Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course Brochure

Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness is not something that you have to “get” or acquire. It is already within you — a deep internal resource available and patiently waiting to be released to help you learn, grow, and heal.

facilitated by the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness

Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Mindfulness is a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in your life.

A way of taking charge of your life, a way of doing something for yourself that no one else can do for you — consciously and systematically working with your own stress, pain, illness, and the challenges and demands of everyday life. Restoring within yourself a balanced sense of health and well-being requires increased awareness of all aspects of self, including body and mind, heart and soul. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is intended to ignite this inner capacity and infuse your life with awareness.

Why Participate?

People participate for reasons as diverse as... ~ Stress — job, family or financial ~ Chronic pain and illness ~ Worry, anxiety and panic ~ GI distress ~ Sleep disturbances ~ Fatigue ~ High blood pressure ~ Headaches ~ Recognition that, “I need to take better care of myself ”

“This is the first time I have been relatively pain free in five years.” ~ Mary Ann

MBSR Background

The Stress Reduction Course, founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, has been featured in the Bill Moyers’ PBS documentary Healing and The Mind, on NBC Dateline, on ABC’s Chronicle and in various national print media, and is the subject of Jon KabatZinn’s bestselling book, “Full Catastrophe Saki Santorelli Living” and Saki Santorelli’s book, “Heal Thy Self.” Since its inception, more than 20,000 people have completed the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course and learned how to use their innate resources and abilities to Jon Kabat-Zinn respond more effectively to stress, pain, and illness. The central focus of the course is intensive training in mindfulness meditation and its integration into the challenges and adventures of everyday life.

The Research

Two decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the course report:

~ Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms “The problems and issues haven’t gone ~ An increased ability to relax away, but the way I ~ Reduction in pain levels choose to handle them and an enhanced ability has changed…I feel so to cope with pain that may much more positive about this life.” not go away ~ Betty ~ Greater energy and enthusiasm for life ~ Improved self-esteem ~ An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations

Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Program Format

Program Dates

~ Required Orientation (3 hours ) ~ Eight weekly classes (2.5 hours each) ~ One day-long retreat, usually on Saturday or Sunday

WINTER 2015 Course

The course is challenging and life-affirming.

The instructors are accomplished and skilled at creating a safe, supportive, and deeply engaging learning environment. This highly participatory practical course includes: ~ Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices ~ Gentle stretching and mindful yoga ~ Group dialogue and discussions aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life ~ Individually tailored instruction ~ Daily home assignments ~ Four home practice CDs and a home practice manual Participating in the MBSR Course is an ongoing commitment to yourself. You will be asked to attend all classes, including the one-day weekend retreat, and to practice daily home assignments for 45-60 minutes a day.

Mandatory Orientation: Monday, January 5 from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Classes: 8 Mondays – January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16 from 5:30–8:00 p.m.

(First class extended by a half hour; last class extended by one hour.)

All Day Retreat: Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Please note: The class will be meeting on President’s Day. Spring 2015 Course Mandatory Orientation: Monday, April 6 from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Classes: 8 Mondays – April 27, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 15, 22 at 5:30–8:00 p.m.

(First class extended by a half hour; last class extended by one hour.)

All Day Retreat: Sunday, June 14, 12 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Fall 2015 Course

“I am so honored to welcome the faculty from the Center for Mindfulness to teach here at Copper Beech. They bring deep wisdom and two decades of groundbreaking research into the role of contemplative practice in healing and health.” ~ Dr. Brandon Nappi, Founder & Executive Director Copper Beech Institute

Mandatory Orientation: Monday, August 31 from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Classes: 8 Mondays – September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 from 5:30–8:00 p.m.

(First class extended by a half hour; last class extended by one hour.)

All Day Retreat: Saturday, November 7, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Tuition

$575 for household income of $50,000 or greater $525 for household income of $40,000-$49,000 $425 for household income of $39,000 and under For additional payment and scholarship information, please contact: finance@copperbeechinstitute.org, or call: 860.760.9779

Registration

Registration is available online at: copperbeechinstitute.org/mbsr

Practicum Teacher Training

Are you further along in your mindfulness practice and eager to help others live every moment? Our MBSR teacher-training program may be for you. For details, please email: brandon@copperbeechinstitute.org

Mindfulness in the

Workplace Copper Beech Institute can also bring mindfulness training to your corporate or non-profit workplace. We all desire to do meaningful work and feel positive about our work-life. Mindfulness training invites you to challenge the status quo and open to new ways of engaging with one another. Learn how to create a workplace that’s happier, and more compassionate and productive. Workshops, day retreats, morning sessions, and extended trainings are available to meet the needs of your work community.

For more information, email Dr. Brandon Nappi at: brandon@copperbeechinstitute.org

Our Mission

The Copper Beech Institute is the premier retreat center for mindfulness and contemplative practice in Connecticut. Our mission is to awaken every individual to their fullest potential by cultivating a connection between contemplation and compassionate action. We envision a future where mindfulness and contemplative practice transform every life every day, deepen our relationships, and ultimately, create a healing shift in how we relate to one another and the earth. The Copper Beech Institute has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness to offer MBSR courses with UMass faculty on our campus in West Hartford, CT.

Your Teacher

Lynn Koerbel, M.P.H. is a Senior Certified MBSR Teacher and Trainer. Lynn teaches MBSR and other mindfulness-based programs, professional trainings, and presentations in the various educational pathways of the Center for Mindfulness, including the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic, Oasis Institute, and the community and workplace mindfulness programs. She has extensive professional and academic experience in the fields of mindfulness, having roles of lecturer, adjunct faculty member, and Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher. Lynn received her M.P.H. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School of Public Health and Health Sciences.

Our Approach & Offerings

The Copper Beech Institute focuses on the practical application of mindfulness, teaching individuals how to bring mindful attention to every facet of their lives including talking, listening, eating, working, and playing. In addition to our MBSR courses, we offer more than 40 transformational retreats, programs, and special events to help you live in the moment and awaken to your fullest potential. For further information on the Copper Beech Institute and our offerings, please visit: copperbeechinstitute.org.