SolutionMindfulness

What's the difference between a Live, Online course and an In-Person Course?

 

Genevieve offers both Live, Online classes and In-Person classes whenever possible, and has found both approaches equally effective. She does not offer hybrid courses, as this dual-format impacts the ability of a teacher to fully attend to one or both groups of participants.  Genevieve's Live, Online courses do NOT include any recorded elements, in order to support the necessity of attending and engaging, rather than 'watching' in a passive mode; as well as to preserve the confidentiality and safety of participants in sharing.  Both formats are equally powerful, with only very slight adjustments that do not impact course experience and outcomes.  Genevieve has been teaching MBSR (as well as other courses) in a live, online format since 2020. 

 

 

I feel stressed by world events and political issues, will these be addressed in the course?

 

The instability and divisiveness of national and world politics is a major cause for stress for most of us, however, stress and our reactions to it are the focus of this course.  An integrated mindfulness practice will serve to support the capacity to manage our response, inner and outer, to political, personal and interpersonal challenges, and can also be an important resource for those who choose to pursue activism. However, for all participants to feel supported, and to maintain the focus on learning mindfulness, the class is not an appropriate place for discussing or promoting any causes, and the instructor will not impose any particular views on class participants. ​

 

 

I've tried to meditate and I can't 'quiet' my mind or stop thinking, will I be able to do the mindfulness meditation? 

 

This is one of the most common reasons people don't think they can meditate, or give up trying!

 

The point of mindfulness meditation is NOT to stop thinking; it is to begin to notice how our thinking affects us and how we can relate to our thoughts in a different way. We learn that we are not our thoughts. Sometimes during practice the mind will quiet down on its own, however trying to stop thinking would be a frustrating experience for most people!

 

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Will I need to sit on the floor to meditate? 

 

No, for MBSR most people use chairs, and some of the practices include lying down. If you'd like to use a cushion and sit on the floor, you are welcome to do so.  

 

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I have limited movement and can't do yoga, can I still participate in the class? 

 

The yoga and Qi Gong movement practices that are introduced in the MBSR course are meant to be done as gentle movements and should always be done at 60-70% of your own capacity. These practices are used to help introduce us to the the sensations in our body, and to become mindful of the thoughts, feelings and emotions that arise as we engage in movement. They are not strenuous exercises. If you have particular concerns, please speak to the instructor prior to the course and individually tailored instruction can be given in the event you are unable to participate in the movement practices as they are taught. You will never be asked to do any movements that are uncomfortable with or contraindicated. 

 

Are there any religious aspects to the course? 

 

No.  MBSR is designed as a secular/neutral program. People from many different spiritual, religious and non-religious backgrounds have participated in the program. 

 

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Is MBSR a relaxation course? 

 

No. While many of the practices may create an ability to relax more readily, the purpose of the course is not to learn how to relax per se, but rather to learn how to be with whatever is happening in the moment with equanimity, which more often than not supports relaxation.  Studies that have directly compared relaxation to mindfulness trainings show long term physiological and emotional benefits for those learning mindfulness, that are not seen with relaxation courses. 

 

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Is MBSR a form of group therapy? 

 

No. While the program utilizes a group support format, MBSR is an educational and experiential program. The element of community is an important one, and there is often sharing of a personal nature, however it is not therapeutic counseling or a psychological intervention program. Although MBSR can be an extremely effective adjunct to standard therapy for many conditions. 

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If you are interested in understanding some of the differences between mindfulness and therapy, as well as where they intersect, this article can be helpful:  

 

Mindful.org: The Difference Between Healing and Fixing in the Practice of Mindfulness

 

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Who takes the MBSR course? 

 

People attend MBSR programs for a wide variety of reasons;  dealing with daily life and job stress,  illnesses and chronic pain, family and professional caregivers, those wishing to become more effective in their relationships, or those wishing to engage their lives in a more fulfilling and balanced way. 

 

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How do I register for a course?

 

Use the Registration form and select the orientation and class from the drop-down. 

 

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How much does the course cost?

 

Please see the section outlining this, above. 

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This course is offered using a sliding scale fee model.  The sliding scale and scholarships make it possible for everyone to have access to these practices, regardless of financial situation.  This model for payment only works when entered into with the spirit of generosity, and everyone pays at the highest rate they can afford.   Solution Mindfulness is run by a sole operator and has limited ability to absorb costs that larger organizations may have, but is also committed to making these practices available to anyone wishing to learn them.  Those who are able to pay the base rate support the instructor, those paying at the sustaining rate support the instructor and her ability to make the course more widely available, which also helps to create a robust class experience.   

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What is the cancellation policy?

 

Please see the section outlining this, above. 

 

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Does insurance cover the cost of this program? 

 

The program is often covered under FSA and HSA plans, however, MBSR is considered an educational program and is not usually covered by insurance directly. 

 

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What should I bring with me to class? 

 

Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel for lying on the floor, and for limited movement practices. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, and easily removable shoes. You may wish to bring beverages and snacks for breaks. You will be provided a course workbook, and this should be brought to each class meeting as well.

 

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Is it required to attend the orientation session? 

 

Yes, the orientation session is considered mandatory. This is an opportunity to determine if MBSR is the right program for you and introduces you to the program and to the practice of mindfulness. You will receive course materials and have a brief individual meeting with the instructor at this time as well.  If, for some reason, you are unable to attend or missed the orientation session, please contact the instructor to set up a brief review meeting.

 

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I know that I will miss one of the classes, is that OK?

 

While it is not ideal to miss any class - since the learning in the program is dependent on an ongoing personal practice and the feedback you will receive during class periods - missing one class is very workable.  Per the official course curriculum, however, it is not recommended to take the program if you think you will miss more than 2 class meetings or the daylong retreat.  The commitment to attendance is important not only to the individual, but also to the experience of the whole class.  This course is not meant to function as a drop-in, and this is also one of the primary reasons MBSR is more effective than most other courses.

 

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Will I be required to attend the daylong retreat in week six?

 

The daylong retreat is considered an integral and significant part of the MBSR program. Having a day of extended, unbroken mindfulness practice is a deepening experience which is an important and meaningful aspect of learning mindfulness practice. 

 

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Is there any scientific validity to the effectiveness of the MBSR program?

 

Yes. Over 2000 peer-reviewed studies have been conducted to date on the effectiveness of MBSR for numerous health concerns including stress, anxiety, cancer, psoriasis, immune function, chronic illness and chronic pain. Please see the section on 'Research' in order to see some of these studies. More research is being conducted every year into the benefits of mindfulness practices. In particular, recent studies of mindfulness and neuroplasticity have shown that neuroscience is just beginning to understand what  this 2500 year old practice has known all along, that we can change our habitual responses to experience.