Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
“The MBSR course was a wonderful space to help ground me in the midst of an international move. It was the steady while everything around me was changing. Jodi has a gift for facilitating and helped me add tools to my toolbox for leading a life of awareness.” ~ Colleen, MBSR Course Participant
What is the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course?
The MBSR Course is an 8-week intensive mindfulness training and mindfulness meditation program which supports individuals in learning how to practice mindfulness to reduce stress, improve resiliency, cultivate better communication, and promote overall well-being. MBSR is one of the longest-running, secular mindfulness training courses in the world and was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Center in the 1970s.
In the 8-week course, participants learn 4 types of meditation practice. Participants also learn how informal mindfulness practices can be integrated into daily life to reduce stress. Participants will finish the course with the ability to create a mindfulness meditation and informal mindfulness practice that can be applied to all areas of their life.
You can learn more about my perspective on mindfulness practice and the foundations, training and background that guide my work here. More information about my personal and professional background is available here.
Who should join?
The MBSR course is open to anyone who is interested in learning how to practice mindfulness meditation as a skill for life’s everyday challenges. Almost anyone can benefit from the practices learned through the course – whether you are completely new to mindfulness or you are looking to deepen a longterm practice. Nonetheless, there are some personal situations where an MBSR course may not be the right fit. Specifics about why you should or should not attend an MBSR course are covered in the required Information Session before each course. Scroll down for information on how to sign up for the next Information Session.
Group Structure and Practicalities
The MBSR Course is an 8-week course. The class meets weekly, on Zoom, for 2 hours and 30 minutes. In addition to the weekly class sessions, a 6-hour Day of Mindfulness retreat is part of the course and scheduled between weeks 6 and 7. Depending on the course makeup, the Day of Mindfulness may be offered twice over one weekend to accommodate varied timezones. Daily “homework” includes about 45 minutes of meditation and some limited journaling or reflection. All participants have access to an MBSR course participant resource page with guided meditations, worksheets, exercises and practice resources.
The MBSR course does require commitment – to attend the class meetings and to complete the daily meditations 5 times per week. It is important to consider, before joining, what it may be like for you to participate in a course that requires daily practice. You may have to make some adjustments to your schedule to accommodate your practice. Setting aside the time and following through on the commitment you make to yourself, your health and your personal growth are important indicators of what you may get out of the class.
In order to create balance and provide space for better connection, a maximum of 12 participants will be accepted at one time. Because course dynamics and a sense of community are essential to fostering a positive learning environment in the MBSR course, it is important that you make every effort to attend all class meetings.
I am committed to providing a learning environment that is respectful of individual differences and perspectives where each person can feel supported, nurtured and accepted. My MBSR courses are kind, non-judgmental and curiosity-driven spaces. I want you to feel like the course has been worth your while and I aim to be present and responsive to each participant’s needs and unique circumstances.
The regular course fee is $375 and includes 26 hours of direct instruction, resource guide and guided meditations, as well as additional one-on-one support as needed or upon request. Early Bird Registration rate – $325.
If you would like to learn more about potential upcoming MBSR sessions, please contact me using the contact form in them menu bar above.
What Participants Are Saying About the MBSR Course…
“This course was so much more than I expected! We were introduced to lots of different options, different ways to meditate and practice mindfulness. There were accommodations for different difficulties, including physical difference and pain. I never felt my limitations were judged or a cause to stop attempting to practice, which led to discoveries I didn’t expect. I feel equipped to move forward in mindfulness practice, at my own pace and in my own way. I know how to practice, how to find resources, and most importantly, how to treat myself with kindness and non-judgmental compassion as I do so.”
~ Tanya, MBSR Course Participant
“I learned so much about myself over the course of the 8 weeks. I am taking away more self-compassion and less judgment with myself when it comes to meditation, but more importantly, when it comes to activities in daily life. We are so hard on ourselves these days and MBSR teaches us compassion and calming the inner critic. I loved discussions with fellow classmates who were very supportive and taught me a lot as well.”
~ Cindy, MBSR Course Participant
“This course was the perfect entry point for me to “re-train” myself on listening to various signals my body and emotions were giving me and to start developing techniques to cultivate more healthful — and satisfying — responses to what I can vs. can’t control in daily life.”
~ Jess, MBSR Course Participant
“This course was professional, engaging, informative, and also built a tight-knit community of fellow practitioners. It was absolutely exceptional at teaching not only stress reduction, but also other core foundations in mindfulness.”
~ Krista, MBSR Course Participant
“She created a safe and supportive environment and I left each session with new insights and skills. I’m incorporating what she taught especially into my work day and I notice my sleep has improved, my body feels more vital, and my peace of mind has increased. If you have an opportunity to work with Jodi, please do! I would highly recommend her course to anyone who wants to live a more mindful life.”
~Rainier, MBSR Course Participant