Mal Huxter, a team member of CMSIR, is offering the Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) training in Brisbane in November and December 2011. CEB is a new evidence-based educational program developed over a decade by Dr Paul Ekman, a world leader in the science of emotion, and Dr B. Alan Wallace, an eminent Buddhist scholar and contemplative. CEB uses mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation training to improve and enhance well-being and emotional resilience.
Details:
The CEB course runs over 42 hours in Nov/Dec 2011. Two Thursday nights and Fridays, and Three Saturdays: 17,18,19/11 and 26/11 and 1,2,3/12. Theosophical Society, 355 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane. Cost: $750 ($700 early bird before 4/11/11 and concessions available). Places limited.
Enquiries and registrations:
Mal Huxter 0431 768 299
malhuxter@gmail.com or www.malhuxter.com
Presenter: Malcolm Huxter
Mal is a clinical psychologist, long-time meditator and experienced mindfulness trainer to therapists and health professionals. Mal was both participant and co-trainer at the recent CEB Teachers' Training in Phuket. He has presented mindfulness in the clinical context to many groups and individuals over the years and developed a suite of mindfulness-based clinical resources for therapists. See a recent article comparing CEB with other mindfulness-based programs/therapies published in Psychotherapy in Australia (Feb 2011).
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
International Congress on Mindfulness 2011
An exciting international congress on mindfulness is taking place at the University of Hamburg in August next year, featuring some of the world's leading authorities on the topic including B. Alan Wallace and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Here is what the congress webpage says:
"Mindfulness is one of the best-known Buddhist practices today. Buddhists of all traditions see it as a means to gain a deeper understanding of reality and thus to provide more inner freedom.
In the last few decades, the cultivation of mindfulness has been lifted from its Buddhist context and has been made available in secular forms, such as anti-stress programs established by Jon Kabat-Zinn. In these secular contexts to be mindful is simply to do things consciously, to be aware of the present moment. From this viewpoint it is important to focus the mind and to intensify the quality of attention in order to meet the challenges in modern society, e.g. work congestion, stress and pervasive communication.
This congress brings together a broad selection from the spectrum of today’s mindfulness practices. It explores the origins and the meaning of mindfulness in the Buddhist context as well as new applications in education, medicine and psychology. The goal is to collect the results of research from different fields and to discuss them in an interdisciplinary venue.
Spectrum of Topics
*Mindfulness in Buddism: What does mindfulness mean? How did the practice develop and how is it applied in the Buddhist context today? Representatives of Buddhist studies as well as Buddhist practitioners of various traditions will speak on this topic.
*Mindfulness and education: The application of the cultivation of mindfulness in the education of children and adolescents is a new field of research. The congress will explore the possibilities for the practice of mindfulness as an approach to stress reduction and instructional enhancement in schools.
*Mindfulness in medicine and psychology: What can be achieved by the cultivation of mindfulness in order to relieve stress, depression, pain and cancer? Scientists will report on new research and on clinical experience.
*Mindfulness and neuroscience: How does the practice of mindfulness influence the brain, in particular the mindfulness based anti-stress method developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn? How much can it contribute to physical and psychological well-being?
*Mindfulness and ethical responsibility: How can the practice of mindfulness have a positive impact on the conduct/behaviour of the individual and the society as a whole?
Around 30 speakers from Germany and abroad have accepted invitations to participate. The opening address on August 18, 2011 will be delivered by the American Buddhist teacher Alan Wallace: “What did Buddha mean by mindfulness“
The final speech on August 21, 2011 will be delivered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, patron of the Tibetan Centre."
For more information, see http://www.mindfulnesscongress.org/index.php?id=595&L=1
"Mindfulness is one of the best-known Buddhist practices today. Buddhists of all traditions see it as a means to gain a deeper understanding of reality and thus to provide more inner freedom.
In the last few decades, the cultivation of mindfulness has been lifted from its Buddhist context and has been made available in secular forms, such as anti-stress programs established by Jon Kabat-Zinn. In these secular contexts to be mindful is simply to do things consciously, to be aware of the present moment. From this viewpoint it is important to focus the mind and to intensify the quality of attention in order to meet the challenges in modern society, e.g. work congestion, stress and pervasive communication.
This congress brings together a broad selection from the spectrum of today’s mindfulness practices. It explores the origins and the meaning of mindfulness in the Buddhist context as well as new applications in education, medicine and psychology. The goal is to collect the results of research from different fields and to discuss them in an interdisciplinary venue.
