Mindfulness refers to a receptive attention to what is taking place in the present. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was developed in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Since then, the program has become one of the foremost secular trainings in the world to enhance mindfulness, completed by more that 17,000 people. Scientific research has supported its benefits for psychological well-being, physical health, wellness, and enhanced quality of personal relationships.
MBSR training focuses on the learning and refining of “wise attention” (mindfulness) that can enhance our ability to relax and be aware of our psychological states, physical states, and actions. Program participants learn to mobilize their inner resources to take better care of themselves and make positive life changes. The program aims to help participants develop resources and skills that can be applied to everyday situations as a means to cope more effectively with stress and to find greater health and balance, ease, and peace of mind over a lifetime.
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course has 8 weekly classes, each approximately 2.5 hours in length + a day-long retreat to allow for immersive practice in mindfulness. More information For date of next course, email course instructor Kirk Warren Brown at mi@ekojirichmond.org
Instructor
Kirk Warren Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Brown has practiced mindfulness meditation for over 20 years under the guidance of senior Asian and American teachers. He has been trained in and conducted research with the MBSR program for more than 12 years, including classes designed for community members, medical patients, and medical and college students. He has authored numerous scientific publications on mindfulness and the MBSR program. His research on mindfulness is funded by the National Institutes of Health and other grant agencies.
Dr. Brown is also co-founder of Ekoji’s Meditative Inquiry Group.
Suggested Advance Reading
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. NY: Hyperion.
or
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990/2013). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. NY: Bantam.