R134: Experiencing the Present Moment

But there’s now been a quiet shift in attitude among many practitioners: rather than actively trying to reengineer clients into some future state of mental health perfection, many are helping them learn to be more accepting of themselves and the reality in which they find themselves. In this Reading Course, Michael Ventura weaves together themes of time, memory, courage, and the paradoxical quality of “doing” nothing to evoke the expanding, deepening quality of the fully-conscious self. Neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel takes readers along on a week of meditation, sharing the frustrations of trying to tune in to the chaotic jumble of one’s thoughts. Neurophysiologist and physician Robert Scaer explains why our brains are wired for distraction as an ancient way to protect us from predators. Reid Wilson describes helping his anxious clients discover that by not resisting the present moment, they can find a way out of their suffering. Douglas Flemons explains how learning to embrace doubt and fear can actually enhance performance. Steven Hayes shows how accepting our unpleasant thoughts and feelings helps us become braver, more serene, and happier.

Course Readings

Appointments with Yourself: Don’t Mistake Your Schedule for Your Life by Michael Ventura

A Week of Silence: Quieting the Mind and Liberating the Self by Daniel Siegel

The Precarious Present: Why Is It So Hard To Stay In the Moment? by Robert Scaer

Facing Our Worst Fears: Finding the Courage to Stay In the Moment by Reid Wilson

Finding Flow: Embracing Your Worst Can Bring Out Your Best by Douglas Flemons

Hello, Darkness: Discovering Our Values by Confronting Our Fears by Steven Hayes

Learning Objectives

1. Understand what it means to live in the “now.”
2. Discuss the effects of meditation and other spiritual practices on therapy.
3. Describe the benefits of staying in the present moment for trauma patients.
4. Discuss the therapeutic benefits to staying in the present moment as a vehicle for confronting fear.