This mindfulness-based supervision framework has been developed over several years with three iterations. With gratitude those who have contributed, especially Cindy Cooper and Jody Mardula. This current version forms the backbone of the Mindfulness-Based Supervision Training Pathway offered by The Mindfulness Network.
Explore each area of the framework diagram in more depth by clicking the buttons below:
The Outer Circle – The Container of Mindfulness
This outer circle represents the Container of mindfulness which holds the entire supervision process, imbuing it with the characteristics of mindfulness. The whole of the teaching, training, other mindfulness-based work and the supervision process is mindfulness-based. The four elements included: Intention, Embodied Presence, Integrity and Compassion/Wisdom point toward important basic aspects of the mindfulness- based approach. All the elements overlap and connect with each other.
The Inner Ring – ‘The Belt’
The inner ring represents guiding elements that hold the integrity of mindfulness-based work and the supervision process, namely Good Practice, Safety, Diversity and Inclusion, Competency, and Contracting for MBS. Each element will have structures and frameworks that support the holding of this element, depending on the context within which the supervisor and supervisee are living and working. The Belt links strongly with the integrity element in the Container and needs holding with a careful balance so these threads are not held too tight or too loose.
The Inner ‘Petals’
We might summarise the Petals as the content of MBS, the learning of the what, how and why of mindfulness-based teaching and mindfulness-based work. These are the subject matter of supervision. This is what the supervisor needs to know from their experience; what is brought into supervision by supervisor and/or supervisee; and what the supervisee is hoping to learn and experience.
Space Between the Petals
Finding space is an essential part of mindfulness, within personal practice, when teaching mindfulness, and within MBS. Pauses can support tuning in with inner experience, accessing more of a ‘felt’ sense and giving some space when feeling more reactive. There can be many ways of pausing, connecting with inner experience, and connecting with anchor points.
The Centre Circle – Mutual Inquiry
At the heart of MBS is mindful Inquiry. Both the supervisor and supervisee bring their experience of inquiry into the supervision session. To open to the supervisee, the supervisor must first know their own inner experience and be steady and grounded with that. From that embodied presence, the supervisor can then open to and inquire into the supervisee’s experience – what has happened, what is happening right now, and how the supervisee can relate to that experience in a way that promotes reflection, development and understanding.
