Day: 8 Thursdays: May 3 – June 21, 2018; 7:00 – 9:30pm; Plus full day Sat., June 9; 10:00am – 4:30pm
Cost: Sliding Scale $275 – 525. Code MD1C18.

The MBSR program is an intensive 8-week training program designed to empower participants to take an active role in the creation of their own health and wellness. Program participants may expect to learn specific meditation and mindfulness practices and incorporate them into their daily lives as a routine means to respond to the challenges in living our stress-filled lives. Mindfulness practices will address communications styles that enhance relationships and improve quality of life. Weekly reading will be assigned from “Full Catastrophe Living,” as well as daily practices encouraged. A variety of guided mindful practices will be offered, ranging between 30 & 60 minutes daily, and you are encouraged to participate at the level that is most beneficial to you.

Mindfulness training is being used as a tool for promoting self-care and wellbeing among clinicians in psychology, nursing, and medicine. It has been demonstrated as a means to prevent burnout, improve wellbeing, and develop resilience. Clinicians who practice mindfulness are found to have more frequent experiences of present-centered attention and nonjudgmental awareness. And to report a greater sense of accomplishment at work, reduced feelings of emotional exhaustion, reduced negative, depersonalized feelings, and reduced negative attitudes towards clients.

Students should wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a lap blanket. We have yoga mats available but you may bring your own. Bring a lunch on the full day class on Saturday, June 9th.

Students need to purchase the course notebook and CDs, which will be available for sale at the first class meeting. Materials cost is $16. Please bring cash or a check made out to: Lisa Moran. The text for this course is Jon Kabat-Zinn’s “Full Catastrophe Living”, which will be available in the Spirit Rock Bookstore.

Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways that improve patient care. Continuing Education (CE) credit available. See below for attendance requirements and more information.

Learning Objectives for participating health care professionals-
Based on the content of this program, you will be able to:

• Define mindfulness, and explain it’s applicability in health care;
• Describe the Shapiro process-oriented model of mindfulness;
• Name four attitudes that support and sustain a mindfulness practice;
• Describe the physiological stress response;
• Compare and contrast the concepts of habitual stress reactivity and responding to stress effectively;
• Identify two habitual ways of thinking and two habitual ways of behaving that contribute to lower levels of stress-hardiness and keep them stuck in stress reactivity;
• Describe the qualities of mindful listening and speaking, and explain how these practices can result in improved communication with coworkers and clients/patients;
• List four facets of the “Aikido Style” of effective communication;
• List three common ineffective styles of communication;
• Utilize practices to cultivate awareness of thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, in ways that may improve patient care;
• Utilize at least two formal mindfulness practices, that may be used to reduce stress.

Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ with limited income) are invited to attend this class for $145.