This forms the second part of our four-part blog series, following the book study group on Mindfulness-Based Supervision and Mentoring: Using an Embodied Dialogue to Support Learning and Reflection. As authors and supervisors, we, too, are reading and reflecting, using the book as a vehicle for further reflection and exploration.
We are seeing that this process of learning has many layers as we reflect/journal, dialogue, reflect/journal, digest, incorporate new understandings, get curious about questions and new ways of extending, take learning forward, reflect again, and so on. There are myriad ways to engage with the book and material to bring them to life.
Our pre-reading and reflections were focused on the warp components of the mindfulness-based supervision (MBS) framework: the Container, Space and Mutual Inquiry. In our dialogue together, we noticed the following:
The Container
In both our experiences of reflecting on recent supervision sessions, we could see clearly how this Container goes beyond the bounds and time of the supervision session itself. One of us reflected on how Compassion/Wisdom was being cultivated before the session and the other how it extended beyond the session and supported further actions.
All the different elements of the Container (Intention, Embodied Presence, Compassion/Wisdom, Integrity) are interlinking in the actual moment of supervision. Looking back on years of being a supervisor, we notice that they have become more integrated/natural/intuitive, and then this process of reflecting on them individually helps to see areas to develop further and get more curious about.
Space
We enjoyed exploring a multitude of ways space can be experienced – within the body, in stillness and movement, in the environment, between sounds, and in the attitude. We brought clear intentions to the taking time for ‘Space’ practice (before, after and within supervision).
And of course, it doesn’t always happen, so we continue to be curious about ‘What gets in the way of Space?’ We shared noticing that enthusiasm and energy can easily lead us to fill space. We can get carried away in our curiosity, interest, and passion, and it’s hard to see this filling of space until life becomes jam-packed. We are curious!!
Mutual Inquiry
We focused on exploring power and influence within MBS – noticing that we might not like the words power or influence, that they can feel uncomfortable at times, going against the grain of the intention and desire to create collaborative and mutual spaces. Yet, we appreciate that power/influence might be present or perceived by either the supervisor or supervisee, and can be used wisely or not, often below the radar.
Recognising and allowing can help us work skilfully, with humility, knowing that bias happens, and we don’t know what we don’t know. Taking time to check things out with the supervisee, having conversations about their needs, and inviting reviewing/ feedback can support transparency and safety within the relationship.
Through this exploration of the wrap threads, we are reminded that these essential elements are what make this approach mindfulness-based, and that relationality is at the heart of this approach.
To see how our vision unfolds and keep in touch with our work around mindfulness-based supervision/mentoring:
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Read the book: Mindfulness-Based Supervision and Mentoring: Using an Embodied Dialogue to Support Learning and Reflection
