Mindfulness and Mothering: Reclaiming Feminine Voice

Little is known about working mothers who practice mindfulness. This dissertation is a phenomenological investigation using body mapping as a way to understand how mindfulness works in the lives of six women who work in health and social care while parenting young children. This dissertation is comprised of five integrated articles. Chapter 1 and 7 are included as an Introduction and Discussion/Conclusion to the five separate though related manuscript chapters. The main research questions that framed this research include, ‘What is the work of mindfulness in the lives of working professional mothers?’ and ‘In what ways might a mindfulness practice help women navigate their role as a working mother with young children?’. Each of the five manuscripts offer something unique to this work. The first manuscript, Chapter 2, uses literature to explore how mindfulness can support early years practitioners in developing a more critical and nuanced understanding of how social constructions of motherhood shape practice. In the second manuscript, chapter 3, I again use literature to explore mindfulness as a construct and how it has the potential to enhance professional practices. The third manuscript, Chapter 4, is more theoretical and philosophical and explores how phenomenology can fruitfully pair with mindfulness in a qualitative study such as this one. The fourth manuscript, chapter 5, is the first of two manuscripts that originate from the empirical study. The six women’s constructed body maps where analyzed to better understand how mindfulness works in their lives. The fifth manuscript, chapter 6, explores body mapping as a method and what it can contribute to social research. Findings include an appreciation for how mindfulness may help mothers critically reflect on normative expectations for working women. This thesis contributes to the growing body of work that appreciates the work of mindfulness. Specifically I suggest that mindfulness may inspire professional mothers to rethink practices and beliefs that may ultimately advance the position of women and children. The research seeks to ignite conversations that have implications for Canadian families, and health and social care professional education practices

You Want Me to Draw What? Body Mapping in Qualitative Research as Canadian Socio-Political Commentary

Es gibt nur wenig Literatur zu Body Mapping als Methode zum Verstehen aufmerksamer Praxis und noch weniger Beispiele, wenn es darum geht zu veranschaulichen, wie dieser Forschungsansatz umgesetzt werden kann. In diesem Beitrag zeigen wir, wie Body Mapping in einer qualitativen Study genutzt wurde, um mütterliche Aufmerksamkeitspraktiken zu erforschen. Wir präsentieren hierfür einen neuen Ansatz, bei dem wir Aufmerksamkeitstechniken und SOLOMONs Body Mapping miteinander verbunden haben. Um unsere Erfahrung zu illustrieren, geben wir 1. einen Überblick über Body Mapping als Methode und befassen uns 2. mit praktischen Problemen, denen wir beim Einsatz des Verfahrens begegnet sind a) mit Blick auf ethische Fragen, b) im Rahmen der Analyse und c) hinsichtlich der Verortung von Body Mapping innerhalb der Sozialforschung. Wir zeigen, dass Body Mapping ein Vergnügen und eine expressive Erfahrung sein, aber auch Forschende und Teilnehmende überfordern kann, insbesondere wenn sie keine Vorerfahrungen haben. Wir hoffen, Vertrauen aufzubauen und Einsichten in den Verlauf von Body-Mapping-Projekten zu gewähren, u.a. dazu, wie Fragen für Sessions generiert und welche Schritte im Analyseprozess bedacht werden sollten.There is a scarcity of literature written about body mapping as a method to understanding mindfulness practice, and even fewer examples of how to undertake this type of research in a tangible way. In this article, we discuss how body mapping was used as part of a qualitative study investigating working mothers' mindful practices. We present a novel approach to integrating mindfulness-based techniques with SOLOMON's body mapping method. We illustrate our experiences by 1. sharing an overview of body mapping as a method, and 2. reviewing practical issues we encountered including: a) ethical issues, b) how to approach analysis, and c) body mapping within social research. Body mapping can be a fun and expressive experience for participants of social research. It can also be a confusing and overwhelming experience for researchers and participants new to the method. Through the article, we offer some insights and assurances about how to proceed with body mapping projects, including details such as how to generate questions for body mapping sessions, and a thorough consideration of steps to consider for analysis

Mindfulness and therapeutic relationships: insights from a phenomenological study of occupational therapists' practices

Background A well-established body of literature highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship when working with children and youth. A growing body of literature points to the potential of mindfulness to enhance the quality of relationships, including the therapeutic relationship. To date, little attention has been paid to this topic within the profession of occupational therapy. Aim The aim of this study was to inquire into paediatric occupational therapists’ experiences of mindfulness in the therapeutic relationship with children and youth.  Methods Heideggerian-informed hermeneutic phenomenology was employed as the methodological approach. Two key Heideggerian concepts of being-with and care served as theoretical underpinnings of the study. Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight North American occupational therapists to elicit their first-hand accounts of mindfulness in the therapeutic relationship with their paediatric clients. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Results Four key themes were identified and include: fostering a safe space, enhancing presence, being authentic, and cultivating acceptance. Conclusions The findings offer insights regarding the potential affordances of mindfulness to support clinicians as they form of therapeutic relationships with children and youth. This study highlights research priorities for future inquiry.&nbsp

2017 Research & Innovation Day Program

A one day showcase of applied research, social innovation, scholarship projects and activities.https://first.fanshawec.ca/cri_cripublications/1004/thumbnail.jp