275 The Professional Counselor | Volume 14, Issue 3 Table 1 Standard Structure of MBSP Sessions and Program (Niemiec, 2014) Session Core Topic Mindfulness Practice Description Session Description Overall Internal Session Structure of MBSP 1 Mindfulness and Autopilot Raisin exercise (Kabat-Zinn, 1990) The autopilot mind is pervasive; insights and change opportunities start with mindful attention. I. Opening meditation 2 Your Signature Strengths You at your best (includes strength-spotting; Niemiec, 2014) Identify what is best in you; this can unlock potential to engage more in work and relationships and reach higher personal potential. II. Dyads or group discussion 3 Obstacles are Opportunities Statue meditation (Niemiec, 2014) The practice of mindfulness and strengths exploration leads immediately to two things—obstacles/barriers to the practice and a wider appreciation for the little things in life. III. Introduction to new material 4 Strengthening Mindfulness in Everyday Life (Strong Mindfulness) Mindful walking Mindfulness helps us attend to and nourish the best, innermost qualities in everyday life in ourselves and others while reducing negative judgements of self and others; conscious use of strengths can help us deepen and maintain mindfulness practices. IV. Experiential– mindfulness/ character strengths experience 5 Valuing Your Relationships Loving-kindness/ strengthexploration meditation (Neff, 2011; Salzberg, 1995) Mindful attending can nourish two types of relationships: relationships with others and our relationship with ourselves. Our relationship with ourselves contributes to self-growth and can have an immediate impact on our connection with others. V. Debriefing or Virtue circle 6 Mindfulness of the Golden Mean (Mindful Strengths Use) Character strengths 360 review and fresh start meditation Mindfulness helps to focus on problems directly, and character strengths help to reframe and offer different perspectives not immediately apparent. VI. Suggested homework exercises for next session 7 Authenticity and Goodness Best possible self exercise It takes character (e.g., courage) to be a more authentic “you” and it takes character (e.g., hope) to create a strong future that benefits both oneself and others. Set mindfulness and character strengths goals with authenticity and goodness in the forefront of the mind. VII. Closing meditation (strengths Gatha)— mindfully transitioning to the next day
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