Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program Winter 2021

The Integrative Therapy Department of OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center is offering the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program in January, 2021. 

The MBSR Course introduces participants to formal and informal mindfulness practices, concepts, and skills to manage stress in daily life.

The MBSR course is FREE to patients currently experiencing cancer or recently recovering from cancer that have either received their treatment at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center OR live within the surrounding communities that OSF-LCMMM serves. The course is also free to those caring for a loved with cancer. 

In order to register for an upcoming MBSR course, one must attend an information session. Register for your information session

Once you have attended an Information Session, contact Kelly Walsh, Integrative Therapy Coordinator at OSF LCMMC,  708-229-6015 to register for the MBSR Course

MBSR Course

Monday evenings: January 25, 2021- March 15, 2021

5:30 pm-8:00 pm CST

Retreat Saturday, March 6, 2021 10:00 am -3:00 pm CST

Dates

Mondays: January 25th, February 1st, February 8th, February 15th, February 22nd, March 1st, March 8th, March 15th, 2021

Location

Live Online via Zoom

What to Expect

MBSR Course includes:

• MBSR Home Practice Manual sent via email
• MBSR Formal Practice recordings available via website and sound cloud (awareness of breath meditation, expanded awareness meditation, body scan, and mindful movement: standing and lying down yoga)
• Mindfulness Recordings 2020 (Password Protected)
• Instruction in both formal and informal mindfulness practices
• 8 weekly classes (Class 1 and Class 8 are three hours, Class 2 through Class 7 are two and a half hour classes)
• An All-Day Silent Saturday Retreat (5 hours)
• Experiential activities in the application of mindfulness of daily living
• Voluntary dyad/triad and group dialogue
• Weekly assignments to cultivate a daily mindfulness home practice over the eight-week period of the course
• Invitation to attend all future MBSR all-day Saturday Retreats at no cost

No prior experience with practicing mindfulness or meditation is necessary.

General Requirements (**recommended for optimal experience**)

• Access to a laptop or desktop with reliable high-speed internet connection and audio/video capability for the duration of the program is required. Mobile devices such as iPhone, Android or tablets are not suitable for this course because of their instability.

• Participation in an information session, all 8 classes and the online all-day retreat.  ***Attending an information session in August prior to registration is mandatory and will provide instruction on the online learning process and the Zoom platform with time allotted for minor technical troubleshooting. ***
• Comfortable being on-camera (Participation via phone is not an option.  All Participants will be asked to keep cameras on for the duration of course.  Note: This is not a telephone conference so there will be no dial-in option
• Commitment to daily practice

Technical Requirements (Action Required)

This program relies on video conferencing. To ensure the best possible experience for both you and fellow participants you must have the minimum technical requirements to participate in this program. That includes having a computer with speakers, a microphone, video capabilities and high-speed internet connection.

For the best learning experience, please make sure to take the following steps PRIOR to the start of the class:

• Review the Zoom System Requirements (Disregard the Supported Tablet and Mobile Devices section as use of these devices is not acceptable.)
• Test your audio and video capability by accessing a Zoom Test Meeting prior to the start of this course
• Watch the Zoom video tutorial “Join A Meeting”

No prior experience with practicing mindfulness or meditation is necessary.

What to have available in your space for class

• Yoga mat
• Blankets/pillows
• Upright supportive chair for seated practice, or your own sitting cushion/bench, any supports needed for sitting.