We are having a look at our supervision offers once more and we are interested in your input. As it stands, supervision during the MBSR Teacher Training and Conversion courses is required for x2 courses as part of the teacher training process. This must be done with a teacher training organisation and not an independent supervisor for insurance purposes. We offer 3 hours face to face and additional time listening to practices, inquiry, discussions and write a report using the MBI:TAC, amounting to 5 hours in total per MBSR course. Once trained, to fulfil the GPG's all graduates can have 50% supervision as peer supervision and the other 50% one to one with a supervisor. Those who have done the IMC and CMRTT are strongly advised to adhere to the GPG's and have supervision according to their teaching schedule, preferably monthly in the form of peer or one to one with a supervisor. The Tuesday night group with me once a month is peer supervision. What would you like to see more of that would fit under the umbrella of supervision and what has been working for you thus far? It would be great to shape our offering according to your needs and those aligned with BAMBA's training and GPG requirements.
I'm not sure I even fit within BAMBA's guidelines however i'd like to see a more open and diverse approach to the current mindfulness and holistic wellbeing union market. I've certainly based my approach on entry level/beginners mindfulness and wellbeing. People who absolutely would not keep to 30 minutes a day meditation and would find such courses as MBSR challenging from the off. I believe a gentle tip-toe with curiosity is the best approach with the people i'm connecting with. Some people who have done my individual workshops have gone on to more dedicated meditation courses. Some are happy to keep it as i've taught. My course is heavily based on MBSR but with many holistic approaches, ideas and thoughts thrown into the mix. Having completed the IMC and now designed my own 8-week course which starts in Jan 2023, i'd love to have supervision. However, i'd love to have supervision 'because' I could then join BAMBA. That can't happen due to the fact I haven't trained in any of the listed courses. As we all know the arch of mindfulness is VERY broad. I teach The 3 Minute Upgrade® meditation as I believe that's all you need to start. The fact that someone is engaging and invested is such a great starting point without the pressure of what comes with the MBSR as an example. I feel BAMBA could embrace what I am doing and also keep an eye over how i'm doing it. I would also love that support. In the acting world if you are signed to a professional contract within the arts or you are studying in the arts you can join Equity (trade union for the performing arts). They are there to support, help & give advice. Back in the day, many years ago, you use to have to have completed 70 hours of professional performing work to get your green card with Equity. However, too perform you needed a green card with Equity. They saw the error of this eventually and changed it and of course the world has moved on. Maybe BAMBA need to look at this. Even a layered membership, Bronze for currently training, silver for the likes of myself, gold for your MBSR+ people? Just some thoughts on a Sunday! 🙂 www.upgradeyourday.co.uk
I absolutely love your work Martin and to watch your growth, development, creativity and diversity of teaching is inspirational. I am interested to read that you would consider supervision if it led to registration with BAMBA. I think about my own supervision journey which I have found so valuable over the years, long before BAMBA was even born. Perhaps we all need to reflect sometimes on why we do things, is it to support our own growth, to build knowledge and relationships or to fulfil something else? Of course you have peer supervision each month in our newly named "Karuna" community so I know that you are very invested in development as well as giving and receiving support from other like-minded teachers. BAMBA is working hard to widen their community and I am excited to see how far-reaching it is. I have long championed IMC graduates to be recognised through BAMBA and believe the message for more inclusivity and flexibility in their approach has been heard- let's watch that space together. In the meantime and alongside this, let's develop a thriving MUK community, rippling out teaching, sharing, caring and kindness as the community evolves and grows. Hope to see you later at Karuna! Karen x
This is an interesting thread and I really liked Martin's suggestion of a layered approach to BAMBA recognition. Like many graduated of the IMC and the CMRTT it would be wonderful to gain recognition. I thought about doing the MBSR conversion but I don't want to teach this course. I wonder is there a link to Mindfulness Uk current supervision offering/prices etc for IMC graduates, which teachers offer supervision and what their experience/ background is? I will be looking for supervision in 2023 so it would be helpful to find some details. I really value peer supervision and have found meeting and sharing with other teachers invaluable. Also attending Andy's Wednesday group for personal development and Karuna. I think cost is always a consideration when you are thinking about getting a business off the ground and especially at such economically challenging times for both start-ups and potential clients. I would not consider teaching without supervision but I know from a cost perspective I am waiting for an optimum time e.g. when I start to run a course/attract clients before booking supervision sessions. Thanks Helen
Thanks for your response Helen. BAMBA is def. becoming more inclusive. You already have recognition from the CPCAB for the IMC which is an excellent organisation too though of course I take your point. If you have a look at the About Us page on the website you can see all our backgrounds and choose which supervisor is the best fit for you. If you're not sure, please always ask and we can certainly point you in the right direction. Blending peer and one to one supervision is certainly of great benefit and we are delighted to be able to offer more of these opportunities as the community grows.
Thank you for your consideration and guidance Karen.