The Art of Mindful Reflection
—review and renew your practice
All workshops since we began in 2002 have been based on the classical teachings of the historical Buddha. What makes these different from the classes provided in Buddhist centres is a) the complete absence of ideology and b) minimal terminology. Stephen teaches from his own experience, paying special attention to the myths of Buddhism and the pitfalls of ‘spiritual’ illusions. He uses everyday examples that makes his workshops straightforward and easy to relate to.
In this three-week workshop he'll focus on the same essential structure in a more concise format, speaking briefly on each topic and taking questions immediately, while the context is still fresh in your minds. The focus will be on the interrelationship of the various practices of mindful reflection as a whole-life experience, rather than in-depth analysis of individual aspects.
In addition to reviewing established topics with greater detail, there’ll be more emphasis the practical, daily use of mindful reflection. Stephen will present in detail new visualizations and practical meditations showing you not only how to watch your mind but also what to watch out for while cooking, eating, walking, having a conversation, arguing, driving, etc.
If you like, feel free to email us your questions, suggestions and/or requests, now or whenever they arise.
Current workshop (’till May 27th):
RESOLVING SELF-DOUBT
Finding & trusting your intuitive power
“If I have lost confidence in myself, I have the universe against me.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
You are an individual, an ongoing project moulded from different situations and changing circumstances— but your sense of self can make or break you. At times everything seems possible, but sooner or later life goes awry and your self becomes a made-to-fit prison. No matter how much you rationalize, something primitive and visceral takes over: depression, anxiety and self-doubt guide you unerringly into unhappiness. In time, your composure returns, but those negative pathways lie patiently in wait.
Your self doesn’t have to be so vulnerable, but left to its own devices it will lead to an inflexible old age. The key to freedom lies in letting go of the force of learned habit and unleashing the power of your intuition. This is not a simple act of will but a strategy that deals directly with habitual pathways while creating new ones. The first step is to look into your own mind and see first-hand how it works.
As you learn mindful reflection you'll discover the differences between discernment and judgment, love and attachment, compassion and control,narcissism and self-esteem.
Week-by week Outline
1. The Tragedy of Self-doubt
— conventional solutions:
— going one step further
— getting to the root of the problem
2. The tool of choice: Mindful Reflection
— mindful awareness: knowing the mind
3. Reflection
— reshaping attitude & thinking
— establishing the foundation of confidence
4. Letting Go
— of fear & defensiveness
— of limitations & illusions
5. Illusions about self & others
— unwritten rules that bind you
— making misfortune a pathway
6. Stopping
— a new approach to problem solving
7. Establishing new pathways
— eight steps to freedom
8. Solidifying motivation:
—
a feedback loop
|
