Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

 Experience the original 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed at the Stress Reduction Clinic at UMass Medical Center by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Since 1979 more than 25,000 people have completed this evidence-based training.

  • Approach your life with more composure, energy, understanding and enthusiasm

  • Develop the ability to cope more effectively with both short-term and long-term stressful situations, gaining insight into response rather than reaction

  • Enhance your ability to manage and reduce pain levels

  • Improve your focus, resilience, and capacity to recover more quickly from challenging events

  • Learn how to access and cultivate a natural capacity to actively engage in caring for yourself and find greater balance, ease, and peace of mind

What is Mindfulness?

One definition might be “The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.”  How might you define mindfulness for yourself?

Offered as a complement to traditional medical and psychological treatments, not as a replacement, MBSR has proven to be effective in helping to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

 

What is the MBSR 8-Week Program?

The MBSR program allows you to engage with the teacher and interact with other participants during weekly class sessions.  Home assignments and guided meditation audio files are all available online. 

Throughout the program you will be consciously and systematically working with the challenges and demands of your everyday life. Katie will create a safe and supportive environment for this work and learning through:

  • Live class sessions at Peace in Piermont OR using simple online meeting technology that is rich in experience and connection

  • Systematic instruction in formal and informal MBSR meditation practices, including guided instruction and recordings to practice with at home

  • Gentle stretching and mindful yoga

  • Group dialogue, with discussions offered to enhance awareness in everyday life

  • The opportunity for one-on-one check-ins with instructors throughout the course

  • Online resource materials, dedicated technical support, and opportunities for feedback

Class sizes are limited to facilitate group connection and conversation. A computer and high-speed internet connection are required for hybrid participants.  Mobile devices such as phones and tablets are not recommended.

 
 
 

What is the course structure and commitment?

The MBSR program consists of:

  • Orientation (2 to 2 ½ hrs, required for enrollment), scheduled for one or two weeks before your class

  • Eight weekly classes, 2 ½ hrs each (31 hours of direct instruction)

  • One All-Day class on a Saturday or Sunday

  • Daily home practice assignments for 45-60 minutes each day

  • You must be willing to make a strong commitment to attend all classes and to practice daily home assignments for eight weeks. If you are unable to attend your regularly scheduled class, we encourage you to make up the class by attending a different class that same week

  • In order to receive a completion letter for the course, you may not miss more than two classes, and you must attend the All Day session. If you cannot attend the All Day session during your course, you may make it up at a later time and receive completion status.

 

(content from this page was pulled from https://www.ummhealth.org)