Xiaoxiao
Oct 13, 2024
This National Day holiday, friends from all over the country gathered in a small courtyard in the suburbs of Beijing for an intensive, high-demand MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) teacher training program. Mindfulness brought us together online, allowed us to meet in Beijing, and deepened our understanding of each other. When it was time to part, the goodbyes were filled with reluctance, hugs, and tears. After the in-person course ended, everyone returned to their own lives, but the vivid classroom scenes still linger in our minds: Pat’s passionate teaching, Allison’s gentle and patient guidance, and the hearty laughter of two elderly teachers in their 70s, echoing as if they were still nearby.
"Mindfulness is the best anti-aging treatment"—this became a shared sentiment among us Chinese students, inspired by the embodied presence of these two foreign instructors. Our curiosity and thirst for knowledge kept them on their toes. The daily intensive schedule ran from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and even after class, we eagerly stayed behind to ask questions. The organizers joked that Chinese students are too intense, making the program almost unsustainable! 😂
Despite the demanding schedule, we found joy in every moment, from preparing for practice sessions to taking well-deserved breaks. The "no-talking" rule in the first two days limited casual interactions, as everyone quietly got their meals and mindfully ate. The course structure left no time for socializing, but it proved highly effective. A special shoutout to the cafeteria chef—delicious meals were a highlight in my gratitude journal!
Memorable Moments:On the first day, during our initial guided practice, I instinctively wanted to read from my notes, but Pat came over and closed my book. Indeed, stepping out of one’s comfort zone is the first crucial step. The first inquiry practice was equally challenging: I struggled with framing questions naturally and balancing when to listen or gently redirect participants without discomforting them.
Pat emphasized experiential learning over theoretical knowledge when we asked questions like, "What is the mechanism of action?" or "What is the clinical significance?" He reminded us that simply acquiring knowledge won’t help others unless we embody and apply it. This shifted our approach from a "knowledge-seeking" mindset to fully experiencing and observing the program. Through active participation and feedback, we began to understand how each practice worked, how the 8-week curriculum was structured to gradually shift thought patterns and behaviors, and how these transformations occurred.
The instructors’ guidance deepened my understanding of what it means to embody mindfulness as a teacher. Whether exploring, interrupting, or redirecting participants, the aim wasn’t to solve problems but to foster a mindful attitude and curiosity towards the present moment’s sensations, emotions, and thoughts.
Group Dynamics:A practice called "walking on the street" revealed diverse reactions. Some participants directly confronted someone who ignored their greeting, while others turned inward, reflecting, blaming themselves, or feeling doubtful. In this group setting, we saw the diversity of human nature and found companionship in realizing that no one is alone or unusual. This exercise also taught us that thoughts aren’t facts, and multiple perspectives exist.
The early morning sessions were equally enriching, with joint relaxation guided by K, Wing Chun led by Jialu, yoga by Lei, and an evening sound therapy session from Chongchong. Everyone was exceptionally talented and inspiring! Contrary to my assumptions, introverts (I-types) seemed to thrive in this group atmosphere, actively engaging, and even surpassing extroverts (E-types) in participation.
The Warmth of Community:This course highlighted the kindness and warmth among peers. One classmate lent me a coat for the chilly Beijing mornings, while another shared hers with a friend. A pregnant participant, Huimin, attended the course accompanied by her husband, cousin, and sister-in-law, who rented a nearby courtyard to support her—what a luxury of care!
Back in Shanghai, our group of six teachers had initially been uncoordinated, barely responding to group chats or planning. But after our time together in Beijing, the experience bonded us. Now they want to organize regular meet-ups, and I’m happy to help. As they say, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
The Big Reveal: One particularly reserved participant, Mr. Feng, stayed on the sidelines for most of the program. As a bestselling author and experienced psychotherapist, his initial self-introduction was understated: "I have nothing to share." His quiet demeanor led me to think he was aloof or indifferent. However, during the final sharing session, he revealed his "behavioral experiment." For the entire course, he had intentionally embodied the role of a socially anxious individual to experience mindfulness training from their perspective. He noted how the collective kindness and non-judgmental atmosphere eventually motivated him to engage more actively. This experiment was a testament to the healing power of mindfulness in a group setting: the more you participate, the more you benefit.
Reflection and Gratitude:Two years of mindfulness learning and practice have cured my insomnia, helped me embrace and love myself more, and softened my approach to life. Friends have noticed these changes too. Earning my MBCT certification is not an endpoint but a new beginning. I look forward to integrating mindfulness into my work and life and sharing its benefits with even more people.
