Where is my Research taking me?
I have felt like I have been on a continual cycle of thinking about my inquiry and workload for Module 2 and like I am spending a lot of time reading and researching but not feeling like I am actually 'completing' any work needed for the end of term portfolio.
A topic in which I am interested in is 'mindfulness' and along side researching research I have been delving into mindfulness. After a quick call with Adesola, it became clear, that I actually could not describe what mindfulness is, so my journey started here.
'...the ability to be fully present in the moment'
(The science-backed benefits of mindfulness, 2020)
I have always wanted to become a more 'mindful' person. After suffering an injury, I have been made aware that my body often takes over and controls how I feel. What I have found interesting is that mindfulness is linking both body and mind together and from this we gain knowledge about both, mind and body, from the experience. This links to module one where we discussed that experience is knowledge. (Kolb, D. A. 2014) Mindfulness dates back to the Buda and creating a heightened awareness to the world and ourselves. There are many studies that describe the benefits to mindfulness: increased well-being and improves physical and mental health.
I have found this a fascinating topic which has lead me onto different 'side roads', whilst conducting a map, which sometimes have been slightly overwhelming, however, what I have learnt so far from the BAPP course is that this feeling of 'not knowing' is part of the journey to 'knowing.' As discussed in Module Two handbook:
'research stems from the very core of how you approach the world including your Professional Practice' (Akinleye, A. 2019)
I believe that delving into this skill of 'mindfulness' a little more, it may help give me a better understanding of how I approach the world which will hopefully help me in constructing my inquiry and the information I want to obtain, in order to obtaining a better understanding of this part of my professional practice.
Kolb, D. A. (2014) Experiential learning experience as the source of learning and development . Second edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
Akinleye, A. (2019). Module Handbook ACI3622 Mapping Practices. London: Middlesex University. Module Handbook
Headspace. 2020. The Science-Backed Benefits Of Mindfulness. [online] Available at: http://www.headspace.com/mindfulness [Accessed on: 7 October 2020]
that first sentence describes me perfectly too !!! I think our research is not taking us to any particular place, just providing the means to explore? researching my topic and the methodology will allow me to make informed decisions and justify reasons for things, and be a more informed learner! excited to see how you progress xx
ReplyDeleteHi Anushka,
DeleteYes, I believe that our research is allowing us to explore. I have found it interesting that, somehow, everything is connected and I continue to make links with things from Module 1 and now with Module 2. I am going to research more on 'Rhizome Theory' since this conversation has prompted some thought about it. I am wondering if you have noticed any links? Paul x
Yes its super interesting isn't it! My research into social media has really linked back to one of my areas of learning where i explored how performers create a personal brand for themselves using tools such as social media. For me this has really cemented that this is a topic i am interesting in and have been since the beginning of the course! x
DeleteHi Paul,
ReplyDeleteLovely to chat to you the other ay and get your approach on M1. It was very helpful.
Ive since had a call with Adesola and she helped with thinking about my areas of learning, I was on the right track with 2 but need to look into the third.
Anyways, great post. I also myself have also tried to become a bit more mindful... I find it very hard to sit and just be! Ive tried and tried to meditate but just nope..not happening. Im sorry that you are injured, but I do hope that your next career will be as fulfilling as dancing was. And remember, what ever you are doing now doesn't HAVE to be your career/job for the rest of your life. Things change and evolve to im sure that you will find the next step.
I myself had my 'dancing career' taken away from me without my consent as such. Not in the form of injury but my father passed while I was on a ship. I had to leave the contract a month early for obvious reasons, and after that it seemed there was a black mark against my name with that company. I carried that with me for A LONNNNNG time! Hence why the mindfulness was a big thing I wanted to get into. But as my life changed, gradually my mindset changed and I settled into where I am now. Hope to chat again soon. Take care of yourself. x
Hi Clare,
DeleteIt was lovely chatting on the Skype with you, I am glad I could be of some assistance to you on your learning journey with BAPP Programme. I found mapping my practice out and jotting everything down that came into my head a good exercise. Mindfulness is something that I have been exploring in Module 2, its been fascinating but extremely complex. Lots of philosophical meaning and trying to examine my own beliefs and thoughts has been challenging. Yes, it was extremely sad that my professional performer career had to end, especially when my partner and I had so many plans and goals. However, it has pushed us into this new path and we are both enjoying the journey that it is taking us on. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. It sounds like you had an extremely difficult and challenging time, with his passing and with work. I am glad to hear that it sounds like you are beginning to come to terms with this huge change and that you're feeling a little more settled with where you are. I hope to chat again soon and look forward to reading some of your blogs. Please get in touch if you need any help, Paul xx
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post on mindfulness and module 2. I also feel that I've been doing so much research but not actually completing anything. I think mindfulness is such a great topic to research into as seeing the benefits and maybe negatives of it. I think for performers we are focused on our physical health but sometimes that comes at a cost to our mental health. I know I am a perfectionist but that isn't always a good thing! I am intrigued as to what you find out and so will look forward to reading more about it! Thanks!
Alys :) x