Before committing to an 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class this evening session is an opportunity to meet the teacher and learn more about the practices and course content. An 8 week MBSR class will be offered this fall Oct. 5 - Nov. 23 on Monday evenings. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a 8-week program based on the practice of mindfulness, bringing a fullness of attention to whatever is happening in our lives, as it’s happening, without judgment. Mindfulness offers an alternative way to move through our days. The willingness to stop and be present leads to seeing and relating to life with more clarity and directness. This can lead to deep relaxation, calmness and greater insight into ourselves. Paying attention allows for choosing our responses to life’s situations rather than reacting out of habit or fear. It is about balancing all our "doing" with a chance to "be" and in the process it can provide a path to more peace, wisdom and wellbeing.The program includes: Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation (sitting and walking) Body Scan Gentle Stretching and yoga Qi Gong Large & small group discussions Daily mindfulness practices at home In addition to the experiential learning, each class will also have material presented on a variety of topics including perception, stress and our habitual reactions, positive neuroplasticity, working with difficult thoughts and emotions, and communication.