An eight-week MBSR program: web-based, self-paced, and free.

I’ve just found* an online source that promises to guide anyone/anywhere through the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Video presentations, articles, worksheets, and specific instruction can be accessed from open sources and there’s no charge. What a brilliant concept and a generous offer by its developer!

The main advantages are flexibility of scheduling and absence of fees; you can commence the program at any time. The standard class-based MBSR program comprises eight weeks of group learning and, unless covered by health plans, can cost several hundred dollars in fees.

However, the key to benefiting from any MBSR program is the completion of weekly assignments and a gradual development of a personal meditation practice. It calls for a daily time commitment of an hour for 8 weeks.

The program is offered by Dave Potter, a certified MBSR instructor and licensed psychotherapist in anxiety, stress, and trauma. He writes that “the absolute best way to learn MBSR is with a live, in-person class, where you have the benefit of interaction with the instructor and other class members, and the group support that this provides, sometimes that’s just not possible.” Click here for details.

I’m not endorsing the quality of this program since it’s new to me. My intention is to work through the program on my own, with the hope that it’ll invigorate my teaching and mindfulness practice.

* A study using this program with a group of medical students has just been published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Researchers found that “[c]hanges in the expected direction were observed for perceived stress, mindfulness, resilience, and confidence in providing calm, compassionate care.”