ZOOM ~ Relational Mindfulness

In this session, we will focus on “relational mindfulness,” and how to listen even more intently as spiritual directors. We will discuss how the stressors of a person we are listening to may be uniquely connected to their particular identities and communities, and what might constitute real happiness for them. 

We will continue to learn daily mindfulness practices toward developing a habit of mindful living, including mindful eating and mindful walking techniques. 

We will have ample opportunity to share with one another, and to discuss discoveries from any mindfulness practices we engaged in since the last session.

Required reading: Liberating Mindfulness: From Billion-Dollar Industry to Engaged Spirituality by Gail Stearns, chapters 3, 4, 5

You may attend this event on its own, or purchase the series of all four Deepening our Spirituality with Mindfulness: Practices for Spiritual Directors sessions:

January 27, 2024 - Introduction to Mindfulness Practice

May 18, 2024 - Relational Mindfulness

August 31, 2024 - Mindfulness of Thought and Emotion

October 26, 2024 - Mindfulness for Living Our Christian Faith in Service 

For spiritual directors only.

About the Presenter:

Gail J. Stearns is Dean Emerita of the Wallace All Faiths Chapel at Chapman University, where she served as Dean and Associate Professor of Religious and Peace Studies. An ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Gail holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. from Washington State University and a Master's of Divinity from McCormick Theological Serminary. She received her Certificate in Teaching Mindfulness from UCLA, and is a certified teacher with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. Her most recent book is Liberating Mindfulness: From Billion-dollar Industry to Engaged Spirituality.

Gail has worked with students, community members, religious leaders, businesses and healthcare industries to understand how mindfulness may be understood and adapted. She is particularly interested in re-covering the roots of mindfulness and helping spiritual leaders utilize the very helpful tools of mindfulness within the context of faith, toward a deeper experience of dwelling in the present and the Presence of God.