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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Internal Medicine

Mindful Engagement

Listening and Seeing - Managing Discomfort - Offering Grace - Breathing

Listening and Seeing

Listening and seeing is an active mindfulness process where individuals and organizations fully immerse themselves in the practice of both hearing the words spoken and observing the non-verbal cues of constituents with the intention of understanding. To listen and see allows for building string relationships with individuals, no matter their unique background and allow for identifying and navigating shared struggles. Listening and seeing also facilitates strong communication skills and enhanced empathy.
Community advisory board members and faculty members sit talking together at an event reception.

  1. “Active Listening Definition, Skills, and Examples.” The Balance Money, https://www.thebalancemoney.com/active-listening-skills-with-examples-2059684.
  2. “Listening Skills: Hear What People Are Really Saying [Infographic].” Tulane University Campus Health, https://campushealth.tulane.edu/sites/default/files/listening-skills-infographic.pdf.
  3. “Mindful Listening: A Guide to Better Communication and Calmer Conflict Resolution.” Dr. Lam Coaching, https://www.drlamcoaching.com/blog/mindful-listening/.
  4. “Mindful Seeing Activities – Part 1.” HeartMind Practice, https://heartmindpractice.com/mindful-seeing-activities-part-1/.

Managing Discomfort

Managing discomfort refers to the discomfort often felt in social situations when individuals do not know how to respond. This is usually due to interacting with individuals from unique backgrounds that have different attitudes and beliefs. In these difficult social interactions, the reaction may involve unknowingly causing harm. Rather than exposing others to unnecessary discomfort or harm, managing discomfort is a mindfulness activity where individuals shift focus away from own internal feeling toward active listening and seeing for understanding.

  1. “[Infographic] 4 Powerful Mindful Steps to Deal with Difficult Emotions.” Shamash Alidina, https://www.shamashalidina.com/blog/infographic-mindfulness-difficult-emotions.
  2. Fisher, John. The Personal Transition Curve, 2012, https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/299982025150100227/.
  3. “How to Address Conflict Related to Discrimination.” Pepperdine University Online Grad Blog, https://onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu/blog/conflict-resolution-workplace-discrimination/#:~:text=Speak%20with%20an%20attorney%20or,Be%20alert%20to%20retaliatory%20actions.
  4. “Leaning into Discomfort: Managing Difficult Conversations at Work.” Notre Dame Ethics & Leadership, https://ethicalleadership.nd.edu/thought-leadership/leaning-into-the-discomfort:-managing-difficult-conversations-at-work.
  5. Meeuwissen, S. N. E., W. H. Gijselaers, E. K. Alexander, and S. Ramani. “Understanding and Strengthening Collaboration in the Workplace: How to Work Towards Constructive Conflicts.” The Clinical Teacher, vol. 21, no. 3, June 2024, e13701. doi:10.1111/tct.13701.

Offering Grace

Offering grace means to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to oneself and to others. To offer grace means to recognize shared humanity and express empathy. The act of offering grace can lead to stronger connections and increased well-being.

  1. Finkelstein, A. “Giving Grace.” American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 30 May 2025, S0272-6386(25)00824-8. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2025.03.015.
  2. Frush, B. “On Grace.” Academic Medicine, vol. 98, no. 6, 2023, p. 654. doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000005047.
  3. “The Power of Forgiveness [Infographic].” Visualistan, https://www.visualistan.com/2020/04/the-power-of-forgiveness-infographic.html.

Breathing

Breathing is a mindful activity that involves paying attention to one’s breath in the present moment. This simple yet useful practice can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve well-being.

  1. “Just Breathe: The 4-7-8 Deep Breathing Method.” MOBE, https://www.mobeforlife.com/blog/just-breathe-the-4-7-8-deep-breathing-method.
  2. “Mindful Breathing [Infographic].” Reenergized Living, https://reenergizedliving.com/mindful-breathing/.
  3. “What Is Mindfulness and How to Practice Mindful Breathing?” FindATopDoc, https://www.findatopdoc.com/Healthy-Living/What-is-Mindfulness-and-How-to-Practice-Mindful-Breathing.