Mindfulness Stress Reduction (MBSR) was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts in 1979. Initially, the practice was developed in order to aid chronic pain patients. The practice of MBSR has evolved to include particular practices for healthcare, primary schools, higher education, workplace, and leadership development.

 

In the field of MBSR, the leading researchers, trainers, and leaders in the field pf MBSR moved their center from the University of Massachusetts to Brown University Mindfulness Center. At Brown, they have developed a Global Mindfulness Collaborative (GMC). The GMC is was founded in response to the growing practice of mindfulness around the world.

 

In addition, the Research Unit at Brown Mindfulness Center is dedicated to performing high-quality rigorous research to investigate the impact of mindfulness on health and its underlying mechanisms.

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Today the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course is designed to teach mind and body awareness techniques to live with physical and psychological symptoms due to daily stress and stress-related illnesses. The class structure includes psycho-education, formal and informal meditation, and simple movement practices, as well as a teacher-led discussion and inquiry.  Daily home practices and homework are assigned.

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After the free orientation, classes meet for eight sessions and one all-day session.

Many people have taken the MBSR course several times in order to refresh and renew a practice which does not come naturally. Mindfulness continues to ripen over the years and waking up to our very lives becomes one of the many benefits of the course.