Intro to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction MBSR_Fall2024

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an empirically-supported 8-week course in mindful living developed in the late ’70s by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. MBSR has been found to positively and often profoundly affect participants’ ability to reduce medical symptoms and psychological distress while learning to live life more fully.

Over four decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the MBSR curriculum report:

• Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• An increased ability to relax and cope with stressful situations
• Improved self-esteem
• Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain

Over the duration of the course, MBSR participants are introduced to the key principles of mindfulness, provided with instruction for formal and informal practices, and engage in short talks and discussions. With a commitment to involvement, both within and outside of class, participants are pointed towards practices that integrate mindfulness into daily life.

The 8-week program includes:

• 8 weekly, 2.5 hr sessions
• A 7.5-hour retreat
• Audio recordings to guide home practice
• Weekly reading materials

About Amy Zoe Schonhoff:

Amy Zoe Schonhoff (she/her) is the founder of Mindfulness in the Heartland. Amy has been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years, is a certified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and a certified practitioner of Advanced Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness. It is her intention to inspire you to live as if every moment matters.