Mindfulness Sharon James, M.A.

THE HISTORY OF MINDFULNESS

DEFINING MINDFULNESS Deliberate Focusing of One’s Attention on the Present Experience A Way of Being

ARE MEDIATORS REALLY NEW TO THE PRACTICE OF MINDFULNESS? Mastery and Artistry Similarities Transformative and Narrative Similarities Being Neutral, Without Judgment - Understanding There are Two Truths

MINDFULNESS AND STRESS-BRAIN SCIENCE Positively Affects the Way the Brain Processes Difficulties Amygdala Regulation of Perceived Threats Narrative Focus and Experiential Focus Mirror Neurons

FOUNDATIONS OF A MINDFUL PRACTICE Non-Judgmental Compassion Patience Trust Non-Striving Acceptance Letting Go

CONCEPTS IN MINDFULNESS AND IT’S APPLICATION IN MEDIATION Suffering Silence Listening The Skill of Attention Fostering Understanding of the Other’s Point of View

SHIFT THE OUTCOME A. Putting Mindful Theory into our Mediation Practice o Remember who is in charge o Stay centered o Be aware of reactions and feelings

SHIFT THE OUTCOME B. Switching Out of Problem Solving Into Being More Present o Benefits to stability of agreements o Ability to show genuine empathy and compassions o Modeling presence to clients that may be challenged by it

SHIFT THE OUTCOME C. Keep distractions at bay D. Focus on present, not past or future E. Calm agitated state

Rumi