Spectrum of Topics
*Mindfulness in Buddism: What does mindfulness mean? How did the practice develop and how is it applied in the Buddhist context today? Representatives of Buddhist studies as well as Buddhist practitioners of various traditions will speak on this topic.
*Mindfulness and education: The application of the cultivation of mindfulness in the education of children and adolescents is a new field of research. The congress will explore the possibilities for the practice of mindfulness as an approach to stress reduction and instructional enhancement in schools.
*Mindfulness in medicine and psychology: What can be achieved by the cultivation of mindfulness in order to relieve stress, depression, pain and cancer? Scientists will report on new research and on clinical experience.
*Mindfulness and neuroscience: How does the practice of mindfulness influence the brain, in particular the mindfulness based anti-stress method developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn? How much can it contribute to physical and psychological well-being?
*Mindfulness and ethical responsibility: How can the practice of mindfulness have a positive impact on the conduct/behaviour of the individual and the society as a whole?
Around 30 speakers from Germany and abroad have accepted invitations to participate. The opening address on August 18, 2011 will be delivered by the American Buddhist teacher Alan Wallace: “What did Buddha mean by mindfulness“
The final speech on August 21, 2011 will be delivered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, patron of the Tibetan Centre."
For more information, see http://www.mindfulnesscongress.org/index.php?id=595&L=1
Monday, August 23, 2010
Cultivating the Heart-Mind: Clinical Applications of Mindfulness
Our team member and clinical psychologist Mal Huxter is co-leading a two-day workshop with Buddhist meditation teacher Patrick Kearney on mindfulness-based programs for depression and anxiety . There is an optional teacher-led silent day of meditation for those wishing to immerse themselves in mindfulness practice. Here is a bit of what Mal has to say:
"Designed as a natural progression for the clinician, program leader, or student already familiar with mindfulness and related practices, this workshop blends the traditional and contemplative with the contemporary and clinical. Combining theory, practice and clinical utility through an exploration of the psychology and philosophy taught by the Buddha we will use presentations, interactive discussion and experiential exercises. An optional day of silent meditation follows the workshop as an opportunity to deepen personal understanding of mindfulness.
Aims of the workshop
- To enhance skills and understanding, as well as provide new ideas and discussion points, for therapists/program leaders who already use mindfulness as part of their therapeutic repertoire.
- To provide clarity about the contextual basis of mindfulness and related practices by highlighting their origins and development in Buddhist psychology/philosophy.
- To provide strategies for teaching mindfulness to clientele by referring to and guiding through some of the sessions of a 12 session empirically validated mindfulness-based program for stress, anxiety and depression.
- To provide access to practical resources that can be used with clients/patients.
Content of workshop
As the workshop is not introductory, the workshop will focus on mindfulness of the heart/mind and phenomena (the third and fourth foundations of mindfulness), rather than the body (the first foundation of mindfulness). The serenity practices of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity will also be introduced. All experiential exercises will be voluntary and some will involve gentle body movements (such as Tai Chi) and postures that involve lying down on the floor.
Though mindfulness-based programs can be adapted, tailored and utilised for individual therapy, the focus of the workshop will be on using mindfulness and related practices in group-based programs.
Optional silent day of meditation
The silent day of practice is optional but highly recommended. It will follow the format of a day in a silent meditation retreat. There will be general instructions in meditation, mindfulness movements such as yoga/tai chi, both guided and silent meditation sessions, and some opportunities for
questions and discussion.
Please Note: The silent meditation day is offered on a non-profit basis. In accordance with Buddhist traditions on these days the meditation teachers are supported by Dana, which is best understood as involving the economy of gifts.
Next Courses
Adelaide, SA
Workshop: 26 - 27 August 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 28 August, 9am - 4.30pm
Perth, WA
Workshop: 16 - 17 September 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 18 September, 9am - 4.30pm
Brisbane, QLD
Workshop: 21 - 22 October 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 23 October, 9am - 4.30pm
Sydney, NSW
Workshop: 4 - 5 November 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 6 November, 9am - 4.30pm
Melbourne, VIC
Workshop: 11 - 12 November 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 13 November, 9am - 4.30pm
Cost
2 Day Workshop plus 1 Day Silent Meditation Practice AUD$550
2 Day Workshop only AUD$495
1 Day Silent Meditation Practice only AUD$60 plus dana
This workshop is an APS endorsed activity worthy of 12.5 hours of professional development."
