Are you troubled by stress, anxiety, depression, grief, sleep difficulties, pain or illness? Do you find it hard to focus on what matters most? Are you interested in learning about and practicing mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce emotional and physical stressors, cultivate emotional balance, enhance immune functioning, and improve focus and resilience.
The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Programme has provided over 20,000 people worldwide with powerful methods for healing and change.
Developed in the Chronic Pain Clinic of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the MBSR course delivers a potent combination of meditative wisdom and psychological knowledge and is suitable for people of all cultures and beliefs. Science has proven what mediators’ have known for centuries; meditation increases awareness, wellbeing, and our ability to respond to life with greater wisdom and compassion. For more information, visit www.umassmed.edu/cfm/stress
The course is highly experiential. Each week participants join 30 to 40 minutes of Mindfulness Meditation and gentle yoga. In addition to these relaxing practices, teachings from cognitive behavioural therapy help people to work with challenging thoughts, emotions, relationships and physical concerns.
An audio CD and workbook provide support for practice in daily life.
Business also benefits from mindful managers and employees.
Major employers such as the American Red Cross, Apple Computers, Douwe Egberts and Proctor and Gamble have recognised the benefits of mindfulness for reducing stress and increasing focus, attention, team work and creativity.
This support can be accessed through the Workplace Wellness division of East Tamaki Health Care (ETHC).
In mid-October, ETHC will offer the MBRS programme in South, West and East Auckland. For eligible patients, enrolment is free.
If you would like to learn how you can participate in a mindfulness course or bring mindfulness to your workplace, please call (09) 2747823.
Lila O’Farrell is Senior Specialist Therapist at East Tamaki Health Care
