Mindfulness-based approaches have been proven effective in decreasing symptoms of anxiety (Miller, Fletcher and Kabat-Zinn 1995), chronic pain (Kabat-Zinn, Chapman and Salomon 1987), preventing relapses in depression (Segal et al. 2007) and decreasing stress and enhancing quality of life for those struggling with stress, cancer, auto-immune and other states of dis-ease.
What is MBSR?
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The course offers a new paradigm that invites participants to discover and utilise their own inner resources for bringing balance, health, and peace of mind to their lives.
Through group and individual practices, discussions, and presentations, participants learn ways to cultivate mindfulness so that they can meet the challenges of life (including stress, pain and illness) with greater ease.
MBSR is an experiential learning program, intended to engage the mind and the body.
Why MBSR? Proven benefits?
The evidence in support of MBSR is so strong that almost 75% of GPs in the United Kingdom think it would be beneficial for all patients to learn mindfulness meditation skills. The proven benefits include:
- Reduced chronic stress and pain
- Mood regulation and resilience
- Greater awareness of self & interactions with others
- Improved capacity to think clearly and act decisively
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
- Relaxation physically and mentally
- Stress relief in the moment
What to Expect?
In the MBSR experiential course, participants will explore and develop:
- Moment to moment awareness of the stress cycle
- Detailed instruction in mindfulness mediation
- How to apply mindfulness in daily life
- How to use mindful breathing and body awareness
- Gentle movement adapted to individual participant’s needs
- Discoveries of how mindfulness helps your unique experience