UPCOMING MBSR COURSES

Course Description:
This is a standardized 8-week program, where participants will have an opportunity to cultivate non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, enhance self-compassion, and respond to stressors with greater resilience. This course combines elements of mindfulness and body awareness practices, meditation, and gentle movement such as Hatha yoga, to foster self-discovery of stress triggers and automatic stress reactions, helping you improve stress management and overall well-being. In addition to the 8 weekly classes and all-day silent retreat, participants will receive home practice in the form of recordings of guided mindfulness exercises and handouts. Participants should expect to spend up to one hour a day on home practice. The anticipated class size is 20 participants. 

Expectations:
Participants can expect to explore patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling, and action, with a focus on developing attention and acceptance. Confidentiality is required, so participants should enter Zoom meetings in a quiet and private space of their choosing. A device with access to the internet, and a working web camera and microphone are required. Clothing that is easy to move in and items that might increase comfort such as a cushion, yoga mat, and/or blanket are recommended but not mandatory for participation.

Benefits:
MBSR has both immediate and long-term benefits. Although the ways in which you will benefit are specific to prior experience with mindfulness, level of engagement with the practices, and also unique stressors, MBSR has been studied to be effective in:

• increasing mental health by decreasing anxiety, reducing depression, and preventing burnout

• improving immune system functioning and sleep quality

• reducing chronic pain and chronic fatigue

• enhancing cognitive flexibility and memory

• regulating cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and cortisol levels

• supporting substance abuse disorders and recovery

• changing brain structure and function, specifically in the areas of attention and emotional regulation

• strengthening self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience

• positively impacting interpersonal relationships, professional success, and quality of life

Skills Gained:
If fully engaged in both weekly classes and home practice, participants will leave the course with tools for:

• improving self care to relieve stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and chronic illness

• increasing physical and mental relaxation

• managing stressful situations and difficult times with ease

• cultivating awareness of the relation between body and mind in regard to health and illness

• coping with change, grief, and loss

Participants:
All vibes are welcome! However, participants must be 18 years or older. MBSR is a nonsectarian, scientifically researched approach that is in harmony with all faiths. Movement sections will also offer options seated in a chair. Participants will be encouraged to honor their own limits physically and mentally, and adjust practices as needed. Whether you have never meditated before or are an experienced meditator with a regular daily practice, this course is right for you!

Attendance: 
Attendance to all sessions, including the Orientation and All-Day Silent Retreat, is mandatory. With the exception of true emergencies, you must be prepared to attend every session. Between Orientation week and the first session, you will be invited to meet one-on-one with the teachers for 15 minutes per your availability. Home Practice requires up to 60 minutes daily. We understand that this is a significant commitment, and if you are unable to spend this amount of time, we encourage you to postpone registration until you are ready. 

Cost:
Registration Fee: $250
Reduced Rate: $200
Pay-it-forward Rate: $300

Registration fees are non-refundable. We offer a reduced rate for those who need it. Likewise, if you can afford to pay-it-forward, we are immensely grateful for your generosity which allows us to continue to offer this programming to those who need it most. If you are currently facing financial hardship and cannot afford the reduced rate, please reach out to us (danielle@theletgocure.com and/or julia@themessymeditator.com). 

Teachers:

Both Julia and Danielle are Qualified Level 1 MBSR Teachers, trained at Brown University.