The event aims to support Postgraduate research students’ overall sense of wellbeing in navigating the emotional terrain of postgraduate studies. Sidonie and Jess, as experienced mindfulness practioners, will lead an exploration into the emotional dimensions of academic work such as reflexivity and presence in the field as well as the additional challenges of Postgraduate research, such as prevalent imposter syndrome and potentially complicated supervisor-student relationships.
In the context of the current pandemic, even more so than before, research students may be expected to quickly adapt in response to unforeseen obstacles. At the same time, support between Postgraduate researchers is harder to maintain in online conditions. The event will open a space for students to come together, to practice mindfulness and share stories and experiences. Participation will also include discussion of academic texts related to mindfulness in the field, small group discussion, and practical tools to increase mindfulness and ease emotional discomfort.
The first workshop will focus on mindfulness for the wellbeing of the researcher in relation to issues such as supervisor-student relationships, procrastination and writer’s block. The second session will focus on mindfulness within the research process, including field work and analysis. The two-part event will be held on Zoom in 2022, on 30th June and 7th July from 10-12.30pm. This event is open to doctoral students from all social science backgrounds. No prior knowledge of meditation or mindfulness is required to attend. Participants will be expected to attend both sessions.