Inquiry Essentials

Inquiry is the practice of asking a question to investigate our experience. It is at the heart of mindfulness-based programs. 

Inquiry has been referred to as the heart of mindfulness-based program because it is such an essential part of this modality.

It is the most difficult practice to learn yet it is vital for those wishing to facilitate mindfulness groups.

This course will examine the principles and practices of mindful inquiry as they pertain to therapeutic mindfulness.

We will explore this process through its application to the direct experience of mindfulness meditation practices.

Moving between didactic and experiential sessions, we will examine the use of inquiry both personally and professionally as it relates to increasing the capacity to regulate affect and attention.

Participants will develop the ability to use inquiry to better meet the needs of the group when facilitating MBPs.

Learning Objectives

• To gain skill and confidence with inquiry through direct experience and feedback
• To be able to use inquiry as a method and embodied practice
• To know how to apply key theoretical and educational frameworks to the delivery of inquiry
• To be able to differentiate between inquiry as applied to meditation practices, home practice, and the cognitive exercises
• To explore how personal mindfulness practice informs inquiry and enhances embodiment

** For those enrolled in the Centre’s MBCT or MBSR training pathways, a prerequisite for Inquiry Essentials is the facilitation of at least 1 MBP. For most trainees, this means the completion of your first round of mentorship. If you have not yet completed your first round of mentorship, the recommendation of your Centre-Approved Mentor is required.