Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
MBSR is a program established by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. and Saki Santorelli, Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979. They founded the Center for Mindfulness where 24,000 people have completed their MBSR program to learn how to use their innate resources and abilities to respond more effectively to stress, pain, and illness.

What does the MBSR class/program consist of and offer?

Eight weekly two-and-a-half-hour classes and a one-day retreat at the end of week six.
Readings, hand-outs and other materials to support your practice.
Guided instruction on mindfulness practices.
Gentle stretching and mindful movement.
Group dialogue and mindful communication exercises to enhance awareness.
Daily home assignments (45 minutes).
Support materials including mindfulness practice via audio files.

The program is challenging and life-affirming. The class is a safe, supportive and a deeply engaging experiential learning environment. Participants are learning these methods and integrating mindfulness into their everyday life.

Participating in the MBSR Program requires an ongoing commitment. You are asked to attend all classes, including the silent weekend retreat, and to practice daily home assignments for 45 minutes a day.

What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the capacity of deliberately paying attention to the present moment, without any judgments. It is also the practice of cultivating this ability. We all have the ability to be mindful, as it is a birthright of every human being. Mindfulness is the ability to be more deeply present with our body, our thoughts and emotions. Practicing mindfulness can lead to very deep levels of relaxation, calmness, and inner balance, as well as to a greater sense of control and more effective coping with stressful situations. Mindfulness also helps us to respond creatively to pressures and demands, rather than blindly reacting out of habit. Mindfulness connects us to our intrinsic light and wakefulness and allows us to inhabit our lives fully.

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 reawakened and used in the service of learning, growing and healing.

Why take an MBSR Class?
MBSR can support your goals around reducing symptoms of medical conditions, psychological distress and overall wellness. Mindfulness programs teach participants the skills to cultivate deeper levels of insight and compassion and to take more responsibility for their health and well-being. MBSR, in conjunction with other treatment plan approaches, is an excellent compliment. This program is now offered and supported by the leaders in the integrative health movement and has had thousands of graduates worldwide.

As a stress management tool, mindfulness meditation can help us:

Bring awareness to our habits.
Cultivate inner calm.
Live in the present moment (not lost in anxiety about the past or future).
Notice negative thoughts and their effects on stress.
Create a sense of spaciousness in our lives.
Keep things in perspective.
Build up emotional and mental reserves for stressful times.

When is the next class?

Plan to attend one highly recommended orientation…

Orientation Dates

Thursday, Jan 18th or Jan 25th, 2024 @ 6:00-7:30 PM, or

Friday, Jan 26th, 2024 @ 8:30-10 AM

8 Classes

Thursdays: 6:00-8:30 PM / Start Date: Feb 1st, 2024

Fridays: 8:30-11:00 AM / Start Date: Feb 2nd, 2024

All Day Silent Retreat: Sunday, March 10, 2024 b/t 9am-4pm

How to Begin
Attend an orientation, complete the application and have a short conversation with Scott Sweet or Leslie Flowers (at the orientation or via phone). Some recommended practices to complete prior to starting the class will be offered.
Questions? Contact P. Scott Sweet
Phone: (317) 565-3322
Email: ScottSweet@Insight-Counseling-Center.com

The orientation will give an overview of the class and rationale for enrollment.

What is the Cost?
The cost of the course is $450.00. The fee is due one week prior to the start of class. Payment may be made with check, cash or credit card.

A scholarship is available for motivated people unable to afford the full fee. We do not want funds to be a barrier.

Where are the classes held?
The MBSR class is held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 W86th Street in Indianapolis. The class is taught with a non-denominational perspective.

What do I need to bring with me?
Very comfortable clothes, yoga mat, blankets/pillows and a sitting cushion. Chairs are available if this is more comfortable for you.

Co-facilitated:
P. Scott Sweet is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC) working at Insight Counseling Center. He was trained at the Center for Mindfulness (UMass) and Mindfulness Center (Brown) and is a certified teacher of MBSR. Leslie Flowers is also MBSR trained at the above respective institutions and is a certified health and well-being coach (Duke University).