Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR)

Learn Skills to Live and Cope with Stress
with our eight week program

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is about taking control of our lives, being aware of influences that affect our well-being and health, and finding peace-of-mind and balance in an oftentimes chaotic world. MBSR will teach you to consciously and methodically deal with stress, pain, illness, and the demanding challenges of everyday life.

Research is proving that we can learn to use our own innate resources to:

• Cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations
• Increase our ability to relax
• Decrease physical and psychological symptoms from illness
• Reduce pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope and deal with chronic pain

Developed by renowned practitioner and author Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR teaches participants to intentionally deal and cope with stress, pain, illness and the demands of everyday life.

Participants will learn skills in mindfulness meditaiton and how to build upon personal strengths in order to respond more effectively to health challenges and offset the adverse effects of stress.  The MBSR will help participants cope and live more fully with such challenges as:

The course meets once per week for eight weeks, with one daylong Saturday or Sunday class.  The program cost includes:

• Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
• Group discussions
• Gentle stretching and yoga
• Daily "homework"
• Individual, tailored instruction
• CD's and workbook
• CEU's avialable for an addition $25 fee

An interesting article was included in Newsweek entitled What the Beatles Gave Science, that highlights the benefits research is discovering about meditation.

Free Information Sesion:  A free information session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.  This information session will be held in the Library at the Center for Spirituality & Healing (Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware Street, SE, 5th Floor).  This is an opportunity for you to learn about the background of and research into the MBSR.  We will also provide you with an experiential example of what you will be learning.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Jeff Westall at 612-625-2194 or westa092@umn.edu to let us know you are coming.

Call 612-626-2395 or email somer012@umn.edu to register or to learn more. You may also print out our registration form and send it to our secure fax at 612-625-8164.

Summer 2008 Programs at the University of Minnesota 

Call 612-626-2395 or email somer012@umn.edu to register or to learn more. You may also print out our registration form and send it to our secure fax at 612-625-8164.

Summer 2008 Program at Mayo Clinics, Rochester

Free Information Session:  Monday, June 2, 2008 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  Assisi Heights, Sun Room.  Please call 612-626-2395 or email somer012@umn.edu to register or to learn more.

All-Day Retreats for MBSR Graduates

All MBSR graduates are welcome to attend the MBSR all-day retreats.  Space is limited and registration in advance is required.  The upcoming all-day retreats are listed below.  Please contact Beth at 612-626-2395 or somer012@umn.edu to register.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 - Shriners Children's Hospital - This Retreat is Full
Saturday, May 24, 2008 - Shriners Children's Hospital
Saturday, July 26, 2008 - Assisi Heights, Rochester, MN
Saturday, August 16, 2008 - To Be Determined

Deepening Your Mindfulness Meditation
at The Marsh

The Marsh is hosting a four-session series for experienced meditators.  The intention is to deepen or rekindle participants' mindfulness practice and is particularly helpful for those who have completed the MBSR program.  Terry Pearson will lead this exploration of breath work, meditation, mindful movement, and awareness in daily life.

Deepening Your Mindfulness Meditation
at Woodwinds Health Campus

Woodwinds is hosting a four-session series for experienced meditators.  The intention is to deepen or rekindle participants' mindfulness practice and is particularly helpful for those who have completed the MBSR program.  Terry Pearson will lead this exploration of breath work, meditation, mindful movement, and awareness in daily life.