This course is not currently being offered, please contact Emily for future dates.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) uses meditation, yoga and self-exploration to reduce the level of stress in your life. Originally developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR is based on the concepts of moment-to-moment awareness, acceptance and self-compassion. Decades of research show that the MBSR program brings about lasting decreases in symptoms of stress: both physical and psychological. This program is now being taught in over 700 hospitals across North America.
What you can expect: You will be welcomed into an open and warm environment, where participants are invited to sit in a circle of cushions on the floor, or can use chairs or a comfortable sofa. Each session begins with an opening meditation to ground and settle you, as well as introduce you to the mindfulness meditation we will be working with that week. Each week a new theme of mindfulness is introduced, which is then discussed in an interactive, bilingual discussion format and participants are free to engage at the level they feel most comfortable. Participants can share how their weekly practice is going, bring up challenges or ask questions related to the material. Small group discussions and writing exercise are also used throughout the program to help participants process and integrate the concepts in a profound way. During the course, participants are encouraged to work up to a daily practice of 30-40 minutes per day. There is a break for tea and cookies half way through each session, as well as light body stretching led by a yoga instructor. The 6 hour retreat day towards the end of the program is a wonderful opportunity for participants to integrate and embody mindfulness practices introduced and is often a highlight for many participants!
Workshop Activities
- Self-inquiry and group dialogue
- Guided mindfulness relaxation
- Yoga exercises designed for all levels
- Mindful breathing
- Mindful eating
- Mindful communications
- Walking meditation
Benefits
- More effective ways to manage stress
- Decreased anxiety, depression, irritability
- Increased coping skills with difficulties, both physical and emotional
- Awareness of the mind/body interplay
- Increased self-compassion and self-acceptance
- Greater compassion for others and improved relations
- More energy and enthusiasm for life
So that mindfulness training may be more accessible to all, Emily is now offering several scholarship placements (at %30 discounted rate) within each of her MBSR courses. If you would like to apply for this scholarship placement please contact Emily.