Curious about what Mindfulness is all about? Wondering how to get started?
You’re not alone.
It seems like mindfulness is everywhere right now; the news, in schools, documentaries, Apps, companies, communities, and more.
Is this a fad? Are the benefits real? Does it make you happier? Healthier? Reduce stress?
The answer is an absolute, unequivocal, …..YES!
Mindfulness is entering the mainstream for good reason. It is being taken seriously after careful study, review, and engagement by the medical and mental health community. Introduced some 30 years ago by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a Ph.D. Biochemist from MIT, it is now the subject of thousands of medical and clinical studies from medical and research institutions across the world, and the results, in the aggregate, are stunning.
What follows is our attempt to pull together some resources for newcomers to the field, and ultimately practice, to make it a little easier to know where, and how, to begin.
Introduction to Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Introductory Lectures, Videos, and Books by Jon Kabat-Zinn
The true pioneer of the Mindfulness movement, which has now spread worldwide and is the subject of thousands of academic studies, is Jon Kabat-Zinn. Dr. Kabat-Zinn did is primary work at the ‘Center for Mindfulness’ at the U Mass Medical Center and the impact is still unfolding worldwide.
Our prediction is, that he will, ultimately, be recognized by the larger medical and scientific community with the likes of Newton, Darwin, Jung, and others. (Being a truly humble person – he would probably be mortified if he heard anyone say this). But, as you can see, we believe his contributions to this field are a very big deal and will unfold for years.
So why not start learning from the best?
A link to the Charles River Careers’ YouTube playlist, which includes many introductory videos by JKZ is => here
A profound introductory but longer lecture (~1 hr 30 min), by JZK, which introduces the topic, and includes a gentle introductory breathing exercise can be found on YouTube => here. We believe listening to this lecture is well worth your time and could change the direction of your life!
A link to JKZ’s many books (on Amazon) is => here
His outstanding book, titled ‘Mindfulness for Beginners’, can be found (on Amazon) => here
Or, if you’re interested in learning more, his groundbreaking book titled ‘Full Catastrophe Living’, can be found (on Amazon) => here
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Professor Emeritus of Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
How to Find Mindfulness Courses Near You (or On-line!)
MBSR, MBCT & MSC Courses Near You
If your looking to jump-start you journey to mindfulness, we recommend checking out one of the following courses:
MBSR – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – An 8-week course developed originally by Jon Kabat-Zinn which is now taught internationally, with a focus on stress reduction (and much more!).
To find an MBSR course near you click => here
You can also take a free on-line self-study MBSR course through Palouse Mindfulness => here
MBCT – Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, which focuses on integrating mindfulness with another approach from the field of psychology.
To find an MBCT course near you click => here
You can read about the differences between MBSR & MBCT, from the experts => here
MSC – Mindful Self Compassion – which was developed by Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer.
To find an MSC course near you click => here.
Or, you can learn more about upcoming MSC events and resources on Kristen’s site => here
