The group is a rich setting to learn first-hand about interdependence or  “inter-being.” Practically this means how we are affecting and being affected by one another moment by moment. Interdependence, as experience, poignantly shows nothing exists in isolation: posture, gaze, speech, emotion, thoughts, and phenomena. Everything depends on causes and conditions. There are no self-existing individuals separate from their environment. The function of compassion is to disclose our interdependence t...

What is the relationship between mindfulness, as the cultivation of attention, and care for ourselves, others, and the world?  We commonly join attention to care - to be caring requires attention. Conversely the lack of attention is carelessness. Attention is a common factor of any change process. To alter a pattern, whether individual or group, we have to meet it in attention.  When the energy of the pattern is stronger than the energy in attention we are taken by the pattern. For groups the...

The 17th International Symposium of the Group Analytic Society International – Crossing Borders: Social, Cultural and Clinical Challenges in Berlin 15-19 August, 2017.     The Contemplative Median Group (Two-- 90 Minute Sessions within the Symposium on Friday Afternoon)     Seminar Description: Theoretically the Contemplative Group Dynamics model inquires into the nature of self, other and group as living processes requiring attention and resonance. Practically the model i...

April 22, 23  2017 The Arising of Shared Experience. Penn Program for Mindfulness, Philadelphia USA. During mindfulness practice we learn to notice more and more details of our inner experience. Perceptions, feelings, and thoughts are constantly arising; we practice by acknowledging these events, touching them, and letting them go. The result is less reactivity and a greater inner steadiness that allows us to remain in balance even when the world outside seems chaotic. Our practice is usua...

April 2nd 2017 Still Gaze, Still Mind. London Mindfulness Practitioners Group.  London.   Still Gaze, Still Mind Exploring the role of the gaze during mindfulness practice, with Contemplative Group Dynamics Lawrence Ladden and Jale Cilasun If we are accustomed to practicing with eyes closed what happens to our attention as we open our eyes? What happens to our attention when we make eye contact? And how might the gaze itself express attention or distraction? Contemplative Group Dyn...