Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week long program of training participants in methods of cultivating mindfulness, i.e., greater awareness of the present moment without judgment and with curiosity and compassion. The class meets weekly for 2.5 hours, with a 7.5-hour retreat held between weeks 5 & 6. In addition to the class sessions, participants are asked to practice mindfulness between class meetings and are provided handouts and recordings of guided meditations to support home practice.

Topics include:

• Developing awareness of automatic pilot (patterns of reaction we may not initially be aware of)
• Learning different methods of mindfulness meditation, including awareness of physical sensations in the body, in stillness and in movement, focused attention on an anchor like the breath, sound or body sensations, and of thoughts, and emotions and open presence meditation
• Cultivating our ability to be aware of ordinary moments in our lives, including mundane experiences, pleasant events, and unpleasant events
• Fostering attitudes that support greater mindfulness, including non-judgment, patience, curiosity, beginner’s mind, trust in one’s self and in one’s inner wisdom, non-striving, acceptance, and letting go (letting be)
• Learning to communicate mindfully and cultivate methods of cultivating friendliness and compassion toward one’s self and toward others.