Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)
The Program at a Glance
The Program at a Glance
Welcome to MBSP
Welcome to MBSP
This evidence-based experiential program is a unique opportunity for growth; it pairs up the practice of being mindful with the practice of applying our strengths of character.
This evidence-based experiential program is a unique opportunity for growth; it pairs up the practice of being mindful with the practice of applying our strengths of character.
Why might this be an interesting program to participate in?
Why might this be an interesting program to participate in?
According to the VIA Institute, participants of the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program have reported boosts in well-being, engagement, purpose, work productivity, stress management, problem management, and positive relationships. In short, the program makes a positive difference in our relationships with ourself and others.
According to the VIA Institute, participants of the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program have reported boosts in well-being, engagement, purpose, work productivity, stress management, problem management, and positive relationships. In short, the program makes a positive difference in our relationships with ourself and others.
Who might benefit from participating in this program?
Who might benefit from participating in this program?
People managers, leaders, (ICF) coaches, and others accompanying people as well as employees and teams.
People managers, leaders, (ICF) coaches, and others accompanying people as well as employees and teams.
What does "being mindful" mean?
What does "being mindful" mean?
We are being mindful when we bring our attention to the present moment experience with openness.
We are being mindful when we bring our attention to the present moment experience with openness.
What are character strengths?
What are character strengths?
According to research, our character strengths are the positive parts of our personality that influence our thoughts, feelings, will and actions. When we apply them we feel more authentic and energized.
According to research, our character strengths are the positive parts of our personality that influence our thoughts, feelings, will and actions. When we apply them we feel more authentic and energized.
Why pair up VIA character strengths and mindfulness?
Why pair up VIA character strengths and mindfulness?
1) Mindfulness can help us to more clearly see and leverage our character strengths - the parts of our personality that positively impact how we think, feel, and behave. According to the VIA Institute on Character, research has found that 2/3rds of people are blind to their strengths. If we are blind to our strengths, we simply cannot leverage them.
1) Mindfulness can help us to more clearly see and leverage our character strengths - the parts of our personality that positively impact how we think, feel, and behave. According to the VIA Institute on Character, research has found that 2/3rds of people are blind to their strengths. If we are blind to our strengths, we simply cannot leverage them.
2) Our character strengths can help us practice mindfulness and improve the likelihood of sticking with it. When we are mindful, we can see more clearly the details of our experience in the present moment - including the positive details which are often overlooked - and respond more appropriately.
2) Our character strengths can help us practice mindfulness and improve the likelihood of sticking with it. When we are mindful, we can see more clearly the details of our experience in the present moment - including the positive details which are often overlooked - and respond more appropriately.
When do the sessions take place?
When do the sessions take place?
Typically the 8 sessions of 2 hours each take place on a weekly basis over a period of 8 weeks. For details visit: The Shine Space
Typically the 8 sessions of 2 hours each take place on a weekly basis over a period of 8 weeks. For details visit: The Shine Space
For bespoke programs, 1/2-day sessions, full day sessions, retreats, or lunch-and-learn formats can be scheduled according to availability.
For bespoke programs, 1/2-day sessions, full day sessions, retreats, or lunch-and-learn formats can be scheduled according to availability.
Where and how do the sessions take place?
Where and how do the sessions take place?
Sessions conveniently take place via a video-conferencing platform. Note: This is not a "listen-only" webinar; a working microphone and camera are required.
Sessions conveniently take place via a video-conferencing platform. Note: This is not a "listen-only" webinar; a working microphone and camera are required.
For bespoke programs, the sessions are tailored for on-site or on-line delivery.
For bespoke programs, the sessions are tailored for on-site or on-line delivery.
What are the necessary materials?
What are the necessary materials?
Recommended reading: Mindfulness & Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec
Recommended reading: Mindfulness & Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec
Recommended reading: The Power of Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath
Recommended reading: The Power of Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath
How much does the program cost and how do participants enroll?
How much does the program cost and how do participants enroll?
For bespoke programs, please contact us.
For bespoke programs, please contact us.
