Mindfulness is about developing a moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations – without judging. In short, mindfulness is about being fully present in our lives rather than living in the past or the future. Research shows that the practice of mindfulness meditation can reduces stress, boost the immune system, strengthen areas in the brain that improve focus and attention skills, and help reduce anxiety and depression.

This eight-week, evidence-based program, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide.

This class series is proudly sponsored by The Coulombe Center for Health Improvement through LincolnHealth and is being offered at a significantly reduced rate of $125 for more than 20 hours of instructional time. Scholarships are also available if needed.

The class will be taught by Mary Bitterauf, a certified MBSR teacher who received her training and certification in MBSR through the University of Massachusetts’s Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society. Bitterauf has taught this world-renowned, eight-week program for more than seven years. MBSR instruction involves mindful meditation practices, discussion, gentle stretching and yoga and is appropriate for all fitness levels.

The course will be held on the LincolnHealth - Miles Campus at Schooner Cove and will take place Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The class will begin on May 1, with a shorter orientation session the week before on April 24. Additionally, there is one Saturday retreat on June 8 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. toward the end of the course to consolidate the skills that have been learned.

To register, or for more information, please call 207-563-4269 or email brooke.alley@lchcare.org