Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." - Jon Kabat-Zinn
Author Jon Kabat-Zinn states that mindfulness is "...purposefully paying attention moment to moment to your experience without judgement." He founded the MBSR Clinic at UMass in 1979 and he has shown a long and successful track record in the treatment of a wide range of conditions related to illness, chronic pain and stress related disorders. MBSR arose out of the contemplative theoretical/philosophical ground of Buddhism. It also incorporates some psychological/physiological and educational theories. MBSR is in itself a creative and interactive process that uses as its foundation ancient Buddhist meditative principles and on-going theories of stress, psychology and education.
I have received extensive training in MBSR and regularly use it with my clients by teaching formal and informal mindfulness practices in daily life. I assist clients in listening deeply inside and speaking with awareness. I help clients integrate mindfulness as a means to reduce stress and anxiety. I am a big believer of "walking my talk" and "practicing what I preach." I have a daily meditation practice and I have participated in many residential silent meditation retreats over the years. I know the value of slowing down, paying attention to the breath, and finding moments of stillness. I teach these skills to my clients so they can improve their coping related to illness, pain, and stress-related conditions. Mindfulness skills can significantly improve the quality of one's life and relationships.