Embodied Mindfulness | Liberation Music Therapy Ep 6

In this episode, we explore embodied mindfulness as a core liberatory skill—grounded in trauma-informed practice, somatic awareness, and collective care. We examine mindfulness not as a self-optimization technique or individual coping tool, but as a form of choiceless awareness rooted in lived experience, cultural context, and material reality.Drawing on Buddhist traditions, somatic psychology, and liberation psychology, the session distinguishes among absent-mindedness, concentration, and mindfulness and introduces practical approaches to cultivating present-moment awareness of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and relational dynamics. We situate mindfulness within the Praxis Wheel, emphasizing its role in balancing effort, wisdom, conviction, and compassionate action.The episode also critically engages complementary and alternative medicine, clarifying distinctions between evidence-based care, folk and traditional healing practices, and integrative approaches—while addressing ethical concerns, power, capitalism, and false claims. Throughout, the focus remains on embodiment, discernment, and collective wellbeing rather than spiritual bypassing or individualized solutions to structural harm.This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, educators, organizers, and anyone engaged in healing, cultural work, or liberation-oriented practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe