Mindfulness in Mediation as a Relational Practice

This chapter presents the case that what makes a mediation setting relational is the mediator's intention and parties' willingness to perceive the situation through a relational understanding of the Self or of matter, rather than the level to which relationships are involved. It suggests that the relationality of a situation is a derivation of and depends on the level of relational awareness that is present in the mediation room. Mindfulness is the manifestation of that relational awareness and mode of interaction. A relational approach that wishes to help embody dynamics that give primacy to the relational space rather than the individual's mind, and to cultivate dialogue, can gain from adopting mindfulness practices, practices directed toward cultivating relational awareness. The mediator who helps disputants cultivate presence of mind helps them develop openness to new possibilities, trusting the unfolding of the process, aware of the impermanent nature of images clung to, and allowing new situations to co-arise.