A Message from Coltrain Group CEO, Michele Mattoon…
On this page I am going to give you an idea of what kind of results you can expect in your life when you use our MBSR program, my guiding beliefs, and how I approach teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
7 Benefits of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction:
- Reduced stress in your life. You will become more aware of your “stress-ers” and more in control of your response to them.
- Reduced medical symptoms. While MBSR is not a substitute for proper medical treatment, it does help your mind work for you rather than against you.
- Reduced anxiety, greater feelings of ease and control.
- Increased creativity. When you are over-whelmed by stress it’s difficult to exercise your imagination and talents. MBSR helps you bring out the best in yourself and more effectively access your natural talents.
- Increased concentration and effectiveness when focusing on and completing tasks.
- Increased self esteem and confidence brought about by the peace of mind and the more balanced life that MBSR can help you create.
- Increase vitality and enthusiasm for your personal and business relationships and pursuits.
Why Take A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Class?
Since 1979, thousands of people across the country and all over the world have benefited from MBSR. Over two hundred hospitals have MBSR clinics. Three decades of research strongly suggests that people who take MBSR classes are able to reduce their psychological distress and medical symptoms while learning to live fuller and happier lives. I would love to help you achieve a calmer, more peaceful state of mind!
MBSR uses guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices, gentle stretching and yoga, group dialogue and mindful communication exercises, individually tailored instruction and daily home assignments to give you the tools to live a more peaceful, fuller life. The program is highly participatory, supportive and structured.
(For more information about research and MBSR, visit http://www.umassmed.edu/cfm and click on “Research”.)
My Guiding Beliefs About Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction:
- Any person who practices MBSR regularly will improve his/her life. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. The more mindfulness becomes a part of your life, the more benefits you see, and the more you want to continue to practice!
- Mindfulness feels good. Although it’s not always easy, once you settle into a relaxed routine of mindfulness, it becomes easier to capture and keep a sense of well being.
- To be effective, mindfulness should become a regular part of your life. This means that you can use the MBSR techniques, not just when you set time aside to practice, but here and there throughout your day.
- Mindfulness changes “your mode of thinking”. And when we change how we think, we change our lives!
My Approach to Teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction:
- MBSR should be practiced in a supportive, safe, open, environment.
- MBSR should not cause stress! My job is to help you come up with ways to fit mindfulness into your life.
- People learn more easily from a combination of different techniques than just one “right” way. MBSR uses a variety of approaches aimed at engaging everyone in the group.
- Mindfulness should have an element of joy. My goal is to not only reduce your stress and help your overall sense of well being, but show you how mindfulness can help you see the world with new eyes and a sense of delight.
- People progress at their own rate. Attending an MBSR workshop and continuing the practice at home will benefit anyone. Sessions are held in a safe, accepting, supportive atmosphere.
- Groups bring good energy that supports and enhances individual practice. People tend to move more rapidly in their practice when they can learn from each other, (not just a teacher)!
