Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program

Mindfulness is invitation to peacefully befriend your Self

through awareness – an awareness of attending to life, in the present moment,

just as it is, with a compassionate focus, with kindness and curiosity.

Mindfulness is a practice of becoming more aware of the present moment, rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. It begins with awareness of our 5 senses, using breath as an anchor to what we are feeling, what we are sensing, inviting our Self to be with physical sensations, thoughts and emotions as they are in the moment. With mindfulness we can begin to change our reactions to some of the emotions or thoughts experienced, while being careful not to reject the emotion itself. Mindfulness makes space for us to witness our own experience; with no aim to attempt to deny, block or distract from what is occurring. This allows us to become more familiar with mental activity, with triggers, seeing how mental and emotional activities come and go – they are transient. Becoming aware of one’s perception is a powerful way to clarify what is truly the issue or the stress. Consider that it is possible that in our perception of stress and stressors, 10% is actually happening in the moment and 90% is how it seems to be; what one does with it.

This way of perceiving is very useful when dealing with difficult emotions and situations.

Becoming aware of, being mindful of Self, is getting to know the physical sensations, thoughts emotions that are part of Life and can also be a felt sense of stressors Being Mindful is a practice of making space for knowing the relationship we have with the many aspects of life.

How do we do this? It begins with a pause, taking a moment to simply and powerfully stop, to check in with our self and be with our self in a way that has been defined as one that is paying attention, in a particular way, in the moment, free of judgement, as if our life depends on it (Jon Kabat-Zinn).

Mindfulness practices allow one to recognize and change behaviour as needed; to cope with greater ease the small stressors, manage larger stressors with a sense of calm; and to appreciate the everyday pleasures and joys.