Contemplative PedagogyMindfulness and Inquiry

“The meaning of life is to see”(Hui Neng)

CETLA, Howard University

Acknowledgement

Frederick FranckBetty EdwardsHeather C. WilliamsPeter VanderpoelDaniel BarbezatMirabai BushArthur ZajonicPalmer ParkerChristopher AlexanderRenee HillThe Center for Contemplative Mind in Society (www.contemplativemind.org)

Contemplative Pedagogy, Contemplative Practices in Education, Mindful Learning, Contemplative Epistemology, Seeing as Meditation

Seeing, Observing and Drawing vs Looking

To become aware

Acknowledgement of Existence

Epiphany of the common place

Zen

Become what you see

Mindfulness

Imbuing dignity

To meditate

• Contemplative Pedagogy is the cultivation of insightful knowing and uses forms of introspection, meditation and reflection that allow students to focus internally. While fostering the student’s knowledge base and analytical abilities, Contemplative Pedagogy presents material in a way that supports students having their own agency. (D. Barbezat and M. Bush)

• As we apply Contemplative practices to higher education, we must keep them separated from ideology or creed; the invitation must be to explore student’s own beliefs and views so that the first person, critical inquiry becomes an investigation rather than an imposition of particular views or having to adopt any ideology or specific belief. (D. Barbezat and M. Bush)

7 Attitudes

Non-judgingPatienceBeginners MindTrustNon-strivingAcceptanceLetting Go

Lao Tzu

Drawing from Within, Nick MeglinThe Artist’s Way, Julia CameronDrawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Betty EdwardsThe Tao of Sketching, Ou Lei LeiDrawing as Sacred Activity, Heather C. WilliamsThe Inner Studio, Andrew LevittExperiential Drawing, Robert R. DvorakThe Zen of Seeing, Frederick Franck