The Heart and Craft of Inquiry

A 2 day masterclass for deepening inquiry and dialogue skills in MBSR teaching

About this Masterclass

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. 

This 2-day masterclass programme is offered to MBSR trained teachers as support for deepening your learning and confidence in this core teaching competency.

The Masterclass takes place over 2 full days that are 2 weeks apart. This allows for integration of learning and reflective inquiry in small peer groups on assigned reading in between Day 1 and Day 2.

Day 1 Themes: Grounding in Presence – Listening Deeply – Creating Space

Day 2 Themes: Not-knowing – Appreciating Risk – Relating Skilfully

You will receive reading material and reflective questions on key frameworks for inquiry in mindfulness teaching at the end of Day 1. You will be invited to meet with one or two of your peers to practice reflective inquiry together on the material provided. We will build on this in Day 2.

Over the course of the 2 days, we explore through experiential dialogue and practice:
· Learning Intentions of inquiry
· Deep Listening & Curious Conversations
· Role-playing common inquiry scenarios in groups using dialogues taken from the trainers’ teaching and supervision experiences.
· Frameworks/Models of inquiry
· Horizontal & Vertical inquiry – when, why and how we use it
· Our relationship with “not-knowing”
· Becoming comfortable with risk

We will share the difficult, the delightful and the doubts. How do we meet with the uncomfortable, challenging, or unnerving in the inquiry process? What “unlearning” is needed to allow for meaningful learning to emerge for individuals and the group? Honouring the experiential, dynamic and emergent principles of MBSR teaching, we will explore in community the ‘heart and craft’ of inquiry. We will evolve our embodiment in facilitating group dialogue that is skilful and relational.

Autumn/Winter 2023

9.30am – 4.30pm 

Friday 17 November & 1 December

*Bookings Close 10th November

You choose your fee: When booking, simply select the ‘redeem coupon’ option and enter the discount code of your choosing. You reduce your total fee by the euro of equivalent of the number in the code. Skip this step if you wish to choose the standard fee. 

HEART5  =  €5 discount         

HEART10 = €10 discount      

HEART15 = €15 discount

HEART20 = €20 discount            

HEART25 = €25 discount

HEART30 = €30 discount

HEART35 = €35 discount

HEART40 = €40 discount

Terms & Conditions

Open to MBSR Teachers who have completed a minimum Level 1 MBSR Teacher Training who have some experience of teaching mindfulness and leading mindful inquiry. A registration form is completed at the time of booking that will seek confirmation of this requirement.  All information retained is held according to GDPR (2018) guidance. 

The class is delivered online thus a sufficiently stable internet connection is required to ensure you can use your video function and also a quiet space, that you can engage and offer privacy and confidentiality to all involved.

Advance booking and payment is essential to secure your place. The class will proceed with a minimum of 6 participants. When you book, you book for both dates.  It is not possible to mix dates with future workshops.

We are offering a sliding scale fee for this 2 day masterclass, with you choosing to pay a fee between €250 and €290. The price is set as a standard fee of €290 and you can select one of our discount codes for this event to choose your fee on the scale. 

Cancellations Policy for this masterclass:

  • 7 days before the first session: 100% refund
  • 3-6 days: 50% refund
  • 1-2 days: no refund.
  • Cancellations by the trainers: 100% refund or credit for new dates/alternative events

Please get in touch with any questions.

Claire & Sheena

“The Heart and Craft of Inquiry Masterclass was such a rich and nourishing experience. The practical role-playing was a highlight for me as the scenarios reflected real participant stories and ones we tend to struggle with as teachers. To be able to practice those in a safe and supportive space and to learn from the experience of peers was invaluable. Sheena and Claire are both fantastic teachers and mentors and the course design had something for everyone – whether you prefer theory, practice or peer learning in a supportive community – this had it all! I would thoroughly recommend this course as part of any teacher’s continuous professional development. Thank you for helping me to better appreciate the beauty of inquiry!”

JacquiBeauty of Inquiry

For anyone finding the process of inquiry fascinating as well as baffling at the same time, this is an invaluable opportunity to practice and learn. Lots of practical information balanced with the reminder that in order for this to unfold we have to let go of the rules and concepts. A chance to connect and explore with peers and excellent teachers! Highly recommend!

ConnieHighly Recommend!

"When I found out Claire and Sheena were teaching this course, I did not care that I was 8 timezones away starting at 1:30am for me. It was so worth it! They provided a safe laboratory for participants to practice not knowing, deep listening, dialogue and inquiry. I highly recommend this masterclass for anyone who wants to gain more confidence in their inquiry skills."

MarianneWorth it!

The masterclass has been a great opportunity to gain more confidence and enthusiasm about inquiry and to relax into it and let it flow... with trust and curiosity.

JaneLet it flow

The Heart and Craft of Inquiry provides direct teaching experience in a safe and engaging learning environment. Claire and Sheena offer the opportunity to take risks, deepen one's own practice, and cultivate supportive relationships with other MBSR teachers. This course will continue to be an invaluable resource as a facilitator of MBSR courses, and also in many other contexts in which I find myself sharing mindful practices and encouraging inquiry.

LarInvaluable resource

The workshop deepened my knowledge of inquiry. The atmosphere was open and inviting. I felt safe to explore the topic. The suggested exercises were very helpful and helped to develop skills. I found the whole workshop enriching and developing.

AgnieskaEnriching

I would definitely recommend The Heart and Craft of Inquiry Masterclass with Sheena and Claire. With this masterclass, I had the opportunity to really deep dive into the key aspects of a skillful inquiry, practice difficult cases with my fellow participants, learn new frameworks and approaches to inquiry and have really rich discussions on the topic. This masterclass helped me hone my skills in inquiry, but even more importantly realize how to be a mindful and heartful inquirer.

TerryDeep dive

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