Section 3: ACT intervention to reduce stigma of mental illness
Activity 1.7 Homework on mindfulness and closure
ACT Processes:
- Mindfulness
- Present Moment
- Committed Action
Objectives:
- To promote deepening of present moment awareness
- To illustrate that mindfulness is possible at any moment in our everyday life
- To highlight that connection to the present moment requires committed action in mindfulness practice
- To wrap up Session 1 with a closure activity that promotes group connection
Participation Format:
- Participants sit in a large horseshoe; co-facilitators sit across from each other at the open end of the horseshoe.
Number of Facilitators:
- 2
Time Required:
- 10 – 20 mins
Materials:
Activities & Instructions
Instructions for participants
- Facilitator #1: Our first session on ACT is coming to an end. After you leave this session and before you return for our next session (Session #2), we would like you to carry out a very simple mindfulness exercise. We invite you to do one ordinary thing mindfully – it can be brushing teeth, taking a shower, eating breakfast, or taking a walk. Doing it mindfully means you give 100% of your attention to this task. We will ask everyone to share their experience when you return in the next session.
- Facilitator #2: Now I am going to do a closure exercise with everyone. Please stand up mindfully; turn to the two persons standing next to you (on your right and on your left) and shake each other’s hand gently and mindfully. After that, we will get back as a group and each one of us will say one word about our experience in taking part in this first session of ACT training.
- Both Facilitators thank participants for being there; provide participants with a session feedback form to complete; give out honoraria; and remind participants of the time and date for the next training session of ACT.
Appendix 1.7 – Homework reflection on mindfulness practice
(Facilitator prints the following on a half sheet of paper (4.25” x 5”) and gives each participant a copy to take home. Remind the participants to bring them to Session 2.)
ACT – Session 1: Homework on mindfulness practice
Instructions:
- After you leave this session and before you return to our Session #2, we invite you to do one ordinary thing mindfully – it can be brushing teeth, taking a shower, eating breakfast, or taking a walk, etc.
- Doing it mindfully means you give 100% of your attention to doing this task. We will ask everyone to share the experience when you return in the next session.
Date: ___________________________ Time: ______________________________
Place: ________________________
Mindful Activity: _________________________________________________________________
Reflection on the experience: __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
