Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Certificate

Program Abstract

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective, scientifically researched method for reducing physical and psychological suffering while building resilience, balance, and peace of mind.

Learning to practice mindfulness provides a way of relating directly with whatever is happening in your life, a way of taking charge of your life, of consciously and systematically noticing and responding to your own stress and pain, and to the challenges and demands of living. This starts with cultivating present-moment attention in an open, nonjudgmental way. MBSR is a nonsectarian, scientifically researched approach that is in harmony with any faith-based tradition.

MBSR is an eight-week mindfulness training course that is based upon the program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He initially created it for chronically ill patients who were not responding well to traditional treatments, but it is now used for a wide variety of reasons by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Participants will learn self-awareness strategies which allow for more fully reasoned and wise decision making. Participants will be invited to incorporate mindfulness into a daily routine to respond to stress, rather than reacting to it.  MBSR is NOT a medical treatment but is a secular program that is supported by research as an effective way to improve overall wellbeing. This course is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is willing to explore these time-tested strategies presented in the MBSR program.