Demystifying Mindfulness

Objective: A necessary prerequisite for any voice work is focused attention to bodily sensations. Together, these two skills of focused attention and interoception are frequently referred to as mindfulness. Despite its popularity, the cultivation of mindfulness to the degree that it becomes beneficial for voice work remains elusive to many voice clinicians, singing teachers, voice clients, and singing students. The objective of this workshop is to provide participants with practical guidelines and simple techniques for developing flexible focused attention and interoceptive awareness in themselves and those they work with.

Methods: Participants will be led through a series of mindfulness techniques which are designed to promote focused attention and interoceptive awareness. Subsequently, a hierarchy of complexity (i.e., general awareness, focused awareness, cultivation of neutrality towards sensations, flexibility of awareness, manipulation of sensation, etc.) will be explored. Concepts in cognitive neuroscience and attention research will be referenced to provide empirical support for said techniques and hierarchies. The techniques presented will be simple enough to utilize in clinic/studio and the hierarchy will allow participants to utilize the simple techniques with clients/students of different skill levels. Techniques presented will primarily consist of aromatherapy, breathwork, and simple yoga postures.

Results and Conclusions: Participants will leave the workshop with simple techniques and guidelines for improving focused attention and interoceptive awareness in themselves and their clients/students. A handout will be provided with descriptions of the techniques, hierarchy, and recommended resources.