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 & other mindfulness programs since 2014, and in a live, online format since 2019. 

 

 

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 political 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 meditating before, but I can't 'quiet' my mind or stop thinking. Will I be able to do MBSR?

 

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 meditation cushion or bench and sit on the floor, you are welcome to do so.  It's not advised to try sitting on the floor for the class unless already comfortable with this position, however, since this can cause additional and unnecessary discomfort that can become an obstacle to practice. 

 

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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 program. People from many different spiritual, religious and non-religious backgrounds have participated in the program.  Occasionally, the instructor may reference the historical toots of mindfulness in Buddhism to provide context, but the course itself does not teach Buddhism or require adherence to any belief system.  Mindfulness is taught as a set of practical skills that can be explored within the context of your own beliefs and values.

 

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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 is MBSR for? 

 

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. Participants come from many different backgrounds and professions. Some are new to meditation, while others have an established practice and are looking for a structured, evidence-based program to deepen their understanding and integrate mindfulness more fully into daily life.

 

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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 movement practices. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, and easily removable shoes. You may wish to bring beverages and snacks for breaks - please refrain from eating during class sessions. You will be provided with a course workbook, which should be brought to each class.

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If you are participating online, please make sure  you have a private space where you can participate comfortably in both sitting and movement practices. It is strongly preferred to participate from a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a mobile device, and that your device remain on a stable surface throughout the session.  The instructor will provide specific suggestions during the first class session. 

 

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Do I need to attend the orientation session if I already know I will take the full class? 

 

Yes, the orientation session is considered an integral part of the full course. The orientation serves as an introduction to the MBSR program and to the practice of mindfulness.  For those unsure about participating it also provides an opportunity to determine if they are ready to commit to the full program.  If, for some reason, you are unable to attend or missed the orientation session but would like to register, 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; this is also one of the reasons MBSR is such a highly effective program. 

 

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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 provides a profound deepening into experience which is an important and often transformative aspect of learning mindfulness practice.  It is not uncommon for participants who have never done so to feel intimidated by the idea of a day of silent practice, but the near universal sentiment after having completed the day is joy and a profound deepening into understanding.

 

 

​Will taking MBSR qualify me to teach mindfulness? 

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The MBSR course does not qualify anyone to teach and does not provide a certification. It is, however, the first step required in becoming an MBSR teacher; to teach the practice one should have a fully developed and integrated practice of their own, and the MBSR program is one of the most effective programs for developing an embodied practice. 

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