) and Senior Trainers with Mindful Academy Solterreno, international centre for MBSR Teacher Training. The training draws on our own experiences as well as key sources and leaders in the wider MBSR research and practice field including feedback from MBSR teachers in training.