Mindfulness is a popular word these days, but how does one become mindful and why would you want to?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week course created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1980 and teaches meditation practices that have been around for thousands of years.

These practices teach us to pay attention to the present moment non-judgmentally, or in other words, to be mindful.

Have you ever been talking with someone and realized your mind was somewhere else and you have no idea what the person is saying?

It's easy to be busy thinking deeply about something, planning, worrying, etc., about the past and future rather than being right here as things are now.

Being in the present moment reduces stress and allows for the full experience of this moment.

There are thousands of research studies on MBSR and its effectiveness in challenges like reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances and on improving overall wellbeing including decreased blood pressure and increased energy.

This course gives experience with practices like sitting meditation, moving meditation and body scans that teach the skills of being in the present moment.

Stress reactions, interpersonal communication, and mindful eating are also explored.

Many people who complete Mindfulness training say they felt:

• Decreased physical and psychological symptoms
• Increased ability to relax
• Reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with pain
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• Improved self-esteem and self-compassion
• Improved ability to cope with both short and long-term stress

This course is taught at Intermountain Health, both online and in-person.

Orientation is free and gives you a chance to learn more about the course and practices.