Class 6: Mindfulness
February 23, 2024
Readings:
—Rogers, S., Chapters 5, "Mindfulness" The Mindful Law Student (2022).
—Harris, D., Chapter 6, "The Power of Negative Thinking," 10% Happier
Writing Assignment:
—Write your own short chapter (3-5 pages), inspired by the reading by Dan Harris, that chronicles your journey into mindfulness this semester. For this weeks creative, use your crayons (and pen/pencil) to draw an illustration to accompany your chapter
Considerations for Class Discussion:
—Notice "Spiral" Moments that arise during the week. See if you can observe, in real time, some of the Thoughts, Feelings, and Body Sensations arising and how that noticing might influence what happens/doesn't happen next, e.g., (Over)Reactions.
—With regard to Chapter 5, and in light of the song by Johnny Nash, "I can see clearly now …" give thought to what it means through the lens of mindfulness to "see things more clearly." How might observing spirals translate into seeing more clearly?
Mindfulness Practice
—Rather than learn another mindfulness practice, this week deepen your experience with whichever of the three primary practices you choose: Focused Attention, Body Scan, and/or Open Monitoring.
— Practice whichever one's you choose five or more days for 6, 12 or 18 minutes. Now may be a good time to consider moving from 6 to 12 minutes or 12 to 18 minutes to see what that's like.
And on one day . . . (drum roll please) . . . set a timer for 6-12 minutes and sit without a guided recording—observing what Just Is.
Journal each day's practice with up to three bullet points.
Paper Topic:
Complete this "Paper Topic" Form and bring to class.
—Rogers, S., Chapters 5, "Mindfulness" The Mindful Law Student (2022).
—Harris, D., Chapter 6, "The Power of Negative Thinking," 10% Happier
Writing Assignment:
—Write your own short chapter (3-5 pages), inspired by the reading by Dan Harris, that chronicles your journey into mindfulness this semester. For this weeks creative, use your crayons (and pen/pencil) to draw an illustration to accompany your chapter
Considerations for Class Discussion:
—Notice "Spiral" Moments that arise during the week. See if you can observe, in real time, some of the Thoughts, Feelings, and Body Sensations arising and how that noticing might influence what happens/doesn't happen next, e.g., (Over)Reactions.
—With regard to Chapter 5, and in light of the song by Johnny Nash, "I can see clearly now …" give thought to what it means through the lens of mindfulness to "see things more clearly." How might observing spirals translate into seeing more clearly?
Mindfulness Practice
—Rather than learn another mindfulness practice, this week deepen your experience with whichever of the three primary practices you choose: Focused Attention, Body Scan, and/or Open Monitoring.
— Practice whichever one's you choose five or more days for 6, 12 or 18 minutes. Now may be a good time to consider moving from 6 to 12 minutes or 12 to 18 minutes to see what that's like.
And on one day . . . (drum roll please) . . . set a timer for 6-12 minutes and sit without a guided recording—observing what Just Is.
Journal each day's practice with up to three bullet points.
Paper Topic:
Complete this "Paper Topic" Form and bring to class.