Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a powerful program which was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn  PhD,(author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and  Full Catastrophe Living) in 1979.  Since then, at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center  as well as in classes worldwide, tens of thousands of people have benefited from the practice.

What is it?

MBSR uses meditation, yoga and inquiry as a way of training people to relate differently to stresses in their lives and in fact, relate differently to each moment of their lives.  It was originally developed for patients in chronic pain, undergoing intensive treatments for cancer, AIDS and other serious illness, but has since expanded and been incorporated into the daily lives of thousands of people whether they are dealing with the serious stress of illness or simply the day to day stress which at times seems like it can be too much to handle.  Research over the past 25 years indicates that a majority of the people who complete this program report a greater ability to cope more effectively with short and long term stressful situations; an increased ability to relax, lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms; reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain and most importantly a greater energy and enthusiasm for life.

Mindfulness is a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in your life, a way of taking charge of your life, and doing something for yourself that no one else can do for you.

What you will learn if you take the class:

Practical coping skills to improve your ability to handle stressful situations

Methods for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease

Gentle full body conditioning exercises to strengthen your body and release muscular tension

To become increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness

To face change and difficult times in your life with greater ease

To discover and develop the ability to help yourself and move towards greater balance, control and peace of mind.