Introduction to Mindfulness - Dean Amory

Domain 3: Embodiment of mindfulness
Mindfulness practice permeates the teacher and is expressed through
two interconnected aspects to embodiment – ‘present moment
focus’, and bringing the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness to
moment by moment experience. Embodiment of mindfulness
involves the teacher sustaining connection and responsiveness to
moment by moment arising (within self, within individuals and within
the group) and bringing the core attitudinal foundations of
mindfulness practice to all of this. These attitudes are non-judging,
patience, beginner's mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, and letting
go (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).
Five key features need to be considered in assessing this domain:
(i) present moment focus - expressed through behaviour and verbal
and non verbal communication
(ii) present moment responsiveness - to internal and external
experience
(iii)calm & vitality - simultaneously conveying steadiness, ease, nonreactivity,
and alertness
(iv) attitudinal foundations: - conveying mindfulness practice through
the teacher’s way of being
(v) person of the teacher – the learning is conveyed through the
teacher’s way of being
The teacher offers a demonstration of present moment focus so these
are observable through the teacher’s behaviour and their verbal and
non-verbal communication. The expression of embodiment can be
particularly sensed through the teacher’s body – i.e. their posture,
physical groundedness and steadiness, physical sense of ease, calm
and alertness, steadiness, rhythm and pitch of voice tone, etc.
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