What Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), our signature program, is an eight-week evidence-based, experiential group-learning program providing in-depth training in mindfulness meditation and mindful movement practices. The program was designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979. Over the many years since that time, there has been extensive research conducted which has demonstrated the many benefits of mindfulness. These are described in a large body of literature in both scientific and popular publications. We have learned that mindfulness practices can build resilience and improve coping skills for a wide range of stresses in life.
Mindfulness practice has been shown to yield improvements in stress-mediated diseases, substance use disorders and inflammatory-mediated diseases. It mitigates coping with chronic pain syndromes and other chronic illnesses and improves anxiety and depressive symptoms.
One such study published in JAMA in 2022 demonstrated that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction was comparable to treatment with first-line medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Introductory Classes
It is required to take an introduction to mindfulness class (or have participated in MBSR) prior to taking the themed classes.
Introduction to Mindfulness is a way to learn about the meditation practice without a major time commitment. This single 60-minute class will teach you simple mindfulness strategies to use anywhere, at any time. Each session includes an overview as well as a professionally-led meditation exercise.
Self-compassion is the practice of offering yourself kindness and care during moments of stress. It is an innate human capacity that many of us have not developed. Self-compassion, and its connection to mindfulness, are important building blocks of resilience.
This class will help you understand how, with mindfulness, you can become a good listener. You’ll learn to listen for the signals that pass between people as they speak. This is part of creating safety in relationships with others, a fundamental building block of mindful communication.
Even in places where you would least expect it – such as the office or warehouse – mindfulness can become a valued assistant. You’ll learn simple methods for integrating moments of mindfulness throughout your day and how they can foster better concentration and productivity.
Rediscover the joy of eating for nourishment and pleasure. When you become aware of your eating habits, you can more easily connect with what your body is telling you it needs. You’ll learn how mindfulness can be applied to eating and how it can help lay the groundwork for a positive relationship with food.
Offered as a free service, this group is open to all graduates of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and mindfulness training for medical professionals. The group meets on the first Tuesday (in-person) and the third Wednesday (virtually) of each month, 6-7 p.m., at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, in the Kasych Family Pavilion, Educational Conference Center, Room 10. Please email us and request an invitation.
For Employers
Learn more
