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About Mindful Diversity

The middle path of diversity and inclusion

A somatic, mindful approach to working with difference with complexity in mind

Many approaches that work with diversity and inclusion only address one or two realms of difference. All four realms are needed to see the invisible forces at play, effectively navigate difference, and create lasting impact.

Inclusion is also what complexity theory calls “complex”. When working with belonging and inclusion we need an approach that incorporates and understands complexity.

The Mindful Diversity Framework is a map for navigating all four realms and a set of tools informed by complexity. Through courses, consultation, and personal coaching you can become a skilled practitioner: bridging differences, creating inclusive spaces and helping people connect with confidence.

Realms of Difference

Sociopolitical — The Collective / Social
This realm includes collective stories/histories and cultural power
systems.

Psychological — The Individual / Psyche
The psychological realm includes personal stories we make up about interactions and situations. These stories may be shaped by beliefs we absorbed through experience, trauma, or the dominant sociopolitical culture.

Biological — Our Bodies
The biological realm describes the ways in which our nervous systems respond to difference. Despite having innate reflexive responses that are outside of our control, with mindful awareness we can learn to state-shift to more conscious behaviors.

Spiritual — Presence
Our way of being can greatly impact our effectiveness with difference. By learning to rest in paradox we cultivate a spacious presence that invites others into a sense of deep belonging.

The Founder

Navigating two cultures (Japanese/American), two racial identities (Asian/White), and multiple disciplines (Design/Tech/Psychology/Spirituality), I found my identity in the liminal space. I became skilled at seeing that space between differences, something often overlooked.

The multiple worlds I come from — Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Counseling Psychology Master’s program,  New Ventures West’s coaching certification program, the Hakomi Method, IDEO, a forest monastery in Thailand — have given me a unique multi-disciplinary perspective.

From these perspectives and many others, Mindful Diversity was born.

Join me in the in-between and learn to navigate that which connects us all.

Yours in belonging,
Angella Okawa

Substack | Papers on Academia.edu | Private Practice Website | Contact me

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