The Odoki Method can be viewed from a number of perspectives. Unlike many other disciplines it isn’t a linear method, as it aims to meet people where they are. At the same time, it is necessary to have some structure in order to teach the method.
The aim of the Odoki Method is to teach participants how to use tools to investigate their own experience. We can only state in broad terms what outcomes might come from the use of a particular tool - reality will be different for each participant. One relevant tool, here, is openness. Participants will need to be open to what actually happens when they use a tool, rather than focusing on what they believe should be happening, which, according to the Odoki Method, is much less interesting.
In its broadest sense, the Odoki Method has two phases: preparation and looking.
Preparation
The phase of preparation involves learning skills that are commonly taught in Mindfulness classes around the world. Learning to attend to experience, particularly learning to attend to experience in a kindly, non-judgemental way.
Preparation work needs to continue until a participant can sit, quietly, with their experience, for maybe five or ten minutes. That is, with a relatively still mind.
Preparation tools can easily be taught in larger groups, so long as the instructor clarifies that these are optional tools, and that participants can choose those that have the most beneficial impacts.
Looking
Once a participant can pay attention to experience, their instructor can start to use the “Direct Pointing” practice. In this, the instructor directs the participant to look for particular things in their own experience. The participant can describe what they see when they look - the instructor can further direct.
This practice works best when done one to one. It has been successfully used in person, using video calls, telephone calls as well as using instant messaging platforms.