It’s a fact. Americans are a stressful group with more than 33% of us reporting we suffer from extreme stress that impacts our health and sleep patterns. Some of us may even be feeling some stress over our holiday gift list. If you know someone stressed out, consider this gift idea (for yourself too) . . . a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course to be taught at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.
MBSR is a course consisting of guided instruction in a variety of mindfulness meditation practices including gentle yoga or mindful movement, group dialogue, daily home practice assignments and guided meditation recordings. Taught by Karen Schwisow, a Certified Mindfulness teacher and Director of MBSR Teacher Training with Mindfulness Northwest in Federal Way, the course is the gold standard in mindfulness training.
According to Schwisow, “Mindfulness Training is the awareness that arises when we pay attention to the present moment in an open, kind and discerning way.” Schwisow was introduced to yoga at a young age by her then 80-year-old grandmother who took her to a class. Now the owner of her own Mindfulness Studio in Federal Way, she has partnered with the City of Lakewood to bring the eight-week course to its residents and priced it to make it accessible.
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the course brings a form of meditation known as mindfulness into the medical mainstream. Attendees will learn how to take better care of themselves through the interplay of mind and body – and mobilize their own inner resources for coping, learning, growing, and healing.
Starting in February, the course will include classes every Tuesday night from 6 to 8pm with a six-hour Saturday retreat on March 26. All people will be welcome, regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, country of origin, physical health, who they love, or how they vote. By registering for this class, attendees agree to support this shared intention of holding a safe and brave space for all. To learn more about the City of Lakewood Yoga and Meditation offerings visit Yoga, Meditation, and Welcome Walks – City of Lakewood