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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR)

Dates: 9 weekly sessions from Thursday 4th May to 29th June 2023
Time: 6-8.30pm 
Location: Online
Investment includes all sessions, meditation recordings and handbook: £275 

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What is MBSR? 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course is one of the most well-known modern methods of mindfulness training in the world. It was developed in the late 1970s by Jon Kabat-Zinn in a hospital in Massachusetts, USA and is now taught all over the world. There have been thousands of research studies published evidencing its wide ranging benefits, including reducing stress, improved emotional self-regulation and increased empathy and compassion for ourselves and others. 

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The practices and methods taught in the program are deeply rooted in the ancient Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation. However, the course itself is not religious as Jon Kabat-Zinn wanted to draw out the profound mental training methods from traditional mindfulness meditation and make them accessible to anyone, no matter what religious background or belief system. MBSR is also strongly influenced by modern psychology, neuroscience and pedagogy.

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What does the course involve?

  • 9 weekly 2.5 hour sessions 4th May-29th June 2023

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  • A 6 hour online silent retreat day Sat 17th June 10-4pm. 

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  • Support from Jen + I between sessions if you get stuck.

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  • A beautiful handbook of supportive material to keep.

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  • Access to regular sitting groups and retreat days for course graduates only after the course ends.

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  • Home practice will be given each week to do between sessions. This will be 20-40 minutes of formal meditation a day and some practices to weave into everyday life. You will be given a selection of recorded meditations to practice and keep.

What happens in each session? 

The course is very experiential, which means we learn mainly through meditating together and sharing experiences of the practice in a particular way guided by the teacher, called enquiry. There will be opportunities to share with the whole group and in pairs and groups of three. There is no pressure to share every week, it is just as valuable to listen at times.

What kind of meditations will we practice?

There will be meditations where we lie down on the floor, sit on the floor or a chair and also mindful movement practices such as walking and mindful yoga (which can be done in a chair too if needed).

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This course is for you if...

  • You have tried to learn meditation from apps and books but you haven’t been able to make it stick or still feel like you don’t “get it”. 

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  • You have no experience in mindfulness whatsoever and want to give yourself a strong grounding in the basics. 

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  • You already meditate but would like to deepen your practice or feel you would benefit from the support of a group and teachers.

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  • You would like to develop a consistent daily meditation practice.

This course might not be right for you if: 

  • You are currently going through a period of severe depression or mental illness. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t ever come on the course but it may mean waiting until you are a bit better.

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  • You are looking for therapy - MBSR may be therapeutic but it is not a form of therapy like other one to one of group therapies with qualified therapists and trained medical professionals. It may be that you can do the course alongside seeing a therapist though. 

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  • You have experienced a big life upheaval recently, such as a bereavement. It is wise to wait until you are a bit more settled before committing to the course.

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About your teachers...

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Jen Hannibal 

Meditation has always been a significant part of Jen's life. During her travels she encountered and explored countless contemplative traditions. It was in 2017 during Vipassana in Java that clarity struck and she knew she wanted to pass on the gift of meditation.

In 2019 she started a Master’s degree in psychology, specialising in Teaching Mindfulness based Stress Reduction at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University.

 

Seeing the need for mental health management rise significantly through the Covid-19 Pandemic, Jen responded by setting up her business - Mental Hygiene with Jen in 2020. She delivers mindfulness-based stress reduction though courses, private sessions and retreats in the workplace and community. 

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Katie Austin

Katie started practicing mindfulness since 2014 to help her navigate a low period of her life. Since then her practice has helped her to navigate the highs and inevitable lows of life with more ease, presence and compassion.

 

In 2019, Katie started training to teach mindfulness through a masters degree in Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Wellbeing specialising in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Courses, at Bangor University.

 

Katie has also been a yoga teacher since 2016 and has always woven mindfulness into her yoga classes and retreats. Since 2020 she has begun to regularly teach mindfulness in the community through teaches regular mindfulness courses, workshops and private sessions.

How to book...

To book please fill out the form below or message or ring Katie on:

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Phone: 07930712425 

Email: katieaustinyoga@gmail.com

 

We like to chat to everyone before signing up to the course, to give you space to ask questions and make sure this is the right time for you to join the course.

Contact Us...

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FAQs

Q: What if there is a week I can’t come? 

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A: It is okay to miss one session but if you know in advance you will be missing more than one we would advise waiting until you can attend the whole course. We will try our best to catch you up 

 

Q: Who is the course suitable for? 

 

A: The course is suitable for total newbies to meditation and mindfulness but also to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their practice or have the support of group learning. 

 

Q: What if I hate speaking in a group? 

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We understand speaking in front of a group can be some people’s worst nightmare. There will be no pressure to speak each week, however, as you get to know the group better you may begin to feel more comfortable. There will be opportunities to talk in smaller groups of one or two as well throughout the course. 

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Q: Where will the sessions be held?

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A: The sessions will be held downstairs in the beautiful community space at Newquay Orchard in the room that is The Canteen Cafe during the day. 

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Q: Is there a payment plan available?

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A: We require a non-refundable £50 deposit to secure your spot or you can pay in full upon booking. We can organise a payment plan too.

Q: What if I am on medication? 

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A: You can still take part in the course if you are on medication but please let us know about this. It may be wise to consult your doctor or therapist before taking part if you are concerned. 

 

Q: Will I need to bring anything to the sessions?

 

A: You will need to bring warm clothes, a blanket and something to drink if you want it. We will provide equipment for the meditations, however, you may want to invest in a yoga mat and meditation cushion or bench for the sessions and to practice with at home, but this isn’t essential. You can use ordinary household cushions or a chair to sit on too and do the yoga movements on a rug or carpeted floor. 

 

Q: What is the course cancellation policy? 

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A: If you cancel any time up until 1 month until the start of the course you will receive a full refund minus £50 deposit. If you cancel between 1 month and 2 weeks before the beginning of the course you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel after 12th January and at any time during the course the course fee is non-refundable. 

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Q: What happens on the retreat day?

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A: The retreat day will be 6 hours dedicated to mindfulness practice. It is a real chance to let the learning of the course so far consolidate.

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Q: Can I join if I limited mobility?

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A: Absolutely. The mindful movement can be done on a chair or on the floor. If you are unsure please get in touch. 

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Q: When is the retreat day?

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A: The date and venue is tbc. But this will most likely be a weekend day around 11th/12th March.

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