Course Description
The 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course (MBSR) is modeled after the program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and his associates at at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Stress Reduction Clinic. The course consists of eight weekly 2-hour classes, and one day-long silent retreat. The day long retreat typically occurs between classes six and seven.
Homework is considered to be part of the class and takes 45 to 60 minutes a day. While it may see like a big investment, the practice has the power to change your life.
During class, participation will include:
- Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation (sitting, walking, and activity-based meditations)
- Gentle stretching and mindful movement
- Guided dialogue/discussions
- Carefully selected interactive activities
- Homework assignments
The MBSR curriculum has been honed during the 30 years it has been offered at the UMASS stress reduction clinic. It is designed to teach participants how to integrate mindfulness into their everyday lives. The approach is experiential, in that participants learn mindfulness-based techniques which should serve them long after completion of the class.
MBSR (and Dr. Kabat-Zinn) have been featured on PBS in Bill Moyers’ documentary, on Healing and the Mind, The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Dateline, ABC’s Evening News and Chronicle programs, as well as in numerous research journals and articles in newspapers, magazines, and on-line.
Dr. Kabat-Zinns’ book “Full Catastrophe Living” is highly recommended, as a adjunct to class. Saki Santorellis’ text “Heal Thyself: Lessons on Mindfulness in Medicine” is also recommended, especially for health care professionals.