STRESS-ED

A REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAVE OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Home      Mindfulness
Print this pageAdd to Favorite

Mindfulness Program

Mindfulness-based approaches teach us how to become aware of what is happening in the present on a moment-to-moment basis instead of living our lives on autopilot.
This course is an introduction to Mindfulness Based approaches including the origins, theoretical model and application of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the treatment of recurrent depression and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques.
The course also provides an opportunity to develop a personal practice of mindfulness and meditation.

What Are The Benefits Of Mindfulness?

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
A growing body of research has supported the use of mindfulness training for a wide range of psychological problems. Scientific studies by psychologists and psychiatrists have shown that it can be effective in the treatment of depression relapse prevention, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and chronic pain.
 
In addition, mindfulness training is a core element of several recently developed evidence-based therapeutic interventions. They include the Dialectic Behavior Therapy for borderline personality disorder, the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for depression, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
 
For the general population, mindfulness training has been associated with physical benefits like decreased heart rate, slowed
respiration, lowered blood pressure, muscle relaxation, and improved brain and immune functioning, as well as psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and enhanced empathy.

Mindfulness can be described as the moment-to-moment awareness of phenomena and experience, without the influence of distorted thinking, expectations, or desires.
 
A second therapeutic purpose is the self-regulation of mental distress and emotional arousal through the development of a non-judgmental attitude and self-acceptance.
 
The objectives of this course are to provide participants with:
  • A background to the principal historical roots of Mindfulness based approaches
  • An understanding of the main characteristics of Mindfulness based approaches
  • An understanding of the way Mindfulness based approaches can help improve mood, increase self confidence, and reduce stress, depression and anxiety
  • An opportunity to develop a personal practice of mindfulness in your day to day life

Peace Through Observation

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4Dr Herbert Benson, a founder of the Mind Body Institute at Harvard Medical School, has shown in his groundbreaking research that with simple mindfulness training, people can elicit the Relaxation Response within themselves.

The Relaxation Response is the direct opposite of our general response to stress, and is a scientifically measurable outcome that encompasses an increase in slow brain waves, and a decrease in the breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and
muscle tension. It leads to the more efficient functioning of the body’s metabolism and immune
system.

In addition, as the capacity to focus and be mindful increases, the meditator develops heightened awareness of his/her habitual and automatic mental patterns, and cultivates a more non-judgmental and neutral attitude to them.
 
Thus, previously overwhelming thoughts, feelings,
and sensations can now be seen as just a part of the continually changing field of mental perception. The therapeutic benefits of mindfulness training include a slowing down of cognitive processes, a more fluid relationship with mental habits and patterns, and a better regulation of extreme emotions.