Mindfulness
Mindfulness and Stress
Mindfulness is about seeing our lives and experiences clearly as they are with a wide open awareness. It is a way of life and a way of being with things as they are including stress. It is not an exercise in perfecting ourselves but rather a wholehearted embrace of the full spectrum of our mental, emotional and physical challenges as we find them without trying to change anything. In this way, mindfulness gives us the option to pause and respond to stress or whatever the experience is with wisdom, clarity and kindness rather than reacting in haste and maybe regretting our actions later. Through developing an attitude of unconditional love and kindness towards ourselves and each other we are beginning to understand ourselves more clearly and so discover new ways of being with life’s difficulties as well as its joys.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program
The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) teaches practical meditation tools to help enhance quality of life physically, emotionally and mentally. This 8-week program is designed for individuals both with stress-related conditions, as well as those simply wanting to learn to live more mindfully. Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, at the Massachusetts University Medical Centre in 1979, it is now taught worldwide. Research shows that regular mindfulness meditation practice brings about measurable lasting changes in health and brain function associated with memory, focus, empathy and stress.
Studies demonstrate that MBSR helps:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addiction
- Psoriasis
- Insomnia
Headaches - Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- High blood pressure
The MBSR 8 Week Program – What’s involved?
– Weekly instruction in mindfulness meditation practices in a non- religious context
– Group discussions and activities enhancing everyday awareness and quality of life
– Strategies to deal with the daily challenges of stress, anxiety and chronic pain
– Gentle stretching and mindful movement
– Daily home assignments, work book and practice recordings
– All day retreat
– Total 30 hours teacher-led contact time