Mindfulness meditation is a technique of focus, calm and insight, and a skill that can be learned. Through this seven-week mindfulness training course, adapted to the university setting from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, participants will observe how stress unfolds in their lives, their responses to it, and how mindfulness practice can ameliorate it. Participants will learn and practice a variety of stress reduction techniques, including mindful movement incorporating gentle yoga postures. Alongside the meditation practice, the classes incorporate group discussions centering on the experiences working with mindfulness meditation practices.
Participants can learn more about the program and receive registration and payment information for the seven-week course at the free introductory workshop. There is a $75 enrollment fee for the full course. There is a minimum enrollment of 10 and a maximum enrollment of 20 people. Participants will need to bring a mat or towel for the training program (not necessary for the introductory session). This program is limited to Columbia faculty and employees.
Instructor: Polly Wheat, M.D., retired Executive Director, CUMC Student Health Service, has taught mindfulness meditation for more than 20 years
