MBSR Course Description
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum is a series of ten classes in which you will experience what it means to be mindful. Being “mindful” is to practice nonjudgmental awareness in the present moment with curiosity and open acceptance. The practice of mindfulness has been in existence for at least a couple of thousand years and in recent years the benefits of that practice have been validated through scientific research. It is now used in many situations such as everyday stress reduction, pain management, treatment of PTSD, sports, medical treatment, physical and mental therapy. The list of uses is already long and growing every day.
The practice of mindfulness is concerned with strengthening your awareness of the present moment and the connection between your mind and your body. Along the path leading toward mindfulness your qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity for yourself and others will be nurtured. This strengthening of awareness and cultivation of personal qualities is done through the use of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness during meditation, mindful movement, body scans, and contemplation of the experience of this practice.
The Foundations of Mindfulness consist of awareness of:
- your body,
- feeling tones,
- feelings, emotions, and thoughts,
- how you perceive all of the above
- your perception of all that your mind and body receive through your sense organs.
In the classes and in the homework, you may choose to participate in the following activities:
- Quiet sitting, many times with guidance.
- Listening to descriptions of teachings that have stood the test of time in terms of their benefits.
- Slow walking.
- Body scans.
- Mindful movement exercises.
- The opportunity to share your heartfelt thoughts and questions.
This is definitely meant to be a participatory experience!
Throughout the activities, you always have a choice to do as asked or not. Your physical and mental comfort are of utmost importance. We wish to offer you a safe space in which to experience mindfulness and strengthen your connection to it.
WHAT IT’S NOT:
While we do not deny the origins of the practice of mindfulness are rooted in Buddhist teachings, the presentation of the teachings is done in a secular manner. Taking part in this curriculum is NOT a religious experience and is definitely not meant to be in conflict with any religious practice. However, you may find it spiritually enlightening. You may find that through the practice of mindfulness in your daily life, your religious experience may be enhanced. You’ll be more present.
We do not offer therapy. However, you may find the experience of taking these classes therapeutic. You may become aware of not just the connection between your body and your mind but more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and ways your mind has been conditioned to interpret both those internal expressions and the external sensations received from your sense organs.
YOUR TEACHER
Your journey toward mindfulness will be led by David Steinberg, a dedicated practitioner who has been working toward embodying the teachings of mindfulness since 2009. David has extensive experience in mindfulness, including leading meditation gatherings and founding a local meditation group. He earned certification as a mindfulness teacher and continues to strengthen his mindfulness teaching skills through further education and practice. He aims to make these teachings accessible and relatable for those seeking inner peace and enlightenment.
WHY BE A PARTICIPANT IN THIS COURSE?
A major reason for all the current scientific interest in mindfulness is to understand why it is beneficial in so many ways. It appears that people in the West need proof, current scientific proof, before they are willing to accept a way of thinking, speaking, and acting that is different from their current ways. Having someone tell you to change so fundamentally would be difficult under any circumstances. Being verified by current research makes it somewhat easier to take.
If you choose to participate fully in the classes, you will be
- more aware of what is going on in your life,
- able to let go of troubling thoughts,
- sensing your pain and discomfort in a way that reduces your suffering,
- more fully present with others,
- more aware of perceptions that are either distorted or not reflective of what is real.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
This course is being given to the staff of Gather Psilocybin Community Service Center and others with the approval of Dr. Drapiza. The intention of the course is to guide you toward living your life more fully, reducing your stress level, being more present and peaceful with those you love, friends and even with yourself, strengthen your resilience and your compassion for yourself and those you treat. If you have a disability, we will make every effort to accommodate you.
The course is being held virtually through the Zoom platform.
WHEN AND WHERE THE CLASSES WILL BE HELD?
| Location: Zoom links to the classes will be provided. | When: 5:30 until 7:30 pm for the regular classes with one exception noted below. The class dates are 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2, 9, 16, 23, 26 (10 - noon), 8/6. The Day of Mindfulness (DOM) class will be from 10am until 2:30pm on Saturday, July 19th. |
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of the course is $150 at registration or $100 at registration and $10/class. Send your payments via Venmo to Compassionate Presence Mindful Community or send your personal check made out to Compassionate Presence Mindful Community to:
David Steinberg
205 Walnut Ave
Silverton, OR 97381
Refund Policy
If you need to withdraw from the course, notify the teacher, you may receive a refund of part of your original fee.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE
8 You will the Course Zoom link prior to the 1st class.
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QUESTIONS or CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns about this course, you may contact the course teacher, David Steinberg, via phone, text (971) 218-6641, email CompassionatePresence@yahoo.com, or regular mail to 205 Walnut Ave., Silverton, OR 97381
