What is Mindfulness
Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program developed in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, who wanted to find a way to bring the benefits of mindfulness meditation and yoga to people who would not normally attend a meditation retreat or go to a yoga studio. (Let's just pause to acknowledge how times have changed!)
He conceived of a model that has only been modified slightly since then: 8 weekly classes of two and a half hours each and an all day class on a weekend which is usually scheduled after week 6. Classes consist of formal mindfulness practices (a body scan, meditation, gentle yoga, walking) and inquiry as a way of training people to relate differently to the stresses in their lives and to relate differently to each moment of their lives. There are ongoing practice assignments every day of the program - consisting of these formal practices as well as informally cultivating a kind and purposeful - mindful - attention to daily activities, whether it is eating, brushing one's teeth, taking a shower, bathing one's children, riding the subway, or walking the dog. There is also attention given to various aspects of our lives that support the unfolding curriculum.
While MBSR was originally piloted with patients in chronic pain, tens of thousands of people - those 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 - have participated and received benefit. Research over the past 38 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 an enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain and, most importantly, a greater energy and enthusiasm for life. The body of research continues to expand.
Some of the skills people develop in MBSR courses include:
Practical coping skills to improve one's ability to handle stressful situations
Methods for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease
Gentle full body conditioning exercises to strengthen the body and release muscular tension
Becoming increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness
Facing change and difficult times in life with greater ease
Why take an MBSR Course?
Everywhere you look there are classes, seminars and apps offering to teach mindfulness and meditation. With so much to choose from and so many options seeming simpler, less expensive and time consuming, why choose to take Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Great question! Here are four reasons:
Ongoing direct contact with an experienced, certified teacher
45 years of research establishing MBSR as the gold standard of Mindfulness Based programs
The opportunity to deepen your understanding of how to bring mindfulness into all aspects of daily life, whether it is a trip to the doctor, a conversation at work, the challenges of parenting, or simply being present on a beautiful fall day in NYC
Last, but not least, becoming part of a community of practice… a place to bring questions, challenges, insights and learn and grow with others.
Join the community of people worldwide who have benefited from MBSR!
You can see a list of my upcoming courses here and you can read what students have said about my classes here.