Follow-Up Session: Each Time, Beginning Anew

Abstract

How do we remember to be mindful as parents and persons, and go on with some regular formal or informal meditation practice, after the course has finished? After the 8th session of the course, an intense period of mindfulness practice has come to an end. Parents may have felt relieved, as participating in the Mindful Parenting course may have been a challenge in their busy lives. On the other hand, the weekly group meetings may have functioned as a reminder to practice, formally and informally, and the sharing of home practice in the group may have provided the social pressure needed to keep on practicing. The course itself may have become a main reason to practice.

[Mindfulness] is something that evolves gradually, patiently, over time. How long does this process take? I would say it takes the rest of our lives.

Chodron (2000)