Mindfulness is about paying attention and living your life in the richness of the present moment. Being here now, rather than being lost in memories of the past or overwhelmed by worries about the future. It's a simple practice that strengthens the mind's ability to stay focused on what is happening right now and to be open to experience — meeting the present moment with care, curiosity and kindness.

What is mindfulness-based stress reduction?

MBSR is a structured group program which has as it’s core intensive training in mindfulness meditation. It teaches individuals the practice and principles of mindfulness and how to apply them in their daily life to live more fully and healthfully. MBSR was founded over 30 years ago by Jon Kabat-Zinn,Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and is currently offered in hundreds of hospitals as well as in educational and corporate settings.

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Scientific research findings on MBSR and other Mindfulness-Based programs over the past 30 years have shown many benefits to participants. People completing these mindfulness programs consistently demonstrate improvements in physical and mental health including:

• Reduced anxiety & depression
• Reduced chronic pain and physical distress
• Reduced pain-related drug use
• Decreased fatigue
• Increased vitality
• Improved concentration
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved immune function
• Decreased blood pressure
• Improved glucose control in diabetics
• Brain activity associated with positive emotion
• Improved emotion regulation
• Reduced substance abuse
• Decreased interpersonal problems
• Increased compassion for self and others
• Enhanced appreciation of life

If you are interested in reviewing a comprehensive list of scientific research articles on the benefits of mindfulness, visit UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center