Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention from moment to moment in a nonjudgemental way. Like so many things in our lives, living mindfully and reaping the benefits of doing so takes daily practice. Often, mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and others, are done in relative solitude. An important element of living a mindful life, however, comes when we practice with others.
What are MBSR classes?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) classes are an 8-week group experience where participants engage weekly in sitting, lying, and walking meditations, as well as light, mindful yoga. We learn from each other through group discussions and more traditional classroom instruction by addressing the principles of mindfulness and the ways the human body and brain respond to stress. Through the wise application of mindfulness principles, class participants can minimize stress and better manage what remains by practicing the skills together during class and individually between classes.
Why MBSR?
MBSR was developed in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School as a complementary intervention for patients with chronic heart conditions and chronic pain. The results were so encouraging that referrals began coming in for patients struggling with a wider variety of physical and emotional conditions. Since then, research on the benefits of MBSR has grown steadily and millions more people from all over the world have benefited from the MBSR experience.
Mindfulness gives you time. Time gives you choices. Choices, skillfully made, lead to freedom.
Mindfulness more than anything gives you a super power. It’s a power that keeps yourself from reacting to strong inner impulses and emotions.
This is definitely a class I highly recommend for everyone. It was more challenging than I anticipated, but I found myself looking forward to every meeting.
There are many reasons to participate in MBSR classes
- Learn about mindfulness as a beginner
- Deepen your practice as a seasoned practitioner
- Discover and maintain relief from your stress
- Minimize anxiety, depression, and irritability
- Better manage chronic health conditions
- Boost attention, focus, and concentration
- Improve your overall well-being
Start Your Journey
Are you ready to begin your Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction journey at Into Balance? The button below will take you to a page where you can see upcoming class offerings and begin your registration.
Featured Writings
Mindfulness: A Seven Second Tape Delay
Have you ever felt like you didn’t have time to respond wisely to what was going on, or worse, that you reacted without thinking only to find that your reaction made things worse, not better? Regular mindfulness meditation can give you the chance to pause, see the moment for what it is, and choose a wise response.
Mindfulness and Shifting Into Neutral
I’ve often heard people say, “I can’t meditate because I can’t stop thinking,” or something very similar to that. Fortunately, we don’t have to stop thinking or even slow down our thoughts to experience the peace that mindfulness practice can bring. Curious? Read on.