Programme

8 Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme

8 WEEK PROGRAMME


Session 1              
A review of the concept of mindfulness in relation to life and stress. Moving from automatic mode to intentional mode. Introductory practices, explanation of homework assignments, distribution of course workbook and CDs for home practice.

Session 2              
The Attitudes of Mindfulness. Basics of mindfulness and the foundations of mindfulness. Discussion on creative responding, mental flexibility and awareness of mental and emotional content. Stress reactivity and its impact on recovery from acute or chronic stressors. The gift of frustration.

Session  3             
Presence and Being. Body based mindfulness incorporating gentle stretching and breathing, introduction to sitting, being grounded in the present moment, centering, working with resistance and letting go of attachments.

Session  4             
What is stress? The concept of stress resistance, mind- brain- body interactions. Open mindedness and open heartedness as strategies, the impact on general health and the latest thoughts from stress research.

Session  5             
Minding the Self. A focus on approaching our interior and exterior worlds, assessing strengths and stresses, coping and hardiness, problem- vs. emotion-focused coping.

Session 6              
Mindful Relating. Interpersonal stress, styles of communication, exploring how we relate to others as well as how we relate to ourselves, introducing self complexity.

Session 7              
Mindful Consumers. A focus on food stress and diet. How it affects one’s health and well-being, trends in research on nutrition. How mindfulness plays a critical role in our relationship to food and eating patterns. Becoming a mindful consumer.

Retreat Day                          
A day dedicated to the practice of mindfulness. Exploring includes body-based practice, sitting, body scan, guided practice, walking, mindful lunch, awareness exercises, guided imagery and discussion.


Session 8              

The eighth week is really “the rest of your life”. A review of the salient features from the entire program. Resources and reading. Strategies for going forward.