Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Series

Cultivate the skill of mindfulness through formal meditation practices and informal integrative practices
Tuesdays, Sep. 15–Nov. 3, 11:30–2:00 p.m. and extended class/retreat Sunday, Oct. 18 from 9:00am–3:30pm. Class will be held online Oct. 6.

“Life unfolds in moments. The healing power of mindfulness lies in living each one as fully as we can.” Jon Kabat-Zinn

Do you want to play a more active role in shaping your health and wellbeing? In responding to life’s challenges and difficulties in ways that lessen the suffering you and others experience and deepen your appreciation for the wonder and beauty and preciousness of life?

Mindfulness is an open, kind, non-judging attention to what is happening in the present moment as it is happening. This present moment awareness shapes a wise and compassionate relationship with and response to experience as it unfolds moment by moment.

As mindfulness teacher Joseph Goldstein writes in A Heart Full of Peace:

Mindfulness is the quality and power of mind that is deeply aware of what’s happening–without commentary and without interference. It is like a mirror that simply reflects whatever comes before it. It serves us in the humblest ways, keeping us connected to brushing our teeth or having a cup of tea.

Mindfulness also keeps us connected to the people around us, so we don’t just rush by them in the busyness of our lives.

Benefits: Scientific research indicates that cultivating a more mindful way of being can positively affect stress resilience, physical and mental health, the ability to sustain attention, self-regulation of emotions, interpersonal skills, and general well being and happiness.

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program provides an opportunity for people to take an active role in caring for themselves, using their internal resources to cultivate health and well being in all kinds of circumstances. Participants cultivate the skill of mindfulness through formal meditation practices and informal integrative practices. Through the daily repetition of these practices, the habit of mindfulness is established and strengthened.

History: This program is modeled after the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program founded in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, and offered throughout the world in medical institutions, educational settings, businesses, the military, and correctional systems.

MBSR format consists of a 2 ½ hour class each week for 8 weeks, and a 6.5 hour extended class. Each weekly class consists of guided mindfulness practice, discussions, and guidance and teachings from the instructor.

Participant’s Commitment:

• Daily Formal Mindfulness Practice (30 to 40 minutes guided through IT link or CD)
• Daily Informal Mindfulness Practices
• Weekly reading of short articles (required), and assigned chapters in Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn (optional)
• A brief written description each week of what was noticed during both formal and informal practice. (optional)

Tuition: $400. Partial scholarships are available for those with limited means. A reduced fee of $100 is an option for those working in the human service field.

Register Here: https://pw.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26PPD35691