In 1979, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn developed the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Since its inception, MBSR has evolved into a common form of complementary medicine addressing a large variety of health problems. It is now offered in over 200 medical centres, hospitals and clinics around the world.

Mindfulness practice is ideal for cultivating greater awareness of the unity of mind and body, as well as of the ways the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can undermine emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The mind is known to be a factor in stress and stress-related disorders and meditation has been shown to positively affect a range of autonomic physiological processes, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing overall emotional reactivity.

How can we engage the demands of our lives without creating stress, tension, and dissatisfaction? How can we face threatening illness, personal crisis, chronic pain or discomfort without falling into habitual patterns of projecting hope or fear onto the situation rather than seeing it freshly? Discover the healing power of mindfulness—the practice of meeting each moment with an open heart and mind—shown to reduce stress, enhance health, and increase joy and appreciation for life.

Janet Solyntjes, MA, teaches mindfulness practices at Hollyhock (Canada’s leading learning center), Colorado Integrative Cancer Care, Omega Institute and Shambhala Meditation Centers. A practitioner of mind-body disciplines since 1977, she completed professional training in MBSR with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli and an MBSR Teacher Development Intensive.  Janet is also co-founder of the Boulder-based Centre for Courageous Living in Colorado.

Friday 11 May:  7pm to 9pm

Saturday 12 May: 9am to 5pm   •   Sunday 13 May: 9am to 4pm

Wellington Shambhala

Meditation Centre

Level 6, 75 Ghuznee Street

cost: $170 (register online for a $10 discount)