Mind-Body State Literacy: A Pedagogical Approach that uses Mindfulness and Neuroscience to Support Learning and Relational Narrative Work describes the literacies necessary to develop the habits of minds presented in the Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing: “curiosity, openness, engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility and metacognition” (WPA, NCTE, & NWP, 2011, par. 2). Such habits, because they deal with students’ openness in the learning process, are key to students’ ability to receive a liberal education. I suggest that before instructors or students can develop these habits, they need to learn to develop an open mind-body state, defined as the ability to let one’s narrative incorporate other narratives/perspectives through listening. The Mind-Body State model is comprised of three facets: brainwaves, narratives, and emotions. The Mind-Body State Literacy (MBSL) approach suggests that students develop literacies related to these three facets, drawing primarily from mindfulness practices and philosophies the center the body and compassion. I anchor my presentation of the MBSL by suggesting why it might be especially relevant as students engage in personal narrative writing in the Rhetoric and Writing classroom.
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