Let’s face it—life can be difficult. Every day we run into countless crisis large and small that we have to solve. (Unfortunately, we’re more likely just deflect and ignore them, hoping that they’ll go away.) People come to MBSR classes because they need a systematic way to reduce their stress. They are people who are highly motivated to learn how to bring tranquility into their lives so that they can be the healthy, caring, creative and inspired people they know they are. People in our class enjoy learning these tools to inner peace with like-minded individuals who are supportive and open to new ideas and experiences. They know they only get out of the practice what they put into it. As a result, these people are able to take time every day to practice the skills that will reduce their stress, conquer their fears and anxieties and allow them to be happier, more compassionate people.

Is This You?

• Ken is a businessman who feels like he’s finally getting his life together. He has a great job, a loving family and terrible headaches. He is under a great deal of pressure to perform well in his job, but feels an equal pull to spend more quality time with his family. All these demands have created an enormous amount of stress in Ken’s life. He began to suffer headaches that his doctor said would not get better until he learned to relax. He would love to be able to calm his racing thoughts—to leave his job at his place of work where it belongs when he’s home with his family, and vice versa.


• Sue is a stay at home mom with three school-aged children. She would love to have an excuse to do something for herself that would also benefit her family. She needs some help in controlling the irritability that the kids bring out in her sometimes. She knows she doesn’t set a very good example when she gets exasperated by the little things they do and then snaps at them. She feels it’s important to be firm, yet loving. Unfortunately, this often gets forgotten in the midst of some domestic crisis. How can she stay calm under pressure?


• Bob is an athlete. He uses visualization techniques when working out and competing to get himself into “the zone.” He enjoys the feeling he gets from this so much, he’d like to learn to apply similar techniques to other aspects of his life.


• Tami is tired of her life. She feels she is in a rut both socially and professionally. Every day feels the same. The only time she’s happy is when she dreams about winning the lottery. She’s had it. She wants to be able to be happy right here, right now. She wants to change her life for the better, but she doesn’t know where to start.


• Jenny is a divorced woman dealing with chronic back pain. Although she regularly sees a doctor and chiropractor, her pain is a constant that colors everything in her life. She would love to take control of her life again by becoming a participant in her own healing.

You Are Ready To Take the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program if:

1. You are someone who is dedicated and disciplined. You know there is no such thing as a quick fix. You are willing to consistently take some time every day to practice MBSR.
   
   
2. You are highly motivated to change your life for the better. You want to become a better spouse, parent, friend or colleague.
   
   
3. You want to stop feeling so anxious and stressed out by your life. You want to be able to be calm when life is at its most chaotic.
   
   
4. You want to improve your overall emotional health.
   
   
5. You want to be a part of an open and supportive community of like-minded individuals.
   
   
6. You want to be an active participant in reducing your medical symptoms while learning how to live life more fully.