Traumatic Stress Institute Blog

Focused Attention Meditation:  A Tool for Building Capacity to Notice Our Reactions to Others

Written by John Engel, MA | November 5, 2021

Monthly RC Mindfulness: Come Fill Your Cup - November 2021

Nearly 40 RC Trainers, Champions and staff attended the November 3rd RC Monthly Mindfulness session. This blog offers a brief summary of the session, initial feedback from participants, and resources to advance learning and practice.

Enjoy the read and remember that all staff, Champions, and Trainers at RC agencies are welcome to attend this free, monthly drop-in offering – share this registration link with your coworkers today.

Join us December 1st when we will engage in a 10-minute practice of choice (sitting, walking or body scan), then share about our practice experience in breakouts and large group. We will also share preliminary lessons learned from the Monthly RC Mindfulness survey. We really value your feedback and welcome you to complete the 2-3 minute survey using this survey link.

Session Summary

In our November session we shared a guided Focused Attention Meditation. In this 11-minute guided practice, participants were invited to experiment with different support anchors to stay connected to the present moment experience. Support anchors included feet, seat, hands and sound. Click below for an audio recording of the practice.

RC Application

As RC treaters we may notice that our mind wanders during mindfulness practice. This is what minds do, it’s part of being human. The good news is that EVERYONE has the innate capacity to practice gently, and without judgement, noticing that our mind is wandering – that is a mindful moment! And with this awareness, we can then choose to direct our attention back to our chosen support anchor – feet, seat, hands, sound, etc. The more we engage in this type of practice, the stronger our mindfulness muscle becomes and we will notice that as RC treaters we will naturally apply this in daily work: "Oh, I notice that my mind is wandering and now I choose to redirect my attention to the client I’m serving or the colleague with whom I’m collaborating."

As you engage in mindfulness practices and build your capacity to notice your reactions to others, consider sharing about your experiences in a team or staff meeting to offer your colleagues an opportunity to learn from your experience. 

Invitation to November Practice

Explore the Focused Attention Meditation throughout November and/or mix your practice with sitting, walking or body scan meditations.

  • 2-3 times per week for 5-10 minutes per session
  • Set a specific time (if helpful), such as upon rising, mid-morning break, lunch time, pre-bed…
  • Mix and compare with walking and sitting meditation
  • Take care of yourself, seek support as needed
  • Notice your reactions to others and have fun with the practice!

Participant Feedback  

Whether you’ve participated in one or more of the Monthly RC Mindfulness sessions, we’d love to have your feedback as we consider future mindfulness offerings. You can access the survey here and it will take only 2-3 minutes to complete.

Resource and Reminders for Practice