COURSE

Mindful Stories For Emotional Difficulty (Part 2)

Over the next 6 days, in the second part of our "Mindful Stories" series, we'll explore 3 stories of mindfulness for emotional difficulty. From thought-provoking Taoist tales to the wisdom of Buddhism, we continue our journey through the ages. And together, through the lens of these traditions and philosophical insights, we share personal and workplace stories, meditation practices and moments of reflection to bring them to life. We'll share the story of: 1) "The Empty Boat" where we notice our tendency to assume the worst and react - to be mindful of anger and frustration instead. 2) "The Farmer's Luck" to see the transience in life's up and downs - becoming non-judgemental and accepting of life as it unfolds. 3) "The Two Arrows" to get to the heart of our self-created suffering and emotional difficulty - to choose a healthier response. This course is ideal: - If you enjoy exploring meaning-filled stories and insights from around the world - If you enjoy understanding the causes of emotional difficulty in moments of reflection. - If you are looking for more creative ways to connect with a mindfulness practice - If you are looking for pocket sized place of calm to feel more connected It will place of stability you can return to any time. As we share our Mindful Stories For Emotional Difficulty I look forward to meeting you on Day 1.

Healing Stress Workplace Secular Mindfulness Mindfulness Meditation Recovery & Healing Stress & Anxiety Performance Secular Mindfulness

Meet your Teacher

Derek Hill

United Kingdom

Derek Hill believes in creating opportunities for genuine connection, with ourselves, nature, and each other. Supporting people to look inwardly, with self-compassion - helping them uncover their inner resources for self-support and purposeful direction in life. He is a mindfulness and compassion teacher, speaker, and coach, accredited by Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). He teaches 4 to 8-week courses, including Jon Kabat-Zinn's gold standard "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction." He works with individuals, groups, and organizations to inspire greater happiness, health, and human connection in life and work. He has coached and mentored people for 20 years in high-stress corporate environments, as well as purpose-driven ‘technology for good’ organizations like JustGiving and Farewill, where he spent many wonderful years working with not-for-profit organizations. Derek is sincerely committed to helping others realize their potential, creativity, and fundamental connection to self, others, and the universe. Derek moved to London from his hometown in Dublin. His early life in Ireland colored so much of what he has learned throughout life. Having graduated in creative writing, he always found great inspiration in the books of others, whether fictional, philosophical, or those challenging conventions. Throughout his professional career, where he enjoyed the highs and lows of working abroad, growing businesses, and making a purposeful impact, there was always a pull towards the traditions and philosophies, which inspire his work today. A few life-changing events and an ever-growing personal commitment to meditation practice, finally nudged him to retrain as a mindfulness and compassion teacher, picking up a CPCAB accredited Level 4 qualification, as well as training to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Derek then redesigned his life around a passion and purpose, so he could sustainably support his health and well-being and that of his family. He founded his company Waking Waves to make this possible and is now on his own mindful mission to share the benefits of mindfulness and compassion with others, so they can too!

6 Days

83 students

4.4 stars

8 min / day

Healing

English

Lesson 1

The Empty Boat (part 1)

In part 1, we begin with some personal stories to illustrate how our conditioned assumptions and hard-wired drive to stay safe, or protect our ego, can cause us to jump to conclusions. How anger, annoyance and frustration can arise, as if from nowhere. We finish the day with the a famous Taoist Tale "The Empty Boat" by the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, which captures this beautifully. And the spirit in which we might respond.

Lesson 2

The Empty Boat (part 2)

In part 2, while we allow the meaning of the "Empty Boat" to settle, we find balance and stability in a mindful breathing practice. Bringing a gesture of self-compassion to acknowledge the mistakes and assumptions we make. That everyone makes. And we close by recognising that we all fall prey to the blaming or catastrophizing voice, which fuels our stress and anxiety. But that we can bring mindful attention in these moments, to see less malicious intent. To respond, not react and 'row on'.

Lesson 3

The Farmer's Luck (part 1)

In part 1, we share stories of how career ups and downs can cause us stress and emotional turmoil. And often how the very situations we perceive as bad luck or misfortune, can lead to a new opportunities, to apparent ‘good luck’ - when a closing door leads to a more favourable open one. We close the day with the another famous Taoist Tale "The Farmer's Luck", which brings this to life.

Lesson 4

The Farmer's Luck (part 2)

In part 2, after reflecting on the "Farmer's Luck", we share a grounding feet and hands practice. Being curious towards, open and non-judgemental of, whatever arises. And we recognise the transience of both pleasant and unpleasant sensations, not over-identifying with the thoughts or feelings we encounter. To finish, we ask whether we can be less attached to outcomes? And to reflect on times, when one door closes and another opens.

Lesson 5

The Two Arrows (part 1)

In part 1, we talk about the pain and suffering we experience in life. And how the greatest source of this, is not necessarily what happens to us. But our mental and emotional reactions to it! This teaching is made profoundly clear through the wonderful Buddhist parable "The Two Arrows" And by applying this tale to life and work situations, we shine a light on our habitual unhealthy responses. And how we might mindfully change these.

Lesson 6

The Two Arrows (part 2)

In part 2, reflecting on the "The Two Arrows" we share a self-compassion practice, anchoring in the body and breath first and then inviting a difficult situation to come into awareness. And while making space for the many emotions, self-blame or criticism that arise, we invite a friendly voice of compassion to support us. To close, we explore how we may reduce the self-inflicted mental and emotional pain and suffering we cause ourselves. Tapping into our resilient capacity for change and healthy growth.

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