Interview Guidelines

How to prepare for an interview

• Frame your question(s) in your own mind as clearly as possible.
• The interview setting is part of practice, and should be treated with relaxed care and respect. It isn't the place to chat, or to get to know someone socially.
• Remember, a Dharma interview is not the same as therapy.  Although psychological issues can be part of a Dharma interview, generally no effort is made to explore a story or to "fix" problems.  What and how things happen are the focus, rather than why.
• Some examples of appropriate questions might include understanding a Dharma talk, how to practice, an experience that you had during practice, a daily life experience and how it relates to practice and so forth.

 Interview etiquette

• Be on time.  We try to keep to our schedule as best we can.
• If appropriate, take your shoes off outside the door of the interview room.
• Come in and take your seat mindfully.  There's no need to bow or do anything formal.
• Turn cell phones and other electronics off.
• There will probably be a clock in the room.  Try to follow the middle way: there is no need to look at the clock every 30 seconds, but try to end your interview on time.  The person conducting the interview will help you with this if needed.

Dana

Interviews are freely offered and, when part of the Day of Mindfulness, there is no need to offer any extra Dana.  If you request an interview outside of a retreat setting, a Dana offering is appropriate.

Scheduling an Interview

If you would like to schedule a private practice interview with a Local Dharma Leader, please send an email to one of the individuals below noting their preferred times and location.    Depending upon the individual chosen, your interview may occur at their home, office or at a nearby coffee or tea house for up to 30 to 45 minutes.

For background information on each Local Dharma Leader, click on their name.

Deborah Capwell                                 Email Deborah    
Weekdays in the West Seattle area but will consider other times.

Tim Geil                                                  Email Tim   
Weekdays in the Shoreline area.

Lyndal Johnson                                     Email Lyndal               
Weekend days and weekday evenings in the Capitol Hill area

Ellen McCown                                       Please contact Ellen on Tuesday night
Occasional availability in the University Arboretum area.

Rosie Schwartz                                     Email Rosie                          
Flexible times in the North Seattle area