Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
MBSR is an 8-week evidence-based programme originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre in the United States. It is aimed at helping people to deal effectively with stress and related symptoms through the practice of mindfulness meditation. However, it is also for anyone who wishes to enhance their general well-being.
​
The course will be facilitated by Michael Atkinson, Co-Director of The Centre for Mindfulness and Wellbeing.
Course Aims
The course aims to:
-
Introduce you to a range of mindfulness meditation practices that will help you to cultivate, maintain and enhance your well-being.
-
Enhance your ability to deal effectively with the causes and consequences of stress-related symptoms through mindfulness meditation.
-
Provide a foundation for developing your own personal mindfulness practice.
-
Provide the basis for further training in mindfulness, such as for example, the teacher training pathway, for those who wish to take their practice further.
Course Overview
This course will cover the basics of mindfulness practice from establishing a suitable posture to bringing mindfulness into everyday life. You will be introduced to different mindfulness meditation practices, and each week new techniques will be introduced that you can add to your repertoire of routine practice.
Following each meditation, you will be invited to partake in an inquiry process in which we explore each-others’ experiences of the practice, giving us the opportunity to deepen our learning. This process is purely invitational, and so there is no pressure to share your observations. However, you may find that as you get more comfortable with the group, this becomes a key learning opportunity for you and others.
The course is taught from a secular perspective, but we will draw upon teachings from a range of traditions, and evidence from current research.
​
​
Week 1: Introducing mindfulness
Week 2: Perception
Week 3: Embodied awareness
Week 4: Exploring stress
​
Break Week
Week 5: Reactive vs creative response
Week 6: Loving-Kindness
Week 7: Interpersonal mindfulness
Week 8: Mindfulness in everyday life
​
​
Each session is 1.45 - 2.00 hours in length over the 8-week period. To get the most out of the programme, additional formal home practice of at least 30 minutes per day is recommended.
​
Following your booking you will be invited to attend a brief 1-1 Teams meeting with the course lead. This is to provide you an opportunity to discuss the course, address any questions that you may have, and for us to find out if you need any additional support..
​
Please contact me if you would like to find out more about the course: michaelatkinson@tcmw.co.uk
​
​