What Participants Say About Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

I entered this class with high hopes, tempered by a sense of hesitation. I have taken courses similar to MBSR in the past, and have either failed the technique or to have the exercise be a complete waste of my time and money. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, taught by Dr. Joanne Chapman is a course that was well worth the investment. I have a condition that absolutely requires monitoring of my stress levels. I needed to find a tool with which to deal with the events of life. Stress, I have learned, is subjective. It is our reaction to events that determine their effects.

Stress was also to blame for most of my chronic pain issues. It is amazing that pain that I had lived with for more than twenty years seems to have disappeared because I have a new view of stress. By noticing and identifying what was causing the pain and “sitting with it”, I have been able to let go of that pain.

I am happy to declare that I have successfully learned to use my MBSR tool in my life in real time so that I do not let stress make me ill or in pain. It is a discipline, and it must be practiced. But for anyone who has nearly given up hope and is ready to give in, DON'T. Give Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction a chance to work for you. You will not be disappointed. - Nancy 

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to improve their life for the better. The course will provide you with the tools to live more fully in the present moment versus letting your life rush by without notice. You will learn how to remain calm(er) while the stressors in life are occurring around you. You will enhance your relationship with your loved ones and others. The course and ongoing MBSR practice require hard work and dedication, but the rewards greatly exceed the effort. - Justin

I feel I have started over again with new awareness.  Life can be difficult at times, but you've taught me that it is okay.  Everything does not have to be perfect, and just letting things be as they are has given me inner peace.  Being more aware, and living in the moment works best for me. - Nancy
 
 
Raising my own children, I could never stop myself:  doing chores, cooking, cleaning, working and taking care of others, but never myself...Every week (in the class) is a discovery of yourself...THANK YOU!   - Lynda
 
 
No matter what kind of lifestyle you currently lead or want to lead, the practice of mindfulness can fit into it.  It is best to go into this class with an open mind and open heart.  You'll be surprised at what you get out of it...I sure was! -Annie

This Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course has changed my life in such a way that I never thought possible. I am my own, “best friend” for the first time ever. I have learned to tap into my inner strength to be able to cope and adapt to the stressful situations that I face every day. Finally, I can experience ease of mind. I highly recommend this course to everyone who desires the freedom to be the best they can be through becoming aware of their own personal resources and seeks inner peace. - Shirley

I would recommend this class to anyone who would like to gain new tools for reducing anxiety and maintaining composure in stressful situations. You will develop natural ways to heal yourself and learn how to nurture yourself. You will gain new insight into your thoughts and behaviors and begin to relate to others in a more positive and healthy manner. The class offers support from others who are also on the journey of self discovery. Dr. Chapman goes out of her way to listen to each individual and assure that each person is respected. If you put the energy into the class and practice on your own time this could change your life. - Linda

 

This course provided me with some structure for a daily meditation practice as well as providing me with tools to become more mindful in my daily life. I loved the course! - Julie

 

This course can become a life changing experience for you. By taking this course, instead of being on the sidelines of life, you can learn to be in the moment, enjoy the moments of your life, be aware of all that is around you so that you can appreciate it all. The words to a popular Paul Anka song comes to mind, “Good morning yesterday, you wake up and time has slipped away.” Don’t let it slip away any longer. Be there. “It is never too late to be what you might have been” by George Elliot is one of my favorite quotes. Don’t give up on your aims or yourself. - Jeannette

 

My experience with the MBSR course was really great. I found it relaxing for my body and the mind. I was thinking for the moment finding myself stepping back for that moment and making better choices and finding that breathing was a big part of relaxing the body. I hope to put this in my daily life to give me a better life. -Ginger

 

The MBSR course taught me some tools to use that are calming and help in finding inner peace. The relaxation and meditation have such a positive effect both mentally and physically. I am much kinder and more forgiving to myself than I was before taking this class. –Linette

 

The course has taught me to embrace mindfulness with grace, spirit and a complete sense of trust. The beauty of life is simply to be in the moment. -Kathleen