MBSR is the practice of being in the present moment.

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week empirically supported psycho-educational approach. This approach was created in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Components of MBSR include:

• Formal practices such as seated meditation or body scans.

• Informal practices such as mindful walking or eating.

• Gentle mindful movement; similar to stretching.

• Practical inquiry to provide you with insight into the awareness of your daily life.

• “Home practices” to strengthen and explore further what you’ve learned during your sessions.

The course meets weekly for eight weeks, either in the morning or the evening for 2.5 - 3 hours. Towards the end of the course, there is an “all-day” silent retreat which meets for 7 hours. Please see the workshop schedule below for specific information.

Below are the general weekly themes:

• Week 1: The breath

• Week 2: Perception & creative responding

• Week 3: The power of being present

• Week 4: How conditioning and perception shape our experiences

• Week 5: Stress reactivity

• Week 6: Stressful communications

• Week 7: Integrating mindfulness practice into our lives

• Week 8: Sustaining your practice

• Silent Retreat: 7 hour session with a combination of formal and informal practices and mindful movement

Research has demonstrated positive physical and psychological improvements in symptoms related to stress. Studies suggest that MBSR is effective in decreasing perceived stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness may also improve cognitive flexibility, clarity, focus, memory, and relationship satisfaction. It may also reduce rumination, emotional reactivity, and anxiety and depression.

Despite the benefits of MBSR, there are some cases where this course is not appropriate. If a potential participant is currently working with a psychotherapist, I strongly recommended that the participant talk with their psychotherapist to determine if the course is appropriate for them at this time.

Since the course is taught in a classroom/group setting, if a potential participant is experiencing social anxiety, this course may not be a good fit at this time.

Furthermore, if a potential participant is experiencing severe depression, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is experiencing active psychosis, is within 12 months of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery, is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or having thoughts about harming others, this course is not appropriate at this time. Please seek out the help of a licensed mental health therapist, psychologist, and/or psychiatrist.

If you are experiencing a life treating emergency, please call “911.” National crisis resources can be found here.

Please email me with any questions that you may have at connect@BalanceInBreath.com.

Hello, I'm Mei Ling and I'll be teaching the workshop. I’ve received post-graduate teacher training through the University of CA San Diego, Center for Mindfulness, in MBSR and have also completed a practicum to offer this approach to clients. You can learn more about me and my qualifications here.