Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL)

Practice Curriculum |Practice Community |Open Dialog

This program was developed by Stephen Batchelor as the culmination of over four decades of practicing, studying, and teaching Dharma. Stephen Batchelor sees himself as a facilitator rather than an authority in the development of MBEL. Dave has been in conversation with Stephen for over a decade. Having developed a rich dialog about early Buddhist thought and finding meaningful ways of bringing the core teachings to our lives here, in our secular age.

MBEL has been conceived as a collaborative project, which leaves behind the patriarchal and hierarchical power structures often found in Buddhism. Authority is distributed throughout the community of practitioners rather than concentrated in an expert. This program can be freely shared with anyone who is interested in doing this work.

This program is appropriate for anyone interested in the topic, regardless of any previous experience.

Mindfulness Based Ethical Living (MBEL) addresses the psychological, ethical and philosophical dimensions of the human experience. M-BEL is an organized, contemplative system carefully designed for anyone who seeks to care for their own and others’ lives, here in this world. Developed for those who seek a philosophical and ethical context for their practice of mindfulness.

MBEL is founded on early Buddhist formulas and lists such as: four foundations of mindfulness, four tasks, four efforts and the four immeasurable. In the same way that mindfulness-based therapies such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are inspired by Buddhist contemplative practices, M-BEL draws inspiration from the ethical values and philosophical frameworks of early Buddhist thought. Although Buddhist in inspiration and origin, M-BEL shares neither the religious and metaphysical commitments of the Buddhist religion nor its authoritarian hierarchies of power.

For more information contact: dave@seculardharmafoundation.com

Mindfulness E.A.S.T

(Emotional Awareness Skills Training)

This training program integrates the practice of Mindfulness and the science of emotion within the context of Emotional Intelligence. It provides didactic overview, theory and practice on core tenets of emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and constructive choices pertaining to behavior, action and consequence.

Background
Mindfulness practices have exploded into the field of mental health over the last several years. They have been proven effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and impulse control. Despite the current trends and hype, mindfulness practice can also be limited if it does not have a specific focus or aim. Individuals who struggle with any type of behavioral disorder typically have little or no emotional regulation strategies. This often is the culprit in relapse and reengagement with any destructive or addiction behaviors. When Mindfulness practice is aimed at the development of emotional regulation and ultimately emotional intelligence; individuals move more progressively within various forms of clinical interventions, therapy or treatment.

For more information email: dave@seculardharmafoundation.com