Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a nine-session program that teaches students to use the mind's ability to be aware. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced the MBSR program in his book, "Full Catastrophe Living" which details the program he established at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Medical research is proving that the MBSR format of regular meditation practice is a powerful form of complementary medicine. MBSR has been offered in medical settings for many years assisting medical patients to cope with the stress that comes from physical symptoms and illnesses.

In order to make this program more available outside of medical settings, Gena Bean has been offering the MBSR program in Cambridge and other greater Boston locations.

The Cambridge location is a historic room (with chairs) that doubles as a yoga studio at 820 Mass Ave. It is a short walk from the Central Square subway stop on the red line. Public parking is also nearby.

This program is designed to be accessible to all people. No prior experience is necessary.

For general information about the experience of MBSR class, read these articles: •  Newsweek •  Oprah Magazine •  Nation Public Radio •  The Boston Globe •  The New York Times

For information about medical research and medical documentation of the effectiveness of the MBSR program, read these articles: • sciencedaily.com • Massachusetts General Hospital MRI study • UCLA HIV Immunity Study

During class, there will be lecture, discussion and meditation instruction. Some classes will include very gentle stretching exercises (yoga). There will be the option to do every class in a chair, or even lying down for those who have flexibility or illness issues.

You will receive audio CDs and a workbook to bring home.

The full nine-session format MBSR is offered in the winter, spring and fall. It is modeled on the program that Jon Kabat-Zinn outlined in the book Full Catastrophe Living. The semester includes eight weekly classes that are 2.5 hours long. An All-Day (6.5 hours) Retreat is also required in addition to the eight classes. The All-Day Retreat is scheduled for the seventh Sunday of the nine-week program.

Graduates of these programs are encouraged to continue to stay connected and continue their learning via the Meetup group.

Gena Bean is a meditation instructor and certified Yoga Teacher with over 20 years of personal experience with meditation. Her instruction style is very clear and accessible to beginners.

She completed a seven day professional MBSR training retreat taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli in 2011, and the practicum in MBSR at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 2007.
More details about her training are listed on her bio page.

Beginners are welcome.

You will need to make a commitment to your own well-being.
You will need to be dedicated.

Your commitment will be to participate fully in class for each week of your program, plus there is 30 to 60 minutes of "homework" every day during those nine weeks.

Please Note: The meditation homework can be broken into small segments during your day. There are customized options to make the program work with your scheduling needs.
If the homework requirements concern you, make sure to discuss it with the teacher. She is dedicated to making the homework manageable for your real life.

Step #1: Fill out the Application Form. Step #2: Book your Orientation Meeting. Step #3: Payment

Once you have completed all three steps, you are then ready to come to class. Make sure to apply early. MBSR has been filling to capacity.

If you have any questions call Gena Bean at 617-752-2299 or send email. bean@mindfulboston.com

The schedule of upcoming MBSR programs, in addition to other offerings, is listed on the homepage.

Earnest students are never turned away due to financial reasons. Scholarships are available.
Payment is on a sliding scale based on income.

9-Session MBSR Programs

Income Level	Your Tuition Fee		Income Level	Your Tuition Fee
29,000 and under	$225		60,000 to 74,999	$450
30,000 to 44,999	$300		75,000 to 89,999	$525
45,000 to 59,999	$375		90,000 and above	$600
			For each additional 15K tier, add $75 to the tuition rate.

Payment can be made when you attend your Orientation Meeting, payable to Gena Bean.
You can pay by check, cash or credit card at your meeting. Or prepay with paypal on-line.

Payment plans are available. Scholarships are available.
To apply for a scholarship, please review the eight questions on the Financial Value Sheet.

There are introductory lectures about MBSR techniques given throughout the year. Lectures are usually scheduled during the week before a program start-date.
You are welcome to come to any of the lectures to find out more about MBSR and ask questions.
Notices about the lecture schedule with exact dates are listed on the homepage about one month before the event date.
You can also send email to be put on the mailing list for schedule updates.