The Psychoanalytic Stance
August 27, 2024 DOI: 10.4324/9781003382959-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychoanalytic theory Psychoanalysis |
| Key points | Argues that psychoanalytic listening mindsets, such as Freud's free-floating attention and Bion's without memory or desire, can be cultivated through specific breath and guided meditations, with variations for focused and open attention, and that these practices introduce self-enquiry beyond breath focus. |
Abstract
This chapter describes the mindsets of external listening from a psychoanalytic or psychodynamic perspective. Freud&s;s concept of evenly suspended or free-floating attention is matched with a particular breath meditation. Brief psychotherapy and unfocussed listening offer perspectives on either end of the concentration spectrum (focussed and open, respectively), with alterations that can be made in the meditation technique to develop these mindsets. Bion&s;s suggested mindset without memory or desire and drawing on Keats&s; negative capability are other approaches described with different guided meditation methods suggested. These techniques start to go beyond using solely the breath introducing a process of self-enquiry into the practice.