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Mindfulness-based stress reduction

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Posted 4/6/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Good evening everyone :) I'm very interested in signing up for one of several MBSR programs that are offered in my area--I actually probably would have started already except that they were all in mid- session when I learned about them. Has anyone gone through one of these programs, and if so, how was your experience?

Mom2panda, I noticed that you mentioned that you're starting a program very soon--I'd love it if you could update us on how you like it once you get into it!
Posted 4/6/2011 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
I took a mindfullness based stress reduction class after I had ileostomy surgery. I was having some pain and anxiety issues post-surgery and wanted to learn to be in the present more instead of always worrying about the "what ifs". I loved the class, and even now that all my post-surgical pain is gone and I am fairly worry-free and very happy with my ileostomy, I still practice the meditation techniques I learned. I highly recommend it.
Posted 4/6/2011 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Amanda DC - I will certainly update you.

For those that are interested, you can do this at home. One of the founders, Jon Kabat-Zinn has a book out called "Full Catastrophe Living" that explains the program and is a guide. He is a guru in the field and brought the program to I think the Mayo clinic with excellent results for patients with stress, anxiety and pain.

Here is a bit of his bio en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kabat-Zinn

I have the book, but I am the kind of person who does better with a class. Makes me accountable. If I do it on my own, it is easy to slack off. However, I still strongly recommend the book for those who have the discipline to do it at home.
Posted 4/6/2011 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
and, here is a link to the book: www.amazon.com/Full-Catastrophe-Living-Wisdom-Illness/dp/0385303122/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302104120&sr=8-1
Posted 4/6/2011 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
I tried this for about a month but never felt much of a benefit (which I think was due to me quitting too early). I also didn't practice enough (or practice necessarily correctly). When I get more time or things settle down I will give it a go.
Posted 4/6/2011 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I can definitely relate to a lack of discipline. I have a lot of the Kabat-Zinn books and though I enjoy the time I spend reading or practicing different techniques, I always seem to get distracted and thus have never been able to stick to a long time routine. I figure that spending the money for the class will be a good motivator and it will also be nice to have the group support of others going through the same experience.

I hope you have a great experience with your class, mom2panda, and that it brings you the peace of mind that you're seeking.
Posted 4/7/2011 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Kiolm-

The basis of my class was learning how to focus on the breath. We did this through some sitting meditations and another technique called the body scan where, one at a time, you focus on sensations in different parts of your body. Basically, when other things pop into your head (thoughts of regret, worries about the future, daydreams, rehashing old scenarios etc.), you try to refocus on the breath... which brings you into the present. It is extremely relaxing and helped me realize that right now at this moment, despite what may have happened yesterday or what tomorrow might bring, I am okay. I wouldn't say the class makes pain go away, but it helps one look at it in a different way... like it is just another sensation of many that one is feeling. Anyway... it is definitely hard to describe in a post, but the book mentioned above explains the core principles well.
Posted 4/7/2011 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
1st session went well. It was pretty hard. I have been able to meditate in the past for about 10 min or so, but I think we went about 20-25 min last night. For the last 5 or so minutes I was really struggling to stay in the breath. I had the most uncontrollable urge to move, and I couldn't reign myself back in.

That the point though. I need to practice. I also have CD that I have to use every day for 17min until next week.
Posted 4/21/2011 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!
Am new here.
Every morning I practice a 10-minute mindfulness guided meditation which helps me focus and take bringing me constantly back to where I should be, at home in my body. I really enjoy this short time and sometime I find it hard to just sit for it as my mind wants to do and do and do. Putting my body on the seat and the earphones on my ears is the main step!
http://www.benefits-to-exercise-for-seniors.com/about-me.html
Posted 4/21/2011 5:09 PM (GMT 0)

I took the classes soon after being diangosed.  It's a great way to reduce stress and limit the pain. I still use it...mostly on the toilet trying to pass those painful movements!  I found a class through the main website from the University of Mass.  The instructor also has meditation retreats once a month.  It's a great way to stay in practice.

I highly recommned the classes. You can also take Tai Chi too.  I'm hoping to get back into Tai Chi once I get over this current flare and can get out more.

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