Meditation is an ancient practice that is now common in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and pain. In the last 25 years, there have been concerted efforts to study the clinical applications of meditative practices. Jon Kabat-Zinn pioneered an 8 week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre in 1979. Since then, he has been involved with many research initiatives regarding mindfulness meditation. The BC Cancer Agency has been offering MBSR since 2000 for people living with cancer.
MBSR is a systematic approach that involves a unique synthesis of Eastern and Western techniques to cultivating wisdom, awareness, and insight. Its object is not to fix or cure but to connect with our lives with what is most vital. Rather than resisting life's challenges, participants practice bringing a compassionate and accepting stance to whatever they encounter.
MBSR can nurture one's mind, body and spirit. Research shows that it enhances our ability to cope, reduces anxiety, lowers pain levels, and increases your sense of well-being and self-esteem. Most people go through their life on auto pilot. MBSR is one way to become more conscious in our lives and allow the mind to be as it is, holding it in gentle and compassionate awareness.
MBSR involves embracing the full catastrophe and being present in the storms of life. Classes include a mixture of meditation (sitting, lying down and walking), gentle stretching and movement, teaching and discussion and homework. The program requires commitment to daily practice (approximately 45 min) for optimal benefit.
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One woman who attended the course at the Vancouver Cancer Centre expressed, "It helped me to become my 'authentic' self, to take better care of myself and to change some aspects of my everyday life to make it more valuable and meaningful." Another woman reported that by having a greater awareness of what is going on with her body and mind it has reduced the distress in her life.
Mindfulness Meditation programs are available at the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver and Fraser Valley Centres. To learn more, at the Vancouver Centre, call 604.877.6000 Ext. 2194 and for the Fraser Valley Centre, call 604.930.4000. Mindfulness websites locally and globally: www.mbsrbc.ca or www.umassmed.edu/cfm
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