Living the Full Catastrophe: A Day of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) • Denver
September 26, 2020
Denver Programs, Meditation & Mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, SMC in the City, Special Events
Note: This program is being rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An online version is will be held June 6. Please see updates about SMC’s response to the pandemic here.
This experiential workshop will offer user-friendly techniques for dealing with stress and for cultivating our deepest potential for living a full and satisfying life.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-recognized approach which has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, depression, and anxiety; enhancing communication and health; fostering courage in difficult situations; and supporting overall well-being.
The day will include an introduction to the theory of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, guided instruction in the mindfulness practices used in MBSR (body scan, sitting and walking meditation, hatha yoga), and discussion of the benefits and applications of mindfulness in daily life.
The program will be held from 9:30 am-4:30 pm at the Denver Shambhala Center on 2305 S. Syracuse Way.
Freak Out! Or Not: An MBSR Interview with Janet Solyntjes
What does it feel like to FREAK OUT?! Becoming familiar with the early signs is the first step toward avoiding catastrophic fits of stress. Sound good? Learn more by checking out our recent interview with MBSR teacher Janet Solyntjes.
Blog Post: Paying Attention to One Detail (Listening)
by Janet Solyntjes
Listening in Meditation
How many times have you wondered what to do with the discursive mind in meditation? Before we “do” anything, it is important to listen. With what kind of ears do we listen to this internal voice – the monkey mind? Our listening is with the ears of non-identification. Listening without identifying with the words is not the same as blocking out thoughts or ignoring what is already present in the mind. To listen in this way takes tremendous gentleness and courage. Sometimes the thoughts are self-critical, sometimes they are gibberish, and sometimes they are emotionally charged. Just listen. Let them be. Can you do this for the next 10 minutes?
Step 1: Settling into your body, into being present with yourself.
Step 2: With curiosity, noticing the internal dialogue. Are the thoughts passing through your awareness few, many, quiet, or loud?
Step 3: Listening without identifying. Opening to present thoughts with an attitude of gentle observation.
Step 4: Letting go of the “exercise” and proceeding.
Listening to Others
Research has shown that where we typically place the onus of meaning in interpersonal communication – on the person speaking – is a misunderstanding of what actually occurs. It is the listening that creates meaning. How we listen to one another, rather than how well we deliver our message is the foundation from which meaning arises in conversation. Today, when you have an opportunity to speak with others, can you practice “suspension of certainty” and listen with a truly inquiring mind? Are you listening to both the words and the feeling behind the words?
Training in Paying Attention
While paying attention is something we do naturally, we all would benefit from training this capacity further. There is a rich collection of mindfulness tools one can engage and utilize in daily life. The Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) retreat offers instruction and guidance in mindfulness and supports a “coming to our senses” which awakens and enlivens each moment.
Retreat Faculty
Janet Solyntjes
Janet Solyntjes leads programs and silent retreats in both the Shambhala tradition and in the MBSR-based style of secular mindfulness. She is the co-founder of the Center for Courageous Living and has served on the faculty of Naropa University, the Center for Mindfulness, the Engaged Mindfulness Institute, and Mindful Leader. Janet facilitates the annual leadership retreat: Do Nothing: Learning […]