Jeff Feldman, Ph.D. Neurology Department jfeldman@wfubmc.edu Integrative Awareness Training To increase self awareness, self care, and personal effectiveness Jeff Feldman, Ph.D. Neurology Department jfeldman@wfubmc.edu

Mindfulness “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally … this kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment-reality” (Jon Kabot-Zinn, Wherever you go there you are, 1994, p. 5) Mindfulness promotes self-awareness, self-reflection, self care and compassion towards others.

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Self Awareness Intrapersonal – helps the physician be conscious of his or her strengths, limitations, and sources of professional satisfactions. It helps to avoid blind spots. Interpersonal self-awareness or social intelligence allows physicians to see themselves as they are seen by others and helps to establish satisfactory interpersonal relationships Epstein, R., Mindful Practice, JAMA, 1999

Integrative Awareness Model Self Awareness Personal well being Mindfulness Empathy Awareness Professional of the patient effectiveness

Integrative Awareness Cultivating Balance Intrapersonal Motivation/Purpose (conative) Attention Cognitive Affective (Wallace and Shapiro, 2006) Interpersonal Work/professional Love Family Friends Physical Spiritual

Integrated Awareness Training Integration of Eastern and Western approaches to self awareness and self care Integration of conceptual and experiential Integration of mind-body techniques within a mindfulness perspective Developing a personal approach that best suits you

Integrated Awareness Training Sessions 1. Introduction, Mindfulness and Breathing 2. Mindfulness, attention and the body 3. Personality differences and self awareness 4. Cognitions, identifying and balancing thoughts 5. Conative, clarifying and utilizing what motivates you 6. Emotions, finding balance and using a positive emotional focus 7. Energy medicine and physical balance 8. Spirituality and medicine 9. Humor 10. Developing a personal wellness plan

Verbatim feedback from WFUSM participants If anyone is dealing with anxiety/stress issues with medical school, being in your class helped me get through mine. It was a very calming environment where I was able to experience many new things and then choose which worked best for me It has helped me to relax more effectively – that is for sure; and it has validated the level of balance I have struck in my life

Verbatim feedback continued I employ several of the techniques we learned on myself and plan to also use these with my patients. I’ve already discussed breathing with a patient at the DEAC clinic. It has helped me cope better with stress and lent me a greater degree of patience Helped to regulate my emotions and make me aware of them

Specifics Ten 90 minute sessions Once per week, dates to be set first day of class to not conflict with exams/breaks Sunday evenings 6:00-7:30 pm Healthy food will be provided for a light dinner Participation is completely voluntary