What is MBSR?

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight week course developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to improve coping in patients with severe chronic pain and illness. Since then it has expanded and has been incorporated into the lives of thousands of people. MBSR uses meditation, mindful movement, and inquiry to help participants increase their awareness and learn how to relate differently to stressors in their lives.

Click here for a brief video on the origins of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

 

 

MBSR is evidence-based with over 30 years of published research. People who complete the course report:

• greater ability to cope with short and long term stressors
• improved communication in difficult situations
• lasting decrease in physical and psychological symptoms
• reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain
• a greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• increased ability to relax
• increased sense of balance and well-being

Recent research also shows that in as little as 8 weeks, meditation, as taught in the MBSR course, produced significant positive changes in brain structure and function.

The course offered at LIBM is taught by instructors who have completed the highest level of training in MBSR through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts' Medical Center where the course was developed and have completed professional training under the direction of Drs. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli.  

MBSR will give you the tools and training to enhance your health and well-being through a deep understanding of the mind-body connection using scientifically tested practices to mobilize your inner resources. You will learn ways to reduce your reactivity to stressful situations and to respond to any circumstance with greater awareness and presence.

                             MBSR Class at the Stress Reduction Center

MBSR is highly respected within the medical community. It is not offered as an alternative to traditional medical and psychological treatments but as a complement to these approaches. Doing what you can for yourself, coupled with what your physician can do for you, can be far more effective than either approach on its own. 

People participate in the MBSR course for reasons as diverse as:

• stress - job, family, school or financial
• GI distress
• chronic illnesses such as cancer, asthma, heart disease and fibromyalgia
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• chronic pain
• high blood pressure
• anxiety and depression
• headaches

People also participate in the MBSR course:

• to increase resilience and balance
• for illness prevention
• to increase sense of well-being

Some participants are referred by their physicians; others may have learned about the benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction in the media or from others who have completed the course and are self-referred. Many enroll because, although they may not be suffering from significant health or psychological problems, they feel "stressed" or "tense" and they would like to learn ways to decrease stress and increase their sense of well-being.

This highly participatory, practical course is taught by instructors who are highly trained and who are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. The course includes:

• A course manual
• CDs with guided meditation practices
• Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
• Gentle stretching and mind-body exercises
• Group discussions aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life
• Individually tailored instruction
• Home practice instructions

This challenging and life-affirming course requires a strong commitment for maximal benefit.

Please click here for information on upcoming classes and to register for our free introductory session.