What is MBSR?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) uses meditation, yoga and inquiry as a way of supporting people to relate differently to stresses in their lives, and in fact, relate differently to each moment of their lives.
It was originally developed in the late 1970s for patients in chronic pain, those undergoing intensive treatments for cancer, AIDS and other serious illness. It has since expanded and been incorporated into the daily lives of ten of thousands of people whether they are dealing with the challenges of illness or simply day-to-day stress.
“Embedded within the context of mind-body and participatory medicine, the MBSR curriculum focuses on the experiential cultivation of both “formal” and “informal” mindfulness practice as a means of familiarizing oneself with awareness itself (mindfulness).
The recognition of an innate, ever-present awareness is the foundation for the development of positive health behaviors, psychological and emotional resilience, and an overarching sense of wellbeing that can be effectively cultivated and relied upon across the adult life span.”
Some of the skills explored in an MBSR courses:
Practical coping skills to improve your ability to handle stressful situations
Methods for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease
Gentle full body conditioning exercises to strengthen your body and release muscular tension
To become increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness
To face change and difficult times in your life with greater ease
An extensive body of research on MBSR indicates that a majority of the people who complete the program report a greater ability to cope more effectively with short- and long-term stressful situations; an increased ability to relax, lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms; reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain and most importantly a greater energy and enthusiasm for life.