Meditation as Medicine: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Google Tech Talk May 17, 2010 ABSTRACT Meditation as Medicine: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction An Approach to Stress Reduction, Chronic Pain and Illness Presented by Bob Stahl. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and featured in Bill Moyer's series "Healing and the Mind." This program is specifically designed for people living with stress, pain or illness, and supports individuals as well as the work of therapists and other caregivers. MBSR consists of intensive training in mindfulness meditation, gentle mindful movement and group support. The program is designed for people who yearn for more balance in day-to-day life, and it promotes healthy living, renewal and stress management. Mindfulness is the practice of cultivating non-judgmental awareness in day-to-day life. Mindfulness develops the potential to experience each moment, no matter how difficult or intense, with serenity and clarity. One can feel more alive and gain access to the powerful inner resources for healing. Participants learn lifelong tools to help maximize life, even in the midst of stress, pain and illness. Bob Stahl, PhD., founded and directs mindfulness-based stress reduction programs in five medical centers in the San Francisco Bay area including El Camino Hospital in Mt. View and O'Cpnnor Hospital in San Jose. A long-time mindfulness practitioner, Bob lived in a Buddhist monastery for 8.5 years and has completed MBSR teacher certification at University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Stahl also serves as an Adjunct Senior Teacher for Oasis the institute for mindfulness-based professional education and innovation of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Bob is a co-author of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook.