Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR, is a program developed in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and is the benchmark gold standard for the scientific exploration of mindfulness. The course introduces participants to information and practices which may help with various difficulties in their lives, including many stress related illnesses, while connecting with others on this path of learning. Experienced meditators who have not taken MBSR may also benefit from the experience of approaching mindfulness in a different way, as the paradigm and learning process is distinct from other contexts.

This is the official curriculum for MBSR that is offered across the world.

MBSR is an eight session course with a required Orientation, Practice Day, and daily formal practice and other assignments. Participants meet online once a week for live practice, learning, and sharing for about 2 1/2 hours each session, and commit to daily practice of about 45 minutes, six days per week of the program. All course materials will be available during and after the course, and includes graphics, text content, and audio guided meditations.

The online live sessions meet Saturdays during the course from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern U.S. time on Saturdays (check your local time), with an additional half hour on Session 1 and Session 8.  In addition, there is Practice Day silent meditation retreat on May 4th, which is the only Sunday session.

Here are all the dates for the Spring 2025 program in chronological order:

• Orientation -- March 22nd
• Class 1: Exploring Mindfulness -- March 29th
• Class 2: Perceiving the World and Ourselves -- April 5th
• Class 3: At Home In The Body -- April 12th
• Class 4: What Is Stress? -- April 19th
• Class 5: Reaction or Mindful Response -- April 26th
• Class 6: Mindful Communication -- May 3rd
• Day of Practice: Deepening and Sustaining -- May 4th SUNDAY
• Class 7: Taking Care Of Ourselves -- May 10th
• Class 8: The Journey Forward -- May 17th

Note that commitment to participation in the Orientation, all live sessions, and the Practice Day is required to join the program.  Please watch the short video on this page with some things to consider before registering!

There are three price points, select the price that best describes you:

1. $450 Personal / Individual -- You're paying for the course yourself
2. $570 Organization / Professional -- An organization is funding the course
3. $320 Full-Time Students / Seniors -- You are a full-time student or are retired

Scholarships Available (see above)

Participants are required to:

1. Attend all sessions, including Orientation, Classes 1 through 8, and Day of Practice.
2. Practice formal meditation for a minimum of 45 minutes, six days per week during the program using the guided audio meditations provided, as well as any other informal home assignments.
3. Actively participate in the live sessions, listen to the experiences of others taking the course, and share from your own experiences.
4. Complete the pre and post session surveys.

If you're considering registering for the program, please ensure you are able to fully commit to this program, as the teachers and your fellow participants are helped by your presence and dedication for the eight weeks of the program.

Please verify your availability for all the class dates and times, and that you will not have conflicts like dependent care, work, vacation over holidays, or other commitments you've already made prior to applying for this course!

You must be 18 years of age by the start of the program.