Step 4: Discussion

After each participant has shared, you can break into small groups and answer the questions below. Next, regroup and have a discussion and debrief with the following questions:

• “How did you feel when speaking during the exercise?”
• “How did you feel when listening during the exercise?”
• “Did you notice any mind-wandering?”
• “If so, what was the distraction?”
• “What helped you to bring your attention back to the present?”
• “Did your mind judge while listening to others?”
• “If so, how did “judging” feel in the body?”
• “Were there times where you felt empathy?”
• “If so, how did this feel in the body?”
• “How did your body feel right before speaking?”
• “How did your body feel right after speaking?”
• “What are you feeling right now?”
• “What would happen if you practiced mindful listening with each person that you spoke with?”
• “Do you think mindful listening would change the way you interact and relate with others?”
• “How would it feel if you set the intention to pay attention with curiosity, kindness, and acceptance to everything you said and everything you listened to?”

Conclusion.