The Interpersonal Mindfulness Program

Is it possible that human relationships are one of the best fields for cultivating mindfulness? Is it possible that we can bring mindfulness to all our interpersonal communications - even those that are virtual?

The Interpersonal Mindfulness Program was developed jointly by Florence Meleo-Meyer while at the Center for Mindfulness (now at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University), Phyllis Hicks, of Metta Programs, and Gregory Kramer, who developed the Insight Dialogue practice upon which the course is based.

Like MBSR, it is an 8-week program, two and a half hours a week, with an all day class after the fourth week. The bulk of the class time is spent in dyads, using the Insight Dialogue Guidelines while engaging in contemplations about shared aspects of human experience.

The program was specifically designed for graduates of MBSR programs but is suitable for anyone with a mindfulness practice who has experience or is willing to experience stepping out of silent practice and applying mindfulness in human interaction.

Note: The bulk of the class time will be spent reflecting and practicing in dyads (pairs) in breakout rooms, using the Insight Dialogue Guidelines.

Prerequisite: A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class or prior meditation experience that includes some relational practice - i.e. a willingness to bring mindfulness out of silent formal practice into shared investigation of the human experience.

What students are saying
about the Interpersonal Mindfulness Course

On participating in the course virtually:

I took this course in person about 2 years ago and this virtual experience has been very satisfying in comparison
which I wasn't sure would be the case.

Fabulous for me because I could never physically sit upright for 2 1/2 hours.
With virtual meetings the intimacy in sharing with relative strangers is also easier

The breakout rooms were lovely. i could take this class from TX and join others from around the country (and world).

The breakout rooms were a really great way to build connections with others and have insights
throughout the course of the contemplations.

Elaine's sensitivity to the limitations of the environment really helped.

Thank you, Elaine, for creating an environment in which I always felt safe to express myself
without feeling judgment. Also, given my home situation, being able to participate online was ideal.
I am a primary caretaker and would otherwise be unable to take this class if I had to travel to the city.

General reflections about the program:

“The course widened my awareness of commonalities across human experience.”— HB

“I have more patience with my children and find myself somewhat less ruminating and more connecting.
My husband and I have had new endings to old conversations.
I have felt both more present and less attached to the suffering of my mother.
I am becoming more comfortable with my alone time.” — CR

“The guidelines are so powerful to use. I wish I could say ‘pause’
to everyone I’m interacting with, but I know that my ‘pause’ is sufficient.
Also trust emergence is huge especially when overwhelmed by where life is taking you.” — LB

“I am so grateful for this class and to you who taught it.
I notice that as the weeks passed, I opened up and let go of a lot of the anger? cynicism?
I am really sad that this is over” — PKL

“I really enjoyed working in dyads and triads.
This was something I thought I would not like and was a bit resistant to,
but it was a really lovely experience.”

“This practice has profoundly changed a long-term relationship I’ve had. Thank you! — AN

“I’ve been much more patient and less reactive with family members,
especially my young son and my husband. At work I’ve been able to be more open minded,
which seems to fuel creative problem-solving.” — DM

“I have become more likely to be receptive to and capable of appreciating others’ perspectives.
When I accomplish this, I think my interactions are more pleasant (for me) and more productive.” — MS

“Each week has been an amazing rediscovery of the commonality of the human experience.
I am relearning each day to trust emergence. These last weeks I have remembered how much I find people such wonders -
odd, funny, difficult, beautiful, mean, generous - me included.
This program has reminded me how I love it all and want to be a part of it.”

“If I had stopped after the first class, with pause, the value of my life experience would still have been dramatically affected
in the best possible way. I could devote the next decade to pause alone, and greatly benefit…
pausing is so essential with parenting; relaxing, opening, and listening deeply
is what my kids need from me as their mom.
My family thanks you, and so do I.” — KN