Guidelines
Your Mindful Tribe’s guidelines are based on the 9 attitudinal foundations of Mindfulness as quoted by Jon Kabat-Zinn in ‘Full Catastrophe Living’.
1. Beginner’s Mind
“Beginner’s mind is characterized by an attitude of openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions when studying something, even when studying at an advanced level.”
In mindfulness practice, beginner’s mind means approaching each moment with fresh eyes, as if encountering it for the first time. This attitude cultivates curiosity and wonder, allowing us to see beyond our habitual patterns and assumptions.
On Your Own
Practice approaching familiar activities with fresh awareness. Try eating a meal, taking a walk, or even brushing your teeth as if experiencing it for the first time.
In Community
Listen to others with fresh ears, without assuming you know what they’re going to say. Welcome new perspectives and be open to learning from everyone you encounter.
2. Non-Judging
“Non-judging means stepping back from the constant stream of judging and categorizing that the mind is engaged in and just watching the whole process of judging without getting caught up in the content.”
This doesn’t mean becoming passive or indifferent, but rather developing the capacity to observe our experiences without immediately labeling them as good or bad, right or wrong. We learn to see clearly without the distortion of constant evaluation.
On Your Own
Notice when judgmental thoughts arise during meditation or daily activities. Instead of judging the judging, simply observe these mental processes with gentle awareness.
In Community
Practice suspending judgment about others’ sharing, experiences, or ways of practicing. Create space for all expressions without needing to categorize or evaluate them.
3. Acceptance
“Acceptance means seeing things as they actually are in the present. If you have a headache, accept that you have a headache. If you are overweight, why not accept it as a description of your body at this time?”
Acceptance is not passive resignation but an active recognition of present-moment reality. It’s the starting point for any real change or healing, as we cannot transform what we refuse to acknowledge.
On Your Own
Practice acknowledging difficult emotions, physical sensations, or life circumstances without immediately trying to fix or change them. Start with simple acceptance of what is.
In Community
Accept others as they are without trying to change them. Listen to different viewpoints and experiences without needing to correct or improve upon them.
4. Patience
“Patience is a form of wisdom. It demonstrates that we understand that sometimes things unfold in their own time. A child may try to help a butterfly emerge by breaking open its chrysalis. Usually the butterfly dies as a result.”
Patience teaches us to allow our experience to unfold naturally without forcing or rushing. It acknowledges the organic timing of growth and healing, both in ourselves and others.
On Your Own
Cultivate patience with your meditation practice and personal growth. Allow insights and changes to emerge naturally rather than forcing progress or results.
In Community
Be patient with others’ learning processes and different paces of understanding. Allow conversations and group dynamics to develop organically without rushing to conclusions.
5. Trust
“Developing a basic trust in yourself and your feelings is an integral part of meditation training. It is far better to trust in your intuition and your own authority, even if you make some mistakes along the way.”
Trust involves having confidence in our own inner wisdom and experience. It means honoring our intuition while remaining open to learning and growth from our mistakes.
On Your Own
Learn to trust your direct experience in meditation and life. Pay attention to your body’s wisdom and your intuitive knowing, even when it differs from external expectations.
In Community
Trust the process of group learning and sharing. Believe in others’ capacity for wisdom and growth, and share authentically from your own experience.
6. Non-Striving
“Non-striving means non-doing, simply letting things be and allowing them to unfold in their own way. Paradoxically, this ‘non-doing’ is often the most effective way of changing and growing and healing.”
Non-striving doesn’t mean being passive or lazy. Rather, it involves engaging fully with the present moment without being attached to specific outcomes or constantly trying to get somewhere else.
On Your Own
Practice meditation without trying to achieve any particular state. Simply be present with whatever arises, whether it’s calm, restlessness, or anything in between.
In Community
Participate in group activities without agenda or trying to make something specific happen. Allow the natural wisdom of the group to emerge organically.
7. Letting Go
“Letting go means just that. It’s an invitation to cease clinging to anything—whether it be an idea, an emotion, a particular desire, or a way of seeing or thinking about things and about ourselves.”
Letting go is not about suppression or denial, but about releasing our tight grip on experiences, outcomes, and identities that may be limiting our freedom and growth.
On Your Own
Notice what you’re holding onto—thoughts, emotions, expectations—and practice releasing them with each out-breath. Let experiences come and go without clinging.
In Community
Release attachment to being right, having control, or managing others’ experiences. Let conversations and relationships flow naturally without forcing particular outcomes.
8. Gratitude
“Gratitude is a felt recognition of benefit; it’s an acknowledgment of goodness in one’s life. In gratitude, we feel connected to something larger than ourselves—as individuals.”
Gratitude shifts our perspective from what’s lacking to what’s present. It opens our hearts and connects us to the interdependent web of life that supports our existence.
On Your Own
Cultivate appreciation for the simple gifts of each day—breath, food, shelter, the ability to see, hear, and move. Notice how gratitude affects your mood and perspective.
In Community
Express appreciation for others’ presence, contributions, and sharing. Acknowledge the gift of coming together in mindful community and mutual support.
9. Generosity
“Generosity is an outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness. When we practice generosity, we open up and let go of the tight-fisted approach to life.”
True generosity flows from abundance rather than obligation. It includes generosity of spirit—offering our presence, attention, kindness, and understanding as freely as we might give material gifts.
On Your Own
Practice generosity in small daily ways—offering your full attention, a smile to a stranger, or help without being asked. Notice how giving affects your sense of connection and well-being.
In Community
Share your presence, wisdom, and support generously. Offer your authentic self to the community while being mindful not to overwhelm or dominate the space.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”— Edmund Hillary