The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course is an 8-week, nine session course. Participants attend a 2.5 hour class once a week for eight weeks as well one full day session (which is generally between the sixth and seventh sessions). The program involves mindfulness meditation training and practice, yoga and body awareness training, exploration of patterns of thinking, feeling and action, brief lectures and group discussions – including inquiry during group time with individuals, individual feedback and support as well as a commitment from the participant to practice daily using the CDs and course handouts.

Throughout the course you are offered a systematic training in mindfulness – learning how to cultivate an observant, accepting and compassionate stance towards your thoughts, emotional states, body sensations and impulses. Specific information about stress physiology, cognitive behavioural strategies, interpersonal communication and implementing self-care are also given. The core formal mindfulness practices taught include a body scan, sitting meditation with concentrative focus on the breath, mindful Hatha Yoga and sitting meditation that expands the focus of attention to choiceless awareness.

Following is an overview of the eight-week MBSR Program –

Click here to read some other frequently asked questions on mindfulness!