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The third lesson discusses three foundational components of setting the stage for a mindfulness program: creating a safe environment, generating ground rules, and key considerations for an effective attitude as a trainer.A Safe EnvironmentA safe environment is defined by, “a respectful and nurturing space in which clients feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences.” Because a great part of mindfulness training is about connecting with and sharing personal experiences, it is critical to create this space.Encourage Authentic Experiences:Entering into a mindfulness program, people may not initially feel comfortable sharing openly and authentically, especially if participants do not know one another. Often there is some underlying issue that an individual is having which has led them to the program. When speaking about the problem, unforeseen emotions may arise for the individual, including crying or extreme anger. The trainer must be prepared for any such reactions and encourage the individual to experience what they are feeling. It is important to reiterate that it is okay to feel whatever it is that they’re feeling at that moment. Creating a circle with all participants and the trainer(s) also creates a space of inclusion and safety. By one individual showing their vulnerability, a comfortable space has now been created for others to honestly share as well.The Physical Environment:Consider if the room is comfortable in terms of size and capacity.Eliminate noise by shutting doors.It is hard to focus when others outside are watching, so avoid large windows, mirrors, or a room that has cameras.Ground RulesBefore beginning the training, it is important to review expectations with all participants. Ground rules include:Avoid psychotherapy: This means that participants should be encouraged to speak about their life experiences as it relates to their moment-to-moment awareness, but not the sort of troubling mental or emotional hardships that are needed to be spoken about with a clinician.Privacy: Reiterate that what is said in the training, stays within the training. Individuals are allowed to share their own personal experiences outside of the group, however not what is shared by others.Honest Feedback: Encourage both supportive and constructive support.Allowing to Pass: Speaking in groups can be challenging for some, especially if sharing about themselves. Let all participants know that they have the option to take a pass.Personal Contact: As the trainer, determine if and how participants are allowed to contact you outside of the training. Make sure that it is clear to the participants either way.Accountability: Ask participants to let you as the trainer know if they are running late or can’t make a session, etc.Attitude of the TrainerRole Model: Trainers should practice what they preach and model behavior. If participants are expected to be vulnerable, the trainer must be vulnerable as well.Inspiration: The trainer should inspire the practice of mindfulness within participants. For example, if a participant has an emotional reaction, be aware of how this impacts you as the trainer and calmly let the individual have their experience.Learner and teacher: A trainer should show participants that they are both a learner and a teacher. Statements such as, “We are going to do this together” can support a team mentality.Non-judgmental: Try to avoid judgement on a participant’s experience and allow space for them to be. Appreciative: To create a friendly atmosphere and encourage openness, thank participants for attending, sharing information and asking questions, etc. Be Human: No one is perfect, so acknowledge and share when as a trainer, you’re experiencing difficulty. ................
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