How to Train a Wild Elephant

Discussion 1: Mindfulness Practice
Read the Introduction and try one of the mindfulness practices shared by Jan Chozen Bays in her book How to Train a Wild Elephant: And Other Adventures in Mindfulness (excerpts of her book are shared in the Mindfulness sub-module). Share highlights of your experience, and pose one question at the end of the discussion.
Discussion 2: Textbook Reflections
Your Chen textbook includes a number of short personal reflection exercises. On your own, complete at least five of the reflections: (SEE ATTACHMENT) Cite your sources and include an interesting question at the end for your classmates to consider.
Discussion 3: Contemplative Practice: Intrapersonal Discoveries
Contemplative practices, by their nature, are transformative processes that place a person – you! – at the center of your experience. Try one of the contemplative practices listed in the Tree of Contemplative Practices (SEE ATTACHMENT).
After you finish your practice, take a half-hour to an hour to reflect on your experience by journaling about it. You may be as artistic as you like in your journaling. Do not worry about writing well; simply write down what comes up for you… to notate what the experience was like for you. Also, include a written explanation to clarify your experience.
And make a note about how your experience of stress was affected by your practice. (Be sure to share artwork or an image of what you tried for your practice.)
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Discipline: Upper Elective