"Designed as a natural progression for the clinician, program leader, or student already familiar with mindfulness and related practices, this workshop blends the traditional and contemplative with the contemporary and clinical. Combining theory, practice and clinical utility through an exploration of the psychology and philosophy taught by the Buddha we will use presentations, interactive discussion and experiential exercises. An optional day of silent meditation follows the workshop as an opportunity to deepen personal understanding of mindfulness.
Aims of the workshop
- To enhance skills and understanding, as well as provide new ideas and discussion points, for therapists/program leaders who already use mindfulness as part of their therapeutic repertoire.
- To provide clarity about the contextual basis of mindfulness and related practices by highlighting their origins and development in Buddhist psychology/philosophy.
- To provide strategies for teaching mindfulness to clientele by referring to and guiding through some of the sessions of a 12 session empirically validated mindfulness-based program for stress, anxiety and depression.
- To provide access to practical resources that can be used with clients/patients.
Content of workshop
As the workshop is not introductory, the workshop will focus on mindfulness of the heart/mind and phenomena (the third and fourth foundations of mindfulness), rather than the body (the first foundation of mindfulness). The serenity practices of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity will also be introduced. All experiential exercises will be voluntary and some will involve gentle body movements (such as Tai Chi) and postures that involve lying down on the floor.
Though mindfulness-based programs can be adapted, tailored and utilised for individual therapy, the focus of the workshop will be on using mindfulness and related practices in group-based programs.
Optional silent day of meditation
The silent day of practice is optional but highly recommended. It will follow the format of a day in a silent meditation retreat. There will be general instructions in meditation, mindfulness movements such as yoga/tai chi, both guided and silent meditation sessions, and some opportunities for
questions and discussion.
Please Note: The silent meditation day is offered on a non-profit basis. In accordance with Buddhist traditions on these days the meditation teachers are supported by Dana, which is best understood as involving the economy of gifts.
Next Courses
Adelaide, SA
Workshop: 26 - 27 August 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 28 August, 9am - 4.30pm
Perth, WA
Workshop: 16 - 17 September 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 18 September, 9am - 4.30pm
Brisbane, QLD
Workshop: 21 - 22 October 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 23 October, 9am - 4.30pm
Sydney, NSW
Workshop: 4 - 5 November 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 6 November, 9am - 4.30pm
Melbourne, VIC
Workshop: 11 - 12 November 2010, 9am - 4.30pm
Silent Day of Meditation: 13 November, 9am - 4.30pm
Cost
2 Day Workshop plus 1 Day Silent Meditation Practice AUD$550
2 Day Workshop only AUD$495
1 Day Silent Meditation Practice only AUD$60 plus dana
This workshop is an APS endorsed activity worthy of 12.5 hours of professional development."
Monday, August 2, 2010
Mindfulness: A Dialogue between Buddhism and Clinical Psychology
Good news. Koa Whittingham and Chris Kang have just published their joint article in a new peer-reviewed journal "Mindfulness". See http://www.springerlink.com/content/34t6r13568725k75/?p=9abc9d82ab9d4645a42f7eff37a0eb98&pi=6 or just click on the link on the right-hand column of this blog. Here's an abstract of the article:
"Evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness as a clinical intervention is quickly growing. Much of our current understanding and application of mindfulness within clinical psychology has arisen from dialogue with Buddhist traditions, with the notable exception of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We wrote this article with two purposes: (1) to provide a concise review of mindfulness within the Buddhist traditions for interested clinicians and researchers and (2) to explore whether further dialogue between Buddhism and clinical psychology could enhance mindfulness as it is used within clinical psychology. We concluded that mindfulness, as it is understood and applied in Buddhism, is a richer concept than thus far understood and applied in psychology. In addition, within Buddhism the development of mindfulness must be understood in
tandem with the development of wisdom, compassion, and ethics. We suggest an operational definition of mindfulness within Buddhism. We also explore implications for clinical psychology and possible future directions for mindfulness research and practice."
Let us know what you think after you've read it.
"Evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness as a clinical intervention is quickly growing. Much of our current understanding and application of mindfulness within clinical psychology has arisen from dialogue with Buddhist traditions, with the notable exception of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We wrote this article with two purposes: (1) to provide a concise review of mindfulness within the Buddhist traditions for interested clinicians and researchers and (2) to explore whether further dialogue between Buddhism and clinical psychology could enhance mindfulness as it is used within clinical psychology. We concluded that mindfulness, as it is understood and applied in Buddhism, is a richer concept than thus far understood and applied in psychology. In addition, within Buddhism the development of mindfulness must be understood in
tandem with the development of wisdom, compassion, and ethics. We suggest an operational definition of mindfulness within Buddhism. We also explore implications for clinical psychology and possible future directions for mindfulness research and practice."
Let us know what you think after you've read it.
Good for Workers, Good for Clients
Our team member, Dr Wendy Ducat, presented an evaluation of a brief mindfulness training program at the recent Australian Winter School held in Brisbane. In her presentation, Wendy eloquently spoke on the rationale, theory, structure, results, and implications of a brief mindfulness training program conducted for Queensland Health staff under the auspices of the Alcohol and Drug Training Resource Unit. Wendy completed this study in collaboration with co-researcher and supervisor Dr Carla Schlesinger.
After a short guided mindfulness exercise, Wendy took the audience through the definitions and types of mindfulness in Buddhist and Western contexts, the importance of clinician mastery of mindfulness and the need for self-compassion, details on the actual program and methodology employed, and interesting data on the the results of the training program. Iin a nutshell, based on a sample size of 51 participants, results show increases in self-reported mastery, significant increase in mindfulness knowledge and confidence, increases in clinician coping and level of self-compassion, but no significant changes in general well-being. The lack of change in well-being may be attributable to a generally high level of self-care and well-being amongst the clinician population anyway, where the impact of mindfulness on this variable may not be significant. Initial feedback supports the utility of such a mindfulness training program for clinicians.
Congratulations to Wendy for her wonderful contribution to mindfulness research and application.
After a short guided mindfulness exercise, Wendy took the audience through the definitions and types of mindfulness in Buddhist and Western contexts, the importance of clinician mastery of mindfulness and the need for self-compassion, details on the actual program and methodology employed, and interesting data on the the results of the training program. Iin a nutshell, based on a sample size of 51 participants, results show increases in self-reported mastery, significant increase in mindfulness knowledge and confidence, increases in clinician coping and level of self-compassion, but no significant changes in general well-being. The lack of change in well-being may be attributable to a generally high level of self-care and well-being amongst the clinician population anyway, where the impact of mindfulness on this variable may not be significant. Initial feedback supports the utility of such a mindfulness training program for clinicians.
Congratulations to Wendy for her wonderful contribution to mindfulness research and application.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Australian Winter School
On 22 and 23 June, Chris will be presenting at the Australian Winter School in Brisbane. Details as follows:
Plenary Presentation 22 June 2010
Mindfulness and Addictions: A Buddhist Perspective
There are a number of concepts in Buddhist literature pertaining to the issue of addictions. In classical Buddhist presentations of the four noble truths and twelve links of dependent arising, terms such as contact (Pali: phassa), craving (tanha) and clinging (upadana) rooted in mis-knowing (avijja) suggest a nexus of sensorial, volitional, affective, and cognitive-perceptual processes that might relate to what we now call “addiction”. Also relevant are the forces of habituation (kamma) and latent afflictions (anusaya-kilesa) in driving and influencing behavioural manifestations of addiction. Somatic activity of the organism (rupa-khanda) in its experienced world (loka) bound up with hedonic pleasure (kama) plays a key role in the evolution of afflictive craving and clinging that eventually leads to suffering (dukkha). This cycle of affliction and suffering can become iterative and chronic, sustained by uncontrolled conceptual proliferation (papañca). This paper will explore how these various Buddhist concepts link up to give a coherent picture of addiction, and suggest possible avenues for ameliorating addiction and suffering through integrated training in ethics (sila), mental balance (samadhi), and wisdom (pañña).
Workshop 23 June 2010
Mindfulness for Human Flourishing: Towards a Contemplative Science of Mind
Mindfulness has featured significantly in a number of “third-wave” cognitive behavioural therapies such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and captured the interest of many researchers. As fundamental understanding of the concept and practice of mindfulness continues to grow, it is fitting to explore dimensions of mindfulness found in Buddhist traditions but currently unexplored by researchers. An expanded and richer understanding of mindfulness through a dialogue of Buddhism and psychology may well offer new potentials for emancipation of human consciousness. This workshop aims to draw upon over 2,500 years of well-documented Buddhist insights into the nature of mind, mindfulness, and mind training methods, to introduce an emerging innovative framework of contemplative science. There will be exploratory discussions on how to apply mindfulness to foster human flourishing in personal and clinical contexts. Experiential guided mindfulness practice through the day will help consolidate new learnings and cultivate personal embodiment of mindfulness.
