Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction at the University of Utah; Program Overview

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, (MBSR), was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts Medical School. MBSR is an intensive training in developing mindful awareness and accessing our innate capacity for health, happiness, and growth.

We provide guided instruction in various practices, including:

sitting and walking meditation,
body scan,
gentle yoga, and
mindful communication.
These practices are enhanced through inquiry exercises, group dialogue, and daily home assignments.

Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness is, “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” Stress is an inherent part of our lives. We do not practice mindfulness in order to escape the stress, but practice so that we can relate to our stress in a healthier way. MBSR is intended to ignite our natural capacity for awareness, and to learn ways that we can be awake and in touch with our lives as they unfold.