DQ - Part 3 - Brainstorm

Discussion QUestions

1. Dr. Siegel writes a simple definition of secure and insecure attachments (p. 142): “Secure models support our living with flexibility, self-understanding, and ease of connection with others. Non-secure models come in several forms we’ll explore here, and each of these in some ways challenges our ability to be flexible, understand ourselves, and connect with others.” Take some time to write your thoughts about these definitions, or talk about them in your group.

2. What is one thing you learned about attachment in Part III of Brainstorm?

3. Think about the way you process things. Do you like to think logically, or do you prefer to go with your gut? What does this reveal about the way your own brain works right now, and how does that relate to integration and attachment, as seen on pp. 175-197?

4. What is one useful tip you found from this section of the book? Have you tried it out? If yes, describe your experience to your group.

5. What does the author mean when he says, “What we’ve acquired at home we carry forward out into the world” (p. 186)?

DQ - Mindsight Tools #2 - Brainstorm

Discussion Questions

1. How would you describe the mindsight tool, “time-in”?

2. Try to be mindful during a task like washing the dishes. Afterward, think about whether it was challenging or easy.

3. How would you describe breath awareness to someone who has never heard of it?

4. What was it like to try out the Wheel of Awareness?

DQ - Part 2 - Brainstorm

Discussion Questions

1. Share an example from your own adolescence of when you chose to do something risky, believing that the pros outweighed the cons.

2. Explain how dopamine levels in the adolescent brain lead to both a desire for thrill AND common feelings of boredom.

3. Why do adolescents tend to engage in risky behavior?

4. In your groups, review the hand model of the brain.

5. What is focused attention, and what does it have to do with the growth of the brain (see pp. 90-91)?

DQ - Mindsight Tools #1 - Brainstorm

Discussion Questions

1. Define “mindsight” in your own words.

2. Why is mindsight important?

3. What are some biblical examples of people being aware of their state of mind? Are the Psalms the only examples of this?

4. Try one of the mindsight practices, and describe your experience.

DQ - Part 1 - Brainstorm

Discussion Questions

1. Why is “the testing of boundaries, the passion to explore what is unknown and exciting” (p. 2) called the “work” of adolescence?

2. Describe an example of when boundary pushing can be a positive thing.

3. What is one thing you learned from this chapter about adolescence?