3/22/2021
Mindfulness Training Improves Visual Processing and Attention in Older Adults Mindfulness has been shown to improve attention, which often declines with aging. These investigators used electroencephalograms (EEGs) to examine neural…
New Fee Structure for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Classes
3/2/2021
The Mindfulness Center will implement a new sliding-scale “pay what you can” fee structure beginning with the next Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class which is scheduled to start on April 15. …
2/24/2021
Heart Rate Variability Is Enhanced by Mindfulness Practice This study evaluated the effect of a 10-day mindfulness intervention using the Headspace app on heart rate variability (HRV), mindfulness and perceived…
2/24/2021
By Cawood Fitzhugh, newly certified teacher The training to become certified to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a rigorous and systematic process of courses, retreats and mentoring. All along the way, there is a focus on practice, reflection and self-knowledge. In addition, there is ongoing formative assessment and developmental feedback to support learning and skill development. MBSR is more than just teaching, it is a way of life. The nature of teaching MBSR means that the teacher’s own meditation practice and the way they approach their life matters. This translates to the classroom and to their teaching. There is the possibility of having their way of being and their most cherished values and priorities align with their work and their personal lives in a way that makes a difference in the world.
Thinking Mindfully: How Mindfulness Relates to Rumination
1/18/2021
Investigators from Germany conducted studies with two groups (70 students and 149 from the general population) using smartphones to page the participants six times daily. Each time they were paged,…
My Observations About Teaching MBSR
1/18/2021
Now that I am retiring after 17 years as an instructor of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the UVa Mindfulness Center, I want to share a few observations about my experiences. MBSR is an 8-week course which, as taught at UVa, is open to people from Charlottesville and surrounding communities, as well as to UVa faculty and staff. With the tremendous growth in the popularity of mindfulness over recent years, an increasing number of people bring to class some familiarity with the subject. What many lack, however, is a systematic exploration of mindfulness and its applications in all areas of life—at work, at home, and at play.
12/17/2020
The end of the year is near, and what a year it has been. Although it has been very trying, there are signs of better times ahead. The coronavirus pandemic has had an immeasurable impact, and vaccines may finally change its course. The pandemic as well as the tragic deaths of multiple innocent people killed by police have highlighted issues of systemic racism and racial injustice and will hopefully lead to lasting changes. The results of the presidential election have been contested as never before, and the outcome finally seems settled. Despite these hopeful signs, all of these events have led to uncertainty, pain and grief. How can mindfulness help in coping with these?
New Advanced Mindful Leadership Training Course for UVA Leaders and Managers Coming in February
12/15/2020
The Mindfulness Center, in collaboration with Hoos Well and UVA HR, will be conducting an 8-week Advanced Mindful Leadership Training Course starting on February 15. Mindful leadership is based on…
12/15/2020
Mindfulness-Based Therapy Can Decrease Markers of Inflammation among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mindfulness-based interventions have shown some efficacy in decreasing stress levels and improving quality of life for patients…
11/12/2020
In this study, investigators from the University of Utah evaluated the impact of a preoperative mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course on patient-related outcomes among individuals undergoing lumbar spine surgery for…