University Wellness Initiative to Sponsor Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Interested in reducing your stress, increasing your concentration and/or improving your relationships?  Then join us for the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. starting on Sept. 26.

This eight-week program includes weekly sessions and one half-day retreat.  Participants will learn a variety of mindfulness meditation practices and their application to everyday life.  The practices taught include the body scan, gentle yoga/stretching exercises, and sitting and walking meditations. The potential benefits are relief from stress, improved concentration, greater self-awareness, broader perspective, less reactivity, more relaxation and improved relationships.  Participants will have daily assignments to practice at home.

David Jacobs, an MBSR facilitator and yoga instructor, will lead the program.  Jacobs received his training in MBSR at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massechusetts Medical School.  He received a certification in yoga instruction at the American Viniyoga Institute. Jacobs teaches locally at the Upstate Yoga Institute and has conducted numerous workshops for college students, health clinic patients and employees of public and private agencies.

This program is offered to faculty and staff only and limited to 40 people.  You must attend one orientation session on Sept. 12 or Sept. 19 at 5:30 pm to become eligible for this program.  Please register for one of those orientation sessions with the links above.  Or find out more about the University Wellness Initiative and register for programs at http://wellness.syr.edu.