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MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR)
This eight week evidence-based programme is the “real McCoy” of mindfulness training. Unlike many shorter courses, MBSR has 40 years of research from UMASS Medical School to back its claim as the leading mindfulness program in the Western world. MBSR has been proven to lead to measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress as well as improving the immune response in eight weeks. MBSR was first developed by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and has since been taught to thousands of people in over 30 countries. Through group and individual practices, discussions, and presentations, participants learn ways to cultivate mindfulness so that they can meet the challenges of life with greater sense of clarity, ease and inner strength.
Reported benefits
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Greater capacity to deal with stress
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Lasting decrease in physical and psychological symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, chronic pain and illness
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Improved sleep
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Increased sense of well-being and balance
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Increased energy and productivity, feeling more engaged with life
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Increased levels of attention and concentration
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More creative problem solving and greater focus
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Increased sense of aliveness, connection, meaning and purpose
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The course is for anyone who wants to reduce work, family or health-related stress, bring a greater sense of balance and meaning to their lives and manage challenges more skillfully.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
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a 2.5 hour class once a week for eight weeks plus one full retreat day
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gentle stretching and body awareness training
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exploration of patterns of thinking, feeling and action, and how to transform them
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brief lectures and discussions
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individual feedback and support
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scientific rationale for the practice
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your commitment to 30-45 minutes of daily home practice using audio tracks and course book
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Our courses are delivered in the same format as the MBSR programme originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. For an overview of some of the major research findings about MBSR, have a look at this video developed at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
UPCOMING COURSES 2024
All courses held at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 N Durham St, Christchurch
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Cost $590
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Payment options available. Discounts offered to those in genuine financial difficulty. Please contact us to discuss.
Fee covers 26 hours of class time, 126-page manual and audio practice recordings.
Places strictly limited to 16 per course. Please book early to avoid disappointment.