Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Classes in NYC

Who can benefit from MBSR (Mindfulness based Stress Reduction)? People choose to participate in the MBSR program for a variety of reasons, including: stress of all kinds - from job, family, or finances; chronic pain and illness; anxiety and panic; digestive discomfort; problems with sleep; fatigue; hypertension and/or headaches.

Published research has shown that participants in programs such as these report: • Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms. • Less intense pain. • Increased ability to cope with pain that may not go away. • Feeling more relaxed. • Greater energy. • Improved self-esteem. • Feeling less bothered by stressful situations.

What does the course include? Each MBSR course lasts 8 weeks, and consists of: • Weekly classes of 2.5 hours each. • A daylong class on a Sunday. • Guided instructions in mindfulness meditation practices. • Gentle, mindful stretching and Yoga • Group dialogue and inquiry to enhance every-day awareness. • Daily home practice assignments. • CDs with guided instructions and a workbook.

When is it offered? Each year the JCC offers 3 cycles of MSBR, with both an evening and morning section offered for each cycle. This winter, the morning class will meet on Thursday mornings from 10 am - 12:30 pm; the evening class will meet on Wednesday nights from 7 - 9:30 pm. Here are the dates and times for next series:

SPRING CYCLE 2009: Orientation Sessions: Wednesday, April 22nd, 10am - 12:30 pm Thursday, April 23rd, 7pm - 9:30 pm Evening Session: (taught by Elaine Retholtz) 8 Wednesdays, 7-9:30 pm April 29th – June 17th Morning Session: (taught by Jon Aaron) 8 Thursdays, 10am-12:30 pm April 30th – June 18th Daylong Session: Sunday, May 31st, 10 am – 5 pm Program Fees: $300 for members of the JCC of Manhattan or New York Insight Meditation Center $350 for non-members. To register, simply call the JCC at 646.505.5708 or register online at www.jccmanhattan.org (“search” for MBSR). We hope you will consider recommending MBSR to your patients or clients. If you would like more information or have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the course instructor, Elaine Retholtz at 212.967.6261 or by email at elaine.retholtz@gmail.com or call Susie Kessler at the JCC, 646.505.5726 or skessler@jccnyc.org.