The Core Program Themes
The Core Program Themes
according to the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program developed by Ryan M. Niemiec, Ph.D
Basic Concepts & Practices
Basic Concepts & Practices
Week / Session 1: Mindfulness and Autopilot
Week / Session 1: Mindfulness and Autopilot
Week / Session 2: Your Signature Strengths
Week / Session 2: Your Signature Strengths
Strong Mindfulness: Applying Character Strengths to Mindfulness
Strong Mindfulness: Applying Character Strengths to Mindfulness
Week / Session 3: Obstacles are Opportunities
Week / Session 3: Obstacles are Opportunities
Week / Session 4: Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Week / Session 4: Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Mindful Strengths Use: Applying Mindfulness to Character Strengths
Mindful Strengths Use: Applying Mindfulness to Character Strengths
Week / Session 5: Valuing Your Relationships
Week / Session 5: Valuing Your Relationships
Week / Session 6: The Golden Mean
Week / Session 6: The Golden Mean
Practical Integration: Character Strengths & Mindfulness
Practical Integration: Character Strengths & Mindfulness
Week / Session 7: Authenticity and Goodness
Week / Session 7: Authenticity and Goodness
Week / Session 8: Your Engagement With Life
Week / Session 8: Your Engagement With Life
What Do Participants Say?
What Do Participants Say?
A Sample of Participant Feedback regarding the On-line Program Experience
A Sample of Participant Feedback regarding the On-line Program Experience
"The good news is that each individual can enhance his/her strengths"
"The good news is that each individual can enhance his/her strengths"
"Enjoyed the connection amongst participants regardless of space and time"
"Enjoyed the connection amongst participants regardless of space and time"
"The biggest positive effect was on the relationship with myself"
"The biggest positive effect was on the relationship with myself"
"Understanding myself better and accepting myself more"
"Understanding myself better and accepting myself more"
"A space of positive support and inspiration"
"A space of positive support and inspiration"
"Feedback from the group on strengths they spotted [in me] was beneficial"
"Feedback from the group on strengths they spotted [in me] was beneficial"
"Observing throughout the sessions how open-mindedness evolved"
"Observing throughout the sessions how open-mindedness evolved"
Your Facilitator
Your Facilitator
Dana's VIA character strengths journey began in 2017 with a course for coaches led by Dr. Ryan M. Niemiec, Education Director at the VIA Institute on Character, and the journey continues.
Dana's VIA character strengths journey began in 2017 with a course for coaches led by Dr. Ryan M. Niemiec, Education Director at the VIA Institute on Character, and the journey continues.
In 2021, Dana became a Charter Certified Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Practitioner. As part of the VIA Institute's first cohort of credentialed practitioners, Dana is 1 of only a dozen charter members.
In 2021, Dana became a Charter Certified Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Practitioner. As part of the VIA Institute's first cohort of credentialed practitioners, Dana is 1 of only a dozen charter members.
The long-term goal of her training was to accompany clients and students in developing their strengths awareness across the various learning experiences that she offers including leadership coaching, courses, and workshops.
The long-term goal of her training was to accompany clients and students in developing their strengths awareness across the various learning experiences that she offers including leadership coaching, courses, and workshops.
With strengths awareness, we can intentionally apply our strengths, be our best self, and do our best work.
With strengths awareness, we can intentionally apply our strengths, be our best self, and do our best work.
In addition to this, the MBSP program builds our skills in focusing (inner, outer), active listening, strengths-spotting and appreciation, priming, reframing, and optimal strengths use (i.e., mitigating over and under-use), to name a few.
In addition to this, the MBSP program builds our skills in focusing (inner, outer), active listening, strengths-spotting and appreciation, priming, reframing, and optimal strengths use (i.e., mitigating over and under-use), to name a few.
Since learning entails change and requires awareness, it's not surprising that one of Dana's favorite MBSP quotes is:
Since learning entails change and requires awareness, it's not surprising that one of Dana's favorite MBSP quotes is:
"All change begins with awareness."
"All change begins with awareness."
(Ryan M. Niemiec, Ph.D.)
(Ryan M. Niemiec, Ph.D.)
Dana L. Walden, Coach (PCC ICF) & MBSP-CC Practitioner
Good to Know
Good to Know
The Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program is available as a small group or team workshop or as an individual coaching program. Please contact us to share your needs and explore together a solution that suits you.
The Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program is available as a small group or team workshop or as an individual coaching program. Please contact us to share your needs and explore together a solution that suits you.