MORE INFORMATION

8-WEEK MINDFULNESS COURSE (MBSR)

ABOUT MBSR

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is the mindfulness course with the strongest evidence base. It was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 1970s, and has since been taught worldwide. Research studies have repeatedly found its positive effects on stress, depression and anxiety. Over 100 randomised controlled trials have been conducted on MBSR.

THE COURSE

The course comprises eight 2-hour online sessions and a half-day (3-hour) online retreat. Sessions are a combination of guided practices, group dialogue, explanations and a variety of informal supporting exercises.

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The primary aim of the course is to introduce you to mindfulness and to techniques for cultivating it.

This is achieved through an exploration of:

• a collection of formal and informal practices: these use the sensations of the body and the breath to develop the faculty of present moment awareness, which is at the heart of mindfulness

• the physiology of our experience: the focus here is on how emotions, particularly stress, manifest bodily, and how awareness can support more skilful responses in challenging moments

• habits of thinking: bringing attention to these patterns opens up the choices we have about how we relate to them

• communication: we are invited to extend the development of mindfulness to our habits of communication and relationship

• self-care: the development of mindful awareness includes awareness of what we need, what supports us, and when we can offer that to ourselves

RESOURCES

• An electronic copy of the course workbook

• Online access to guided meditations, to support practice in between sessions

• The course teacher is available to respond to questions in between sessions

NOTES

• No prior experience is necessary

• You will not be required to participate in any element of the course you feel uncomfortable with, including dialogue. Silence is always an option.

• This course will be conducted via video conferencing. Practical details will be sent out once you have registered.

• Each week, suggestions will be made for "home practice" - what you might do between one session and the next to consolidate and deepen your learning. The suggestion will be for 30-45 minutes of practice each day. It may well not always be possible, and that is ok. You will not be questioned or held accountable for the amount of practice that you are able to do. However, it is important to be aware that the benefits of the course are likely to be more available if you practise mindfulness in between sessions.

TECHNOLOGY

You will need a computer or tablet (and a webcam/microphone if your computer does not include one).

To register your interest, please complete the details below: