Eight-Week MBSR Program

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is an 8-week, 10-session course comprised of 31 hours of direct instruction. The MBSR curriculum is based on systematic and intensive training in mindfulness meditation and mindful-hatha yoga. The curriculum, developed in the Stress Reduction Clinic over the course of three decades, is designed to teach program participants how to integrate and apply mindfulness in their everyday experiences and to the range of challenges that arise from medical and psychological conditions, as well as the basic stresses of life.          

Participants will learn about stress, and explore the habitual, automatic, behavioral, physical, emotional and cognitive patterns that they encounter. We will investigate in detail more effective and skillful responses to the challenges and demands of everyday life. In parallel, we will also explore what it means to relate to and take care of ourselves to flourish within, as well as how to relate to others more effectively. We will learn to nourish the behaviors and activities that express our innate capacity for wellbeing.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to guide MBSR program participants in the "how" of learning to practice, integrate, and apply mindfulness in their everyday lives.

During the 8 weeks of the program, we will focus on: 

Mindfulness Meditation, as a means of familiarizing oneself with awareness and developing focus and attention – which is a very important skill to continue to learn as we grow older. Let’s remember that the latest neuroscience research emphasizes that our brains are plastic and will continue to develop according to our mental activities (which could be either positive or negative.) 

Mindful-Hatha Yoga consists of somatically felt movements. The focus is on the sensation and body feelings that stimulate the neural pathway between the brain and the body. It helps to build and strengthen a healthy posture that is sometimes harder to maintain as we get older.

Many of us are reluctant to exercise because it may involve discomfort or strain; perhaps it requires special equipment, other people, or a specific facility to do a particular exercise. If this has been the case for you, then mindful-hatha yoga may be the practice that will fit your lifestyle. In practicing mindful yoga, you are advised to practice in the same way that you do when meditating.

When & Where

The class meets every week for 8 weeks, either in the morning or in the evening for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Additionally, there is a “Silent Retreat” between the 6th and 7th week that is an all-day class.  This event will be on a weekend day from 8:45 am – 4:30pm. 

Due to Covid-19 Sylvie has transitioned her program from in person to Online Live MBSR classes.

What to Wear

Bring comfortable clothing that is loose at the waist, to allow for unrestricted breathing to better support your practice.