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About Mindfulness & MBSR
MINDFULNESS is the practice of paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.
It is a practice of observing, an inquiry into life that is multi-dimensional and individually unique. What it is NOT is a step-by-step guide, or an instant cure-all that serves as an intellectual activity.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS-based stress reduction (MBSR)?
Developed in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. With mindfulness meditation at its core, it has applications in helping participants manage everyday stress, chronic pain and illnesses.
It continues to be adapted for non-medical settings, such as schools, prisons, sports, the workplace etc., and is increasingly being offered worldwide in a secular manner to relatively healthy individuals who wish to engage in their overall health and well-being.
The MBSR Program is the subject of books like
- Full Catastrophe Living by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Heal Thyself by Saki Santorelli
Over the years, the work has been featured in numerous articles and on television, including:
- Bill Moyers' documentary, Healing and the Mind
- NBC's Dateline
- ABC's Evening News and Chronicle programs
- The Oprah Winfrey Show
- Anderson Cooper's 60min Special on Mindfulness
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What is Mindfulness?
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Anderson Cooper's 60min Special on Mindfulness
In the choice to let go of your known way of being, the whole world is revealed to your new eyes.
~ Danna Faulds
Frequently asked questions
WILL PRACTISING MBSR / MINDFULNESS SOLVE ALL MY PROBLEMS?
No, that is not the purpose. However, integrating MBSR techniques or mindfulness into one's everyday way of life, can improve the quality of one's life over time by reducing reactivity. Being mindful creates a space between our conditioned relationship toward certain experiences that we may perceive as difficult, and our automatic stress reactivity, which thus enables us the freedom to choose our responses more wisely. This comes from developing an innate ability to self-regulate our thoughts, emotions and sensations.
WILL LEARNING MINDFULNESS MEDITATION HELP ME TO 'EMPTY MY MIND'?
It is quite difficult to empty the mind of thoughts, as it is the nature of the mind to think and also wander. The practice of mindfulness meditation focuses on the observation of these thoughts non-judgmentally as they arise, instead of desiring, suppressing or rejecting them. In being companion to one's thoughts through mindfulness meditation, however, one may slowly find the mind becoming quieter and sharp.
IS MBSR RELIGIOUS?
No, MBSR was developed in a way that is accessible to all people, regardless of religious beliefs or backgrounds and is supported by growing scientific research. Being that mindfulness is really a basic human quality of being awake to our lives and the systematic approach to seeing ourselves more clearly, MBSR is more a life-skill in managing our stress and stressors, and not a religious teaching.
CAN I ATTEND THE MBSR PROGRAM IF I CAN'T SIT FOR VERY LONG &/OR I'VE NEVER MEDITATED BEFORE?
Of course you can. The MBSR Program is not limited to people with meditation experience. Participants in an MBSR Program are introduced to a range of meditative practices including sitting, walking, standing and lying down. Hence, it is not only sitting meditation that is practiced. Participants are encouraged to practice self-care, so the option to move into a different position is always available.
I CAN'T MAKE IT TO ALL THE SESSIONS. CAN I STILL REGISTER FOR THE MBSR PROGRAM?
Each session of the MBSR Program is progressively built on each other. Hence, where avoidable, it is not recommended to miss sessions. If one is unlikely to make a few sessions, then perhaps now is not the right time just yet to embark on the full MBSR Program. Also, we do not offer a pro-rated program fee based on the number of sessions one can attend or refunds for sessions not attended.
CAN I SKIP THE MBSR ORIENTATION?
No, the MBSR Orientation is a chance to get to know the instructor, understand the commitment required, clarify any doubts or misconceptions about MBSR or mindfulness, get latest updates about the program (if one has previously taken up MBSR), and complete any program administration. If available orientation dates are not suitable, write to us to enquire about other available dates/timings prior to the start of a program.
CAN I DROP IN ON AN MBSR CLASS?
Typically not recommended, but best to discuss with the instructor prior to showing up. Individuals who choose to do this will need to remember that they may or may not experience the full benefit of MBSR in their lives, as this takes time to cultivate. They may also experience difficulty in grasping some of the concepts discussed in a class. But they may still benefit from the led meditative practices, group discussions and discourse. Individuals who drop-in on a class will not be considered to have completed the MBSR Program.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR AN MBSR SESSION?
There is no need to prepare. Just come as you are. However, participants may occasionally like to take notes, so it can be useful to bring one's own writing materials. Other items participants may consider bringing are water, shawl, yoga mat, meditation cushion/stool (if you have) and/or socks. Participants should avoid wearing scents or revealing clothing to an MBSR session. Once the MBSR Program begins, there will be home assignments that participants are encouraged to prepare before the next session.
WHAT IS THE 'ALL-DAY' LIKE?
Participants come into an 'All-Day' in silence, and are led through a series of meditative practices. Silence is maintained throughout the entire 'All-Day' and participants are also encouraged to avoid touch and maintain minimal eye contact. Break times are signalled by the gong of meditation bells. Conversation, during an 'All-Day', is allowed with the instructor. At the end of an 'All-Day', silence is broken. Participants leave in silence and return home where they can gently begin to converse as necessary.
swap the 'noise' for clarity. your quiet space is waiting.
Ready to return to balance?
Come as you are to an MBSR Orientation.
Enquiries? Whatsapp us at +65-8517-5684