The Deepening Inquiry training will offer an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the subtle craft of inquiry and learn out of our direct experience as teacher and as participant. We will explore ways of leading inquiries that involve the group in normalising and validating experience, and in building safe, diverse and inclusive communities of practice and learning.

Inquiry is widely viewed as the most challenging of the mindfulness teacher’s practice. Many of us come with transferable skills that help to bring warm relational qualities to inquiry – however these only take us so far. Inquiry practice asks us to inhabit a space of open curiosity and ‘not knowing’, which can feel unsettling to hold. Alongside this, we are encouraged to lean into session themes, artfully drawing them out as we lead inquiries. How to manage both?! Many of us fall back on tried and tested techniques, such as ‘reflecting back’, which are often helpful, but can become repetitive and predictable – which can reduce the group’s engagement.

We will look at ways of keeping the group involved during the inquiry. Most of us tend to focus on how individual participants are doing. This training will help us facilitate inquiries that relate to the group as a whole – each with its own character, needs and challenges. This enables the group to be the context where rich learning can take place. This not only deepens individual benefit but also supports future connections that move out beyond the mindfulness group sessions.

Dates: 31st May and 1st June 0900 – 1700 UK time