While I was away co-leading a professional retreat training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) last week, the class had the opportunity to hear (via speakerphone) from my friend, colleague and fellow-MBSR teacher Michael Krasner, MD and his work with bringing mindfulness to physicians. Mick shared some of the background and information about his previous and current studies (the former was published in JAMA in the fall of 2009). The students were also led by another friend/colleague/MBSR teacher Dr. Rochelle Voth and they enjoyed being exposed to Walking Meditation.
Today we gathered for one last time, but alas the class was up against exams and exam-prep sessions and the turnout was small, but enthusiastic. We discussed the class and their experience and they offered some useful suggestions for future iterations of the class. I rewarded those who attended with our new “Got Mindfulness?” bumper stickers and sent them off to study . . .
As always, this was a powerful and enjoyable experience. I felt like I was planting some seeds that will germinate and grow over the course of their medical school and professional careers. Their curiosity and open-mindedness was refreshing and the way in which they went about grappling with the material (as reflected in their blog posts) was gratifying.
When we closed the MBCT training, we asked each participant (in the spirit of haiku) to offer up three words that captured their experience. I am inviting the members of the class to do the same.
Here are mine: gratitude, healing, allowing
stevepsyd
mindfulcoaching
reginahuelsenbeckphd
blairbuckman
Rick Hanson, PhD
mlfreedman
katieferrell82
psychroses
luismc1
Reflection, Relaxation, Calmness
This course has really changed the way I look at things from moment to moment– although I’ll admit I can’t guarantee that I’ve been 100% mindful 24/7, I do find myself more…willing and aware of my thoughts, my surroundings, and my actions. I realize more frequently the times that I find myself on “autopilot” or doing multiple things at one time, and have begun to take more time out of multitasking to focus and enjoy more things on at a time.
My 3 words? Present,Grace, Accept
TC
curiosity. clarity. grounded-ness.
thank you for a wonderful quarter! i am so grateful to be a part of a medical school that is open and progressive enough to offer a class such as this one as an elective. I am looking forward to continuing my work with mindfulness in the future
open, aware, clarity
this course was great at making me think about mindfulness and how it can relate to medicine and how I can practice mindfulness. Thanks for a great class!