What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Do you suffer from any of the following:
• Feelings of stress from juggling kids, work and/or caregiving for an elderly parent?
• Voices swirling in your head telling you “stories” that keep you in a state of constant worry?
• Anxiety that you won’t be able to complete the day’s task because there is too much to do?
• Addicted to social media and the digital world and want to know how to “turn it off?”
MBSR could be just what you are looking for.
Benefits of MBSR include:
• Stress Reduction: Related to work, school, family, financial, illness, aging, grief and feelings of uncertainty.
• Medical Conditions: Chronic illness or pain, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, asthma, GI distress, skin disorders and other conditions.
• Emotional: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep difficulties, helplessness, low self-esteem.
• Wellness: Health enhancement and focus on illness prevention and a sense of balance.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction was introduced in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. More than 30 years of research support this training’s profound effect on participants by rewiring your brain and thinking patterns to reduce stress and medical symptoms for chronic conditions. MBSR is highly respected within the medical community, and there is well-documented scientific research that provides evidence of its effectiveness. An online search will reveal MBSR programs at health systems and medical centers throughout the country.
Programs typically consist of eight weekly classes, each 2 hours in length, and a half-day weekend retreat between sessions six and seven. Each session includes gentle stretching and yoga, guided instruction on meditation in many different ways, group discussion on practice strategies and some individual attention and instruction. Participants are asked to start and maintain a daily home practice and are provided materials to support them in their efforts.
Learn what it means to bring mindfulness to your everyday life while eating, walking and driving. Be present in the moment and cultivate a grateful attitude that can change your perspective and give you a new positive outlook. You will begin to be less reactionary and learn how to not take occurrences personally. Mindfulness meditation is not about clearing your mind as it is about watching your thoughts from an outsider perspective, giving you the ability to see situations from multiple sides.
Join the October 1st, 2015 MBSR class at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. For more information, please contact Debbie Roytas at 724.250.5243 or by e-mail at droytas@whs.org.