UMatters

[The following was provided by the Healthy for Life Office.]

Healthy for Life – the T. E. Atkins University of Missouri Wellness Program – is offering an intensive class in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction to University of Missouri faculty and staff (and their partners, spouses and adult family members).

MBSR is an eight-week program providing new ways of responding to the stresses of life with skill and creativity. Classes include instruction in formal mindfulness practices (sitting meditation, body scan, mindful yoga and walking meditation) and information about stress, communication and wellness.

Participants will be asked to engage in group discussions in class and daily practice exercises outside of class that support applying awareness and compassion to all aspects of work and personal life – learning to be present with thoughts and emotions without allowing them to create imbalance in reaction to stress.

Regular class attendance and a commitment of approximately 30 minutes of practice per day for the duration of the course are recommended. MBSR compliments the medical management of a wide variety of mental and physical health challenges.

Orientation session: Monday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

8-week class:: Mondays (Sept. 24 – Nov. 12) 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Full-day retreat: Sunday, Nov. 4 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Cost: $40, includes a manual, DVD and CD ($20 refunded if you attend seven of eight classes).  Spouses, partners, or adult family members (18 or over) can join with you free of charge if they use the same materials.

For more information or to register for the orientation meeting, please contact Lisa Pinsker lisa@mindfulness-matters.com.

MBSR Graduates report lasting benefits:

• An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long term stressors
• Improved concentration and creativity
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• An increased ability to relax
• Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
• Improved immune system functioning
• Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away