MINDFULNESS (MBSR) COURSE

Research suggests that a regular mindfulness practice can improve both physical and mental health. In particular, the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) eight-week course is evidence based and the most widely researched. MBSR research has been shown to have many health benefits including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cancer, high blood pressure, stomach problems, immune system problems and sleep disorders.

The course was developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and is now offered worldwide. The course involves two and a half hours of training in mindfulness a week for eight weeks plus a one-day retreat. It consists of guided mindfulness practices, gentle movement, group discussions and communication exercises. Daily home practices are also an important part of the course.

There will be an orientation class held on Monday February 26th from 6-7:00 pm CT. The course itself will be held on Mondays from 6-8:30 pm CT March 4 through April 29th with no class on April 1st. The course will be held at 5000 S MacArthur Lane Suite 104 Sioux Falls, SD 57108. A one-day retreat is scheduled from 9 am to 4 pm on April 6th at the same location. There is a 300-dollar suggested contribution for the class. The class features a sliding scale registration fee and the opportunity to self-select a low-cost scholarship rate. No-fee enrollment is available. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience with mindfulness is needed! Meditation may be contraindicated and thus, not suggested for schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and risk factors for psychosis (e.g. schizoid personality disorder). If you have any concerns about whether or not you are appropriate for the class, please reach out. Click on the link below to register for the class.