Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (Online Course)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is a ground-breaking and time-tested, scientifically researched program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 for the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This transformative course is suited for those coming to meditation for the first time or for experienced meditators. MBSR has been proven to be effective in managing pain and decreasing stress.

Perspective & Practice

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is a ground-breaking and time-tested, scientifically researched program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 for the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This transformative course is suited for those coming to meditation for the first time or for experienced meditators. MBSR has been proven to be effective in managing pain and decreasing stress. 

Course Description

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is a ground-breaking and time-tested, scientifically researched program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 for the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This transformative course is suited for those coming to meditation for the first time or for experienced meditators. MBSR has been proven to be effective in managing pain and decreasing stress.

 

What To Expect

MBSR is an 8-week course that uses meditation, mindful yoga, and inquiry/discussion as a way of exploring the habits of the mind to discover how these patterns of reactivity become a major cause of stress and where we could intervene to change them. MBSR helps participants learn to alter their relationship with each moment of their lives and through it derive more joy, fulfillment, and meaning from their lives. The course is experiential: by paying attention to what arises in daily lives and class practice, and through exploring the challenges that arise and how these are met. A supportive and safe container is created for students to feel connected and be inspired. Participants are supported by recorded guided meditations and are expected to practice 30-45 minutes of daily formal meditation as well as various informal practices.

 

Benefits of MBSR

Research over the past 38 years indicates that a majority of people who complete this program report a greater ability to cope more effectively with short and long term stressful situations; an increased ability to relax, lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms; reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain and most importantly a greater energy and enthusiasm for life. Some of the Skills People Learn in MBSR Courses: Practical coping skills to improve the ability to handle stressful situations, Methods for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease, Gentle full-body conditioning exercises to strengthen the body and release muscular tension, The ability to be increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness, The ability to face change and difficult times in your life with greater ease, Greater ability to decrease the physical, mental and emotional effects of the societal stressors of sexism, racism, homophobia.

Some of the Skills People Learn in MBSR Courses

  • Practical coping skills to improve the ability to handle stressful situations 
  • Techniques for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease
  • Gentle full body conditioning exercises to strengthen the body and release muscular tension
  • The ability to be increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness
  • The ability to face change and difficult times in life with greater ease
  • Greater ability to decrease the physical, mental and emotional effects of the societal stressors of sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and gender inequity among many other challenges

 

Participants and cost

We are committed to bringing this course to communities of color in doing so, this cohort is open to BIPOC Identified folx only. The normal tuition is usually between $450-$600 which includes the materials and practice day. We will be offering this at a reduced rate of $250-$450. Please choose your rate mindfully and be as generous as possible so we can continue to make this course accessible. Be sure your schedule allows you to attend all the sessions.

 

Dates

Introduction:

September 24th, 2023, from 11AM-1PM

October 25th, 2023 from 6-8PM

November 15th, 2023 from 6-8PM

Course:

Thursday evenings from 6:30-9PM ET January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8,15, March 7 and 14, 2023

Daylong: Saturday March 2nd, 2023- Day long 10-6:00PM ET

Location: In person – Love & Kindness Wellness Services

 108 Kenilworth Pl. Suite 2, Brooklyn, NY 11210

 

Register for the MBSR intro events

October intro event

October 25 @ 6:00 pm  8:00 pm

November intro event

November 15 @ 6:30 pm  8:00 pm

Register for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Limited Seats

Meet The Instructor 

Isabel Adon, LCSW

Psychotherapist / Instructor

Isabel Adon is an Afro-Latinx meditator in the Vipassana (mindfulness) lineage and leads meditation for the BIPOC group and LGBTQIA+ at New York Insight Meditation Center and this year at the Garrison institute annual LGBTQIA+ Residential Retreat. She has been meditating for over 25 years. She has been a member of New York Insight Meditation Center for over 20 years and learned about the Dharma from various teachers throughout the years.

She served on the Board of Directors of Insight Meditation Society (IMS) for over 6 years and chaired the DEI committee. She is presently a Board Member and Board President of Peace At Any Pace.

Isabel is a level 1 MBSR teacher, trained under Elaine Retholtz, Jon Aaron and Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat and continues to explore the possibility of bringing this work forward to marginalized communities and communities of color. Isabel trained with Resmaa Menakem in the Somatic Abolitionist Training (Somatic Abolitionism)

Isabel is a licensed clinical social worker and works with individuals, children, and families. Trained in family system, focusing oriented therapy, solution focused therapy and aboriginal/indigenous/cultural centered therapy and trauma therapy as well as DBT. Isabel works with the client to support them in discovering their own inner strengths and tools to transform life’s challenges into opportunities and possibilities for growth.

She is a focusing oriented therapist and certifying coordinator for the Focusing Institute in the philosophy of the implicit and felt sense, developed by Gene Gendlin (Focusing) and continues to learn under the mentorship of Lynn Preston. Isabel is an instructor in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy (IFOT) and Indigenous Tools for Living (ITFL) and trained under Shirley Turcotte. This philosophy focuses on working with trauma, while leaning into the land and focusing not only on the individual but also the collective.