MBSR and More: How to flourish in a stress filled World

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MBSR is an acronym for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.  It describes a protocol for teaching mindfulness that is one of the most widely researched meditation training programs available.  Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at U Mass Medical School, it is now available from certified trainers all over the country.  The program I will be offering is based on the version of the course from Dr. Dave Potter at palousemindfulness.com.  There are several features that I particularly appreciate about Dave's program. 

• It is not a short-cut experience.  You will get all of the information that is available in a typical MBSR course.  
•  It is exceptionally well organized using videos and readings that are readily available to everyone such as TED talks and on-line readings.  
• There is ongoing support that is freely available through the regular groups and their Facebook group.  
• This class has proven to be so helpful that it is now available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Russian.
• More than 7,000 students all over the world have received Dave's certificate of completion.  
• There is a study manual made freely available that you can print and work with if you prefer a paper version.  I can help you with this process or you can do all of the exercises, videos, and readings on you phone, tablet, or computer.
• There is an extensive library of ways to take the teachings deeper that is updated monthly.  

The Advantage of an In-Person class

• the fellowship of like-minded people 
• the accountability of a social support network
• the presence of an experienced guide to the teachings to answer your personal questions.

Because the class will be cumulative and follows a prescribed protocol, it is recommended that you make a commitment to attend all 10 classes.  Drop-ins are discouraged although there will be a provision for a make-up class if you must miss a class. 

Mindfulness, the Pali word is Sati, is an acceptance practice.  It teaches the skills needed to see and know things as they really are.  A second and equally important skill is the skill of cultivation of wholesome mind states (like ease, joy and kindness) which can develop into wholesome character traits.  This is the aim of cultivation; the Pali word is BHAVANA.  This course introduces meditation practices that foster both mindfulness and the cultivation of human flourishing through the application of the practices described by the Buddha as the Seven Awakening Factors.  In addition to mindfulness, the practices include curiosity, energy, joy, tranquility, samadhi and equanimity.  These character traits, when developed with mindfulness practice, are the foundation for human flourishing.  

Dates: Sundays starting January 19th and continuing weekly for 10 weeks.

Time:  10:30 - 12:00 AM

Where:   Our Community Center and Yoga Studio is located at: 

• 106 Marshall Court, Unit 120 
• Wilmington, North Carolina 28411
• (just behind Bayshore Dental Excellence at 7643 Market Street)

Cost: Please register and pay for the series before the first class so we have an accurate head count.

• Suggested Offering: $10.00 per class or $100.00 for the series. This is the standard rate for most of our regular on-going classes. 
• Benefactor Offering: $15.00 per class or $150.00 for the series. This allows us to offer classes to others who might not be able to pay.
• Supported Offering: $5.00 per class or 50.00 for the series. This rate meets the basic expenses.
• Scholarship Offering: We have limited access to funds that can be applied to individuals with significant financial limitations. Pay what you can and contact us for more information.

Day-Long Opportunity:  Traditional MBSR offers an opportunity for a day-long (9-4) retreat to expand you skills to wider social settings.  This is tentatively scheduled for March 1 at my home in Hampstead.  

Feel free to contact me at catherine@bhavanacommunity.org for information.