Third Post: Mindfulness (Due February 1st)

This week we spent some time talking about mindfulness. On Moodle, I have posted two short youtube clips about mindfulness.

(Video 1) What is Mindfulness - Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn

1. How does Dr. Kabat-Zinn define mindfulness?
   
2. Why, according to Dr. Kabat-Zinn, does our "life depend" upon mindfulness?
   
3. Does it matter what thing or things you pay attention to?
   
4. Is Mindfulness a technique? 

(Video 2) All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes - Andy Puddicombe

1. What does Andy suggest we "do" for at least 10 minutes each day?
   
2. According to the Harvard study cited by Andy, what % of time are our minds lost in thought?
   
3. Is Mindfulness about controlling our thoughts and feelings? If yes, explain. If not, explain.
   
4. How does Andy's juggling with the three red balls relate to our activity of balancing sticks?
   

Reflection

Give yourself 10 minutes to try a very simple mindfulness/meditation practice. Set an alarm on your phone so that you don't have to continually check the time. 

The following directions may be helpful. Please share a few sentences reflecting upon your experience. 

• Find a comfortable seat, either sitting in a chair or cross-legged on the floor. The important thing is that your spine is straight.
• Give yourself permission to take these few minutes for yourself - to simple be fully present to the moment. Make an intention if you so wish.
• Bring your attention to your breath. Relax your shoulders, your jaw, and your belly. Release anything you are holding on to. Allow the body to open and release.
• Observe your natural inhalations and exhalations. Witness the breath as it enters into your body, filling your lungs and body. Witness each out-breath as it leaves your body and dissipates into space.
• Your mind will probably become flooded with thoughts before too long. You may become aware of pain in your body. Perhaps you will feel restless, anxious, or bored. You will begin to tell yourself stories about your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
• Do not judge these thoughts, feelings or emotions. Simply notice them and then return your awareness to your breath. Imagine that these thoughts, feelings and emotions are like clouds floating in the sky. Let them pass.
• It's a simple as that. 

Second Post: Due Sunday, January 25th

From your reading of Patsy Rodenburg's Second Circle

1. How does Patsy Rodenburg define Presence?

2. What are some ways that Presence is lost? When do you feel a loss or weakness of presence?

3. What is First Circle? When have you experienced yourself in First Circle?

4. What is Third Circle? When have you experienced yourself in Third Circle?

5. What is Second Circle? Relate a personal experience (in performance, athletics, etc) when you have been in Second Circle.

First Post: Due Sunday, January 18th

Answer the following questions:


1. Why are you taking this class?

2. What is your major?

3. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

4. What questions/subjects/hobbies are you most interested in?

5. What does presence mean to you? Do you have "it"?

6. How do you feel about your body?

7. In what ways are you confident or proud about your body or your ways of moving?

8. In what ways are you self-conscious about your body or ways of moving?

9. What do you hope to get out of this class?

10. Where will you be in five years? In ten?