1. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Seonaigh MacPherson, Ph.D.

2. Introducing… in dyads / in a word
Who are you? – name, job, person
What brings you to MBSR?
IDEA: Have them think about it first – one word name, one word position or occupation; one word description; one word what brings you: To shorten and encourage participants to be mindful in sharing – succinct, clear, cogent.

3. Introducing myself: 1977/78 – question of creativity and will ⇒ TM
– Buddhist and Western adaptations of mindfulness

4. Introducing myself:
–Tibetans in India – studying, teaching, research
2000 – Ph.D. from UBC - Dissertation: A Path of Learning: Indo-Tibetan Buddhism as Education
– Christian Spirituality studies, VST

5. Introducing myself: Associate Professor & Head, Adult Education, UFV
Proposed MBTL grad certificate (Fall 2018)
Mindful Community initiative ( )
Training with Centre for Mindfulness Studies
Supervisor: Dr. Patricia Rockman, M.D.

6. Short Breathing Meditation

7. Mindfulness?
What comes to mind?
How would you define it?

8. History of “Mindfulness”
500 BCE – Buddhism
“SATI” = MEMORY
anapannasati sutta
+ theory of learning
Rhys-David
“sati” translated as “mindfulness”
Today – Many scholars prefer the term retention or recollection
1989 – Ellen Langer
Publishes Mindfulness
A theory of learning = choice vs. mindlessness
1980s - MBSR
2000s - MBCT
“Mindfulness is paying attention to experience in the present moment in an open, accepting, non-judgmental way.”

9. Mindfulness Research
Secular-scientific research into mindfulness has increased exponentially in the last 35 years (pictured). Much of the research is based on 8-week MBSR and MBCT programs.

10. MINDFULNESS – According to Research
What it is NOT
What it IS
Meditation ✘
Religion
Out-of-body experience
Relaxation; stress avoidance
A fad
State, Trait, & Practice ✔
> Spiritual
Mind-body integration
> Wellbeing; < distress
Evidence-based practice

11. Modern Experience In slide show mode click mouse to advance animation
SENSING & PERCEiVING our internal (i.e, body/mind) and external environments
THINKING: including negative and positive rumination.
SENSING
THINKING
In slide show mode click mouse to advance animation

12. Mindfulness Experience
- SIX SENSES -
Body, Feeling, Mind
More Often;
More Layered;
More Suble
Noticing but not engaging
Includes imagery
Reducing rumination
Increasing cog efficiency
SENSING
THINKING
In slide show mode click mouse to advance animation

13. Mind-Body Integration – State to trait mindfulness
Long-term Experience
Mind-Body Integration – State to trait mindfulness
Increased Gamma brainwaves (by as much as 200%)
(Richard Davidson)
Increased Insula (and frontal cortex) with reduced amygdala
(Sarah Lazar)
SENSING
THINKING
In slide show mode click mouse to advance animation

14. Mindfulness Training – MBSR Approach
INTENTION
ATTENTION
ATTITUDES
Mindfulness Attitudes
Non-judging
Patience
Beginner’s mind
Trust
Non-Striving
Acceptance
Letting Go
Gratitude
Compassion / Self-care
See Jon Kabat-Zinn videos

15. Mindfulness Training – MBSR Approach
Mindfulness Practices
Inquiry Process
Didactic Inquiry

16. Group Expectations Confidentiality
Avoid cross-talk (i.e, giving advice)
No touching of ppl who are upset
Home practice is mandatory
Commitment of about 45 minutes a day for 6 days – Regularity more vital than duration
Structure of sessions:
8 x 2.5 evenings
1 X 4 hr Sat (Mar 11)
Missing session or dropping out
Pls notify me

17. Individual Expectations
Participate
Consent
Intake Form
Purchase
Consent form to be audiotaped & video-taped
Complete and sign
Yoga mat; snacks and beverages; comfortable clothing; blanket/shawl; cushions (if desired)
Daily practice; homework; handout (avoid reading too much about topic outside of program)

18. Added Requests Arrive 5 minutes early
If late, we’ll start with a mindfulness practice, so enter quietly and join us
Bring folder, name tag, homework each week
If you experience distress, pls let me know:
E.g., disorientation or dissociation – open eyes, feel feet on floor, awareness of hands
If you have a medical condition, pls ensure you’re under the care of a medical professional
Tell me if you are having any negative impacts

19. Questions or Answers!