Mindful Communication
The Power of Relational Presence
Wednesdays, 6pm-8:15pm
Live Online via Zoom
7 Classes
April 21st – June 2nd 2021
Why Mindful Communication now?
Relationships—of all kinds—can generate our greatest joys and, paradoxically, stimulate our greatest suffering. For both those reasons, they make a particularly rich ground for true development. In this course, we’ll use mindful awareness as a tool for deepening communication and we’ll use communication as a vehicle to strengthen our mindfulness practice. In this time of stress, transition, and uncertainty, both angles offer great help for living more authentically and more joyfully.
Drawing on the Insight Dialogue work of Gregory Kramer, we’ll explore six inter-related and mutually supportive themes: Pause, Relax, Open, Trust, Listen Deeply, and Speak the Truth.
In our 7 weeks together, you’ll learn to:
- Release old habits of speech and listening.
- Embrace the power of silence
- Notice arenas of vulnerability and confidence
- Find words that carry meaning more precisely
- Improve communication and understanding
- Turn the stress of relating into an avenue for personal growth
How the Course Works
Mindful Communication: The Power of Relational Practice brings new life to traditional mindfulness by embracing the beautiful chaos and collaboration of interpersonal interaction.
Formal and informal practices strengthen the awareness “muscle” and bring that awareness to daily life. Sometimes we’ll engage in silent meditation. Often, we’ll speak and listen in pairs or triads to generate a different kind of presence.
Shared inquiry uses small and large group discussions to draw wisdom from each participant in service to the group.
Playful exercises give us the chance to create real safety, forge real connections, and generate real laughter.
Students who have taken The Right to Speak and/or Playful Mindfulness will find a great continuation of their growing awareness and presence. Those coming in new will find a warm welcome, easy access, and valuable insight—for beginning or continuing their own mindfulness practice.
To support your learning, the online version of the course includes:
- seven classes conducted through Zoom software (works best if participants have a quiet, concentrated space)
- 15-30 minutes of daily home practice
Who will guide us?
Ted DesMaisons has been synthesizing innovative approaches to teaching and learning for over 25 years.
A graduate of Stanford Business and Harvard Divinity Schools, he is a UMASS-trained Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor and serves as the US Partner for the UK-based Mindfulness in Schools Project.
He has worked extensively with renowned acting and voice coach Patsy Rodenburg; studied improvisation with Patricia Ryan Madson, BATS Improv of San Francisco, and the Loose Moose Theatre of Calgary, Alberta; and spent four extended retreats with Insight Dialogue founder, Gregory Kramer.
Ted also co-hosts the Monster Baby Podcast (“A Curious Romp through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation”) and lives in Daly City, CA with his two crazy and delightful Ocicats, Luna and Marley. His first book, Playful Mindfulness: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm and connection, came out in March, 2019.
Discover the joy of deeper, more authentic connection.
