While the course sticks to the main format designed by Kabat-Zinn, Emily adds her own unique insights and learning, making it original and refreshing while still being based on a proven method. I came away from this course with a deeper understanding of myself, and with tools to get through difficult times… and just every day! Doing the practice from week to week built up a solid experience of mindfulness practice, which made it easier to carry into my life after the course. Emily continuously stressed that we should DO the practice–though not judging us if we’d had an off week–and I think that was an extremely important aspect that merited the repetition. The consistent practice during the class was concrete proof that we could continue on our own after the class ended. I enjoyed doing this in a group where we could share our questions and felt free enough to do so without being judged. I really felt that we were on a journey together, and that by being in class, I was supporting my fellow classmates, just as they were supporting me.