Mindfulness Programs

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR)

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight week course that leads participants through a uniquely comprehensive study and practice of mindfulness meditation: what it is, how to do it in our daily lives to reduce stress, manage pain, help with sleep issues, addictions, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and more, and it enables our ability to participate in our health and healing. The course culminates with an all day meditation retreat, an absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As part of our class, participants receive a comprehensive workbook full of invaluable information, explanations, and tips for participants not only during the session, but after its conclusion as well. Also, each participant receives a four CD set of Guided Meditations that are utilized throughout the eight week program so as to provide a seamless transition from the end of the course to the beginning of your independent practice. This wonderful series of meditations are a direct descendent of the Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn's MBSR Program and could not be provided without his generous and exceptional guidance. If you've ever wanted to learn meditation, you won't want to miss this amazing opportunity.

Course fee is $290. Payment can be made by a credit card, cash or check. Not for profit. UNM tuition remission is available. No continuing education credit available at this time. All are welcome to participate, especially patients and staff of UNM/UH. You do not need a referral. Course instructor is Michelle DuVal, MA, who is a professional MBSR instructor and committed practitioner who has taught thousands of people of the skill of health and well being. The next MBSR class will be held from *Thursday, January 21st  through Thursday, March 11th, all day retreat on Saturday, March 6th.* If you would like more information regarding the course, email michelle@duvalmeditation.com or call her directly at (505) 615-1547.

Classes in 2010:

Thurs, Jan 21st - Thurs, March 11th, Retreat on Sat, March 6th

Thurs, March 25th - Thurs, May 13th, Retreat on Sat, May 8th

Thurs, June 3rd - Thurs, July 22nd, Retreat on Sat, July 17th

Thurs, Aug 5th - Thurs, Sept 23rd, Retreat on Sat, Sept 18th

Thurs, Oct 14th - Tues, Nov 23rd, Retreat on Sat, Nov 27th

MINDFUL EATING AND LIVING (MEAL)

Mindfulness meditation is one way to help reduce the stresses of activities of daily living, including work, family, moods, and eating habits.

Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL) is useful for gaining a new perspective on eating, for weight loss, and for improving other aspects of mood and life. It is a 6-week course, followed by on-going support sessions. The program -- developed at UNM -- uses brief guided meditations in class and at home. Participants receive written materials and audio CDs for home practice, and each class includes a mindful eating exercise.

The next MEAL class will be held early 2010. It will begin with an Orientation meeting and then will be held on 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30PM. The cost will be $250, and payment can be made by credit card (preferred), cash or check. Fee covers administration, course time, and supplies (food, CDs, books). Different payment options are available including use of UNM Tuition Remission. Course instructor is Nancy Oestreicher, (professionally-trained in teaching MBSR and MEAL). If you would like more information regarding the course, email noestreicher@salud.unm.edu or call 925-0103 to leave your name and phone number, and we will contact you. When we contact you, we will ask some questions and provide more information about the class, including payment options and the location (near Montgomery and Jefferson). Enrollment is open to anyone who is "overweight." This means you must have a Body Mass Index higher than 25. If you are unsure about your BMI, please go to this website and use the adult BMI calculator: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm

Notice for Graduates of the MEAL program: THERE WILL BE a Support Group Meeting for MEAL graduates on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 6:45pm at the UNM Center for Life office. Please call 925-0103 for more information.