What is mindfulness?
In it’s simplest form, mindfulness is paying attention in the present moment without judgment.
It’s something we all possess the ability to do but the world we live in has made it much harder to practice.
Mindfulness equips us with tools to navigate difficult situations and wake up to joy in our lives.
We can become impactful and resilient leaders, while also discovering more compassion for ourselves and others.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of mindfulness are far-reaching - including, but not limited to:
reduced stress and anxiety
decreased depression
increased resilience
increased memory function
greater focus
less emotional reactivity
strengthened immune system
enhanced relationship satisfaction
increased life satisfaction
enhanced wellbeing
Can it be learned?
Yes! We all have the innate ability but it’s much more accessible when we practice regularly. Learning and practicing mindfulness strategies is like going to the gym for your brain - the more we practice, the more natural it becomes.
“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Mindful Learning Lab’s offerings are rooted in the evidence-based MBSR program that originated from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and is now taught at Brown University.
MBSR History:
This research-based program was originally developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the late 1970s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD., and is now practiced around the world in hospitals, universities, organizations, and clinical settings. It has been proven effective in treating a number of concerns, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, fatigue, and grief.
What it is:
The MBSR curriculum is typically offered in the format of a weekly class series. This series provides an opportunity to learn and practice MBSR, promoting greater well being and personal growth. Through formal mindfulness practice, group discussions, reflection, and related exercises, participants will learn how to care for and relate to themselves and others more effectively. Participants will learn about stress and explore their habitual, behavioral, physical, emotional and cognitive patterns as well as investigate more effective and skillful responses to the challenges and demands of everyday life
Who it’s for:
The MBSR series is ideal for anyone who is interested in deepening their understanding and practice of Mindfulness. No experience is necessary but participants must possess a willingness to fully participate in a community learning experience with consistent practice at home.
Formats:
The MBSR course is an 8-week intensive series, which includes a day-long silent retreat. Mindful Learning Lab also offers an abbreviated 4-week course as an accessible way to introduce MBSR.
What you can expect to do in a MBSR class:
Learn several forms of mindfulness meditation practices including: seated meditation, body awareness meditation, loving kindness meditation, and mindful movement (including basic hatha yoga; gentle stretching and postures).
Engage in reflection and discussion of the role of stress, thoughts, and emotions and how they may contribute to anxiety, chronic pain, and illness; connection to self and others; and strategies to increase clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Participate in daily home practice with the guidance of shared recordings.