Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR is an 8-week, once weekly, group program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and associates at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979. It is now an internationally acclaimed program with a growing body of research supporting its psycho-physiological benefits.
It has become a standard in studies researching the benefits of Mindfulness, including (but not limited to) reduction of inflammation and stress, increase in immunity, and improvement of fertility.
Mindfulness actually rewires the brain and strengthens the neural pathways for resilience. It helps us to be less reactive to stressors, to manage and recover more quickly from stress, and to decrease the negative impacts of chronic stress on our bodies.
Ongoing research also continuously shows that this program leads to functional and structural changes in the brain, associated with improved focus, concentration, self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Through practical training in mindfulness, cognitive behavioural and self-regulation skills, participants learn to cultivate a different relationship with stress and to develop skillful and healthy strategies in response to challenging situations.
Program Structure
The program consists of:
- an orientation
- eight weekly (2½ hour) classes
- a 6-hour Day of Mindfulness Retreat between weeks six and seven
For optimal benefit, this program requires participants to follow daily home practice assignments, designed to assist in the development of an effective, nourishing, and sustainable meditation practice.
Classes include presentations of information and experiential learning through:
- a variety of guided meditation practices
- mindful movement exercises (with optional modifications for safety)
- discussion of the challenges, benefits, and strategies for developing a mindfulness practice in daily life
See All Upcoming Mindfulness Programs Below
1. Free Online ARC Fertility Support Circle
This free monthly offering is sponsored by Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC).
It is a collaborative effort between ARC, Caroline Andersen (Registered Psychologist) and WFH’s Alda Ngo (Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Instructor).
REGISTER HERE
Join this free online support circle open to anybody trying to conceive. You do not have to be a patient of ARC or WFH or Caroline Andersen to participate!
Every fertility journey presents emotional challenges that can be isolating.
“Nurturing Wholeness” is a safe space where people navigating the complexities of fertility challenges can come together, and be guided by the compassionate expertise of seasoned fertility counselor, Caroline Andersen and Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator, Alda Ngo.
This support circle is intentionally designed to offer comfort, understanding, and practical tools for managing the unique stresses associated with fertility stressors.
What to Expect
Compassionate Guidance:
Our experienced fertility counsellor provides a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment, offering customized support to address the emotional complexities of the fertility journey. Through her skillful listening, inquiry and supportive guidance, she creates a space for participants to learn new ways to express and work with their stressful thoughts and emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):
Our MBSR facilitator introduces mindfulness practices tailored to increase resilience to the stress and anxiety commonly associated with fertility challenges. Participants will have an opportunity to learn accessible mindfulness practices that they can practice every day, enabling them to navigate their every day challenging emotions, with increased awareness, resilience and self-compassion.
Community Connection:
Fertility struggles can be so isolating. Sharing experiences within a supportive community of people facing similar struggles fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. Through safely guided conversations and shared narratives, participants can draw strength from one another’s stories and know that they are not alone.
“Nurturing Wholeness” is not just a support circle; it’s a journey towards more wholeness, resilience, self-discovery, and renewed hope. Together, we navigate the path to parenthood with compassion, understanding, and mindfulness.
For more information and to register go to: https://albertafertility.ca/support-circle/
REGISTER HERE
2. Online Mindfulness for Primary Infertility
Online MBSR for Primary Infertility
This program follows the 8-week MBSR curriculum, and has been adapted to those dealing with fertility challenges.
Many people who are dealing with fertility challenges and/ or pregnancy loss can feel a wide range of complex emotions including anxiety, grief, guilt, failure & loss of control.
There are proven benefits for programs that support understanding & normalizing these difficult emotions associated with disruptions to the reproductive story.
WHO
This program is for those who are struggling with primary infertility (trying to conceive your first child).
SPRING 2024 PROGRAMS with Stephanie Curran
6 Weekly classes
Thursdays, May 9 – June 13
5-6:30pm PT / 6-7:30pm MT / 8-9:30pm ET
Our 6 week online program follows the original evidence-based MBSR curriculum themes and is adapted to the difficulties that arise on the (in)fertility journey. It combines evidence-based mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioural therapy exercises with self-compassion tools. Sessions are held in a supportive community with others who have a shared experience of this journey.
FEE
$100 deposit to confirm your registration (non-refundable after course begins).
The remaining fee is paid at the completion of the 6-week program:
Sliding scale amount offered at the end of the program:
$100 (partial scholarship #1 – with deposit totals $200)
$195 (sustainable fee – with deposit totals $295)
$250 (helps to support others utilizing scholarships – with deposit totals $350)
Please pay to the highest amount you are able to help support the sustainability of this offering.
*Payment plans with instalments and further scholarships are available to anyone in need, please contact us.
All are welcome and no one will be turned away due to financial concerns.
REGISTER HERE
For more information or to register go to:
