MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is an 8-week evidence based, experiential program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., in 1979 for the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

From its beginning MBSR was designed to provide participants with intensive and systematic training in mindfulness meditation and movement practices such as sitting and walking meditation, yoga, and inquiry.

In its over 40 years of clinical research MBSR consistently demonstrates positive outcomes associated with increased self-awareness and emotional and attentional regulation with significant reductions in symptoms for various physical and behavioral health conditions towards stress response, including anxiety, depression and chronic pain.

Each class includes a combination of “formal” meditation practices, mindful movement and discussion/inquiry exploring the habits of the mind to discover how these patterns of reactivity become a major cause of stress. In addition several informal practices throughout the 8 weeks will help to integrate the practices in daily life in all its facets to improve the capability to create healthy relationships to ourselves and our surrounding.

Participants are supported by recorded guided meditations and are expected to integrate the formal and informal practices on a daily basis during the course of the 8 week class (and hopefully beyond).