Go to www.winterschool.info for full conference program and registration. Australian Winter School is an APS (Australian Psychological Society) endorsed activity worth 9.5 CPE (Generalist) points.
Plenary Presentation 22 June 2010
Mindfulness and Addictions: A Buddhist Perspective
There are a number of concepts in Buddhist literature pertaining to the issue of addictions. In classical Buddhist presentations of the four noble truths and twelve links of dependent arising, terms such as contact (Pali: phassa), craving (tanha) and clinging (upadana) rooted in mis-knowing (avijja) suggest a nexus of sensorial, volitional, affective, and cognitive-perceptual processes that might relate to what we now call “addiction”. Also relevant are the forces of habituation (kamma) and latent afflictions (anusaya-kilesa) in driving and influencing behavioural manifestations of addiction. Somatic activity of the organism (rupa-khanda) in its experienced world (loka) bound up with hedonic pleasure (kama) plays a key role in the evolution of afflictive craving and clinging that eventually leads to suffering (dukkha). This cycle of affliction and suffering can become iterative and chronic, sustained by uncontrolled conceptual proliferation (papañca). This paper will explore how these various Buddhist concepts link up to give a coherent picture of addiction, and suggest possible avenues for ameliorating addiction and suffering through integrated training in ethics (sila), mental balance (samadhi), and wisdom (pañña).
Workshop 23 June 2010
Mindfulness for Human Flourishing: Towards a Contemplative Science of Mind
Mindfulness has featured significantly in a number of “third-wave” cognitive behavioural therapies such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and captured the interest of many researchers. As fundamental understanding of the concept and practice of mindfulness continues to grow, it is fitting to explore dimensions of mindfulness found in Buddhist traditions but currently unexplored by researchers. An expanded and richer understanding of mindfulness through a dialogue of Buddhism and psychology may well offer new potentials for emancipation of human consciousness. This workshop aims to draw upon over 2,500 years of well-documented Buddhist insights into the nature of mind, mindfulness, and mind training methods, to introduce an emerging innovative framework of contemplative science. There will be exploratory discussions on how to apply mindfulness to foster human flourishing in personal and clinical contexts. Experiential guided mindfulness practice through the day will help consolidate new learnings and cultivate personal embodiment of mindfulness.
Go to www.winterschool.info for full conference program and registration. Australian Winter School is an APS (Australian Psychological Society) endorsed activity worth 9.5 CPE (Generalist) points.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Reclaiming Mindfulness Workshop
On 25th of May, Chris facilitated a workshop on "Reclaiming Mindfulness: Towards a Contemplative Science of Mind for Human Flourishing" with a keen and participative group of mental health clinicians from throughout Queensland Health. The group gathered at the training room of the Alcohol and Drug Resource Training Unit (ADTRU).
A lot of material was covered, ranging from the theoretical foundations and context, to the practices and applications of mindfulness. A range of textual sources and experiential teachings from the Buddhist tradition was drawn upon to explicate the multi-faceted theory and praxis of mindfulness. Interspersed throughout the day were substantial sessions of experiential mindfulness - group practice of various mindfulness exercises that work on embodied, cognitive, emotional, conative, and attentional levels of consciousness. The emerging vision of an interdisciplinary field of contemplative science was articulated, together with information on the work of the Australian Institute for Consciousness Studies and Collaborative for Mind Science Innovations and Translational Research.
The support and assistance of Dr Wendy Ducat and Fallon Woodbury from ADTRU are gratefully acknowledged.
A lot of material was covered, ranging from the theoretical foundations and context, to the practices and applications of mindfulness. A range of textual sources and experiential teachings from the Buddhist tradition was drawn upon to explicate the multi-faceted theory and praxis of mindfulness. Interspersed throughout the day were substantial sessions of experiential mindfulness - group practice of various mindfulness exercises that work on embodied, cognitive, emotional, conative, and attentional levels of consciousness. The emerging vision of an interdisciplinary field of contemplative science was articulated, together with information on the work of the Australian Institute for Consciousness Studies and Collaborative for Mind Science Innovations and Translational Research.
The support and assistance of Dr Wendy Ducat and Fallon Woodbury from ADTRU are gratefully acknowledged.
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