What is MBSR?

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a method of relating directly to the events in your life. It teaches us to consciously and systematically work through our life experiences and to develop healthy and positive approaches to handling life’s stressful challenges, whether they are physical, mental or emotional.

At the core of MBSR is the practice of Mindfulness, an ancient mind-body discipline. Mindfulness is defined as paying attention to each moment, on purpose, with love and compassion, and without judgment.

The MBSR program at Awakening Health teaches the participants how to practice Mindfulness, in both formal and informal ways. Additionally, students learn practical tools and skills for handling stress and various methods for relaxation that can be adapted for their individual needs. Gentle exercises to strengthen and condition the body as well as release tension are also part of the MBSR program.

MBSR provides a way to explore how the body and mind interact in the face of health and illness. The student of MBSR develops an increased capacity to face change and difficult times with greater ease, and begins to take responsibility for his or her own health. The result is a sense of greater balance, control over one’s circumstances and peace of mind.

The MBSR program at Awakening Health is based on the acclaimed Stress Reduction Program founded in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. It is described in detail in Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness, by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Participation in the MBSR program will enable you to:

• Cope more effectively with short and long-term stresses
• Increase your ability to relax
• Achieve lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
• Reduce pain levels and enhance ability to cope with pain that may not go away
• Improve your ability to enjoy life.