Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a practice-based, interactive learning program. Research shows MBSR to be an effective complement to a wide variety of medical and psychological conditions. These include anxiety, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, hypertension, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and stress disorders.
Mindfulness is the practice of present-moment awareness. It promotes personal well-being and enables us to experience life more fully by developing the ability to return with kindness to the present moment rather than being lost in repetitive thoughts and worries about past or future. In this way, we are able to make conscious choices, rather than react unconsciously.
Becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings and sensations, in a way that suspends judgment and self-criticism, can have surprising results. Many people report finding inner strengths and resources that help them make wiser decisions about their health and life in general.
Most of us find ourselves “swept away” at times by a current of thoughts and feelings, worries, pressures, responsibilities. We want things to be different from how they are right now. Feeling stuck in this way can be draining. Mindfulness can help us work directly with the struggle we sometimes have in relating to life’s experiences; in doing so, we can greatly improve the quality of our life. Testimonials
Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is the core program of the Mindfulness Center. MBSR classes include instruction in mindfulness meditation, mindful movement, and other mindfulness practices. These practices remind us to return to the present moment and increase the opportunity to make conscious choices rather than react unconsciously.
Classes meet weekly for 2.5 hours over an 8-week period. The course also includes an all-day silent retreat, usually on the Saturday of the 6th week.
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Fall 2015
Susan Stone
Dates: Mondays
Sept. 21 – Nov 9
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Daylong retreat: Saturday, Oct 31
Location: A Place to Breathe
4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $460
Susanna Williams
Dates: Tuesdays
Sept. 1 – Oct. 20
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Daylong retreat: Saturday, Oct. 3
Location: UVa School of Nursing, room 2010
Cost: $460
Teresa Miller
Dates: Thursdays
Oct. 8 – Dec. 3
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Daylong retreat: Saturday, Nov. 14
Location: a Place to Breathe
4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost $460
Filed Under: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction