What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment with awareness and curiosity, rather than being controlled by thought, worry, fear, etc. Based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, molecular biologist and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, mindfulness classes help you reconnect with your innate ability to experience life as it is occurring.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an intensive training in mindfulness that often results in participants discovering the ability to deal more effectively with stressful situations.

In addition to an introductory course on mindfulness, Riverside is the first healthcare system in Hampton Roads to offer an 8-week MBSR course modeled on the Stress Reduction Clinic at University of Massachusetts Medical School. There are no prerequisites for either the introductory or MBSR course.

What are the benefits?
Individuals who learn and practice mindfulness report a wide range of benefits, including physical and emotional improvements.

Physical

Emotional

Participants take MBSR courses for a myriad of reasons. Individuals report wanting help managing stress at work or in personal relationships, medical conditions such as chronic pain and headaches, and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Others are seeking a more balanced life and want help sticking to a wellness or fitness plan.

How can I participate?
Riverside offers several mindfulness and MBSR classes throughout the year. You can choose to enroll in a three-session Introduction to Mindfulness course or participate in an eight-week intensive MBSR course.

What can I expect from the Introduction to Mindfulness course?
The Introduction to Mindfulness class is a gentle, fun entry into the practice of mindfulness. This course helps participants discover their natural ability to live with peace and dignity in the present moment. This $75 course includes three 90-minute sessions and is limited to 16 participants.

Introduction to Mindfulness Class Schedules & Locations

What can I expect from the MBSR course?
For 8 weeks you will be part of a living container—a group of individuals devoted to exploring mindfulness as a means to living fully in the only moment there is: now. Highly experiential, the course requires you to come with a sense of curiosity. You will be provided all necessary instruction and materials to guide you in formal practices, gentle movements, body scanning, and more.

Much practice will be done in silence; there will also be time for group dialogue and mindful communication exercises. The class is limited to 30 participants.

With almost 30 hours of class time and 45 minutes to one hour of homework six days per week, this course requires a commitment, but the experience can forever alter the way you experience yourself and your life.

MBSR: Frequently Asked Questions

MBSR: Class Schedule & Location

Who is the instructor?
Rebecca Eldridge leads the Introduction to Mindfulness and MBSR courses and has trained in mindfulness through the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society (Jon Kabat-Zinn). She holds a BA in Education (emphasis in student learning styles), an MA, and an MFA. Before pursuing her studies in mindfulness, she taught full-time at Christopher Newport University, where she was nominated by the student body for Professor of the Year. Learn more on her web site.

What else should I know before signing up?

• Everyone is welcome. Mindfulness has no religious affiliation. All people are supported and respected in this course; it is expected that all who enroll are able to respect others, even if they don't agree with them.
• Attendance to all sessions and completion of homework is crucial. Please review the class schedules carefully and only enroll if you can fully commit to the time and work they will require. This is also addressed in the MBSR Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I register for a course?
Introduction to Mindfulness Registration
Cost: $75
Register in person or by phone through Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center-Peninsula. Please have your credit card information ready and indicate which class you prefer.
Phone: (757) 875-7525
Hours: Monday-Friday 5 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

MBSR Registration
Cost: This class is self-pay (not covered by insurance). We have created a sliding scale to accommodate more people. Generosity policy applies: to cover facility and material costs, and to ensure adequate compensation for the instructor, please use the guidelines below, and your integrity, to determine the level that applies to you.

LEVEL 1—annual household income over 45,000:
$360 (~$13/hour) +$30 if register after orientation

LEVEL 2—annual household income 30,000-44,999:
$310 (~$11/hour) +$30 if register after orientation

LEVEL 3—annual household income less than 30,000:
$260 (~$9/hour) +$30 if register after orientation

REPEAT STUDENT - $200

You can register by phone with credit card or in person with cash or check at Riverside Physical Therapy. Indicate which MBSR orientation session you will attend (schedule here) and your payment level. You may pay for the course in full or make a $100 deposit. The balance must be paid no later than 11 a.m. on Friday, September 21.

Phone: (757) 968-5332
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Please call before coming to ensure Cheri Atkins, who handles registration, is available. If you decide not to participate at your orientation session, you may request a refund.